We were saddened to hear of the passing of the great Dutch gelding Simon, who took first Jeroen Dubbeldam and then Beezie Madden to so many international placings. Here is the announcement from Beezie’s Facebook page:
We are saddened to announce that yesterday we laid the brilliant gelding Simon to rest on Madden Mountain. Simon, a 1999 KWPN by Mr. Blue, was owned by Mrs. Abigail Wexner. Simon joined Beezie in 2011 after a successful career with Jeroen Dubbeldam. Simon and Beezie went on to countless wins, including winning the FEI World Cup Finals in 2013. He was named the International Horse of the Year by the USEF the same year.
He returned to the World Cup Finals for a 7th place finish in 2014 and a 4th place finish in 2015, which was the same year he won the HITS Million in Saugerties, NY. Simon also anchored numerous US Nations Cup teams, before his retirement in 2017. In his retirement, he served as best friend to Authentic and second in command on weanling raising duties.
“I was lucky to have the years together that we did and happy to have had so much success together. He was loved by our whole team. I am grateful to Mrs. Wexner for allowing me the privilege of having him in my life and for caring deeply for him through his retirement. It is a testament to his talent and brilliance that he was so successful with two different riders during his career. I know Jeroen and his connections join us in our mourning of his passing.” said Beezie Madden.
Beezie Madden winner riding Simon
Pic Kim F Miller