George Williams' star mare Rocher will not be showing at the 2006 Festival of Champions, the final American Selection Trial for the 2006 World Equestrian Games. Williams regrettably announced that he is withdrawing Rocher's name from contention for the U.S. 2006 World Equestrian Games Team.
The 15-year old Westfalian mare Rocher (by Rolls Royce x Fruhlingsstern) has sustained another injury which will prevent her from competing for the remainder of the 2006 season.
"Once again, Rocher's care and recovery will be ably overseen by Dr. Rick Mitchell and his associates at Fairfield Equine Associates as well as by Dr. William H. Patterson of Good Thunder Veterinary Services," Williams explained. "We are extremely grateful for their excellent care of Rocher's injury which sidelined her in 2004 and are happy to report that she has fully recovered from that injury."
Rocher is owned by Chuck and Joann Smith of Gypsy Woods Farms in Richmond, Ohio, and George Williams has been her steady trainer and rider. In 2005, Rocher recovered from a severe case of tendonitis to return fully recovered to the show ring and win the 2005 U.S. Dressage Championships as well as the prestigious Dressage at Devon CDI.
"The prognosis for her recent injury is good and we are confident that under their care and guidance, Rocher will successfully return to the competition arena as she did in 2005," Williams added.
Photos copyrighted: Astrid Appels/ Eurodressage
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