Daniel Pinto and Santurion de Massa have withdrawn from competing on the Portuguese team at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, U.S.A. on 12 - 15 September 2018.
Pinto's 12-year old Portuguese Sport Horse bred Santurion de Massa (by Munchhausen x Estoiro) is not fit to compete.
To achieve its team qualification for Tryon, Pinto and Santurion competed at four CDI's this 2018 show season. They won the shows in Toledo, Cascais and Ponte de Lima, but at their last competition, the 2018 CDIO Aachen in July, they were eliminated from the test as Santurion was unlevel.
"After Aachen CDI5*, Santurion remained in Germany to receive top veterinary assistance. Although we witnessed a fast track recovery, Daniel Pinto concluded that his equine partner does not fulfill, at the moment, the conditions required to represent the Portuguese colors in the World Equestrian Games, Tyron - USA," Pinto's team stated.
Pinto publicly announced his withdrawal on Monday night 27 August 2018.
"The decision was taken this morning (Monday 27 August), after a meeting with a professional multidisciplinary team," Pinto stated. The long-time Portuguese team rider will not go to Tryon himself. He wants "to provide Santurion the time needed to return to the competition stage in top physical and psychological conditions. This decision was taken with the utmost respect for all Portuguese team members, who will represent our country at the highest level, with talent and mastery."
The team reserve pair, Rodrigo Torres and Fogoso, will not be substituting for the combination.
"It’s too short notice to take the horse from Portugal to Belgium on time for the flight. The horse is only 8, and it would be a very hard trip for him to do without resting during the trip. We were ready until 25 August. After that, it was agreed with our Federation it would be too short to travel. From Portugal it’s a 3 day trip by lorry aside the flight," said Torres' wife Maria Amaral.
"We have great hopes for Fogoso’s future and we know he is a very young Grand Prix horse. So we are thinking about his well-being when taking this difficult decision of not going to the WEG. He is always our main priority," Amaral added.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2018 World Equestrian Games
Portuguese Team for 2018 World Equestrian Games Selected