Goodbye El General

On November 22, 2007, El General galloped across the finish line of Maryland’s Laurel

Park racetrack for the final time in his career. The 9th place finish was a quiet ending to a race

record that included 35 starts, 8 wins and $272,038 in earnings. At 8 years old, the veteran

gelding was rewarded with retirement, and was rehomed by his breeder and owner Adena

Springs. While one half of his career had ended, another began as he joined the Raynham Stables

family.

General earned a place among the hearts of Raynham Stables riders with his never-

ending work ethic and forgiving nature. His years at the track bred into him the try needed to

school 3’ courses with advanced students, or teach adult beginners how to post. General was a

gentleman both under saddle and on the ground – so much so that even the timid show moms

didn’t mind taking him for a stroll across the show grounds. A successful lower level event

horse, General qualified for the OHTA Championships after his first competitive season, taking

every new experience in stride.

On the morning of July 14th, General was three-quarters of the way around a pre-entry

level cross-country course when he suffered a catastrophic injury on the approach to a fence.

Emergency veterinarians responded immediately, and the decision was made to humanely

euthanize the big bay gelding on course. General passed peacefully and quietly, displaying the

class and wisdom that he exuded throughout his life.

Raynham Stables would like to thank Will O’ Wind farms, Geoff & Ann Morgan, and

Dr. Andrea Malatestinic for their compassion, sensitivity, preparedness and seamless

response. We would also like to thank the many event volunteers at Will O’ Wind horse trials for

their kind words, tact and patience. We extend our sincere condolences to the Sandoval family

and to the many individuals who had the pleasure of knowing and loving this kind soul.

General represents each hard-working off-the-track Thoroughbred that forms the

backbone of our sport. He was a pleasure to work with, ride and watch. Thank you for all the

gallops you gave us.

El General – May 11, 1999 – July 14, 2012