| A friend who reads rec.equestrian tells me that Gifted was indeed
put down. I was also told that they didn't/couldn't find out what was
causing him some neuromuscular problems and that he was put down
because his quality of life was not good. I was also told that the
exact nature of the problem would be unknown until such time as
Carol Lavell and her veterinarian issue a statement.
The following is alledged to be from a USDF news release:
"The American dressage community lost one of its most dynamic horses on
January 12th when the great horse Gifted, owned by Carol Lavell was
humanely put down.
Gifted was the USDF Horse of the Year at 2nd level in 1985, at Third
level in 1986, at Fourth Level at 1987, at Intermediate I level in
1988, and Grand Prix in 1991.
He was the USET National Prix St. George champion in 1987, the reserve
Grand Prix Champion in 1989 and 1994, and Grand Prix champion in 1991.
They represented the United States at the 1990 World Championships in
Sweden and the 1994 World Championships in Holland. With an expressive
freestyle performance, they represented the United States at the 1992
Volvo World Cup in Sweden placing 4th, and at the 1993 World Cup in
Holland where they placed 5th.
Carol and Gifted represented the United States at the Barcelona Olympics
in 1992 where he helped the United States earn the bronze team medal,
and he placed 6th individually.
The United States Dressage Federation selected Gifted as a model
dressage horse for its 4'x 6' promotional booth display. Gifted's
powerful gaits and bright expression will continue to receive draw
attention to the sport of dressage, as he did for so many years in the
dressage arena."
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