LEXINGTON, Ky.--McLain Ward of Brewster, N.Y., has withdrawn Contagious for the Pan American Games  in Lima, Peru as the 10-year-old gelding sustained an injury and will be unable to compete at the Games.

This was announced early enough for a substitution to be made.

Lucy Deslauriers on HesterAs a result, Lucy Deslauriers of New York, N.Y., with Hester, originally named as the traveling reserve, will compete.

Richard Spooner of Agua Dulce, Calif., and Quirado RC will replace Deslaurier as the traveling reserve combination.

They join the following rider-and-horse combinations nominated for the Pan American Games U.S. Jumping Team, previously announced.

Alex Granato of  Wellington, Fla., with Carlchen W, Eve Jobs of Los Altos Hills, Calif., on Venue d’Fees des Hazalles and Beezie Madden of Cazenovia, N.Y., with Breitling LS, and Coach.

The show jumping team is already qualified for the Tokyo Olympics.

 

ENDEL OTIS of Wellington, Fla., and Lucky Strike will not travel to compete in the Lima 2019 Pan American Games as Lucky Strike sustained injuries during the team transport to Miami, from where the horses were to fly on July 21.

Following the veterinary assessment, the decision was made that Lucky Strike should not travel on to Lima.

The timeline of this turn of events makes it impossible to substitute a replacement rider-horse combination. As a result, the U.S. Dressage Team will compete as a three-member team.

“Lucky had an unfortunate accident while in transit to the airport. It is expected he is going to make a full recovery, but we have decided that it is not in his best interest to travel to Lima at this time,” said Ots. “Obviously, I am devastated. It was a goal of mine to compete Lucky at the Pan American Games, but my horse’s health is more important, and I know the team understands. They are a strong group, and I plan on making it to Lima later in the week to support them.”

It is expected the injuries will not have a long-term impact on Lucky Strike’s health and soundness.

He remains at the vet clinic at this time.

Ots and his team have demonstrated complete commitment to the U.S. Dressage Team and its success at the Pan American Games. US Equestrian looks forward to welcoming Ots and Lucky Strike on a possible future U.S. Dressage Team.

The dressage team is alsoqualified to compeete at the Tokyo Olympics.