A thorough examination by U.S. team veterinarian Dr. Rick Mitchell determined that Brentina is sound and well, despite scoring a 63.00 percent, the lowest score of her career, with Debbie McDonald in the Grand Prix at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong, China, Aug. 14.
 
“Brentina was thoroughly examined by a panel of three veterinarians per our selection process prior to entering quarantine in Germany,” said Dr. Rick Mitchell. “Furthermore we had the opportunity to observe this mare training twice daily for six weeks, and we evaluated the soundness of all the team horses on a daily basis. There was never any question during that time or now about any aspect of her soundness.”
 
Dr. Mitchell also explained that per the IOC rules, he evaluated each of the three horses one hour before their dressage test because team reserve Michael Barisone and Neruda were available up until that time. Brentina never demonstrated any evidence of soreness or lameness and passed the horse inspection prior to the competition without any question.
 
Parry and Peggy Thomas’ 17-year-old, beloved mare will be retired after these Olympic Games. The veteran medalist from 2006 World Equestrian Games, 2004 Olympic Games, 2002 WEG and 1999 Pan American Games has had her typical phenomenal performances all spring. Her performance in the ring in Hong Kong is unexplainable, but everyone connected to Brentina is happy that the mare is fit and sound and will live out her retirement at the Thomas’ River Grove Farm in Hailey, Idaho.