The Dutch team for the European Dressage Championships has undergone two late changes as the substitute for an injured horse has also sustained an injury.
Hans Peter Minderhoud’s ride Glock’s Johnson, aka ‘Johnny’, had suffered an injury and it was decided it was not in the horse’s best interests to travel to Gothenburg for the competition (22–27 August).
“Glock’s Johnson lost a shoe at night,” said Hans Peter.
“We called the farrier right away. There is an inflammation in spite of correct treatment, and Johnson was clearly in pain.
“We had to make a decision and Johnny was not fit enough for the European Championships.
“It’s a lot of bad luck, but the horse comes first and we hope that Johnny will soon be on top of it.
“We wish the Dutch team a lot of success during the championships!”
Johnny has not yet returned to ridden work yet, but Hans Peter hopes he will do some World Cup shows this winter.
“And I would really like to ride him at Olympia this year,” he added.
Reserve combination Emmelie Scholtens and Apache were due to attend in Hans Peter’s place, but this combination were also forced to stay at home as Apache suffered a minor injury.
“I was, of course, very happy to go to the championships,” said Emmelie.
Continued below…
How to watch the 2017 European Dressage Championships on TV
Here’s how to keep up-to-date with the Longines
How to watch the 2017 European Showjumping Championships on TV
Here’s how to keep up-to-date with the Longines
‘He was getting better and better’: injury rules medal prospect out of Europeans
The horse had been on ‘such good form’
“It’s a huge disappointment. I noticed that Apache was not completely [right] during training.
“After examination it has been found that recovery of this injury requires a few weeks.”
Patrick van der Meer and Zippo will take Emmelie’s place on the Dutch team, joining Edward Gal and Glock’s Voice, Madeleine Witte Vrees Fear and Cennin, Diederik van Silfhout and Four Seasons.
