As cross-country continues at Southern Pines and Poplar, the sorrow of Dekorum’s passing earlier today is with Eventing Nation. Dekorum was euthanized after fracturing her leg between fences at Poplar. Her rider, Michael, and the entire Pollard team are obviously stricken with grief this afternoon, but Michael asked me to pass along this brief note to Eventing Nation as a tribute to Dekorum.
From Michael:
As you may have heard Jane Rusconi’s fabulous home bred mare, dazzling Dekorum, was humanely euthanized following an injury sustained while I was competing her today at Poplar Place. Every member of our team, Nathalie, and I are deeply saddened by the loss of this fantastic horse and Friend. I am sure she was destined for much bigger things, but sometimes it is just not meant to be.
I would like to thank the officials, staff, and vets at Poplar for handling things in a very professional yet compassionate manner, and my fellow riders for all of the well wishes. Most of all, I want to send my thanks and condolences to Jane. She bred Dekorum and did so much of the work herself. Over the last couple of years she has entrusted her training to Nathalie and I, and we really appreciate that trust. I wish there was something more I could say or do other than just to say I am sorry and thank you for letting me be a part of Dekorum’s life. Unfortunately, not much else seems relevant or possible. We will try to forget this day, but we will remember Dekorum with fondness forever.
~Michael
