The legendary Sandro Hit has passed away from an infection at the age of 28, at the home he's known for most of his life: Paul Schockemöhle's Gestüt Lewitz.

By Sandro Song, our of Loretta (Ramino), Sandro Hit's dressage influence has been monumental, and his legacy will continue with more than 200 licensed sons and 490 State Premium daughters.

At the age of six, Sandro Hit was himself a world and Bundeschampion under the saddle of Ulf Möller, but stopped competing as a seven-year-old to focus on breeding. In fact, eight of his offspring appeared in the dressage ring of this year's Olympic Games in Tokyo, including Showtime FRH ridden by Dorothee Schneider. He's also the damsire of Isabell Werth's Olympic and European gold medalist Weihegold OLD (Blue Hors Don Schufro).

According to Paul Schockemöhle: "I'm very happy to have had quality sons of Sandro Hit who will secure his wonderful genes. It's been a very difficult farewell."