Belgian Grand Prix rider Simon Missiaen has been sidelined as his top and only Grand Prix horse Vradin has injured herself in training last weekend. The combination was scheduled to compete at the 2014 CDI Doha next week.
"This weekend Vradin felt super and ready for Doha and the season, but in the last training we got one wrong step and she got injured," Missiaen explained. "After a full check-up with our veterinarian team, we sadly have to withdraw from the next planned competitions. We can't take any risks in the run to the World Equestrian Games in August!"
Vradin is a 12-year old Dutch warmblood mare by Gribaldi x Michelangelo x Formateur. Missiaen acquired her as a 6-year old at the 2008 Performance Plus auction in The Netherlands for 82,000 euro.
"It's a minor injury but we will take all the time she needs," Simon added. "Hopefully she's ready again in couple of months for the trials in June and July. In the meanwhile we will spoil her as much as possible! I am very happy that everything will be fine but it's the ugly truth as a rider that if you loose your best horse that your on foot again."
Missiaen, who is the 2013 Belgian Grand Prix champion, is trained by Patrik Kittel.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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