10/05/2026
It is with very heavy hearts that we share the unexpected passing of our beloved horse Huey. Huey was a 28-year-old Belgian Warmblood that was generously donated to Challenged Champions Equestrian Center 12 years ago by the Kramig Family. Before Huey's time at Challenged Champions, he was a show jumper (check out the photos towards the end to see him in action!), loved by his family. We will never forget the day Huey arrived at the farm; the sun still hadn't risen and a huge horse trailer with the most brightly colored lights arrived, and literally rolled a red carpet down the ramp for Huey to unload. As fancy as Huey was, he was incredibly humble as he settled into his new role. Huey has quietly and confidently carried our riders, lending his size and strength to those that needed it most. Anyone that has visited the farm knew him, and adored him. It was always so fun seeing the looks on kids faces when we told them that Huey has flown on an airplane before! For the past couple of years we have been planning Huey's retirement, but he wasn't ready just yet. Even though he had more than earned some well deserved time off, he still enjoyed having a job and was serving a few riders a week. It is hard to find the right words to encompass everything Huey has meant to all of us at CCEC, he truly was a "once in a lifetime" kind of horse, the barn feels much different without him in it. In the wise words of Winnie the Pooh, "How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.". Thank you Huey, for being everything we could possibly ask for in a horse; thank you for helping countless riders reach their goals; and thank you for the memories. Rest well Huey, we will take it from here. 💕
Please share your favorite Huey memories or photos in the comments, we would love to see them!
