We’re saddened to report that the world class show jumper and celebrated sire Amaretto D’Arco has died from complications of colic surgery. He was sixteen years old.
The Belgian Warmblood Darco x Tenor stallion was most recently the mount of American Katie Dinan, who campaigned the stallion in the 2014 and 2015 seasons in Europe and the U.S.
“Amaretto D’Arco was one of the most majestic creatures I have encountered in my lifetime,” Katie told World of Showjumping. “He was a true gentleman in and out of the ring who always took care of the girl on his back.”
Prior to being purchased by Grant Roads Farm LLC for Katie, Amaretto was the ride of Shane Sweetnam for several years, courtesy of his owners at Spy Coast Farm LLC. He and Shane moved up the ranks together, consistently in the top ten in the stallion’s early grand prix years, and culminating with top three placings in multiple nations cups, several grand prix victories, and making the team for the European Championships and and FEI World Cup Final in 2013.
As a sire, Amaretto D’Arco’s legacy will live on through several offspring at Spy Coast Farm, the oldest of which are nearing the age where they too could embark on a grand prix career. (See his offspring here.)
Our deepest condolences to Katie Dinan, Shane Sweetnam, and all the stallion’s many connections who will no doubt deeply feel his absence.
See Amaretto competing in the Longines Global Champions Tour here.
See Katie’s full statement here.