The recent passing of this iconic grey stallion has been met with an overwhelming display of grief and admiration throughout the equestrian community.
As we reflect on the life and legacy of this incredible stallion, we are reminded of the impact he had on the equestrian world and the inspiration he continues to provide for riders and enthusiasts alike.
Capital Hitoshi was a true force to be reckoned with in the arena, known for his remarkable presence and extraordinary talent. Partnered with his exceptional Nicole Horwood, he achieved an outstanding list of accomplishments that showcased his incredible scope, bravery, and sheer athleticism. Together, they formed an unstoppable team.
Capital Hitoshi – you were one in a million. We thank you for your contribution to the equestrian sport and send our heartfelt condolences to Nicole and the Capital Stud Team.
HIS BACKGROUND
Capital Hitoshi as a foal
Capital Hitoshi’s story begins in Belgium with Dirk Zagers:
“I saw Hitoshi for the first time in 2007 at a photo and video session of a foal auction in Belgium. He impressed me with his looks; he was a very strong and very muscled foal with very athletic gaits, especially the canter. His pedigree interested me very much as his grandmother is the mother of Maradonna vd Helle who jumped successfully in the Nations Cup team of Italy and I, myself, had Nana vd Helle, the full sister of Maradonna. Nana vd Helle was a formidable jumper and became the mother of Chilli Pepper, who jumped in the finals of the World Cup for Saudi Arabia. When I spotted Hitoshi, I immediately phoned Henning to tell him I had found a formidable colt by the World Cup winner Winningmood out of a top and proven dam-line. Henning was enamoured with the damline and after seeing a video of the youngster, he made the astute decision to include Hitoshi among the four stallions he acquired that year. He purchased Hitoshi over the phone at the auction and Hitoshi stayed for another year in my yard. Already as a yearling one could see that he had stallion quality.
Nicole Horwood took over the ride on Hitoshi when he was 7 years old:
I first met Hitoshi in 2014, when Capital Stud approached me to be his rider. I started jumping him in the 1m20 classes. In the beginning it was a challenge because he had a lot of blood and was very keen to do his job. I had to do a lot of slow training with him to get him to relax and not rush at the fences. Once I became more familiar with him I found a way to adapt to his way of doing things to get the best out of him.” Nicole Horwood
HIS PERSONALITY
Capital Hitoshi free jumping
“Hitoshi was a sweet stallion with a loud voice but a kind heart. He loved life and always had a positive attitude. He was always so playful; he loved grabbing crops and swinging them back and forth. He had such a big personality; every time we came home from a show as soon as we turned down the driveway, like clockwork, he would start neighing to announce to everyone he was home. He taught me so much about myself and gave me so much confidence in the ring, I knew whatever question I asked him he would never say no. He was a soldier and mentored me around so many Derby tracks giving me invaluable experience in the big classes and if he was clear in a jump-off there were not many that could beat him. I would like to thank Capital Stud for sharing this special horse with me. He played such an important role in my career giving me such confidence in my abilities. - Nicole Horwood
Eilkhana Mvula, Hitoshi’s groom, told us this:
Hitoshi was the sweetest horse at home. He was the simplest horse in the yard here. He would do anything we asked him to do – first time, every time. Tacking up, grooming him, anything – he was lovely to work with. He didn’t do anything wrong. At a show, he was always our voice. When we arrived at a show, he would call so loud that everyone stopped what they were doing and looked. He was telling everyone that Capital Stud had arrived, and that they were in for a good competition. The best thing about him was that when he was in the ring doing a jump-off he would give it his best. No-one could catch Hitoshi in the jump-off. No-one. My favourite memory with him was when he won the Grand Prix in Polokwane at Revil Stables. He did a super-fast jump-off to win that Grand Prix. That memory will always be in my head. We will miss him a lot. We are all very sad. He was a good boy. He was our friend. He was everything to us. I hope he will rest in peace. We will always remember him and always love him.
HIS MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Capital Hitoshi was an exceptionally successful stallion. 2017 was perhaps his best year, seeing him finish second in the overall rankings after winning three Riders’ Grand Prixs back-to-back, and the Maple Ridge World Cup Qualifier. 2020 marked another special victory with Capital Hitoshi winning Gauteng Champs. His most recent victory was in late 2022, where he won the Gold Tour Grand Prix at the United League of Champions final.
Since his arrival in South Africa, Hitoshi has made an immense impact on Capital Stud in various capacities. As an athlete, he proved to be a formidable force, while also serving as a foundation stallion with many up and coming offspring, including Charley Crockart’s Capital Hampton (Capital Hitoshi x Optimum vd Wellington), jumping 1.40m, and Jorja Rohrich’s Capital Hurley (Capital Hitoshi x Ulior), jumping 1.30m. His stamp and talent are instantly recognisable and his direct offspring do him credit in the arena. He has also contributed his qualities strongly as dam-sire to some of Capital Stud’s most valuable horses, particularly his broodmares.
We are sad and sorry he never got the chance to retire in the beautiful paddocks of Summerhill Equestrian, next to his stable and competition partner Capital Don Cumarco - the two grey stallions that made Capital Stud so famous - Capital Stud Team
HIS LEGACY
Hitoshi showed his jumping potential over the years - you could see that he had unlimited scope and an excellent performance mentality in the arena. I believe that scope, size and top character are the assets he passes on to his offspring and that above all his fillies will carry on his legacy for years to come. - Dirk Zagers
Capital Hurley
The piece of Hitoshi that Capital Stud get to keep is the talent and temperament he so clearly passes onto his offspring. For anyone riding a Hitoshi son or daughter, you can know they are carrying the genes of one of the greatest stallions that has ever stood on South African soil.
