Photo via Samantha
Earlier today we reported that Katlyn Hewson’s horse Jack’s Irish Z was humanely euthanized during the intermediate cross-country for the Ocala Horse Trials. I spoke with Team Slezak this afternoon and obviously Katlyn and all members of the team are heartbroken. They wanted to make it clear that it was a fluke accident on the landing of the jump and not related to a mistake by the pair, or the jump, etc. Irish did not actually fall on the landing, Katlyn felt that something was wrong following the fence and jumped off. The hardest part about this tragedy is how much Katlyn loved Irish. He was a very talented horse with a successful competition career and they were taking the next step towards a spring two star with a great event at Ocala.
Team Slezak has released the following statement:
We are extremely saddened by the loss of Jacks Irish Z. Irish broke his leg on the landing side at the second last fence on the Intermediate course at Florida Horse Park late Saturday February 11th and was humanely euthanized on site.Jacks Irish Z was owned and ridden by Katlyn Hewson who has worked to develop him since he was first imported to Canada in 2008. His incredible talent and loving personality were cherished by Katlyn who brought him up very successfully through the ranks of the sport. Together this pair shared many victories and were well loved both on the winter circuit in Ocala, Florida and on the Ontario Eventing circuit in Canada.
Irish had the heart, talent and athleticism to compete among the best. He will be greatly missed by Katlyn, her family and the entire Slezak Eventing Team.
