Honor Of The Ritz was humanely laid to rest on February 12, 2026.

Bred by Lavon Tyson, Honor Of The Ritz was first owned by the partnership of Riddley and Tyson before being purchased as a three-year-old by Chavigny Beasley. His early career began under the direction of Michael and Casey Wright at Wright Stables, followed by time with Nick Plafcan at Link Webb Stables. He later moved to Charlie Green Stables, where Beasley first saw the young stallion and immediately recognized something special.

“It was love at first sight — I wasn’t leaving without him,” Beasley recalled. “He had that unmistakable ‘it’ factor coming across the hill as a three-year-old.”

Following his purchase, Honor Of The Ritz was placed under the direction of Dan Waddell Stables, where he achieved the majority of his success. Among his accomplishments were the 2024 Reserve World Championship in the Four-Year-Old Stallions division and the 2025 Reserve World Championship in the Open Stallions class. Throughout his career, he earned multiple top-three finishes at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, collected numerous blue ribbons, and, most recently, was nominated for Horse of the Year in his division for the 2025 season.

Honor Of The Ritz leaves behind many friends and admirers at Dan Waddell Stables and throughout the industry. Beasley expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the memories he gave her and hopes he rests peacefully. A horse with the heart of a champion, his spirit and motto — “Whatever you do, do it with honor” — will live on through those who knew and loved him.