WEG Dressage Elimination: JERICH PARZIVAL'S ELIMINATION by Louise Parkes (Photo Attached)

The Dutch Equestrian Federation has pointed out that Adelinde Cornelissen's gelding Jerich Parzival, which was eliminated during the Team Grand Prix Dressage competition yesterday at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky, bit his tongue during the dressage test and not in the warm-up beforehand as reported in yesterday's FEI press release. (See Photo in Full Article)

The Dutch rider and her horse were eliminated following movement number 5 (of 33), the halt and rein-back, when the Ground Jury observed blood in the horse’s saliva. The Dutch Federation has stated that photographs show there was no blood visible during the first four movements of the test.

Dr Wojtek Markowski (POL), the competition’s technical delegate, said afterwards, “The rule is clear, and it is written to protect the welfare of the horse: blood coming from the mouth is contrary to the welfare of the horse and the horse must be eliminated for veterinary reasons.”

Ground Jury President, Stephen Clarke (GBR), commended the rider for her gracious acceptance of the decision to discontinue her test. Parzival only suffered a very slight injury and the bleeding stopped very quickly.

Jerich Parzival shows the spot on his tongue which led to his elimination from yesterday's Dressage Team Championship at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky.Photo Courtesy FEI)

Please see the attached photograph to view the spot on Jerich Parzival's tongue.