After Garant’s “extraordinary effort” for the U.S. team in the first round of today’s Nations Cup in Rotterdam, rider Beezie Madden; her husband,John, and owner Abigail Wexner have decided to withdraw him from consideration for the US Olympic Team.
“We all believe strongly in Garant’s future as a championship horse, but know it’s not the right time for him yet. We hated to let our country and teammates down today, but the only thing more important than the team is the horse,” said a statement from John Madden Sales..
“I love Garant and wouldn’t trade him for any other horse in the world. He is healthy and sound, but just is not quite ready for what the Olympics would ask of him. We have to put his best interests first,” said Beezie, who has ridden on every U.S. Olympic team since 2004..
She had a rail and a time fault for a total of 5 in the first round, and did not return from the second round. Teammates Adrienne Sternlicht (Benny’s Legacy) and McLain Ward (Contagious) both were clean in the first round but had eight penalties in the second. Rookie Lucy Deslauriers came through with a double-clear on Hester as the U.S. finished seventh with the Dutch team claiming the win.
Rotterdam is the last trial for the U.S. squad, which is slated to be named in a few days. At the moment, Kent Farrington and Laura Kraut look like a lock for the team. It would be hard not to include someone as experienced as McLain, even if his horse has had a few bobbles. The big question is whether Jessie Springsteen will get the nod or now, given her Rotterdam performance, Lucy is put on board. The team is three members with a traveling alternate who can be substituted during certain times in the competition. Show jumping begins in August, while the Games get under way July 23 with dressage and eventing on the agenda first.