Andreas and Blu Hors Matine Withdraw From World Cup

Word comes this morning from USEF that Andreas Helgstrand and his stunning gray mare Blu Hors Matine, withdrew from the World Cup (Dressage) after Blu twisted her pastern. The injury isn't serious and the mare would have likely recovered in time to compete, but she still showed signs of lameness in the trot-out prior to the event.

The pair stunned (see the video we have posted in the video section) World Equestrian Games spectators with their performances in the Grand Prix Special and the Freestyle, earning a silver medal. Both tests were nearly flawless. With a few more months of maturity (Blu is only 9), the pair was a favorite to bring home the gold in the World Cup. More importantly, though, spectators were looking forward to watching Blu Hors and Hegelstrand perform.

Contending for the medal from Europe are Isabell Werth, Jan Brink and Edward Gal, a crowd favorite in 2005, when he gave a spine-chilling freestyle performance that garnered him a standing ovation and a silver medal.

Also absent from the competition is another crowd favorite from 2005, Debbie McDonald and Brentina. The mare didn't perform up to par in Aachen in September at the World Games. In 2005, McDonald and Brentina rode their freestyle to Brick House, and were clearly favored for the gold or silver. She garnered the bronze.