Equestrian World Witness Renowned 2007 Pan American Sliver Medalist Bid Goodbye

From the training grounds of the Netherlands to the podiums of the Pan American Games, 24-year-old Sagacious HF was bliss for the US equestrian team. The gelding walked an illustrious path for 20 years, all of which were in representation of the US equestrian athletes. However, following his remarkable presence, the 24-year-old bid his final goodbyes to the world as he proceeded further.

Sagacious HF, the cherished equine athlete, has been on US soil for nearly two decades. Numerous human athletes, contest grounds, and podium finishes later, the gelding took his final bow. And in doing so, the Pan Am medalist reminded the love and admiration he carried along.

The equestrian industry loses a cherished star

On the 6th of January, one of the early riders of Sagacious, Caroline Roffman announced that the gelding was put to sleep. “An equine legend has left us,” she wrote according to Euro Dressage. The equestrian further added that the equine was laid to rest in the presence of family and friends and went ahead to pour in praises. “He remained brilliant, fresh, and often completely wild until the end. Sagacious was a horse of a lifetime for so many people. He will never be forgotten and will be impossible to replace.” 

The equine retired in October 2022 and had been spending his time at Hyperion Farm with Al Guden and Andrea Nason. He was transported to the States back in 2004 and made his Pan Am podium 3 years later. Through the journey of it all, Sagacious lent countless memories of celebration to every equestrian he participated with.

A journey to remember

Lauren Sammis was the first equestrian to take on the champion after his arrival in the States. The duo made their international show debut at the small tour level in 2006 and a year later named for the US Pan Am team. A team gold and individual silver at the 2007 Pan American games were the highlight of the equine’s career. “I feel more pressure to perform and ride well because I am riding a “been there, done that” superstar,” 4th rider Alessandra Ferrucci remarked. She stated that he was intelligent and accepted nothing less than 100 percent.

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The duo secured a team bronze at the North American Young Riders Championships in 2019. He was further taken on by Jordan Lockwood at 22 and finished 5th in the 2022 U.S. Under 25 Championships. The contest was the last equestrian sport run by the Dressage Champion before retirement. Chase Hickok, with whom he won the 2015 Under 25 Championship, and Caroline Roffman who finished 2nd in the CDIO-U25, were other riders in Sagacious journey. “He truly loves to compete,” were Lockwood’s words, backing the exciting career he led.

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