Royal Kaliber, one of the United States’ most brilliant horses ever to compete internationally in show jumping, was humanely euthanatized today (Oct. 8) in the Netherlands. The stallion underwent colic surgery for intestinal adhesions on Sept. 27 and had been recovering well until two days ago, when his progress considerably slowed. Royal Kaliber took Chris Kappler to a team silver medal and an individual bronze medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

According to Tim Ober, DVM, a veterinarian for the USEF team, “His discomfort began at noon yesterday and by this morning it was obvious we needed to go in surgically for another look. We found more adhesions in the intestine that were not repairable. We had no options since we would have had to leave him with a gastrointestinal tract that was insufficient; therefore, we had no choice but do the humane thing and euthanize him. Jenny Kappler and Luis Hernandez stayed with Roy right to the end; it’s a very hard time for them, and all his connections