McLain Ward's legendary show jumping mount Sapphire, who represented the United States on numerous occasions in international competition, has died. The Belgian Warmblood mare was 19.

"With a very heavy heart I have to share that 'Sara' has passed away this morning due to complications from colic," Ward said in a June 22 statement on his Facebook page. "Our entire Castle Hill family and every person she has touched has lost a great friend.

"Thank you Sara not just for all the dreams you made come true but simply for being who you were," he continued. "You always will be my champion in every way. God speed, good friend."

In a release from the United States Equestrian Federation, former U.S. Show Jumping Chef d'Equipe George Morris said, “Sapphire epitomized a great mare, and if you have a great mare you have a great horse. She was the anchor of so many U.S. teams; she had the scope, she was careful, I can’t say enough good things about her. She was one of the greatest horses of the century