Nicola Philippaerts and H&M Chilli Willi represented Belgium at the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
© Michelle Terlato
By Equestrian Life
Showjumping stallion H&M Chilli Willi was humanely euthanised on the 26th March after fracturing his left foreleg.
With his long-term rider, Nicola Philippaerts, the 13 year old stallion (Casall / Lord) was competing in the CSI5* in Wellington, Florida. After jumping the final fence on course, the horse stumbled and the injury occurred. A thorough investigation revealed a very complicated fracture.
On the Philippaerts family’s website, they shared their devastation about the loss of this outstanding stallion:
“2021 should have become H&M Chilli Willi’s year. In January, he traveled to Wellington with Nicola for three months to prepare for the season and with the hope of becoming one of the three Belgian horses for the Olympic Games later this year. Unfortunately, he never gets that chance. On Friday 26th March 2021, a fatal jump means the end of the beautiful career of the ever motivated, happy, cheerful and lovely H&M Chilli Willi. Team Philippaerts is in mourning.”
H&M Chilli Willi had been part of the Philippaerts family since 2015. In 2017, the stallion competed in his first 5* competition during the Longines Global Champions Tour of Miami, placing 3rd with Nicola Philippaerts. Later that year, he was crowned Belgian Champion.
In 2018, H&M Chilli Willi and Nicola won the Longines Global Champions Tour of Chantilly. The pair become part of the London Knights team, which won the Longines Global Champions League. The pair also represented Belgium at the World Equestrian Games and various Nations Cups.
Rest in Peace, H&M Chilli Willi.
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