Wednesday, June 26, 2002

WEG Dream Dashed, Steiner and Rainier Look Toward 2004 Olympics, and a Different Summer Plan

So confident was Betsy Steiner of Rainier's ability to make the US Equestrian Team for the World Equestrian Games in Jerez that she made no other plans for the upcoming summer except to go to Europe to train and show in preparation for Spain. Steiner never envisioned how the trials would end - after placing 4th in the Grand Prix and 5th in the Special during the first weekend, and 6th in the Grand Prix on the second weekend, Rainier was withdrawn from the final day's competition and the WEG dream was over.

During the Grand Prix competition on Saturday, June 8, Rainier sustained a minor injury to the suspensory. Upon examination after his test, veterinarians assured Steiner that there were no tears to the fibers in Rainier's leg since the injury had been detected early, and that rest would be the healer, starting immediately; there would be no Freestyle on Sunday. Robert Dover, who rode Rainier in the Sydney Olympics and has stabled the horse at his barns in Florida and New York while acting as Steiner's coach, made the call to owner Jane Clark to break the news. Steiner spoke with her later that day.

Rainier is currently at a clinic in Connecticut near Clark's home. He is under the care of three veterinarians who will determine if he is comfortable throughout his entire body and whether or not he needs treatment in addition to rest. Steiner lives two hours away, but plans to visit Rainier.