Willem was one of Giddyap Girls' official "taster horses," and a big star on the internet message boards as well. He always spoke on behalf of the horse, including the importance of checking older horses for Equine Cushing's Syndrome. Willem had been very abused before coming to live with owner Corinne Dekker at Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, and the two of them together could not be happier. They showed in dressage together before retiring to a life of fun on the trails. Willem was a big voice for Cushing's, especially when he came down with it a few years ago, and Willem's honesty about the life from the horse's point of view helped make him Horse of the Year in the Chronicle of the Horse's 2002 online poll. Sadly, he lost a brave battle with Cushing's-related laminitis, which turned into sinking founder, and on July 12, 2003 he was peacefully sent to the Rainbow Bridge. He will always be in our hearts, we will never forget him.