Editor’s Note: According to Jeannette Sassoon, Valiant passed away Nov. 15 at Palm Beach Equine Clinic. She expressed her "heartfelt gratitude" for everyone’s support.

Valiant, the Dutch Warmblood famed for rising through the dressage levels with complete blindness, is in critical condition with endocarditis, his owner Jeanette Sassoon told The Horse Nov. 14. The 27-year old gelding is under the care of Jordan Lewis, DVM, at Palm Beach Equine Clinic in Wellington, Fla.

Endocarditis is inflammation of the innermost lining of the heart (endocardium), usually caused by bacterial infection of one or more heart valves.

Sassoon has asked the equestrian community "to please send their prayers and love to this brave and determined horse to help him get through this grave condition. Valiant continues to leave his mark on the hearts and souls of all he comes in contact with, and with your prayers he will continue to share his wonderful life with ours

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