Sad news from the USA this morning, as several media outlets report that Hunter Harrison – the man behind Double H Farm and a huge figure in the equestrian world – passed away on Saturday at the age of 73.

“It is with great sadness that we announce that E. Hunter Harrison, President and Chief Executive Officer of CSX, died today in Wellington, Fla., due to unexpectedly severe complications from a recent illness. The entire CSX family mourns this loss. On behalf of our Board of Directors, management team and employees, we extend our deepest sympathies to Hunter’s family. Hunter was a larger-than-life figure who brought his remarkable passion, experience and energy in railroading to CSX,” the freight railroad company wrote in a statement about Harrison – a major force in global transportation as the head of some of the world’s largest railroad companies.

Harrison’s Double H Farm is a well-known supporter of current World Cup Champion McLain Ward, and owns his top horse HH Azur as well as many other world class jumpers all carrying the prefix “HH”.

A major force in the railroad business, dressage-news.com reports that Harrison was so successful that he was hired to take over CN when the railroad company was privatized in Canada. He was named Canadian chief executive of the year twice, the first American to be so. CN became a major sponsor of the prestigious Spruce Meadows events in Calgary, and of the early years of the Global Champions Tour. Harrison retired from CN but a year ago became chief executive of CP, based in Jacksonville, Florida. “With the passing of Hunter Harrison, CSX has suffered a major loss,” board chairman Edward Kelly said.

Our condolences go out to Mr. Harrison’s family and friends in this very sad time. 

Source: dressage-news.com // Picture © Ken Braddick/dressage-news.com