Alexis Hellyer and Bluefields Floreno.
© Roger Fitzhardinge
By Equestrian Life
The trot up for the dressage at the World Equestrian Games took place today in Tryon, North Carolina (overnight AEST).
The draw for the Grand Prix has been released, and can be viewed here.
Alexis Hellyer and Bluefields Floreno were unfortunately sent to the holding box, and after trotting up for a second time were asked to re-present tomorrow morning before the Grand Prix begins. Good news for Alexis and her horse as they passed the trot up and are able to start as planned in the Grand Prix.
UPDATE: Alexis and Floreno have been conditionally cleared to compete in the Grand Prix, with the vet to watch the horse warm up before their test.
The main dressage arena at WEG.
© Michelle Terlato
The other three Australian team members — Brett Parbery and DP Weltmieser, Kristy Oatley and Du Soleil, and Mary Hanna with Boogie Woogie 6 — were all accepted after trotting up.
The AEST start times for the Aussie riders are:
Alexis Hellyer and Bluefields Floreno – 12.25am, Thursday 13th
Brett Parbery and DP Weltmieser – 4.45am, Thursday 13th
Mary Hanna and Boogie Woogie 6 – 12.34am, Friday 14th
Kristy Oatley and Du Soleil – 5.24am, Friday 14th
Grand Prix dressage draw for WEG.
Image: Maree Tomkinson
There was heartbreak for New Zealand, with John Thompson withdrawing horse JHT Antonello; the horse hasn’t been 100% since arriving in Tryon.
ESNZ released the following statement:
New Zealand dressage representative John Thompson has today made the heart-breaking decision to withdraw his horse JHT Antonello from the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.
“I am absolutely devastated,” said the 28-year-old from Hamilton. “This would have to be the lowest point of my competition career. I feel AJ is not 100% after being transported into Tryon, and in the best interest of my mate, we’ve made the decision to withdraw.”
The 17-year-old horse had full vet clearance to fly from New Zealand in July but failed to fire in his first competition on US soil at Saugerties in New York. AJ was then transported to Kentucky where he received specialist care. He was given the all clear by a top equine veterinary hospital and their training was progressing well.
“We did several Grand Prix tests under the watchful eye of a fellow international rider and everything was on track,” said Thompson.
However, since arriving at the Games, it has become clear something is not quite right and neither vets nor physios can pin point the problem. It was during training at the Games venue, that Thompson felt the horse was in discomfort.
“It is heart-breaking for everyone,” said dressage chef d’equipe Wendy Hamerton. “The horse looks a million dollars, but it is unfair to expect him to compete internationally when he is like this.”
The decision was made in consultation with Thompson, Hamerton and team vet Noel Power? ?Thompson extended his thanks and gratitude to the many who have supported him and wished his team-mate Julie Brougham (Palmerston North) and Vom Feinsten the best of luck for their competition.
“While this is not the end I wanted for our Games, I will take a lot of learning away with me and put that to good use in the future.”
Source: ESNZ press release
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