Mary King’s top horses out for rest of season
Mary King has announced Imperial Cavalier and Kings Temptress will both miss the autumn eventing season due to minor tendon injuries.
The 6-time Olympian has had a hard time during the past couple of months. She was knocked unconscious in a heavy fall from Kings Temptress at Salperton Horse Trials (22 June). A fortnight later she had a fall from Imperial Cavalier when exiting the second water complex at Barbury Horse Trials (4-7 July).
Following these tumbles selectors did not include Mary on the European Championships squad, opting to try out new, younger combinations instead.
Mary, 52, said: “I am having a bit of a low spot at the moment.
“Gosh, the ups and downs of this sport are hard. Mind you, I’ve been at it long enough so should know that’s how it goes!
“I always say to people to keep your chin up when you are having a down time and enjoy the good times to the full, as they won’t last for ever!”
The injuries to Imperial Cavalier and Kings Temptress mean that Mary does not have a ride for the British Open Championships at Gatcombe (2-4 August) or Burghley Horse Trials (5-8 September). However Mary will still be competing at Gatcome as she has MHS King Joules and Cavalier Venture in the intermediate championships.
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Sophia Heath joined Horse & Hound in July 2013 having previously worked for the Daily Telegraph's Olympics website, CNN International and Omnisport. A Durham graduate with a Masters in journalism from City University, Sophia has evented, showjumped and hunted. Sophia left Horse & Hound in early 2015 to join an international boating website.