VDL Edgar M (Arezzo VDL x Marlon) – Marlon Modolo Zanotelli's Olympic partner from Tokyo 2021 – has passed away after a “traumatic accident”, his rider and owner Ingrid Gjelsten announced in social media on Saturday. 

Gjelsten took over the reins on the 15-year-old gelding back in 2023, after he had enjoyed lots of success with Zanotelli in the saddle. In 2022, VDL Edgar M and Zanotelli won the CSI5*-W 1.60m Rikstoto Grand Prix in Oslo, the CSI5* 1.60m Trophée de Genève at CHI Geneva, and in 2023 the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ in Bordeaux. Earlier this year, Gjelsten celebrated her career best with Edgar when taking the top honours in the CSI4* 1.55m and CSI3* 1.50m Grand Prix classes at Desert International Horse Park in California.

"Edgar, My once in a lifetime horse," Gjelsten wrote on social media. "The best partner I could ever dream of. I can’t believe you are gone. A traumatic accident happened training yesterday… I don’t know how to go on without you…You gave me everything, and we shared so many unforgettable moments together. Everyone who met you loved you. I will miss you forever. Rest in peace, my superstar." 

At World of Showjumping, our thoughts go out to all those close to Edgar.