Wellington, FL – March 28, 2021 – It is with deepest regret that Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) management announces an equine fatality at the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival. On Sunday, March 28, at approximately 11:30 a.m. ET, there was an incident in the High Junior Jumper Classic in the International Arena at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

Lord Pizarro, an 11-year-old Hanoverian gelding ridden by Ansgar Holtgers Jr. and owned by Gut Einhaus LLC and Dietmar Gugler, fell while attempting a jump. The equine ambulance, veterinarians from WEF Official Veterinarian Palm Beach Equine Clinic, and EMTs were on the scene immediately. Everything was done to ensure the comfort and safety of horse and rider.

The horse’s injury was assessed on-site and determined to be irreparable. The horse was euthanized on-site to avoid any further pain and distress for the animal. Holtgers Jr. was examined by medics and was not injured.

ESP management expresses their sincere condolences to the owners, Holtgers, and everyone connected to Lord Pizarro.

For more information, please visit www.PBIEC.com.