Anky pulls out of World Equestrian Games dressage | Horsetalk

Dutch dressage diva Anky van Grunsven will not be seeking selection for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky later this year.

Anky van Grunsven and Salinero. © Kit Houghton

Her top horse Salinero, injured his withers in his stable, and it is taking longer for the 16-year old Hanoverian gelding to recover. Van Grunsven said she did not have enough time to get the horse fit. it is thought Salinero was cast in his stable, causing swelling to one side of his withers.

Van Grunsven has also withdrawn IPS Painted Black from the selection process, following a light injury and inconsistent results throughout the past few months. She felt his chances of making the top five at WEG were small.

Her withdrawal still leaves the Dutch team in a strong position, with Edward Gal, Imke Schellekens-Bartels, and Adelinda Cornelissen, among the contenders.

• It is not yet known whether Van Grunsven will instead aim for a WEG berth in reining, following good results through the season. She placed second on Whizashiningwalla BB last Saturday at the Dutch NQHA reining show in Nistelrode, and rides this week in Veldhoven. She was named reserve champion at her first FEI event, the CRI1* Swedish National Championships in Bökeberg in April.