Following major concerns around Arko’s recent loss of form, particularly at Hickstead, the stallion was sent for medical tests, which found he will need to be rested until next year at least.
Results found a minor problem with his coffin joint on his near fore and an MRI scan also showed additional slight problems. Therefore Arko is on complete rest until the end of this year. He will be re-scanned at the end of October and following a satisfactory healing process, he should be back in work in the new year.
Joint owner, John Hales said he was disappointed that Arko wouldn’t be at WEG, but wished the team the very best of luck : “Obviously we are bitterly disappointed with this news… all we have ever wanted is for Arko III to represent his country at the highest level. But the plus side is that now we have found the reason for his lacklustre performance and this has at least enabled us to give him time for nature to repair the damage.
“It is inevitable with horses competing at such a high level of competition that these types of injury occur,” John continued. “We wish the British team well for the forthcoming World Equestrian Games and hope to rejoin them in the near future.”
