Gregory Wathelet & Forlap. ph: Erin Gilmore for NF.
The 13-year-old BWP gelding Forlap (Querlybet Hero x Heartbreaker), partner to Belgium’s Gregory Wathelet, has passed away.
Forlap sustained a fracture to the right front leg while being longed in December 2017. On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, nearly a month post surgery, Wathelet announced the passing of his World Cup partner.
“The last 2 weeks have been more difficult for you with several complications. But again, you fought like never before. Unfortunately, this last fight, you couldn’t win it,” wrote Wathelet. “Fate has decided otherwise and it is with great sadness that we had to make the decision to let you go.”
Wathelet and Forlap first crossed paths in September 2012 when the gelding was seven. They competed together until Summer of 2014 and reunited in December 2015. The two finished 7th in last year’s Longines FEI World Cup Jumping Final Omaha.
“Today I am so pained and suffering from your departure that I have yet to realize that you will not be here anymore. I feel like I have lost my best friend, or even a member of my family,” wrote Wathelet.
“You will [be missed by] a lot of people here at the stables and even outside, but for me you will always be there somewhere in my heart and in my thoughts. I wish you good luck in your next life. Thank you for all that you offered me. Forlap, I love you very much. I miss you so much already.”