Reining trainer Craig Johnson announced the recent death of Sailing Intelligent, 1992 – 2025, on social media: “We’re unhappy to announce that we have had to end our time with Sailing Intelligent. He lived a loved life. He will be missed at the ranch. He will be missed by me. We had some memorable rides. Thanks for the heart you handed me. I hope I was able to return the favor.”
Sailing Intelligent was the 1997 AQHA world champion in junior reining with Craig, and earned the bronze world championship in senior reining the following year.
Sailing Intelligent, aka “Doug,” was the last surviving equine member of the first gold-medal-winning team in international reining. He was the individual silver medalist.
Craig posted this about the World Equestrian Games competition: “Team members, horses and riders, were Trashadeaus and Bill Horn, Marthas Mega Jac and Scott McCutcheon, Hangten Peppy and Dell Hendricks, and Sailing Intelligent and me. Our chef d’equipe was Pete Kyle. What an honor it was to be on that team for the USA. Sailing Intelligent has ended his time here, yet I’m sure is now in heaven reliving the glory days with his equine team members. Running thru the golden gate, winning together again.”
Sailing Intelligent was also an AQHA reserve world champion in reined cowhorse, shown by Robert Chown, and was a finalist at the World’s Greatest Horseman with Todd Crawford.
Sailing Intelligent was bred by Doug Milholland of Eagle, Colorado, sired by Intelligent Chic Olena out of Sailing Doll by Topsail Cody. He was owned by Caton Parelli of Reddick, Florida, and had recently returned to Craig’s care.
According to QData, Sailing Intelligent sired 269 AQHA-registered foals, among them the earners of $353,928 and 1,108 AQHA points.
