Will Coleman and Chin Tonic HS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.
Will Coleman and Hyperion Stud have made the decision to withdraw Chin Tonic HS from the Cosequin® Lexington CCI4*-S at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day.
Coleman said, “I’m sorry to say that Chin Tonic HS will be withdrawn from this year’s Kentucky 4*S. Chin arrived here after a great spring season and is in fabulous form. He’s sound and well, his usual happy and proud self. Despite his wellness, an issue in his carpal sheath has surfaced that could present the possibility of injury were we to compete here, and so we’ve made the obvious and responsible decision to pull him from the competition and explore this issue more fully.”
He continued, “With so much riding on this year, this may seem to have been a difficult decision to make. But it honestly wasn’t. It never is a hard decision to do right by your horse, and protecting them from a potential injury is a responsibility I take very seriously, regardless of our aspirations. Grateful to my team at home, my wife, Chin’s groom Erin Jarboe, and my vets Lisa Casinella and Tim Ober, all of whom have played such a huge role in getting Chin to this point in his career. I am especially thankful for Chin’s owner, Vicky Castegren of Hyperion Stud. She could not be more supportive of this decision, and her always horse-first attitude cannot be commended enough. It is truly an honor to ride for her, as it is for all of my incredible owners. Chin will be back, and I have no doubt he will better than ever when he does return to top sport. Thanks everyone.”
Hyperion Stud’s Vicky Castegren concluded, “We have spent the last 10 years protecting Chin’s health and well-being during his development to the top of the sport. In times when we are given the signs that the horse is not at its absolute best, we must listen. We have been given those signs and we have acted in accordance to what is best for his health and longevity as a horse and athlete. The incredible attention to detail and dedication by Team Coleman Equestrian and everyone involved is second to none and I am deeply grateful for their incredible care and horsemanship.”
Chin Tonic HS will use this time to rest and we look forward to watching Off The Record compete this weekend after a beautiful dressage test on Thursday for the Off The Record Syndicate!
