On Sunday, November 4, 2012, in Toronto, ON, the beloved show jumping horse Hickstead was inducted into the Jump Canada Hall of Fame alongside 10-time Olympian Ian Millar.
Hickstead and Lamaze - Olympics 2008
At the time of his death on November 6, 2011, the beloved show jumping horse Hickstead had earned over $3.7 million in prize money, and had claimed several major grand prix titles.
The life and career of Hickstead, Canada’s most successful show jumping horse, was celebrated during this year’s Ceremony. Owners John Fleischhacker and Eric Lamaze were in attendance to accept the award on behalf of Hickstead.
Bred in the Netherlands by Jan van Schijndel, Hickstead and Lamaze began their partnership in 2004. Under Lamaze, Hickstead emerged as one of the greatest show jumping horses of all time, winning Team Silver and Individual Bronze medals at the 2007 Pan American Games, historic Individual Gold and Team Silver medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and Individual Bronze and the title of ‘Best Horse’ at the 2010 World Equestrian Games.
Hickstead’s last major victory came on September 11, 2011, in front of 89,632 show jumping fans when he won the $1 million CN International at the Spruce Meadows “Masters” Tournament in Calgary, AB, for the second time in his career. It marked Hickstead’s fifth consecutive appearance in $1 million CN International, having always finished in the top five.
At the time of his death on November 6, 2011, Hickstead had earned over $3.7 million in prize money, and had claimed several major grand prix titles including Calgary (2007 and 2011), Geneva (2008), Aachen (2010), La Baule (2011), and Rome (2011).
“There have been a lot of great horses, but I think any rider in Europe or North America will concede that he was the best horse in the world. There maybe won’t be another one like him,” said Lamaze. “I hope all riders get a chance to experience what I experienced on such a horse. It changes your life and your career.”
Hickstead is widely acknowledged as the best show jumping horse of his era, and his induction in the Jump Canada Hall of Fame is fitting of a true Canadian champion. An emotional video chronicling the lifetime achievements of the small but mighty stallion was showcased during the evening, recalling the most thrilling moments of Hickstead’s career.