GoHorseShow is sad to report the passing of two-time Congress and two-time AQHA Reserve World Champion Chocolua due to complications from an entrapped small intestine.
“I am saddened by the unexpected and sudden death of Chocolua but feel fortunate to have owned this incredible horse for 16 years,” says owner, Nancy Gulick. “I will miss his sweet, kind, loving, and almost human like personality but take comfort in knowing that these are traits that he has passed to his babies. I know his babies will continue to carry on his legacy and look forward to hearing of their successes.”
The 1994 bay AQHA Stallion by Zips Chocolate Chip and out of Koa Lua Royale (TB) is the sire of Congress, World, and NSBA Champions and most notably the sire of APHA 2011 World Show All-Around Horse, Hi-Point English Horse and Super Gelding, Roses and Chocolate. Some of his other successful offspring include: Chocs Hot Toddy, Choc That Up, Handwritten N Choc, and Chocohula.
“Chocolua truly had a one-in-a-million personality. He had a very kind and loving personality, expressive eye, and was a gentleman. He loved being the center of attention and knew exactly when to pour on the charm,” Nancy fondly recalls. “He loved everyone and made everyone fall in love with him. He had a ‘look at me attitude’ that he turned on every time he walked into the show ring.”
Nancy continues, “While he gave me lots of wonderful memories in the show ring, it is the little things that I will miss the most. Like how I would call Choc’s name before I rounded the corner of the barn and he’d have his head hanging out the stall, ears pricked forward waiting for me with excitement. Or, when he knew something was bothering me he would just wrap his head around me and comfort me. Or, how his eye would sparkle when eating his favorite treat or how he would look me in the eye and look at the door or the treat room until I gave him more treats.”
Gulick would like to thank everyone at Polo Ridge Farms for the amazing care they provided Choc. As manager Jeff Buccello said, “Of all the studs I’ve worked with Choc had the best personality. He was laid back, easy going, and sweet. I will miss him so much.”
Nancy will remember Choc’s playful attitude and how he played jokes on Jeff. Last week, Jeff couldn’t figure out how the gelding in the stall next to Chocolua was repeatedly getting out of his halter until Jeff hid and saw that the gelding would go over to the window between the stalls and Choc would take his teeth and pull off the halter. Choc was so smart that he knew not to do it when Jeff was looking. She also will remember the times when Choc would throw his head up out of reach when Jeff had wormer, but if Jeff’s 11 year old daughter would have it, Choc would just hang his head and let her give it to him.
Gulick would also like to express her gratitude to everyone that bred to Chocolua or owned or trained one of his foals. “The support of the horse community has been truly overwhelming and it has made me realize just how many lives he touched Chocolua and his foals have been truly a gift,” Nancy says.
