|
Articles: Press Release
Brentina Given Clean Bill of Health after Uncharacteristic Performance
at 2008 Olympic Games
Contact:
United States Equestrian Federation, Inc.
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY 40511-8483
Tel: (859) 258-2472
Fax (859) 231-6662
Web site: www.usef.org
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 15, 2008
By Joanie Morris
Hong Kong, China - After receiving the lowest score of her career
(63.00%), all of Brentina's connections were concerned that despite
training absolutely phenomenally every day leading up to the Games,
there may have been something physically wrong with the gallant
17-year-old Hanoverian mare.
"She's fitter and sounder than ever," said her rider of 13 years, Debbie
McDonald. "She's been schooling so well but she was totally different in
the ring than she was in the warm up. I was totally caught by surprise
when she started spooking in the ring. She got tense and tight and
became unrideable."
A thorough examination by US team veterinarian Dr. Rick Mitchell proved
that Brentina is sound and well further reiterating what McDonald had
said immediately following her ride.
"Brentina was thoroughly examined by a panel of three veterinarians per
our selection process prior to entering quarantine in Germany," said Dr.
Rick Mitchell. "Furthermore we had the opportunity to observe this mare
training twice daily for six weeks, and we evaluated the soundness of
all the team horses on a daily basis. There was never any question
during that time or now about any aspect of her soundness."
Dr. Mitchell also explained that per the IOC rules, he evaluated each of
the three horses one hour before their dressage test because a
replacement was available up until that time. Brentina never
demonstrated any evidence of soreness and lameness, and passed the horse
inspection prior to the competition without any question.
The plan has always been that Parry and Peggy Thomas' beloved mare would
be retired after these Olympic Games. The veteran medalist from 2006
World Equestrian Games and the 2004 Olympic Games has had her typical
phenomenal performances all spring building up to these Games. Her
performance in the ring here is unexplainable but everyone connected to
Brentina is happy that the mare is fit and sound and will live out her
retirement at the Thomas' River Grove Farm in Hailey, ID.
ENDS
Please contact Joanie Morris at: jmorris@usef.org with questions.
The vision of the United States Equestrian Federation(r) is to provide
leadership
for equestrian sport in the United States of America by promoting the
pursuit
of excellence from the grassroots to the Olympic Games, based on a
foundation of fair, safe competition and the welfare
of its human and equine athletes.
|
