Boyd Martin and Cracker Jack at Luhmuhlen 2016
It is with great sadness that US Equestrian, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and Les Etoiles De Pau announce that Crackerjack, ridden by Boyd Martin and owned and bred by Lucy Boynton was humanely euthanised as a result of an accident while competing on October 28, 2017, during the Les Etoiles De Pau CCI4* in Pau, France.
The 14-year-old Thoroughbred gelding had nearly completed the cross-country phase and was entering the arena when he took a misstep, resulting in an irreparable injury.
Martin immediately dismounted to attend to the gelding and was uninjured. Crackerjack was attended to by a team of veterinarians and then transported to a clinic for further evaluation. Under the advisement of the veterinary team, Boynton and Martin determined that the humane choice was to have Crackerjack euthanised.
“I felt like it was one of our best ever trips together,” expressed Martin. “We were jumping clear and took all the direct routes, and coming into the final stretch in the arena, he had plenty left in the tank. He felt fresh and his ears were pricked and I was thrilled with the way he was going”
“ Crackerjack had a wonderful story. He was bred by Lucy and campaigned up to prelim by her son, Colin. Unfortunately, Colin passed away and 'Crackers' was sent to me to sell. Lucky for me, Lucy decided to kick on with the horse, and what a ride it has been. ‘Crackers’ has taken me all over the world and given Lucy some wonderful memories."
US Equestrian extends its deepest sympathies to Lucy Boynton, Boyd Martin, and his entire team in their loss of Crackerjack. Read more about the beautiful partnership and the amazing Crackerjack.
USEF Press Release
