William Fox-Pitt, Harry Meade and Nicola Wilson have all withdrawn from consideration for the European Championships, owing to injury and fitness issues.
William and Little Fire (pictured), Harry and Away Cruising and Nicola and Bulana have been replaced in the nominated entries for the event in Luhmühlen (28 August to 1 September) by Ben Hobday with Shadow Man, Imogen Murray with Ivar Gooden, and Izzy Taylor with PSH Gazelle.
“Sadly, Little Fire managed to bruise a hind cannon bone after Badminton,” said William. “There is no ligament or tendon damage to be found but he now needs to have an easy time, meaning he will miss any opportunity of Europeans selection. He is a young horse with lots to look forward to, and I’m hoping the disappointment will be very short-lived.”
Harry said Away Cruising had missed some work, and the championships will “come too soon” for him.
“We’re considering his options for the rest of the season, but with the Olympics next year in mind, our priority is to have him in the best possible form in the spring,” he said. “It’s a great shame, but we’ll be cheering on the Brits at the Europeans next month.”
Nicola said having to withdraw was a “huge disappointment”, for Bulana and her owners, James and Jo Lambert.
“But due to multiple fractures in my neck sustained in a fall from a young horse in Arville, I’m sadly unable to compete for the rest of this season,” she said. “I’d like to thank my owners, the World Class staff, my home staff and my family, friends and the eventing community for all their support, and look forward to getting back out again next season after a busy winter preparing.”
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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.
