Aristotle
Photo by Christina Handley www.christinahandley.com

Kilcotrim and Suzy Pettman
Photo by Sean Thorne

Breed & Sport News > Canadian Eventing

Canadian Eventing Committee Announces the Passing of
Two Great Canadian Eventing Horses

Ottawa, Ontario---It is with great sadness that the Canadian Eventing Committee and Equine Canada announce the passing of two great Canadian eventing horses this summer-- Kilcotrim, on July 30th, and Aristotle on July 17th.

On July 1st, 2004, the Canadian Eventing Committee named Kilcotrim, commonly known as Paddy, and his rider Suzy Pettman as members to the Canadian Eventing Team to the 2004 Olympic Games. Aboard Kilcotrim, a thoroughbred gelding, Pettman had achieved some of her personal best results. The duo finished in seventh at the 2003 CCI*** Fair Hill International Three Day Event in Elkton, MD, and 23rd place in the Modified Four-Star division at the 2004 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event in Lexington, Kentucky. Kilcotrim, co-owned by Pettman and Jonathan and Gail Elliott, passed away due to complications associated with colic.

“I had known and taken care of Paddy for six years before I had the opportunity to get to know him from a rider's perspective. I always knew he was a special horse but I had no idea one horse could do so much for me in such a short time,” remarked Pettman. “In less than a year he gave me my first three star top ten finish, my first ride around a four star course, several top advanced horse trial placings with an impeccable jump penalty record, and a spot on the 2004 Olympic Team. He also brought a new level of confidence to my riding that carried over to my other horses. Although our journey together was cut short, I couldn't have asked for any more from him. I can only hope to ride another horse with as much heart, talent, and bravery as he possessed. His presence is very much missed in our barn.”

The Equine Canada owned horse Aristotle, normally known as Frank, passed away while competing at CIC** Dreamcrest in Port Perry, ON, of a suspected aneurysm on the cross-country course. With rider Anne-Marie Cairns, the 17-year-old thoroughbred gelding had achieved success in the world of eventing. Donated to Equine Canada in 2001, Aristotle had a lengthy eventing career. Before Cairns received the ride upon the talented horse in 2002, Aristotle was originally ridden and owned by Therese Washtock. With Washtock, Aristotle competed at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. Briefly from 1999 to 2001, Short-listed Canadian event rider Peter Barry campaigned him at the Preliminary and Intermediate levels.

With Cairns aboard, Aristotle competed up to the advanced level at Checkmate Horse Trials in Feversham, ON, in 2003 and at the Intermediate level at Glen Oro Horse Trials in Jarratt, ON, in 2003 and 2004. The duo won the Intermediate level at Headwaters Horse Trials in Orton, ON, in 2003.

“It is with great sorrow that I announce the death of our beloved Aristotle,” noted Cairns. “Thanks to the wonderful generosity of Peter and Susan Barry and Equine Canada, I was most fortunate to have had him for the last three years. He was a beautiful and talented horse and I came to love him dearly. Thank you to everyone for that wonderful opportunity.”

Cairns also wanted to thank Ian Roberts and Kelly Plitz for allowing Aristotle’s final resting place be Dreamcrest Farm.

The Canadian Eventing Committee and Equine Canada wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to all those involved with the care, training, and competition of these two great horses. Their presence will be greatly missed.

Canadian Eventing is a committee of Equine Canada responsible for the sport of eventing in Canada from the grassroots to the international level. The Canadian Eventing Committee is comprised of 12 members, including two rider representatives elected by the Elite Riders Association. Directed by the strategic plan for eventing, all Eventing activities are administered by this committee via six sub-committees (one of which is the High Performance Committee). The Equine Canada Eventing Manager, based in Ottawa, coordinates these activities across the country. The High Performance Committee works in partnership with the International Technical Advisor, James C. Wofford in order to develop and manage the National Eventing Team. For more information about Canadian Eventing, visit www.canadianeventing.com.

Back to Breed & Sport News