We’re sad to report today that Carrick, John Williams’ 2004 Olympic partner, was euthanized yesterday from health complications at the age of 25.
“He was in no pain and it was all very peaceful,” Ellen Chaney said. Carrick has been under her care for almost 22 years and has spent his retirement at her farm in Southern Pines. “His longtime companion, Sloopy, stood near. Carrick was incredible: wise, kind, arrogant, generous. He has left a huge void here.”
Sloopy and Carrick enjoying a graze together. Photo courtesy of Ellen Chaney.
John and Carrick finished 28th individually at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens for Team USA, which finished on the podium in bronze. Together they also finished fourth individually at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Spain as members of the gold medal winning Team USA consisting of John, Kimberly Vinoski and Winsome Adante, David O’Connor on Giltedge, and Amy Tryon on Poggio II.
Carrick was a true blue cross country machine, with no cross country jump penalties on his FEI record which includes a second place finish at Rolex Kentucky in 2002 as well as a fourth place finish at Burghley in 2003.
We’d like to thank Carrick for the special memories as one of the greats of our sport. Rest in peace, old friend.
Please leave your tributes and memories to Carrick in the comments section of this article.
