Dressage-News

AACHEN, Germany, July 16, 2016–Alcazar, Katherine Bateson-Chandler’s United States Nations Cup horse, underwent surgery for colic overnight and was withdrawn from the Grand Prix Special wrapping up the team competition Saturday.

Katherine reported that the 11-year-old KWPN gelding that she competed in the first round Grand Prix of the CDIO5* Nations Cup Thursday showed signs of colic Friday and after surgery was withdrawn from the Grand Prix Special.

Santiago, ridden by Dorothee Schneider of Germany to second place in the Prix St. Georges, was also admitted to the clinic suffering from colic, apparently caused by changeable weather from rainy cold to relatively warm. The nine-year-old gelding, though, did not require an operation and was expected to be released after two days.

Katherine Bateson-Chandler said the colic may have “explained a little why he was a bit lackluster in the Grand Prix” in which the U.S. was standing second behind Germany.

“He showed signs of colic yesterday,” said Katherine of Wellington, Florida. “Unfortunately he became worse and culminated in a colic surgery for him.

“So, sadly, we had to make the choice to withdraw ‘Lonzie’ from today’s competition in Aachen.

“It was a long difficult night for us all but my boy is tough! Please pray for him especially the next five days.”

In a post on her Facebook page, she said: “Thank you so so much to all our support staff, amazing friends and fantastic veterinarians. You all mean so much to us.”

Alcazar (Contango x Ferro) was bought by Jane Forbes Clark in 2012 for Katherine to compete.

The pair showed at Small Tour in 2013 in England where she trains during the summer with British Olympic gold medalist Carl Hester.

The duo began Big Tour in 2015 and have competed on both sides of the Atlantic, including on two American Nations Cup teams in Europe before this World Equestrian Festival. The United States is in contention to win the inaugural series of six events that ends at Aachen Saturday.