A second freak accident struck one of Britain’s show jumping team horses at Aachen.
During the closing ceremony, Damian Charles’s (pictured) St Honore’s Liquido became upset by dressage horses nearby. The 12-year-old Hanoverian, who was being ridden by Richard Davenport in the parade, reared up and fell on one side.
Although Liquido, who is owned by Julia Lee, trotted up sound at Newmarket, X-rays revealed that the vertebra nearest to his tail is fractured and a fragment of bone chipped off the adjoining one.
“The vet explained that the treatment is rest and gradually increased walking,” says Damian.
However, Liquido then suffered a serious attack of colic.
“His food had passed through the intestine but got stuck in the rectum because he was unable to strain,” says Damian. “But if he can keep going until next weekend, he’ll have hopefully turned the corner.”
The liver chestnut gelding has been moved to John Walmsley’s specialist clinic at Liphook. Damian had jumped him at only fouroutdoor shows since he took over the ride in November, and the pair was on the winning Lisbon Nations Cup team last month.
St Honore’s Liquido is making good progress following his severe colic attack. His owner, Julia Lee, reports that he has been given “an excellent chance of recovery”.
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