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JERICH PARZIVAL by Louise Parkes

Lexington, 29 September – The Dutch Equestrian Federation has pointed out that Adelinde Cornelissen’s gelding Jerich Parzival, which was eliminated during the Team Grand Prix Dressage competition yesterday at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, bit his tongue during the dressage test and not in the warm-up beforehand as reported in yesterday’s FEI press release.

The Dutch rider and her horse were eliminated following movement number 5 (of 33), the halt and rein-back, when the Ground Jury observed blood in the horse’s saliva. The Dutch Federation has stated that photographs show there was no blood visible during the first four movements of the test.

Dr Wojtek Markowski (POL), the competition’s technical delegate, said afterwards, “The rule is clear, and it is written to protect the welfare of the horse: blood coming from the mouth is contrary to the welfare of the horse and the horse must be eliminated for veterinary reasons.”

Ground Jury President, Stephen Clarke (GBR), commended the rider for her gracious acceptance of the decision to discontinue her test. Parzival only suffered a very slight injury and the bleeding stopped very quickly.

Founded by Dr. Pearse Lyons, Alltech is a global animal health and nutrition company with 30 years’ experience in developing natural products that are scientifically proven to enhance animal health and performance. With more than 2300 employees in 120 countries, the company has developed a strong regional presence in Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle-East, Africa and Asia.  For downloadable press resources and information, visit http://vip.alltech.com/pressbox.

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), founded in 1921, is the international body governing equestrian sport recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and includes 133 National Federations.

Equestrian sport has been on the Olympic programme since 1912 with three disciplines – Jumping, Dressage and Eventing. It is one of the very few sports in which men and women compete on equal terms. It is also the only sport which involves two athletes – horse and rider. The FEI has relentlessly concerned itself with the welfare of the horse, which is paramount and must never be subordinated to competitive or commercial influences.  For further information, visit www.fei.org.

Media Contact:
Grania Willis
FEI Director Press Relations
Tel: +41 787 506 142
Email: grania.willis@fei.org