A LITHUANIAN eventer has spoken of his at losing his Olympic place after he did not gain his final qualification when he was eliminated at Luhmühlen Horse Trials (13-16 June). disappointment Aistis Vitkauskas was due to ride as an individual at Paris, as one of the two highest-ranked athletes in FEI group C.
Aistis and Commander Vg were contesting the CCI5*, trying to obtain their final minimum eligibility requirement (MER).
But they were eliminated across country under the dangerous riding rule - they were stopped by a fence judge shortly after fence 10abc, an upright to a ditch followed by a skinny flower box.
Aistis told H&H the warmup, in dry conditions, "went well", then it started raining heavily. He said that at 10a Commander Vg lifted well but in mid-air looked at the ditch, "froze" momentarily and did not lift his back legs fully. He touched the fence, but the MIM clip was not activated, and they cleared b and c.
This story is from the July 11, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 11, 2024 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
