A big blow for the German team competing at the 2013 World Cup Finals. Kristina Sprehe's Desperados sustained an injury at the Gothenburg Horse Show early this morning and will be unable to compete in the Grand Prix, which starts at 12.00h local time today.
During a light morning schooling session, the Hanoverian licensed stallion Desperados (by De Niro x Wolkenstein II) strained a muscle and became unfit to compete.
German team veterinarian Dr. Cordula Gather explained that "Desperados strained a muscle. He will be taken home this morning for further evaluation in a clinic."
The 26-year old Kristina Sprehe was about to ride in her first World Cup Finals after a fantastic rise to the top of the world elite dressage riders with a kur placing at the 2012 Olympic Games last summer.
"It's sour and I'm truly very sorry for Kristina," commented German team trainer Monica Theodorescu.
At this point on the competition no reserve combination will be filling up Sprehe's empty spot. The next reserve in line would have been German based Canadian Pia Fortmuller.
Photo © Dirk Caremans
Related Link
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2013 World Cup Finals