For American team rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler the 2016 CDIO Aachen has taken an abrupt end. Her horse Alcazar developed a colic on Friday 15 July and had to be transported to the equine clinic where he underwent surgery.
Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar finished 32nd in Thursday's 5* Grand Prix class in Aachen with a score of 66.314%.
On Friday the Dutch warmblood slowly developed a colic, which worsened in the late evening. The horse was transported to the local equine clinic where he was operated on. The surgery was a success and Alcazar is currently in recovery.
"He showed signs of colic yesterday which explained a little why he was a bit lack luster in the Grand Prix.
Unfortunately he became worse and culminated in a colic surgery for him.
It was a long difficult night for us all but my boy is tough," Bateson stated.
The next five days will be the most critical for the horse in his recovery from colic and the operation. Bateson will remain in Germany by her horse's side and will only transport him home when he's fit for travelling.
Alcazar is an 11-year old Dutch warmblood gelding by Contango x Ferro. He is owned by Jane Forbes Clarke who acquired the black gelding for Bateson to ride in April 2012. He was previously named Alonzo and competed by Jonna Schelstraete.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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