Katherine Bateson-Chandler’s Alcazar will miss the final observation event for the Tokyo Olympic Games due to a minor injury. The pair was short-listed for the U.S. dressage team.

Bateson-Chandler wrote on her Instagram page, “So, some not great news. Unfortunately, ‘Lonzie’ has sustained a minor injury that will take us out of the observation event next week here in Wellington. We want to give him all the time he needs to heal and not try to push on at the risk of his future health. Of course, we are all disappointed, but we will live to ride another day! I’m so proud of my friends who have slogged away qualifying for next week and can’t wait to cheer everybody on. Forwards and onwards!”

Alcazar and Katherine Bateson-Chandler. Lindsay Berreth Photo

Alcazar, a 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Contango—Polina,  Ferro) owned by Jane Forbes Clark, has been a longtime partner for Bateson-Chandler. Most recently they represented the U.S. at the Nations Cup CDIO3* in Wellington, earning a team silver medal.

The mandatory final outing for the short-listed dressage riders takes place June 8-11 in Wellington, Florida. The Chronicle will be on site with coverage of the event, where riders will perform a Grand Prix test and a Grand Prix Special to music.