Sapphire♀†

About Sapphire

Sapphire is a (died 2014) Unknown showjumping mare foaled in 1995, by Darco.

Sapphire was an exceptional Belgian Warmblood mare, renowned in the show jumping sphere. She was born in 1995 and was beautifully bred with Darco as her sire and Idjaz-C (by Hedjaz) as her dam, showcasing a lineage rich in jumping prowess. Ridden primarily by McLain Ward, she represented a remarkable combination of talent and determination, making her a treasured competitor.

Throughout her illustrious career, Sapphire achieved significant success on the international stage. She was a pivotal member of the United States team that secured two Olympic team gold medals, first at the 2004 Athens Games and later at the 2008 Beijing Games. In addition to Olympic glory, she contributed to a team silver at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Her major Grand Prix victories include the esteemed $928,501 CN International at Spruce Meadows in 2009 and the prestigious Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in New York in 2010.

Sapphire's competitive record also boasts triumphs such as the Longines Grand Prix of La Baule and the Grand Prix of Rome in 2010, alongside earlier wins at the $200,000 American Invitational and the $100,000 President's Cup in Washington, D.C., both in 2008 and the latter again in 2010. Her impressive performances cemented her status as a top-tier competitor and enhanced her legacy within the sport.

Sadly, Sapphire's career concluded in 2012 due to a ligament injury, and she was gracefully retired to a life of breeding through embryo transfer. Her legacy as a showjumping icon continues to inspire, despite her passing in 2014 due to complications from colic.

Researched by the EquiWiki editorial desk · Publisher: Harriet Smith · Editor: Lee Smith · cross-checked by two independent AI models.

Her stamp — performance traits

Researched stamp — 5 = strongly passes the trait. Web-sourced; confirm with the stud.