Our Normandy 2014 WEG hopes dashed

Pluto Mio was in first place with both international judges in the dressage and looked great on the cross country but sadly was unable to compete in the final phase

 

We thought you would all like to know the outcome from Melbourne International Horse Trials, our last selection for the 2014 Alltech World Equestrian Games in Normandy.

After an amazing dressage test which our International judges gave Pluto 1st, only to have a lower score from our Australian judge to leave Pluto in 2nd overall. Then a spectacular Cross Country coming in 10 sec under time, Pluto took the lead. Looking fantastic in both trot ups for our selectors, a final trot up at 10pm saw Pluto lame. Of course all were baffled as to why he would be lame at this time hours after his run.

With much investigation Pluto unfortunately picked up a small thorn in his leg, we believe from a brush fence, which caused an acute infection. He will make a full recovery and it was just bad luck and bad timing. We would like to thank the Equestrian Australia team and vets for all their help over this period and John and Jane Pittard for all their support.

Of course we are all devastated at this time. We will now move forward and concentrate on future events and look forward to a campaign towards the Olympics in 2016.

We thank all that have sent messages to us, thanking you for all your support and we hope to carry the Australian flag in 2016.

Stuart Tinney and Pluto Mio