WORLD number eight, Swiss rider Steve Guerdat, has announced that he will be out of the saddle for the foreseeable future as he recuperates following back surgery - his second back operation this year.

A herniated disc led to the 43-year-old rider having emergency surgery in February, followed by a break from riding while he recovered. Guerdat was back competing in May, but experienced a reoccurrence while jumping at Dinard in July. He persevered and competed at the Brussels Stephex Masters in August, followed by the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ at the start of September, where he and Venard de Cerisy finished third in the five-star 1.60m CPKC International presented by Rolex.

In a statement on his website, Guerdat said: “Unfortunately I had to have back surgery again last Thursday… Everything was going well and I felt better and better since my return, my horses in great shape having obviously helped me a lot, but during the Dinard competition the pain came back at the end of my Friday course, it was no longer possible for me to ride and I went back for examinations which showed a recurrence.”

Despite consultations with numerous specialists around the world and trying several alternative therapies, Guerdat was told there was no alternative to surgery.

Guerdat’s team did everything possible to enable him to compete in the Spruce Meadows Grand Slam, which he didn’t want to miss.

“I went to the hospital as soon as I came back and the operation went well. I am now at home and here I am again facing a long convalescence. I can’t wait to get back in shape and I’m already looking forward to being able to put my horses back together and see you all in competitions, even if time is passing very slowly. In the meantime, a big thank you to all, it is a privilege to be able to count on such a team, such horses and your unconditional support,” the statement concluded.