European Dressage News

Swedish Dressage Stallion Strauss Passed Away

April 9, 2006

The famous Swedish dressage stallion Flyinge Strauss (by Hertigen x Utrillo - breeder: John Hansson) has passed away. For many years, Strauss was one of Sweden's best dressage horses under his steady rider Anette Solmell. From 1993 to 1998 the pair took part in all the big championships and won two team bronze medals for Sweden.

"It´s a fairytale that is over now," Anette told the Swedish equestrian magazine Ridsport with tears in her eyes. "Strauss was a horse that always tried his best and never said no to his rider."

After his retirement, Strauss spent his days at Annette´s place outside Norrköping (SWE) where he could even walk freely in her garden. The stallion always had a sensitive stomach which was partly the reason why he had to be put down. "He lost a lot of weight after 2 weeks of diarrhea and his immune system was in such bad shape that it was pointless trying to save him," Annette explained.

The former Swedish team veterinarian Lennart Rådberg, who took care of Strauss´ health for many years, came to Norrköping to put him down. Strauss now rests in peace buried on a hill not far away from Annette's house. The stallion was 25 years old.

Translation & Text copyrighted: Tidningen Ridsport

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