On the evening of April 18th, during the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final held on Thursday, Chromatic BF tragically passed away in the stabling area. The news was announced by the Fédération Equestre Internationale.
Chromatic BF had finished third in the second round of the jumping competition earlier that day, owned by breeder KC Branscomb and Branscomb Farms LLC. The 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding was ridden by Jill Humphrey, who posted a time of 48.36 seconds in a seven-horse jump-off to secure a podium spot along with the Swedish teams of Henrik von Eckermann and Peder Fredricson.
Unfortunately, on Wednesday, Chromatic BF had finished 12th and were in fifth place in the overall standings. Following his sudden collapse on Thursday night, he received immediate medical attention from both U.S. Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians. However, despite their best efforts, they were unable to resuscitate him.
In accordance with FEI veterinary regulations, samples have been taken from Chromatic BF and a full postmortem will be conducted as per FEI protocols to determine the cause of his tragic death. The U.S. Equestrian Federation expressed its deepest condolences to Jill Humphrey, KC Branscomb, Branscomb Farm LLC, his groom Pepe Rodriguez and everyone else involved in Chromatic BF’s care and competition journey.