[JER]

from the Telegraph:

Pippa Funnell's Olympic equestrian dream is over

Pippa Funnell, 43, is out of contention for London 2012 following recent injuries to her top rides, Redesigned and Billy Shannon. The former European champion, who won team silver and individual bronze in the Athens 2004 Olympic three-day event, said she was “devastated”, while British equestrian team performance director, Will Connell, conceded Funnell’s unavailability was a “setback”. The nature of the injuries has not been disclosed.

(I hope both horses heal well.)

And also:

Funnell had been vying for the fifth berth alongside Tina Cook, the 2008 bronze medallist, Oliver Townend, Lucy Wiegersma and Zara Phillips, although a further candidate has emerged.

Breisner revealed he is now considering the California-based British passport holder James Alliston, 26, who has won his two most recent three-star internationals in the US and is among the favourites for Kentucky at the end of this month.

[Blugal]

That's really too bad.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

That is too bad...

Although....also what great news for James Alliston! I will be pulling for him...it would be really so great for him.

[Toadie's mom]

Wow, that's heartbreaking. Won't that be quite the "tables turned" if James Alliston makes the team

[Carol Ames]

I'm sorry to hear that; what can we say?;except that is life with horses!

[Carol Ames]

Disappointment is part and parcel of equine sport; perhaps that is why the successes are so sweet

[vineyridge]

If she was one of many vying for the 5th spot, who are the guaranteed four? I can see WFP, of course, and Mary King, and maybe Nicola Wilson, but who is the other one? Piggy French?

[retreadeventer]

Yogi is a smart guy.

[FLeventer]

I feel sorry for pippa but I am so happy for james. Great news for him!

[GiantHim!]

But...

Even though James holds a British passport his rides are American - are they not? Don't they have to be British owned at least in part?

Just wondering about the rules as there were several high profile horses traded before the Dec 31st deadline!

[wanderlust]

But...

Even though James holds a British passport his rides are American - are they not? Don't they have to be British owned at least in part?

Just wondering about the rules as there were several high profile horses traded before the Dec 31st deadline!

India McEvoy is listed as the owner of Jumbo's Jake, don't know if James has part ownership... but James owns Parker outright.

This is great, great news for James. I was lucky enough to ride with him for a bit while I was in CA, and he is really just a wonderful horseman and exceptional rider.

[riderboy]

Wow, too bad about Pippa, I've always thought she was one fantastic rider. They need to rename "Eventing" to "Endless Heartbreak" Just gotta keep kicking on.