Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker Withdraws From FEI European Championships

Michael Whitaker & Viking. Ph. ©St Gallen

Before the opening team and individual qualifier at the FEI Longines European Championships in Gothenburg, Sweden, Great Britain’s Michael Whitaker withdrew from competition with the 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Viking (Jacomar x Almox Prints).

On Wednesday, August 23, 2017, the two were set to represent Great Britain as individuals in the qualifying event, though concern regarding Vikings movements prompted Whitaker to save his horse’s efforts for another day.

Viking pulled a shoe prior to their commute to Gothenburg, and it is believed that that initial event may have been the cause of his discomfort. The gelding was held at the first vet inspection on Monday, though he was given the all clear during Tuesday’s re-inspection.

William Whitaker and the 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood stallion Utamaro d’Ecaussines (Diamant de Semilly x Quidam de Revel) will now be the sole, individual unit competing on behalf of Great Britain.