InFocus Equestrian: Double Clear - The Untimely Death of Hickstead

Hickstead gets his head scratched as he wins Outstanding Horse for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. He posted double-clear rounds for all four riders in the Rolex Jump-Off.

The goal for Canadian show jumping competitor Eric Lamaze was Olympic gold. He had overcome problems with drug addiction, the accompanying trust issues with owners and endured the search for the right horse. All that changed when Lamaze found the Dutch Warmblood Hickstead. The team experienced amazing success and gold seemed within Lamaze’s reach. That all ended on November 6^th, when a ruptured aorta unexpectedly felled the 15-year-old horse.

Since then, Lamaze has been trying to recover. Olympic gold in London seems far off. But, in as much as it is recognition as it is tribute, there is a movement in Canada for Lamaze and Hickstead to be Athlete of the Year. In response to the poll on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s website, Social Media types are attempting to drum up support.

It seems the grass roots campaign is working. As of the writing of this article Lamaze and Hickstead are well in the lead carrying 68% of the vote. That would be impressive enough if it were a heads up election, but Lamaze and Hickstead are up against eleven other athletes.

To cast your vote, go to the link here - http://www.cbc.ca/sports/blogs/scottrussell/2011/11/a-deserving-dozen-candidates-for-canadas-athlete-of-the-year.html#pd_a_5682290