Tim Price’s top four-star ride, Wesko, is out of contention for the Olympics.
The 13-year-old gelding sustained a “significant soft tissue injury” earlier this month and will be out of action for the rest of the season.
Kiwi event rider Tim and Wesko (“Dash”) were victorious at Luhmühlen in 2014 and were placed second at Rolex Kentucky last year.
“What a year for him to pick to get an injury,” Tim said in an interview with NZ Horse & Pony.
“Last week I was in a terrible state; it felt life-changing. But now I’m at that stage of accepting it. I can’t do anything else. It happens with horses and I’ve had a really good run.
“He has gone his whole life so far 100% injury-free. It’s really poor timing, and it is not cool for the team, and not cool for me either, but it is what it is.”
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Tim has other Olympic prospects in his string.
Bango, who he has entered for Rolex Kentucky (28 April-1 May), has a strong track record.
Kentucky will be the 10-year-old’s second four-star event after he finished 15th at Luhmühlen last year.
“He’s looking good and I’m excited about him,” said Tim. “He hasn’t learned how to win yet, but I think he is a very good horse. He’s just learning to focus.”
Tim has had Bango since he was three.
The UK-based rider is entered for Badminton Horse Trials (4-8 May) with Ringwood Sky Boy.
