Two-Time Olympic Horse Grandioso III Dies at 27

The United States P.R.E. Association (USPRE) joins the Pura Raza Española community in mourning the loss of Grandioso III, who passed away on September 10 at the age of 27.

Bred by Yeguada Marín García and owned by Hampton Green Farm, he was one of the P.R.E. horses who carried the name of the Spanish horse to some of the sport’s most important international stages.

Born in 1999, by Adelante x Sevillano IX, Grandioso III arrived in the United States in 2002 after being acquired by Kim Van Kampen, founder of Hampton Green Farm. His competitive career began with American rider Courtney King-Dye, from the Young Horse classes through Intermediate II. In 2009, the pair were honored as USPRE Horse and Rider of the Year.

Following King-Dye’s injury, José Daniel Martín Dockx took over the reins in 2011. Together, they established Grandioso III as one of the most successful P.R.E. horses of his generation. Representing Spain, they competed at two Olympic Games, London 2012 and Rio 2016, as well as the 2013 and 2015 European Championships and the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, Normandy. He was also Spanish Grand Prix Champion in 2011 and 2014. Alongside P.R.E. horses such as Fuego de Cárdenas and Norte Lovera, Grandioso III helped demonstrate the talent and versatility of the Purebred Spanish Horse on the international stage.

Grandioso III officially retired from competition following the 2016 Olympic Games. He was honored at SICAB 2016, followed by a special retirement ceremony during USPRE Week at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington on January 28, 2017.

In retirement, Grandioso enjoyed life in the pastures of Michigan before moving to Ocala, Florida, in 2022, where he spent his final years.

USPRE extends its deepest condolences to Kim Van Kampen, Hampton Green Farm, José Daniel Martín Dockx, Courtney King-Dye, and everyone who was part of Grandioso III’s remarkable journey.

His achievements will remain part of the history of the Purebred Spanish Horse, and his legacy will continue through his offspring, including Mejorano HGF, Santiago HGF, USPRE Horse of the Year in 2026, and Ferro HGF.

Photos © Lily Forado | www.lilyforado.com