‘Timing is everything’: eventing medallist withdraws from World Championships showjumping team
Marilyn Little and La Contessa will not be competing in Aachen next month
US showjumper Marilyn Little has withdrawn from the team for the Aachen World Championships as her ride La Contessa has sustained a minor injury.
US Equestrian (USEF) has confirmed that the 11-year-old mare and Marilyn have had to pull out; they have been replaced by Natalie Dean and Mr Boombastic.
“La Contessa sustained a minor injury in pre-preparation for the championships, and in prioritising her best interests, Little and her team have made the decision to withdraw,” a USEF spokesperson said.
Marilyn, who won individual and team Pan Am Games gold in eventing, switched her focus purely to showjumping in early 2024 when La Contessa joined her stable.
“Timing is everything,” she said.
“Unfortunately, Contessa has had a minor injury which has set back our preparations for the World Championships at Aachen. With the interest of my incredible partner in mind, I have withdrawn her from competition to give her any time she needs to rest and feel her best again.
“Though disappointing for today, I look forward to getting back in the ring with her when the time is right. It is the greatest honour to be selected to represent Team USA at a major championship and I wish USA Jumping very best of luck next month.”
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Natalie and Marigold Sporthorses’ 12-year-old gelding join Katie Dinan (Out Of The Blue SCF), Lillie Keenan (Fasther), Laura Kraut (Bisquetta) and McLain Ward (High Star Hero) on the team.
The US was not in the team medals at the last World Championships in 2022 but have won silver at the last two Olympic Games.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.