SWEDISH rider Anna Freskgård sadly lost her mount Box Qutie yesterday following an injury on Saturday’s cross-country course at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina.

The 12-year-old Swedish Warmblood mare by Quite Easy, pulled up lame after the finish of the cross-country phase and was transferred by horse ambulance to Tryon Equine Hospital, the official referral hospital for the Games.

Soft tissue injuries were diagnosed and initially the mare was improving, but despite receiving the best veterinary care, her condition worsened yesterday due to circulatory complications.

As a result, the horse’s owner, Therese Örup, together with the athlete, groom and veterinarians, elected for euthanasia yesterday (Wednesday).

In a statement, the organisers said: “It is with great regret that we confirm that the horse Box Qutie (FEI ID 103ZC00), ridden by Sweden’s Anna Freskgård (FEI ID: 10047105) in the Eventing Championship at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018, was euthanised at 16.21 this afternoon.”

In line with the FEI Veterinary Regulations, a post mortem will be conducted. Samples had already been taken from the horse on cross country day after the injury occurred.

Box Qutie had been competing at international level since 2013 and had 34 FEI starts, including a win at the CIC3* in Strzegom (POL) in April of this year, one of 11 top 10 finishes in her career.

Anna Freskgård rode the mare as an individual for Sweden at the FEI European Eventing Championships 2017 in Strzegom.