Reiber Withdraws From World Cup Final

The American Horse Shows Association announced today that dressage rider Cheri Reiber has withdrawn her horse G Tudor from the World Cup Dressage Finals in 's-Hertogenbosch, Holland being held from March 23-26, 2000. The 12 year-old bay gelding by Tudor, (KWPN), owned by Reiber, was presented to the veterinary panel on March 22 and held overnight for re-inspection. Reiber withdrew from the competition when G Tudor was found to be lame from the early development of a hoof abscess on the morning of March 23. The horse was not re-presented. Reiber commented, "I am completely devastated. I felt like I have let down the US. I was trying my hardest. I'm sorry it didn't work out, I was really looking forward to it." Sherry Frank, Assistant Secretary General of the AHSA, spoke with Reiber over the last few days as the situation developed. "I know how badly Cheri feels but of course this is one of those things that can happen with horses, as we all know," said Frank. "Alan Balch (AHSA President) was with me this morning when the news came in. We want Cheri and everyone else to know that there was nothing that could be done. Timing is everything, we're very proud of her and everything she has accomplished. We feel awful for her because she has worked so hard for this, and she certainly has not let any of us down." The Toronto-based rider who was accompanied by her trainer, Canadian Cindy Ishoy, has been advised by the vets to treat G Tudor with a wet poultice and give him stall rest for two days before a re-evaluation. The horse is due to return to North America on Friday March 31st. The combination, ranked 48 in the FEI/BCM rankings were due to make their World Cup Final debut. Reiber purchased G Tudor as a three-year-old and has trained him to grand prix level. They won the US League Finals in Washington to qualify for a place at the finals in Holland. For further information please contact: Jennifer Ward Media Relations Coordinator Tel: (613) 248-3433 ext. 133 e-mail: jward@equestrian.ca