UNITED STATES: The world’s tallest horse, Big Jake, died two weeks ago in Poynette (Wisconsin), said Valicia Gilbert, wife of the Smokey Hollow Farm owner, Jerry Gilbert, on Monday, as reported by Associated Press (AP).
The Gilberts announced the death of Big Jake on Facebook, saying the mammal died in June. “It is with a heavy heart we share the passing of Big Jake,” the Facebook post said.
“We would rather not remember him (Big Jake) by a date – it’s been a traumatic event for our family,” said Valicia, as she declined to convey the exact date of death when the AP reached her through Facebook.
The 20-year-old Belgian hunk lived on a farm called Smokey Hollow in Poynette. The 6-foot-10-inches or nearly 2.1 meters tall horse, weighing 2,500 pounds or 1,136 kg was bestowed upon the title of the world’s tallest living horse by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2010.
“Jake was a superstar. He was truly a magnificent animal. He was extremely talented,” Jerry told WMTV. Born in Nebraska, Big Jake weighed 240 pounds (109 kilograms), about 100 pounds (45 kilograms) heavier at birth compared to a typical Belgian foal, Jerry said.
The family intends to keep the horse’s stall empty to commemorate the passing away of the animal. Big Jake’s picture and name will also be imprinted on a brick inserted onto the outside of the stall.
“It’s very quiet (at the farm). The other horses know. I think they have their own grieving time because Jake was the center of attention around here. There is a huge void. It feels like he’s still here, but he’s not,” AP quoted Jerry, as saying.
