Riders putting team before money in opting out of Calgary

THE decision not to send a showjumping team to the cash-rich Spruce Meadows show in Calgary next week was based on the desire to do well at the World Equestrian Games, according to Peter Charles.

The Hampshire-based rider said the trip across the Atlantic would have been too arduous with the games in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain, coming just days later. Accordingly, he said it was decided to focus on adding a world medal to the team’s 2001 European championship gold.

“It was a collective decision by the riders and the chef d’equipe Tommy Wade to save the horses for games. We are putting the team before money to ensure the horses are a bit fresher.”