Pippa Funnell briefed journalists at the European Eventing Championships, Luhmühlen last week on the condition of her top horse Redesigned.
This fabulous chestnut, owned by Roger and Denise Lincoln, won Bramham last year and came fifth the Kentucky World Equestrian Games, but was then scratched on the eve of Badminton this year and has not been out in competition since.
“I’m a bit cross with myself really,” said Pippa. “‘Red’ has always had odd feet and I allowed myself to be encouraged by a vet to get a farrier to do some work on them.
“An MRI scan was not entirely clear about the cause. It’s possible it was a small ligament in the foot. Right now he’s working fine in an arena and feeling so super — part of me wants to go and qualify him at Boekelo and so on this autumn. But another part of me thinks, if it is a ligament, it’s better to give him lots of time, and to wait until spring to bring him out. It’s not as if he needs the rounds. I’ve no worries about [his ability round a course] at all. Those of us who have been in the game for years learn to be patient — I go by my gut feeling.”
Reflecting on the Greenwich test event earlier this summer she added: “For sure we all realise the one major draw back is the lack of any venue for the future, but I thought it was terrific. Having had a feel of it on the mare [in the test event] I really hope I can be a part of it next year.”
