Reserve rider Liz Halliday and Nutcracker are replacing Will Coleman and Diabolo on the U.S. eventing squad after Will’s horse–a replacement for his original mount, Off the Record–started experiencing discomfort. The switch was made just before the first horse inspection in Paris.
 Liz Halliday and Nutcracker at the horse inspection in Paris. (US Equestrian photo) “The last 48 hours have truly been tough for our team,” Bobby Costello, the chef d’equipe, said Friday, “but particularly for Will Coleman. Off The Record looked well (in) training camp, but Will’s direct reserve, Diabolo, continued to impress and was physically in such great condition, so we made the decision to place (him) into the team roster before moving to the venue. “Diabolo trotted up great prior to shipping from training camp and arrived at the venue happy and sound. Unfortunately, shortly after settling into stabling, he showed some significant signs of discomfort and the team immediately got to work to address a potential abscess in the right front foot. Team Farrier Beck Ratte, Dr. Susan Johns; Diabolo’s groom, Hailey Burlock, and Will’s wife, Katie, were so diligent and excellent in treating Diabolo and he did in fact trot up sound last night. “With that said, we felt after weighing the risk, it was not in Diabolo’s or the team’s best interest for him to move forward with the competition this week. We’re all just really devastated for Will and his entire team. It takes so much work to get to this moment and it’s just such an unfortunate turn of events. We’ve got to look forward though, and with that said, we’re heading into this competition with four very competitive horses, and l still feel very confident in this team’s ability to be successful here in Paris.” Click here for Saturday’s eventing dressage start times. Remember, Paris is six hours ahead of U.S. Eastern time, where the competition will begin at 3:30 a.m. Get bulletins and results on this website if you want to know what’s happening, but also aren’t enthusiastic about getting up before dawn to watch. Will Coleman, reflecting on what happened, stated on social media, “They say timing is everything. With how our last two days have gone here in Paris, that simply could not be more true. It has been a difficult 48 hours for my team and all of Off The Record’s and Diabolo’s connections. “I don’t have anything to say other than I wish all of Team USA the very best of luck this weekend. I will be here supporting them all the way through in what will certainly be an incredible competition at the most amazing venue I have ever seen. Go get ‘em guys.” It will be the first Olympics for Liz, who joins Boyd Martin and another first-timer, Caroline Pamukcu, on the squad. Nutcracker was eighth in the Defender Kentucky 5-star in April. “I’m feeling a lot of mixed emotions right now,” Liz said on social media. I
“I’ve been in Will’s shoes before and I know the pain and disappointment that comes with a last-minute change ahead of the biggest moment in your sporting career and life. I’m devastated for their team – they’ve worked so hard and deserve to be here.
“I always knew this was the responsibility of the reserve role, and Bali and I are mentally and physically ready to step in and deliver our best for the team. We’re 100 percent focused and prepared to head down the centerline and represent our country on Saturday. The USA have an incredible team here in Paris — we are ready to fight hard and give it our all.”
Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire are now the alternates for the U.S.
Changes for other nations’ eventing teams include Sandra Auffarth and Viamant du Matz, who are out for Germany, replaced by the first woman to win individual Olympic gold, Julia Krajewski, on her Aachen winner Nickel. Bertram Allen is out as Ireland’s alternate following injury to Pacino Amiro, and Darragh Kenny with Cartello. Ingrid Klimke will miss her fifth Olympics after injury to Franziskus, but like Bertram, she was an alternate. Sönke Rothenberger and Fendi are replacing her.
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