Kristina Matthews’ champion equitation horse Mr. Hula Hula was euthanized at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colo., on Sept. 5, due to post-surgical complications of a lacerated flexor tendon. He was 14.

Matthews bought “Daddy” as an amateur-owner jumper prospect prior to him suffering a 14-part fracture to his pastern in the summer of 2003. After undergoing an extensive surgery and recovery period, it was a miracle when the 18-hand Dutch Warmblood gelding returned to compete as an equitation horse in the fall of 2005.