Grandioso Sidelined Due to Injury, Olympic Start Uncertain

Dressage

Spanish Dressage News

Grand Prix stallion Grandioso has been operated on for a tendon sheath injury, which might jeopardize his availability for the Spanish team for the 2016 Olympic Games.

The 17-year old Grandioso sustained an injury to his left hind leg during transport to the CDI Jerez three weeks ago. The horse was diagnosed with a tear in the tendon sheath and operated on by British surgeon Bruce Bladon. His rehabilitation will take three months and a final decision on his fitness will be made in July right before Spanish team selection.

"The horse was in super shape going into the show in Jerez," Grandioso's owner Kim Boyer told Eurodressage. "How ironic is life, after all the travel he's done, to be injured on his way to a show two hours from home. We brought in a specialist who has repaired thousands of tendon sheaths, and he is optimistic that his chances are good for this summer. We'll take it month by month."

Boyer added that Grandioso will be officially retired if he's not fit for the Games.

"The program now, based on evaluation of course, is 3 weeks walk, 3 weeks in the aqua trainer, then back under saddle to regain fitness," Boyer explained. "We are hopeful to return to competition in July if all goes well."

Under Jose Daniel Martin Dockx, Grandioso has been one of Spain's anchor team horses, representing Spain at the 2012 Olympics, 2013 and 2015 European Championships and 2014 World Equestrian Games. Martin Dockx is the second highest ranked Spanish rider after Beatriz Ferrer-Salat.

Grandioso III is a licensed PRE stallion by Adelante x Sevillano IX which American Kimberly Boyer-van Kampen discovered in Spain in 2003.