On Thursday, April 18, the United States secured a spot on the podium in the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final with the help of Chromatic BF. However, tragedy struck just moments after the competition when the horse suddenly collapsed and died in the stable area.
Chromatic BF, a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by breeder KC Branscomb and Branscomb Farms LLC, was immediately attended to by US Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians after collapsing in the barn following the competition. Despite efforts to revive him, the horse could not be saved.
Earlier that evening, Chromatic BF had finished third in the second round of the show jumping competition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Jill Humphrey and her equestrian partner had posted a time of 48.36 seconds in a seven-horse showdown, earning them a place on the podium alongside Swedish teams Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward and Peder Freriksson and Catch Me Not S.
On Wednesday, Chromatic BF had finished 12th but placed fifth overall with Jill Humphrey at their side. Samples have already been taken from the horse in accordance with FEI veterinary regulations and a full necropsy will be carried out according to FEI protocols.
The American Equestrian Federation expressed its deepest condolences to Jill Humphrey, KC Branscombe, Brans Farm LLC, groom Pepe Rodriguez and all Chromatic BF connections following his tragic death.