Team USA Withdraws from FEI Endurance World Championships in Pisa

The United States of America have announced the withdrawal of their FEI Endurance World Championship team after one of it’s horses developed a fever.

A total of 31 nations will line up for the start of the FEI Endurance World Championship on Saturday 22 May, 12 of which will be battling for the team medals.

The horse, which has been stabled off-site (approximately 2km away) since its arrival, was investigated by a veterinarian before bloods were taken to identify the problem. Once returned the results indicated a viral infection, as a result, the team immediately put additional biosecurity measures in place to help prevent possible transmission.

A risk assessment was conducted by the FEI Veterinary Department and the Veterinary Commission which established there was no immediate risk of transmission.

I commend the USA Team veterinarian, the USA Chef d’Equipe and the Athletes for their professionalism and proactivity in addressing this difficult situation, which resulted in the USEF decision to withdraw the team from the Endurance World Championship”,

said FEI Veterinary Director Göran Akerström.

This is a really unfortunate situation for the U.S. Team and I understand their bitter disappointment, but this decision was necessary and is completely in line with the biosecurity measures and rules we have in place to avoid the spread of infectious disease.

The welfare of our horses must be put above any sporting goals and ambitions, and today the USA Team have done just that. It’s the right thing to do – and the only thing to do – for the safety of all the horses competing at the Event. We will continue to monitor all the participating horses closely to ensure a biosecure and successful championship for all the participating nations and athletes.”

The five USA Athlete/Horse combinations withdrawn from the Championship are:

Karen BINNS-DICAMILLO / RGS RAGNAR ZE MONARCH
Holly CORCORAN / POETE
Jessica DICAMILLO / JUST BELIEVE
Jeremy REYNOLDS / TREASURED MOMENTS
Cheryl VAN DEUSEN / HOOVER THE MOVER

Feature image for illustration only. Paula Muntala Sanchez (ESP), aged 21, riding 10-year old part-Arabian Echo Falls secured individual gold and also guided her team to gold at the 120km FEI European Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors in Rio Frio, Portugal on 3 September. (FEI/Endurance in the World)