The Report has recently learned of the passing of walking horse legend, He's Puttin' On The Ritz. He was bred by Paige Edwards, directed by Billy Gray and Sammy Day and then managed at Waterfall Farms and Rising Star Ranch by David Williams.
Ritz was the 1993 Two-Year-Old World Grand Champion, 1994 Three-Year-Old World Grand Champion, he did not compete his four-year-old year due to a hoof injury and then he was crowned the 1996 World Grand Champion. Ritz returned to the Celebration ring to a standing ovation for his retirement ceremony in 2006.
His talent lives on through his offspring. Ritz has show ring champions in every division of the walking horse industry and has been named Sire of the Year on numerous occasions.
David Williams posted the following on Rising Star's Facebook Page:
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart to report our beloved He's Puttin' On The Ritz laid down in his paddock last night and passed on.
His accolades were many..too many to post at this time. Our sadness comes from not what he did in the ring but what he did in our hearts.
Rest in Peace Ritz
He's Puttin' On The Ritz
2/14/1991 - 8/3/2016