Dutch rider Imke Schellekens-Bartels made the difficult decision to withdraw Sunrise from the Olympic dressage competition prior to the Grand Prix Special. Schellekens-Bartels and Sunrise helped the Dutch take team silver with a Grand Prix test that scored 70.87 percent. She was ranked fifth in the Grand Prix individually, though riders will start the Special and freestyle for the individual competition with a clean slate.
“I can’t believe it. The injury must have developed during the [Grand Prix team] competition on Thursday [Aug. 14],” said Schellekens-Bartels. “Before, she was 100 percent in order. But afterwards, we noticed a small problem that could well develop into something bigger and could harm the horse. This is the last thing I would want.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Schellekens-Bartels, 31, placed fourth at the 2008 FEI World Cup Dressage Finals (Sweden) and was considered a strong contender for an individual medal with Sunrise, 14. Australian rider Hayley Beresford will now compete in the Special on the Lusitano Relampago.
