The Château de Versailles acted as the perfect scenic backdrop for the equestrian competitions at the Paris Olympics. Over 200 riders will be looking to clinch Olympic hardware for themselves. This is the only sport that involves an animal. However, a recent incident might have landed Team Italy and the Summer Games in murky waters. Emiliano Portale and his horse Future have been eliminated on the very first day. What could have brought this on?

After the duo completed their dressage test, it was soon discovered that the 16-year-old bay gelding had a smidge of blood in his mouth. Yet, Portale was given a point during the event. Post his contenting, the rider addressed the press confirming the horse accidentally bit his mouth towards the end of the test. As soon as they realized, he was promptly sent to the vets, who executed a thorough check. Even though Future isn’t seriously hurt, the two were immediately eliminated from the competition. But what does this mean for the rest of Team Italy?

Emiliano Portale and Future bid adieu to Olympic glory dream

Even though Emiliano Portale was unaware of the minor injury, he promptly made sure his companion was okay. Shortly after his interaction with the press, the FEI released a statement addressing this incident. “The horse, Future, ridden by athlete no. 13 Emiliano Portale (ITA), was eliminated during the eventing dressage test after blood was found in the horse’s mouth during the post-competition check on 27 July.” This abrupt outcome means the duo will not be participating in the Paris Olympics.

They further stated, “Elimination under this rule does not imply that there was any intention to hurt or harm the horse, but the FEI discipline rules have been put in place to ensure that horse welfare is protected at all times.” Does this verdict affect the entire team? No, it doesn’t! According to the eventing rules at the Olympics, their alternate rider can now contest as a substitute. But this comes with a few more cons.

Team Italy will have to bear 20 penalties for the substitution along with 100 more for Emiliano and Future’s elimination. The pair that will replace them are Pietro Sandei and Rubis De Prere. The Olympic debutants will represent their nation in the cross-country event tomorrow. Well, this is not the first time the sport has found itself in hot water.

Britain’s 3x Olympian champion faces 6-month ban by the FEI

Charlotte Dujardin recently stepped down from Team GB. During a training session back in 2020, it was discovered that she allegedly whipped her horse 24 times! This garnered several animal welfare organizations’ attention. Many asked to push for tougher regulations. PETA’s Senior Vice President even urged the IOC to remove equestrian events from the Olympic Games. Following that, Dujardin remorsefully stated that she made an error of judgment.

The 3x Olympian Champion confessed she was deeply ashamed of how she came across in the video. “What happened was completely out of character and does not reflect how I train my horses or coach my pupils.” She reiterated how she understood that this was a mistake. However, this resulted in a 6-month suspension from the FEI and her absence at the Paris Olympics.

This incident raises more concern for the welfare of the horses. After Emiliano Portale’s exit on day 1 of the competition, the odds against Team Italy are incredibly high. Now, with Pietro Sandei and Rubis De Prere replacing them at the Summer Games, they could pull their quest for Olympic glory off. How will they fare at the Paris Olympics? We will just have to wait and watch!