Tragic Loss: 13-Year-Old Chromatic BF Dies During Jumping World Cup Event

On April 18, during the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Chromatic BF suddenly collapsed and died in the stabling area. The horse, a 13-year-old Oldenburg gelding owned by breeder KC Branscomb and Branscomb Farms LLC, had finished third in the second round of jumping competition earlier that evening.

According to a statement released by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), immediately after the collapse, Chromatic BF was attended to by U.S. Equestrian veterinary staff and FEI veterinarians. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, the horse could not be revived.

Jill Humphrey, who had been riding Chromatic BF in competition, posted a time of 48.36 seconds in a seven-horse jump-off that landed them on the podium along with Swedish teams Henrik von Eckermann and King Edward, and Peder Fredricson and Catch Me Not S. Prior to this eventful evening, Humphrey and Chromatic BF had finished 12th on Wednesday but were currently in fifth place in the overall standings.

In accordance with FEI veterinary regulations, samples have already been taken from Chromatic BF’s body for postmortem analysis. The organization stated that they will conduct a full postmortem examination following their protocols. The U.S. Equestrian Federation issued a statement expressing their deepest condolences to all of Chromatic BF’s connections including Jill Humphrey, KC Branscomb