Dressage rider Briana Burgess has advised Equestrian Australia that she will be withdrawing from Australia’s dressage team for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) 2014.
Burgess’ long-listed horse La Scala sustained an injury prior to Australia’s second nomination event in Deauville (France) which prevented her from taking part in the competition.
With limited preparation time before WEG, Burgess has formed the view that La Scala's preparation for the Games has been affected to the point where the horse would not be able to compete at his peak performance level in time.
The 26 year old is disappointed to be bowing out of what would have been her first World Equestrian Games, but is optimistic for the future and will now focus on her training with La Scala in a bid to further improve the strong scores posted by the pair in recent times.
Burgess acknowledged the support she had received throughout the process.
“I’d like to thank Equestrian Australia, team vets, the appeals board, my family, trainer Patrik Kittel and dressage supporters. I look forward to supporting Australia’s dressage team when competition gets underway,” she said.
High Performance Manager Chris Webb said Burgess was a bright young star for Australian dressage.
“This has been an extremely difficult time for Briana and we acknowledge the dignified way in which she has handled herself. We look forward to seeing what her future holds in the international arena,” he said.
The Australian Dressage Team for WEG 2014 (in alphabetical order):
Mary Hanna and Sancette
Kristy Oatley and Ronan 2
Lyndal Oatley and Sandro Boy
Maree Tomkinson and Diamantina 4
