Rotterdam, The Netherlands—July 2
John and Beezie Madden announced today that they are withdrawing Abigail Wexner’s Garant from Tokyo Olympic consideration. Beezie and Garant competed in the first round of the Nations Cup at CHIO Rotterdam (the Netherlands) and ended with a score of 5 faults. They withdrew before starting the second round.
“We all believe strongly in Garant’s future as a championship horse, but know it’s not the right time for him yet,” said Beezie Madden/John Madden Sales Inc in a Facebook post. “We hated to let our country and teammates down today, but the only thing more important than the team is the horse.”
“I love Garant and wouldn’t trade him for any other horse in the world,” Beezie wrote. “He is healthy and sound, but just is not quite ready for what the Olympics would ask of him. We have to put his best interests first.
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“Fortunately, the short list for the US Show Jumping Team remains strong, and we have no doubt the riders and horses chosen will make the United States proud in Tokyo,” the statement continued. “All of us at Team JMS look forward to cheering them on next month.”
The United States finished seventh in the Nations Cup on a score of 16, and the Netherlands took the top prize on home soil. Lucy Deslauriers and Hester put in the only double clear for the U.S. The event served as the final of three observation events for selecting an Olympic team.
The U.S. Equestrian Federation is expected to announce the final entries for Tokyo on July 4.
