United States Eventing Association

The USEA is saddened to learn of the passing of Cassie Sanger's longtime young rider horse Fernhill Zoro. The 18-year-old Anglo European gelding (Verdi TN x Oronia 2) was euthanized after a pasture accident on Aug. 15.

Sanger, 21, had been partnered with "Zoro" since she was 16. He'd previously been brought to the three-star level by Alice Roosevelt. Sanger and Zoro moved up to Advanced in 2023 and were chosen to represent the U.S. at the Nations Cup in Strzegom, Poland, that year where they earned team silver. They were also chosen for the Nations Cup team at Boekelo in the Netherlands that fall where the U.S. team finished fourth. In 2024, they were second in the U25 CCI4*-L at Bramham (England).

This year, Sanger based in England with her horses and competed Zoro on the silver-medal winning U.S. team at the Nations Cup at Bicton before representing the U.S. at the inaugural Under 25 World Championships at Millstreet in Ireland.

"He took me around the world to places I’ve dreamed about," wrote Sanger in an Instagram post. "He fueled my passion for these beautiful animals and this sport. But most importantly he really taught me what true love is without even having to speak a word—he was my best partner and soulmate. His love and kindness was infectious to everyone that had the privilege of knowing him, and the grief that we feel is because we were lucky to love him so much. He lived the best life with the best people. One thing about Zoro that I will keep taking forward was the belief he had in himself. There was no jump too big, no question too hard, all because he believed in himself and I trusted him."

The USEA sends its condolences to Sanger and all of Zoro's connections.