Damien, a CCI**** event horse, was euthanized on July 11 in his pasture in Vass, N.C., after he suffered a severe colic episode. He was 17.
Damien, a 7/8 Thoroughbred—1/8 Dutch Warmblood by Dynamite Cap was bred and owned by Mari and Roger Secrist. The Secrists knew he was special from the day he was born.
Mari started and competed him through the preliminary level before turning the ride over to Phillip Dutton, who swiftly brought him up through the three-star level, placing third at the Bromont CCI** (Que.) and the Foxhall CCI*** (Ga.).