Dempsey Euthanized Following Postoperative Complications

Tamie Smith and Dempsey at Boekelo. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

We are heartbroken to report that the West Coast Dempsey Syndicate’s Dempsey was euthanized yesterday following postoperative complications while in recovery at the University of Montreal Veterinary Hospital.

The 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood underwent surgery Monday morning to repair a fractured ulna, which he sustained in a fall with Tamie Smith at fence 13B, a brush wedge on the CCI3* cross country course at the Bromont Three-Day Event in Quebec, Canada.

While the surgery was successful with a strong prognosis for a full recovery, Dempsey suffered complications in recovery that would not have allowed him to have a proper quality of life.

“I am absolutely devastated. Dempsey lived life to the fullest every day and I feel incredibly lucky to have ridden him. He was one of the most talented horses I have ever come across and from the first moment I jumped him I knew I had to have him, a reality made possible thanks to the incredible members of the West Coast Dempsey Syndicate LLC,” Tamie said.

“Our barn will certainly never be the same without his sense of humor and zest for life, and we will miss him more than I can comprehend.”

Tamie and Dempsey finished second at the Rebecca Farm CIC3* last year before heading overseas to complete the Blenheim CIC3* and Boekelo CCI3O*. This season they also had top-10 finishes at the Galway Downs CIC3* and most recently the Jersey Fresh CIC3*.

The EN team extends our deepest condolences to Tamie, super groom Shannon McCormick, the members of the West Coast Dempsey Syndicate, and all who knew and loved this promising horse — a bright star gone out too soon. Rest in peace, Dempsey.

[Dempsey Euthanized Following Postoperative Complications]