Second horse euthanized after competing at equestrian games

Published 8:00 am Friday, September 21, 2018

Another horse that competed at the World Equestrian Games taking place at Mill Spring’s Tryon International Equestrian Center has been euthanized, according to a release from media representatives with the games.

The horse Box Qutie, ridden by Sweden’s Anna Freskgård during the WEG eventing championship, was euthanized Wednesday afternoon. The decision to put down the horse was made by its owner, Therese Örup, together with the athlete, groom and veterinarians.

The 12-year-old mare pulled up lame after the finish of the cross- country on Saturday, and was transferred by horse ambulance to Tryon Equine Hospital, the referral hospital for the games. Soft tissue injuries were diagnosed.

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Initially, the mare was improving, but, despite receiving veterinary care, her condition worsened Tuesday due to circulatory complications. 

In line with the FEI Veterinary Regulations, a post mortem will be conducted. Samples had already been taken from the horse on cross-country day after the injury occurred. 

Box Qutie had been competing at the international level since 2013, and had 34 Fédération Equestre Internationale starts, including a win at the CIC3* in Strzegom in April of this year, one of 11 top 10 finishes in her career.

Anna Freskgård rode the mare as an individual for Sweden at the FEI European Eventing Championships 2017 in Strzegom.

Box Qutie is the second horse that has been euthanized after competing at the event, organized by FEI.

Last week, a 20-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding named Barack Obama was put down due to kidney problems, after the horse had been ridden by Team New Zealand’s Jenny Champion during the WEG endurance event, which was canceled before its competition due to a number of factors.

WEG will continue at TIEC through Sunday.