Team stalwart ruled out of Aachen World Championships: ‘We have a responsibility to make the best decisions we can for him’
Canada’s Michael Winter and El Mundo will miss the Aachen World Championships
Canadian eventing team stalwarts Michael Winter and El Mundo will miss the 2026 World Championships in Aachen (11 to 23 August).
Canada had two individuals entered for the eventing World Championships. Michael’s withdrawal means Jessica Phoenix and her skewbald five-star campaigner Fluorescent Adolescent will be the sole eventing combination competing under the maple leaf at Aachen.
British-based Michael, a three-time Olympian who has ridden at multiple five-stars, was part of the Canadian team with El Mundo (Roberto) at the last World Championships in Pratoni and at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The pair also helped their country to team gold at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago.
A statement from Equestrian Canada yesterday (4 August), said the 17-year-old gelding sustained an injury during his final preparations for Aachen and “is being given the time and care needed for his recovery”.
“The care and wellbeing of Roberto, and of all our equine partners, is paramount,” said Michael, who owns the horse with his wife Emma Winter, and Jonathan Nelson.
“The most important thing is that Roberto is here at home, being well cared for. Not because of what he has done for us, or what he may still do, but because he is a valued partner entrusted to our care.
“We have a responsibility to make the best decisions we can for him, always with his long-term welfare at heart and with the goal of creating the best possible outcomes throughout his career and his life.”
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.