Beezie Madden’s World Cup Champion Simon (Mr. Blue x Polydox – bred by M.J. Vermeulen) has passed away, at the age of 22. 

Simon – since 2011 owned by Abigail Wexner – was Madden's ride on many successful occasions, taking part in three World Cup Finals: Winning in Gothenburg in 2013, then finishing 7th in 2014 in Lyon and 4th in 2015 in Las Vegas. The two also won the HITS Million at Saugerties and the World Cup in Del Mar back in 2015, and had several top performances in Nations Cups for USA. Simon was retired in 2017 and spent the last years of his life at Madden's farm in Cazenovia, New York. 

Before Madden took over the reins, Simon was competed successfully by Jeroen Dubbeldam who jumped the gelding at the World Cup Finals in 2011 where they ended third as well as at the European Championships in Madrid the same year. In 2010, Dubbeldam and Simon won the prestigious CN International Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows. 

In their social media channels, Beezie and John Madden has shared the following statement: 

“We are saddened to announce that yesterday we laid the brilliant gelding Simon to rest on Madden Mountain. Simon, a 1999 KWPN by Mr. Blue, was owned by Mrs. Abigail Wexner. Simon joined Beezie in 2011 after a successful career with Jeroen Dubbeldam. Simon and Beezie went on to countless wins, including winning the FEI World Cup Finals in 2013. He was named the International Horse of the Year by the USEF the same year. 

He returned to the World Cup Finals for a 7th place finish in 2014 and a 4th place finish in 2015, which was the same year he won the HITS Million in Saugerties, NY. Simon also anchored numerous US Nations Cup teams, before his retirement in 2017. In his retirement, he served as best friend to Authentic and second in command on weanling raising duties.

“I was lucky to have the years together that we did and happy to have had so much success together. He was loved by our whole team. I am grateful to Mrs. Wexner for allowing me the privilege of having him in my life and for caring deeply for him through his retirement. It is a testament to his talent and brilliance that he was so successful with two different riders during his career. I know Jeroen and his connections join us in our mourning of his passing.” said Beezie Madden.”

Our thoughts go out to all those close to Simon.