Lexington, Ky.—April 25

U.S. eventer Will Coleman has withdrawn Chin Tonic HS from the Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S before the horse’s scheduled dressage time. 

Chin Tonic HS, a 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse (Chin Champ—Wildera, Quinar Z) owned by Hyperion Stud, was one of three horses Coleman planned to compete in the four-star this year. The gelding placed 11th in the five-star at Kentucky in 2023.

“Chin arrived here after a great spring season and is in fabulous form. He’s sound and well, his usual happy and proud self. Despite his wellness, an issue in his carpal sheath has surfaced that could present the possibility of injury were we to compete here, and so we’ve made the obvious and responsible decision to pull him from the competition and explore it more fully,” Coleman said in a press release. 

“With so much riding on this year, this may seem to have been a difficult decision to make. But it honestly wasn’t,” he continued. “It never is a hard decision to do right by your horse, and protecting them from a potential injury is a responsibility I take very seriously, regardless of our aspirations.” 

Chin Tonic HS was expected to go down centerline Friday morning. Coleman is sitting in second place with Diabolo (29.9 penalties) and third with Off the Record (30.1) after the first day of dressage in the four-star competition. 

Coleman went on to thank his wife, Katie Coleman, groom Erin Jarboe, and veterinary team, Lisa Casinella and Tim Ober. He also thanked Chin Tonic’s owner, Vicky Castegren of Hyperion Stud. 

“Chin will be back, and I have no doubt he will be better than ever when he does return to top sport,” Will said. 

Chin Tonic HS won the $100,000 Conceal Grand Prix Eventing Showcase at Bruce’s Field in Aiken, South Carolina, last month.

“We have spent the last 10 years protecting Chin’s health and well-being during his development to the top of the sport. In times when we are given the signs that the horse is not at its absolute best, we must listen,” said Castegren in the release. “We have been given those signs, and we have acted in accordance to what is best for his health and longevity as a horse and athlete. The incredible attention to detail and dedication by Team Coleman Equestrian and everyone involved is second to none, and I am deeply grateful for their incredible care and horsemanship.”

The Chronicle is on-site at the Kentucky Horse Park with two reporters to bring you everything you need to know at coth.com, so you don’t have to miss a minute of the action. You can find all of our coverage from the week here. You can also follow along on Instagram and Facebook. Be sure to read our May 20 issue for more in-depth coverage and analysis of the event.