“Nothing but a Small Wound”: 7x Olympic Gold Medalist Equestrian Opened Up on Facing Elimination Due to Horse Bleeding Once

G.O.A.T. equestrian, Isabell Werth’s decorated athletic career boasts of 12 Olympic medals – a record in the community. However, a compelling race in 2022, once brought out disappointing results due to a simple yet concerning issue with her stallion, Quantaz. Hence, she was disqualified from the race while the overwhelmed spectators witnessed a disappointing sight. 

In an article by Archysport, Werth’s horse suffered an injury at the Dhe CHIO Aachen, a celebrated festival of the sport. Her stallion’s mouth was wounded ahead of a race that ultimately marked the champion’s exit. Here’s what went down. 

Isabell Werth’s ill-fated defeat

According to the article, the 53-year-old athlete started off last in the arena, despite the lucrative predictions of racing her team to victory. Sadly, she couldn’t finish the race while Danish event-rider, Cathrin Dufour aced the 2022 Grand Prix Special. As Quantaz unleashed his power, galloping ahead in twos, the chief judge Susanne Baarup halted his stride. The stallion’s nose was bleeding after the Danish official rubbed it with a bright cloth. “I thought maybe I’d made a mistake…It’s nothing but a small wound on the inside,” Werth claimed.

Therefore, the incident led to the German athlete’s disqualification, a precautionary measure of the sport regardless of the severity of the injury. On the other side, Dufour held the final outcome for her team after she rode to glory with a marvelous gelding, Vamos Amigos. Interestingly, Monica Theodorescu, a national trainer iterated that all seemed fine during the routine checks ahead of the exam. 

Read More: Dutch Rider Eliminated From European Dressage Championship After Blood Spotted on Horse’s Mouth

However, she didn’t contest the judge’s decision and said, “that happens sometimes.”,  denoting that the decision was in compliance with equestrian rules. Interestingly, Werth’s immense success in the field is no stranger to subsequent losses as well. 

The sport’s specifics form the fundamental pillars of the game and thus, make the outcomes of even the most predictable races incalculable. What is your view of the equestrian rulebook? Let us know in the comments. 

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