Dixson, the Pan Am gold medal-winning Belgian Warmblood gelding piloted by Ian Millar to numerous grand prix and Nations Cup wins starting in 2013 up to his retirement in 2018, has passed away at the age of 18 at his home at Lothlorien in Cheltenham, ON.
Ariel Grange, owner of Lothlorien and Dixson, said in a tribute on the farm’s Facebook page:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Lothlorien legend – Dixson.
After 15 years of an amazing career and 3 years retirement it was finally his time to go.
From a PanAm Gold medal to the CP Grand Prix Trophy, countless team medals and victories and individual triumphs, Dixson had a career some only dream of alongside his partner Ian Millar.
Dix was truly one of the best. The partnership between Ian Millar and Dixson was one of the best. And I can honestly say he was a one in a million horse not only to compete but to love and have in the stable.
After years of retirement with his best buddy ‘Turbo’ (former Lothlorien champ – Game Ready) on the main driveway of Lothlorien where they could greet everyone, he had had enough. It is always a hard decision but at the end of the day, he went in peace and with all the love we could give him.
Our appreciation goes out to all who contributed to Dixson’s career, especially Ian Millar, Lori Green and Marion Atkinson, for years of love and support in making him the champion he was.
We will miss Dixson very much. But he will forever be engraved in Lothlorien and Canadian showjumping history.”
The Millar family also posted in part:
“Dixson was a wonderful horse who always stepped up when the pressure was on in the big classes. He was an incredibly generous horse that formed a special partnership with Ian and always tried his hardest for him. Dixson’s win with Ian in the 2014 Spruce Meadows CP Grand Prix was a career highlight for Ian. Dixson represented Canada in numerous Nations Cups, including at the Pan Ams in 2015 where Canada won gold on home soil.
Goodbye and thank you for everything Dixson.”
Ian Millar retired his long-time partner Dixson, owned by Lothlorien, in a fitting ceremony at the Royal Horse Show in 2018. (Ben Radvanyi Photography)
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