After helping secure the World Equestrian Games team bronze medal in dressage for the United States, Debbie McDonald has chosen to withdraw Brentina from the Grand Prix Special for individual medals due to a veterinary concern.
“She felt wonderful in the warm-up, but in the first extended trot I thought I might have felt something,” said McDonald. “I knew I had a job to do to secure the bronze medal and get us a spot in the [2008] Olympics. I tried to stay focused and not overdo it.”
But on the final extended trot, McDonald knew she felt something wrong. “Being the mare she is, she still came down the centerline with all her vim and vigor,” said McDonald.
On Thursday morning, Aug. 25, the day after the Grand Prix, Brentina had a bit of swelling on her right hind, and they suspect a tendon problem. “Our first concern is her, and we’re hoping to get it resolved soon,” she said. “We don’t know exactly what it is yet, but I’m hoping it won’t be too serious. It would be wonderful to do another World Cup Final in the Thomas and Mack Arena in Las Vegas [in 2007]. Her desire to compete is still strong, even though she is 15.”
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Team coach Klaus Balkenhol agreed that to do anything other than act in the best interest of Brentina would be wrong. “Brentina is a fantastic mare and a true treasure,” he said. “I’m so proud of Debbie’s ride yesterday, and I’m proud of her decision to withdraw. We look forward to the Special and potentially the freestyle with Steffen Peters and Floriano and Guenter Seidel and Aragon, both very solid horse and rider teams.”
Brentina and McDonald will remain in Aachen to support teammates Seidel and Peters in their pursuit of individual honors. She will return on the same van to Balkenhol’s farm in Germany, then ship back to the United States on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
The Grand Prix Special will be contested on Friday, Aug. 25.
