French Dressage News

Parodie van de Wateringhoeve Put Down After Tragic Accident

September 21, 2007

The French Grand Prix Team horse Parodie van der Wateringhoeve was put down yesterday after a tragic accident in the stables at the French National Equestrian Academy in Saumur, France, where the CDI Saumur is being hosted this weekend.

Odile van Doorn's liver chestnut mare broke its hindleg at the show, severing a main artery. Veterinarians at the show rushed to the horse but, unfortunately, they could not stop the bleeding. They were unable to save Parodie and it was in her best interest that she was humanely put down in the stall on the Saumur show grounds.

Parodie van de Wateringhoeve was a 15-year old Belgian warmblood mare by Donnerhall out of Erika (by Wendekreis). Bred by Mr. Govaerts of De Wateringhoeve in Geel, Belgium, Parodie was the bronze medallist at the 1995 European Mare Championships in Brussels, Belgium. The elegant mare sold to France soon afterwards.

Owner Odile van Doorn trained the mare up to Grand Prix together with co-owner and trained Daniel Cromier. The pair became the 2002 French Dressage Champion and was member of the French Team competing at several CDIO's in Europe. They were the reserve combination for the French team at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen and competed on the team at the 2003 and 2007 European Dressage Championships.

Photo copyrighted: Astrid Appels/Eurodressage

Related Links
Van Doorn and Parodie van de Wateringhoeve, 2002 French Dressage Champions
French Dressage Team Announced for 2003 Open European Championships
French Grand Prix Riders On the Road to the WEG in Aachen
French Team Selected for the 2007 European Dressage Championships