Tragedy for Harry Meade at World Equestrian Games
Team silver provided mixed emotions with the loss of Wild Lone ridden by Harry Meade following cross country phase on Saturday. After jumping a clear round with 26.4 time penalties, he was in 24th place crossing the finish line.
Click here for an audio interview with Harry
“What I can say is that the team vet was with the horse, as were many other vets, and by the time I got there, it was clear that all that could be done was being done, and it was being handled in a very professional manner,” he said.
“I am really devastated by what happened,” said Meade. “I felt that the course was a really good course. I would be very sad if anyone were to draw any incorrect conclusions and feel that the tough nature of the competition in any way contributed towards what happened. From the feel I had on the horse, it wasn’t connected.”
“My sympathies are with the owners of the horse, Peter and Charlotte Opperman, who have been great supporters of me over the years and also the sport of eventing. My thoughts are with my groom Jess Errington who has devoted her life to looking after Wild Lone – he was the most important thing in her life.”
A post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death as per FEI Veterinary Regulations.
The 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding had been with Harry since he was a 4 year old and the pair knew each other extremely well forming a partnership that took them right through every level to compete at the World Equestrian Games this weekend. Harry received team silver with his fellow team mates yesterday while the crowd showed their support in overwhelming sound and applause for Wild Lone.
Category: Eventing, International, News
