Text © World of Showjumping

Tragically, Christian Ahlmann’s 12-year-old stallion D’Aganix 2000 Z (Dominator 2000 Z x Aganix du Seigneur, bred by Corthouts & Foriers and owned by Stoeterij Zangersheide) has passed away after an accident in Leipzig, Germany.

“In the early hours this morning we had to let him go,” Christian Ahlmann shared in a statement about the stallion’s passing. “During unloading in Leipzig, and for reasons yet unknown, D'Aganix 2000 Z was able to free himself from the truck which resulted in a terrible and unfortunate accident. On slippery ground, he fell and sustained such a severe injury to his thigh that there was no possibility of recovery. Despite immediate help and intensive professional care by several vets and caregivers, it quickly became clear that there was no chance left to give him a pain-free life and a well-deserved retirement. Making this decision was infinitely difficult, but it was made out of love and responsibility towards him. The entire team around D'Aganix 2000 Z is in mourning and has started the way back home again. He will be greatly missed.”

“The horse was immediately transported to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Leipzig University, where it underwent extensive examination,” the organizers at Partner Pferd Leipzig shared in their statement concerning the accident. “This incident has deeply affected and profoundly shaken us.” 

“This is an immeasurable loss for us all,” Judy Ann Melchior said in a press release from Zangersheide. “D’Aganix 2000 Z was a truly special stallion; he was kind, courageous, and overflowing with talent. He was raised at Zangersheide from a very young age, and I watched him grow into a magnificent stallion who fulfilled every promise we saw in him. He became part of our family and grew into one of the strongest talents in Christian’s stable. Due to his sporting career, he was unavailable for breeding for several seasons, yet his first offspring are already impressing us tremendously with their scope, quality, and mentality. Through his progeny, his legacy will live on and remain part of Zangersheide for generations to come.”

At World of Showjumping, our thoughts are with Team Ahlmann, Team Zangersheide and all those close to D’Aganix.