British junior rider Gaby Lucas has been forced to withdraw her horse Laurentius from competing on the British team at the 2013 European Junior Riders Championships which are set to start in Compiegne, France next Tuesday 10 June 2013.
The 17-year old Lucas cited "veterinary reasons" for her withdrawal from the team. She was set to ride Laurentius, a 18.1 hh standing 14-year old Hanoverian gelding by Lauries Crusador xx x World Cup I. The Lucas family acquired the bay giant from Danish Cecilie Stengelshøj Madsen in February 2012.
Selector Islay Aunty commented; “It’s a tough call at such a late stage but Gabrielle has accepted the circumstances with much courage and grace knowing that it was in her horse’s best interests and for the rest of the team. Georgia and her support team have had a rushed 24 hours but are very ready for the challenge ahead.”
Lucas is based in Bentley Common, Essex, and is part of the British World Class Dressage Development Programme. Lucas and Laurentius competed for Britain at the 2012 European Junior Riders Championships in Berne, Switzerland.
The first reserve for the British junior team is Georgia Davis on the 10-year old Danish warmblood gelding Richmans Manta (by Richman x Martell x May Sherif).
Photo © Astrid Appels
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Eurodressage Coverage of the 2013 European Junior/Young Riders Championships
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British Teams Selected for 2013 European Junior and Young Riders Championships