Lider Seven, Lusitano Stallion to be Competed by Laura Graves, Reported by Robert Dover to have Died

Lider Seven, a Lusitano stallion that was to be competed by Laura Graves, was reported by Robert Dover Monday to have died.

Robert, based in Wellington, Florida who has been working with Laura and arranged for her to compete the 11-year-old Lider Seven, did not give the cause of death.

"It's heartbreaking," Laura said.

“It is with the deepest sorrow that we share the passing of Lider Seven, a horse whose courage, charisma and heart touched people around the world,” said the six-time Olympian.

“While this is a profoundly private loss for our family, we are comforted by the outpouring of love and admiration Lider inspired in so many. Lider Seven was so much more than a horse he was a true warrior, fearless and tireless in his pursuit of greatness, yet gentle playful and endlessly kind.

“He stood out not only for his extraordinary movement and powerful presence, but for a spirit that was quick to connect and a heart that was endlessly generous. Lider had a way of of reaching right into your soul, of listening, understanding and responding in ways that only he could.

“He was a once-in-a-lifetime horse. A magnificent athlete and beloved friend, a horse who transformed every person lucky enough to know him.”

Robert announced six months ago of collaboration between his Romance Farm Inc. and Laura, the only American rider ever to be ranked No. 1 in the world which she did on her Verdades.

Lider, a 17.2-hand (174.7cm) buckskin stallion has been described by Robert as “quite simply the finest horse of any breed I have ridden and will be a game-changer for both the Lusitano breed and all Warmblood breeders around the world.”

Lider was developed by Jorge Gabriel of Casa Lusitana and in 2024 was declared by the U.S. Dressage Federation reserve Grand Prix champion. At the age of seven, the horse was USDF Horse of the Year at Prix St. Georges level.

Lider Seven had been acquired by Raquel Rizzuto at her Beauty Central Equestrian Center in Wellington where Robert was the trainer.