On April 18, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) announced that shortly after placing the United States on the podium in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final, Chromatic BF collapsed and died in the stabling area. Despite immediate attention from the U.S. Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians, he could not be resuscitated.
The 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding, owned by breeder KC Branscomb and Branscomb Farms LLC, had earlier finished third in the second round of the jumping competition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with rider Jill Humphrey. Along with the Swedish teams of Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward and Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S, they claimed a podium spot in the seven-horse jump-off. The pair finished 12th on Wednesday and were in fifth place in the overall standings.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation expressed its deepest condolences to Jill Humphrey, KC Branscomb, Branscomb Farm LLC, groom Pepe Rodriguez, and all of Chromatic BF’s connections. Samples have already been taken from Chromatic BF in accordance with FEI veterinary regulations, and a full postmortem will be conducted to comply with FEI protocols. The incident has left everyone shocked and saddened by the loss of such an exceptional horse who had brought so much joy to so many people throughout his career.
