Event horse on British long list for Rio Olympics ruled out with injury
Holly Woodhead will not be competing at the Rio Olympics this summer because her top horse DHI Lupison has picked up an injury.
“Luke” was one of 15 horses on the British nominated list for the Games.
“Writing this is possibly the hardest thing I have ever done!” said Holly on facebook.
“I am very heartbroken on behalf of all my family and team that DHI Lupison has picked up an injury so will be having a bit of time off.
“I would just like to say what a privilege it has been and how lucky I am to have a horse like Luke. He owes me nothing at all, and he will come back stronger then ever! It is beyond gutting for us all — to have been short listed for Rio was simply amazing and Luke deserved it in every way. I always say things happen for a reason.
“I want to wish the team the best of luck out in Brazil and go win us some medals!”
Holly, 22, shot into the limelight last year when she won the under-25 CCI3* at Bramham with Luke. The pair were then selected for the British squad for the European Championships at Blair and finished 21st.
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
This year they led the CIC3* at Bramham, an important British selection trial, after dressage and cross-country. They finished eighth after three showjumps down.
The remaining pairs on the long list are:
- Laura Collett on Grand Manoeuvre
- Tina Cook on Calvino II and Billy The Red
- William Fox-Pitt on Chilli Morning
- Pippa Funnell on Billy The Biz
- Kitty King on Ceylor LAN
- Tom McEwen on Toledo De Kerser
- Gemma Tattersall on Chico Bella P and Quicklook V
- Izzy Taylor and Allercombe Ellie
- Nicola Wilson on One Two Many
- Laura Collett on Pamero 4 (reserve)
- Tina Cook on Star Witness (reserve)
- Gemma Tattersall on Arctic Soul (reserve)
The final team of four and the travelling reserve will be named on Tuesday (5 July).
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.