Graphic courtesy of US Equestrian.
Tamie Smith has withdrawn Fleeceworks Royal, Judith McSwain’s 10-year-old Holsteiner mare, as her mount for the 2019 Pan American Games. She will instead ride her direct reserve horse Mai Baum, a 13-year-old German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell.
Tamie wrote on her Facebook page:
“I’m so sad to report Rory will be staying home while we begin our journey today. My heart breaks for Judy and my team who all have worked so hard to prepare the horses in the best possible way, but fate would have another plan for our girl.
“The risk of continuing her work would mean this minor injury could become more serious and Rory’s health and longevity is paramount. It’s truly been an honor to be named to the team on two horses and I’m very grateful to everyone who has been so supportive as we prepare for this journey.”
You’ll get ’em next time, Rory!
The updated team roster:
- Boyd Martin (Cochranville, Pa.) with Tsetserleg, Christine Turner’s 12-year-old Trakehner gelding
Direct Reserve: On Cue, Christine Turner’s 13-year-old Anglo-European mare - Doug Payne (Aiken, S.C.) with Starr Witness, an 8-year-old KWPN mare owned by Doug, Laurie McRee, and Catherine Winter
Direct Reserve: Vandiver, a 15-year-old Trakehner gelding owned by Debi Crowley, Jessica Payne, and Doug Payne - Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) with Mai Baum, a 13-year-old German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alex Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell
- Lynn Symansky (Middleburg, Va.) with RF Cool Play, The Donner Syndicate LLC’s 11-year-old German Sport Horse gelding
Liz Halliday-Sharp (Ocala, Fla.) and Cooley Quicksilver, The Monster Partnership’s 8-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding, are the traveling reserves.
The 2019 Pan American Games take place Aug. 1-4 in Lima, Peru. The U.S., Canada and Brazil are all seeking qualification for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games at the Pan Ams, and two team slots will be allocated to the nations that win team gold and silver. Get the scoop on the U.S. Eventing Team’s final preparations here.
[US Equestrian Announces Update to the U.S. Eventing Team for the Lima 2019 Pan American Games]
