September, 26, 2006

Spanish Team Horse, Nevado Santa Clara, Retired in Protest Following National Championships

Owners: Horse Will Stand At Stud


Following the Spanish National Dressage Championships in Oviedo, Spain, a press release was issued by the owners of Spanish National Team Horse, Nevado Santa Clara, who finished 44th at the WEG, and 4th in the Spanish Championship.

After thanking the rider, the vets, the coach, the Chef D'Equip, and the Royal Equestrian Federation in Spain, the owners of the Yeguada Santa Clara state:

The motive for the retirement of the horse at the age of 12 and in a perfect state of health is the disillusionment and lack of motivation that the owners feel regarding the circumstances and results that were created by the judging at the national competition. "As much as we are aware that discrepancies in opinion between judges is somewhat inherent in this sport, there are particular times and circumstances in which the ruling of a particular judge, in addition to the horse's performance, can leave a permanent mark on the entire team."

"As owners we do not take lightly nor with frivolity the judging of such a pair as Ignacio Lopez and Nevado Santa Clara, not to mention the economic effort as well as the hard work that has taken them to this point."