Sunday 01 August 2021
Horse is put to sleep
Drama overshadows Olympic riding
The Olympic Games are overshadowed by the death of a horse. The horse Jet Set of the Swiss rider Robin Godel injured himself during the cross-country ride of the eventing rider. The diagnosis is devastating, it has to be put to sleep in the clinic.
The Olympic equestrian sport in Tokyo is in shock after a drama in the cross-country ride. After an injury, the gelding Jet Set owned by Swiss rider Robin Godel had to be euthanized. The Swiss eventing rider was off-road when the 14-year-old jet set injured his leg at a water hazard. The gelding had not stepped on three legs when riding out of the water after the fifth last jump, and in the front right he no longer wanted to strain.
The horse was immediately taken to the veterinary clinic and had to be supported by helpers on the way to the trailer. An ultrasound scan revealed a torn ligament just above the hoof, announced the Swiss Equestrian Federation and the Tokyo Organizing Committee. The injury is irreparable and the animal is in pain, which is why the rider and owner decided to redeem the gelding. “The injury to the horse is not due to the rider’s fault or to defects in the area of the Seaforest Cross Country Course,” said the Swiss Association.
Godel had no chance of a medal at these Olympic Games. After the start in dressage, the Swiss was only 47th out of 62 participants. According to the association, the Swiss team will compete in the final competition tomorrow, Monday, despite the drama. Substitute rider Eveline Bodenmüller with Violin de la Brasserie will be used.
The first joint tournament between Godel and Jet Set was in February 2020. Until 2018, the gelding was on the road with New Zealander Andrew Nicholson. Godel and Jet Set finished 14th at the tournament in Luhmühlen this year.
Eventing is always overshadowed by deaths. The cross-country rides are considered risky, horses can fall on the demanding obstacles. It is not uncommon for the riders to be injured.
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