Lauro Aguilo has withdrawn from competing on the Spanish team at the 2013 European Dressage Championships in Herning, Denmark, on 20 - 25 August 2013. Aguilo was set to show his 12-year old PRE cross bred stallion Hierro (by Ferro x Biguero).
The Spanish Equestrian Federation stated that Aguilo's withdrawal was "at the proposal of the rider and because of unforeseen circumstances."
Aguilo's selection on the Spanish team was already quite controversial as several other Spanish combinations had produced better scores this 2013 CDI show season. Furthermore two Spanish top contendors -- Severo Jurado Lopez (Numberto) and Morgan Barbancon (Painted Black) -- were unavailable for team nomination because of various issues, including fitness problems.
Last weekend Aguilo and Hierro competed at the 2013 CDIO Hickstead in preparation of the Herning, but the pair scored only 60.149% in the Grand Pri as the horse appeared hot and tense in the show ring.
Luis Lucio, Dressage Director of the Spanish Equestrian Federation, told Eurodressage that "sometimes physical and technical matters are not the issue. Hierro is a very high quality horse, full of energy and power and at the moment needs to find a better level of emotional control. He has been out of competitions for a while and coming back is not always quick and easy."
At the moment there is no reserve pair appointed to fill up the vacant spot on the Spanish team.
Photos © Top Iberian - Risto Aaltonen
Related Links
Spanish Team Selected for 2013 European Dressage Championships
Spanish Team Announced for 2013 CDIO Aachen