American number one Grand Prix rider Steffen Peters is on the mend after being hospitalized for pneumonia. The rider had to withdraw from competing at the last U.S. WEG team selection trial at the CDIO Aachen, but Peters was already automatically qualified winning the 2014 U.S Championships.
"Today is the first day, that I feel much better. I had no idea what pneumonia is all about. It was a scary lesson in a foreign hospital," Peters admitted. "Shannon is taking very good care of me and does a beautiful job riding Rosie and Legolas."
Peters acknowledged the help and expertise of Dr. Mark Hart, who is the U.S. team doctor.
"I can start with short 5 minutes walks tomorrow and I have his permission to get on a horse next Tuesday. Jenny (van Wieren - U.S. dressage director) and Robert (Dover - team trainer) have been extremely supportive as well. Robert made several runs for medication in the middle of the night and Jenny always made time for me when I needed anything as well."
Peters has been very grateful to his wife, who flew over from their base in San Diego, CA, to support her husband and take over the ride on his two horses.
"Shani, you knew that I could barely speak, but I don't think I could have put it in words anyway, how happy I was when you told me that you'll be here on the next possible flight. I wish I could tell you, how wonderful this felt," Peters stated, adding that "I'm not very big on giving advice, but if you have a high fever and your mother tells you that you will get pneumonia if you keep riding. Listen to your mother!"
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