Misfortune knocks Canadian Eventing riders out of the running

Canada’s Ian Roberts had his best ever dressage test on Napalm yesterday. Greg Paull, Chef d’Équipe for Canada’s Eventers said that Roberts was “looking forward to a good round” on the Cross Country course today ­ but that was not to be. An unfortunate slip coming into the third obstacle resulted in a fall for both horse and rider.

Both are fine but under the rules, a fall for the horse results in immediate elimination. “I feel very sorry for Ian,” Paull said. “But, the horse is fine and Ian is considering the possibility of competing at Burghley (in England) in September. That decision will have to be made in the next 24 hours.”

Roberts said, “Basically, out of the Start Box I was too strong. He was strong going into the third fence…I said ‘come back’ and that didn’t happen. It’s something I should know already; I’m disappointed with myself. Physically I’m fine; mentally I’m annoyed. The horse has some scratches but fortunately is fine.”

Canada’s next and final rider, Kelli McMullen-Temple, was scheduled to ride Paris II later in the day. But, Paull said, “We scratched (withdrew the horse) from the class early this morning. We jog the horses every morning. He was examined by our veterinarian and there was no question that he wasn’t (quite) right. He is a young horse with a great future, so we decided to save him for another day.”

McMullen-Temple said “I’m sad that I’m not getting a chance to go out there. It’s unfortunate, but far better not to risk it.”

Both riders are looking forward to the Pan American Games in 2007 with these same horses. 

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