Legendary cutting horse Smart Little Lena died at the age of 31 after suffering a stroke at his home on Manion Ranch in Aubrey, Texas, on Monday.
 Smart Little Lena |
Quarter Horse News reported this week that veterinarian John McCarroll was called to Manion Ranch on Monday morning after Smart Little Lena apparently suffered a stroke. Breeding manager Tommy Manion said that the horse had been having balance problems for a few days.
"He came up and did everything for him," Manion told the magazine. "He thought it was definitely irreversible."
The NCHA Hall of Fame stalion was euthanised by Dr McCarroll, who had been his veterinarian for many years.
Born in 1979, Smart Little Lena (Doc Olena [Doc Bar] x Smart Peppy [Peppy San]) was owned by a syndicate. He was the first National Cutting Horse Association Triple Crown champion, and in only eight shows, won $US743,275. He was ridden by the late Bill Freeman.
The 1979 stallion was a leading sire of cutting horses, siring foals who earned more than $US36.5 million. He sired 17 World Champions, 11 Reserve World Champions, and 110 Register of Merit winners.
The syndicate who owned Smart Little Lena said the horse would be cremated and his remains would be placed in a box in a trophy case at Manion Ranch.
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