“Gutted Doesn’t Quite Cover It”: Mere Weeks Ahead of Selection Race for Prestigious Equestrian Event Experienced Duo Part Ways

Just days before their second anticipated victory, a splendid pairing of a rider and horse crumbles. The horses, eventers, and trainers are all occupied with practices as the equestrian events are in full swing across America. Even international eventers and racehorses packed their calendars for several Grade races across countries. In an upcoming international event, one of the eight pairs drew attention making their victory one of the most anticipated. Unfortunately, one of the two had to leave, which threw their equation out of whack.

Such incidents often highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport, with concerns about horse rider safety continually lurking in the minds of equestrian partners. Their story is nothing short of emotional, while participation is now in doubt along with the possibility of earning a medal.

Equestrian event loses its great pair

In September at the European Para Dressage Championships in Riesenbeck, Germany, British rider Sophie Wells and her 14-year-old horse Don Cara M planned for action. The grade V pair made waves last week when they were announced as Britain’s nominees for the championships due to their prominence as the most experienced of the eight pairs. Just recently, in response to her horse’s withdrawal due to injury, Wells remarked, “Gutted doesn’t quite cover it.“

The British rider told Horse & Hound that Don knocked himself after receiving 76% on the second day of Hartpury. She continued saying that it would take a little longer to recover and could not be fit for the race day. After Don was hurt, Sophie rode her younger mare, Diana, in the last day’s freestyle winning the class with 74.84%. Diana is currently in her maiden season of competing internationally. However, she is still included among the British nominees for the European competition.

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The pair previously gave strong performances for team selection, and they were one of Britain’s best medal contenders. They took home individual bronze and silver medals in the Herning World Para Dressage Championships the previous year. Despite Don’s departure from this year’s competition, The Lincoln-born and Don have a history of joint victories which makes them a formidable duo. Even though their alliance was unable to participate this time, they occasionally stepped in to clinch the wins.

Equestrian pair has a winning history

While their unusual drifting can be considered one of the sad moments this year, their race record needs no introduction to the fans. Don and Sophie worked together in various tournaments one of which was a mere first coincidental meet. Earlier in August 2021, Wells rode Don in place of usual rider C Fatal Attraction, who was deemed unfit after an accident before competing in the Tokyo Paralympics. At the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo, they earned Team Gold, Individual Silver, and Freestyle Silver.

Wells and Don share lovely memories that they have made together during the many years of participation. He was previously referred to as “Ferrari” by her, and she has just positive things to say about him. While they are missing from this event, Don’s recovery and their next race will still be a much-awaited event.

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