The Selle Français-approved stallion Falko de Hus (sired by Baloubet du Rouet) has tragically passed away. The ten-year-old stallion, successfully competing at the 1.60m level with François-Xavier Boudant, suffered a fatal fall during the warm-up at the FFE/AC Print Grand National in Auvers. His leg injury was so severe that euthanasia was the only humane option.
Falko de Hus was owned by the France Élevage Group (GFE), which issued an official statement:
“He was transported to the Bayeux clinic, where X-rays revealed that no surgery could repair the damage. Even a simple life as a retired horse was not possible. After consulting with France’s most experienced surgeons, it became clear that the only humane decision was to relieve him of his suffering. We carried this out on Sunday, March 23, at 5:00 PM.”
A Promising Career Cut Short
Falko de Hus had an impressive career. In 2022, he was crowned champion among seven-year-olds at the French Championships in Fontainebleau. Last fall, he placed fourth in the Six Bars class at the CSIO 5* in Calgary. Just two weeks ago, he won the first stage of the Grand National in Marnes-la-Coquette with François-Xavier Boudant.
Emotional Farewell
François-Xavier Boudant expressed his grief on Instagram:
“With a heavy heart, we returned home tonight without Falko. Everything happened so fast, we have no words... We will miss you immensely. In the ring, you were spirited, but in the stable, a gentle stallion. We loved you, and you knew it. A dream was shattered today. I believed in you so much! Thank you to everyone for your condolences and to all who supported us.”
With the loss of Falko de Hus, the showjumping world has lost a great talent with a promising future ahead.