Austrian Grand Prix rider Diana Porsche has withdrawn from competing Di Sandro at the 2017 European Under 25 Championships which are hosted in Lamprechtshausen, Austria, on 30 August - 3 September 2017. Her horse is not fit.
The 21-year old Porsche was the kur bronze medal winner at the inaugural 2016 European U25 Championships in Hagen. This year she competed in international U25 events in Wellington, Roosendaal, Rotterdam and Aachen. At this show she finished 11th twice and then withdrew from the freestyle.
The combination has now been withdrawn from competing at the 2017 European Under 25 Championships, which are held on home turf.
"Di Sandro OLD is not fit and we can't seem to find the cause. He has been treated and reacted well to it, but due to the heavy training, it worsened again. He is now on his way to the clinic," said Porsche. "Of course I'm very sad but the welfare of my horses is primary and I hope he'll be healthy again soon."
Di Sandro is a 14-year old Oldenburg gelding by De Niro x Sandro. Porsche is based with her own yard in Salzburg, Austria, and trains with Leida Collins-Strijk.
Porsche's spot on the Austrian U25 team will not be filled. Austria will be represented by a team of three including Karoline Valenta, Franziska Fries and Timna Zach.
Photo © Astrid Appels
Related Links
Eurodressage Coverage of the 2017 European Under 25 Championships
Austrian Team Selected for 2017 European Under 25 Championships