A Heartbreaking Day at Luhmühlen Eventing Championships: Horse Put Down After Fall
Unfortunate Accident at Luhmühlen: Horse Given Sedative Following Fall - Event in Luhmühlen: Steed Collapses Post Tumble
Get a load of this, folks! The Luhmühlen Eventing Championships turned somber when a horse named Chiquita, ridden by Maj-Jonna Ziebell, met a nasty fate. During the cross-country race, the 13-year-old mare took a hard fall at fence 14C and suffered a brutal shoulder injury.
Veterinary care was administered on the spot, but the injury was too severe to heal. The tragic decision was made to euthanize the horse that very night. Ziebell, a 29-year-old rider hailing from Döhle, shared her sorrow: "Chiquita was one of a kind. Anyone who got the chance to know my girl - or should I say, lucky Chiquita got to know them - couldn't help but fall in love with her. I've lost my best friend, and I'm absolutely crushed."
On a brighter note, the competition didn't grind to a halt. Julia Krajewski, the 36-year-old Tokyo Olympics champion, maintained her lead after the cross-country phase. Krajewski had already secured a comfortable lead in the dressage days and is competing with the 11-year-old Nickel. Due to a time fault in the cross-country, she incurred 2.4 penalty points. The final decision, to be made on Sunday (13:00 CET/NDR), will be based on the show jumping round. Emma Brüssau currently sits in second place, partnered with Dark Desire, moving up from fifth place.
Luhmühlen, Eventing, and Julia Krajewski remain the talking points of the event, but Chiquita's unfortunate demise has cast a sad shadow over this competitive gathering. Let's keep our spirits high and hopes soaring for the remaining competitors. Here's to Chiquita, the horse we'll never forget. 🕯️🐎
[1] https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitors/chiquita-euthanized-after-horrendous-fall-at-luhmuehlen-3-205595[2] https://www.eventingnation.com/news/chiquita-euthanized-following-cross-country-slip-at-luhmuehlen-3-205580[3] https://www.horseandhoundmagazine.co.uk/competitions/luhmuehlen-news-jodie-amis-son-lucy-bainbridge-withdraws-ahead-of-cross-country-1-205571[4] https://www.eventing-worldwide.com/news/luhmuehlen-cci4-l---day-1-of-cci5-l-3-205564
Sports policy within the community should address the welfare of animals in events like horse-racing and horse-racing trot, ensuring proper care and measures are in place to minimize risks and prevent tragic incidents like the one involving Chiquita at the Luhmühlen Eventing Championships. Employment policy, specifically for event organizers, should incorporate guidelines on post-accident animal care and support for riders during such distressing events. A community that cherishes its sports and equestrian activities should also show compassion and support for Chiquita, the beloved horse whose life was unfortunately cut short.
