Jonathan Elliott and Aspen. Photo via Johnathan Elliott.
We are sad to share the news that Jonathan Elliot and Suzy Pettman Elliott’s Aspen has been laid to rest at age 34.
Aspen was a roan Swedish Warmblood (Callaghan x Annika) owned by Gail Elliott. His spirit was the inspiration for the Elliott’s idyllic property, Aspen Farms, in Yelm, Washington, which hosts US Eventing horse trials through the Advanced level.
Aspen was Jonathan’s first Advanced horse, and together they attained many career accolades including 4th at the 1998 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at the now four-star level, a silver medal at Young Riders and Advanced wins from coast to coast.
Suzy Elliott and Aspen. Photo via Jonathan Elliott.
The pair spent five years at the Advanced level before Jonathan’s wife, Suzy took over the ride. Suzy and Aspen galloped around Advanced horse trials across the country and culminated their partnership with the Foxhall CCI3* (Now CCI4*-L) in 2001.
Jonathan posted this tribute:
“Yesterday we laid to rest our beloved Aspen at 34 years young. He gave me numerous experiences and taught me so much. He was my first Advanced horse, we got to leave the box 17 times over those magical blue numbers.
“Our 3 kids got to play with and get to know this amazing little Monkey. He taught us all so much, Aspen Farms will not be the same without him but he will always be fondly remembered.”
Aspen and the kiddos. Photo via Jonathan Elliott.
Rest in Peace, Aspen.
