The Contender/Pik Bube II son Checkmate died at the age of 30. With Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, he was one of the fastest and most successful show jumpers of his time. Born in 1995 at Renate Gerlach’s place in Sulingen, he enjoyed his first sporting successes with Roman Duchac before joining the US-born german rider’s stable at the age of six. An incredible success story began, culminating in the title of World Team Champion in Lexington/USA in 2010. Prior to that, they had already won team gold at the European Championships in San Patrignano/ITA in 2005 and team bronze in Windsor/GBR in 2009.
Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum wrote on Instagram: “I am very sad to say I lost my friend and partner in crime „Checkmate“ aka „Joey“ at 30 years-old. A horse of a lifetime with his unique style, high head carriage and U-shaped back, Joey went against everything traditional. But he loved to jump, particularly when he was going very fast! Joey carried me to victories in some of the fastest jump-offs I’ve ever ridden, including numerous World Cups and Grand Prixs. He won two team Gold medals at the World and European Championships and won the German Championships twice. Joey showed actively until he was 19 years-old and then joined his friend Shutterfly on the field behind our home for his remaining years. I hope he will reunite with his friend „Petey“ once again in the heavens above. I will miss you Joey.”