Beezie Madden's former top horse Judgement (Consul x Akteur) has passed away at the age of 30. 

Madden took over the reins on Judgement from Michael Matz, who in 1999 already had won the $60,000 American Gold Cup with the stallion. Judgement went on to win nearly $1.5 million throughout his career – recording numerous victories in prestigious Grand Prix classes and Nations Cups with Madden in the saddle. Judgement represented USA on ten Nations Cup teams, including the winning team at Hickstead in 2007 and La Baule in 2008, as well as competing at two FEI World Cup Finals and at the World Equestrian Games in Jerez de la Frontera in 2002. During his career with Madden, Judgement also won the $1,000,000 CN International at Spruce Meadows in 2005 – the only North American-bred horse in history to do so – as well as the CN Performance Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows in 2007 and 2008. Judgement also earned the National Champion title at Spruce Meadows on four occasions. 

“Judgement ISF was an exceptional horse,” said his breeder and owner, Mary Alice Malone in a tribute to the stallion. “He gave us so many thrilling moments. Witnessing the magical connection between him and Beezie was the gift of a lifetime.”

On their social media channels, Beezie and John Madden paid tribute to Judgement: 

"We are saddened to hear of the passing of Judgement ISF, but so proud of the long life he led and legacy he leaves behind.

Judgey came to be ridden by Beezie after Michael Matz suggested her as a rider who he thought could bring out the best in him as a young stallion. He was powerful, talented, but feared the open water jump. His fears inspired John and Beezie to focus on new training techniques, using positive reinforcement clicker training to help him overcome his fears.

Judgement ISF and Beezie went on to over a decade long winning career, proving to be not just one of the best North American bred stallions, but one of the best in the world. At the time of his retirement from sport at age 18, he had won nearly 1.5 million in prize money. 

“He changed our lives. I will always be thankful for Mary Alice Malone giving me the opportunity with him at such an early point in my career. He made us better horsemen and there was no better feeling than heading in the ring at Spruce Meadows with him. He rose to the occasion every time,” said Beezie.

We are grateful he was able to have a long retirement thanks to the careful care and respect from all of Iron Spring Farm. Judgey will be missed by all of us at John Madden Sales and we are thinking of Mary Alice Malone, Meghan de Garay, his former groom Emily Gailis, along with his legions of fans."