Free Style VH Polderhof, a winning mount for Catherine Tyree, passed away suddenly on Thursday morning at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). Tyree and Free Style VH Polderhof were competing in the $8,000 1.45m II.2b in the International Ring when the 10-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare collapsed from an apparent heart attack and passed away in the ring. Tyree and Free Style VH Polderhof had just successfully completed their first round and were walking before beginning their jump-off when the mare collapsed. Equine and human emergency crews were at their side immediately, and the horse was transported from the ring in the equine ambulance. Tyree was taken from the ring by ambulance following the tragic incident with a reported leg injury. Free Style VH Polderhof, owned by Joseph and Mary Tyree, was purchased by the Tyrees in 2014, and Catherine competed the mare successfully in both under 25 grand prix and open jumper classes.
