Dressage star Edward Gal injured in fall
Top Dutch dressage rider Edward Gal has withdrawn from the World Cup leg at ‘s-Hertogenbosh (Den Bosch) in the Netherlands this week following a fall at home.
The record-breaking rider was due to compete on Glock’s Voice in the Reem Acra FEI World Cup Dressage qualifier (11-12 March).
He was also entered with his European Championships ride, Glock’s Undercover NOP (pictured, top), in the CDI4*, which would have been the first competition for the horse in seven months.
The combination — ranked 16th in the World — were last seen in action at the FEI European Dressage Championships in Aachen last summer.
However, they were eliminated after blood was spotted in the horse’s mouth during the grand prix special on 15 August.
Glock Horse Performance Center revealed on social media yesterday (10 March) that Edward had pulled-out of the competition.
“Today ‘Schenkie’ (Glock’s Sir Schenkenberg) was spooked by a tractor while Eddie was walking him in the indoor arena,” it said.
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“Unfortunately Edward fell off. He hurt his wrist and back. Therefore Eddie cannot compete in Den Bosch.”
Edward is not the only unlucky rider who has been forced to withdraw from the competition at Indoor Brabant.
Germany’s Isabell Werth withdrew her top horse Don Johnson FRH, with whom she is currently ranked World number three, after he injured himself in his stable.
“She will be visiting the show, but only as the trainer of her stable rider Beatrice Buchwald,” said a statement on the competition’s website.
Related articles:
- Aachen Europeans dressage: Netherlands win; silver for Team GBR
- WEG dressage grand prix: Edward Gal talks to H&H
- Totilas retired from competition
Fabienne Lütkemeier has also pulled out after injuring her hip after falling during training at home.
The German rider said nothing is broken and is hopeful her results so far will mean she qualifies for the World Cup Final in Gothenburg (25-27 March).
This week’s event still features a strong line-up, including Beatriz Ferrer-Salat, Hans Peter Minderhoud, Diederik van Silfhout and Patrick van der Meer.
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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.