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

Steiner and Rainier came into the Trials in a strong position - they qualified in fourth place with an average score of 70.524%, and their scores in the first three competitions proved they were certain to make the top six who would continue on to Europe. It's a hard knock to come from such a strong position of success with an attainable dream in place, only to have it be snatched away in a footfall. How is Steiner handling this blow and what are her plans now?

"This one's been real tough," said Steiner who has had other disappointments at Gladstone with her horses Unanimous and Giotto who also sustained injuries while there to compete. "Everything seemed to be so right. It's just really, really sad. I had truly hoped that all would work well, we could go to Europe and ultimately be members of the team for the WEG. Rainier is such a perfect horse for me. I thought this is really our time together - and there will certainly be other times - but it was sad. I was really hoping everything would go right."