Top dressage horse Blue Circle Boy retires

Paralympian Lee Pearson retired his Athens triple gold medallist Blue Circle Boy from international competition before the final selection trial for the World Para Championships (26 May).

The loss of 13-year-old “Gus” is a blow for Britain’s medal ambitions at the World Para Dressage Championships (18-22 July).

“The horse isn’t firing on all cylinders and isn’t at his best to represent Britain,” said Lee.

Anyone interested in loaning their horse to Lee for the Games should contact team trainer Michel Assouline (tel: 07850 639538).

Lee’s Athens team-mate Nicola Tustain also missed the selection trial; having damaged her coccyx in a fall, she is awaiting X-ray results. (Read full report in H&H, out on 3 June).

This news report was first published in Horse & Hound (31 May, ’07)

Sarah Jenkins

H&H editor-in-chief

Sarah has more than 20 years experience as an equestrian journalist and editor. She has reported from major championships including the Europeans and the World Equestrian Games. She has co-written books on equestrianism including The Complete Illustrated Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Sarah has ridden since childhood, owned horses and ponies for over 25 years, and worked for and trained with Olympic gold medallist event rider Leslie Law prior to going to university.