Jonathan Wentz. Photo Lindsay Y. McCall
October 1, 2012–Jonathan Wentz, who had cerebral palsy since birth, passed away September 30, 2012. He recently returned from London where he was a member of the U.S. Team that earned seventh place at the 2012 Paralympic Games. At the Games, Wentz also finished fourth in the Individual Test and fifth in the Freestyle Test in Grade 1b competition riding Kai Handt’s NTEC Richter Scale. These strong results earned Wentz the distinction of being the highest-placed American equestrian at either the London Olympic or Paralympic Games.
Wentz enjoyed an extremely successful career with NTEC Richter Scale a horse that carried him to the World Championships, Paralympic Games and a National Title. In 2010, the pair represented the U.S. for the first time at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and the following year they claimed the USEF 2011 USEF National Para-Equestrian Championship. In 2012, the combination earned Reserve Champion honors at the 2012 USEF National Para-Equestrian Championships and Paralympic Selection Trials prior to traveling to London. Wentz also finished in sixth place with Silvano at the 2012 National Championship.
As well as competing at the highest level, Wentz was a tireless advocate for his sport. He served on the USEF Youth Council representing para-equestrian and was a member of the USEF Para Equestrian Technical Committee. Additionally, he served as an ambassador for hippotherapy, therapeutic riding and para-equestrian dressage from an early age.
Wentz was a student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, with a keen interest in political science, history and the law.
“The Federation sends our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Wentz family. Jonathan was a great competitor and outstanding role model for all in equestrian sport. He will be greatly missed,” said John Long, USEF CEO.
I am sorry to hear of this loss. This young man accomplished more in his short life than most that live to 90. May he inspire many in the future to carry on his dreams & have the strength and perserverance, knowing it can be done by anyone…My condolenscences to his family, and friends.
God bless him and his family. What a great example he set for us all.
What a joy this young man was to everyone he came in contact with. It is with great sadness that I read of his passing but great joy in that he is with his Maker. He was a great Ambassador for his sport and for his friends, the horses. We will miss his leadership.
Picture says it all…. a deep bond, appreciation and love between Jonathan and his horse. How wonderful each encountered the other during their time on earth.
A true horseman and an inspiration to all…..so very sorry to hear of his passing.
Sorry to hear about Jonathon, it is great to see a young person going on to olympics I congradulate him in all he has done. I’m glad to see that he brought encouragement to others with handicaps. My condolences to his family, I know they were very proud of him. I’m a senior citizen and riding is my therapy.
Janet
Words seem so insignificant at this point. But this story moved me to tears to see such a very young life ended by this dreaded disease, yet at the same time the glorious elation he was given to experience the 2012 Games and be so successful in London. I so wanted to share this story on my FB page as I have hundreds of dressage associates and I just know they would find themselves feeling the same as I do right now. He had a beautiful life and got to spend with it with the very thing that was most precious to him to the very end. I believe that God in all His glory, grace and mercy had a plan for Stephen clear up to the end and in my book that is a a very loving and faithful God. I am so blessed that I got to hear about Stephen and all his accomplishments and his tireless efforts to be the best God made him to be. Thank you so very much for sharing such an awesome story!
God bless you!
SIncerely,
Julie Ann Cobb
Julie Ann, feel free to share the link to this story on your FB page.
Jonathan Wentz, you were truly a wonderful inspiration for everyone… we will truly miss you ,, may you rest in peace… heaven has received an angel..
some people pack more in a short happy full life than many decades of a life that has no focus and no joy. This man packed a lot of joy into a short life. He and those who knew him enjoyed a blessing.
Mr. Wentz packed a lot of joy and meaning into a short life. He probably lived more in one year than most of us in a decade. His life is to be celebrated.
My prayers and condolences are with Jonathan’s family and friends.
The World will be a smaller place with Jonathan gone.
I am also sorry to hear of Mr. Wentz’s passing. My prayers are with his family and friends. Now he truly knows no bounds.