Jessica and Pavarotti at the 2013 WEG test event at Le Pin
Following an injury sustained during training, A Little Romance (A Fine Romance x Donaufurst), a nine-year-old Canadian-bred Thoroughbred Trakehner cross owned by Donald and Anita Leschied and ridden by Jessica Phoenix, has been withdrawn from the Canadian Eventing Team nominated to compete at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) 2014 in Normandy, FRA, August 23 - September 7, 2014.
It is expected that A Little Romance will make a full recovery.
"This past Friday A Little Romance was completing her last gallop prior to leaving for the WEG when she pulled a shoe causing her foot to abscess," said Jessica Phoenix of Uxbridge, ON. "Don and Anita Leschied and I feel it's in A Little Romance's best interest to withdraw her from the WEG as she heals from this injury. We want to thank Equine Canada for their diligence, assistance and support in handling this situation and for giving A Little Romance the opportunity to represent Canada. This horse has an amazing future ahead of her and we are excited to see her back in competition in the near future."
Following the Selection Procedure, the alternate Pavarotti (Pavarotti vd Helle x Foxiland), a 12-year-old Westphalian gelding owned by Don J. Good and ridden by Jessica Phoenix, has been selected by the Canadian Eventing High Performance Committee to replace A Little Romance.
The team trains under the leadership of Clayton Fredericks, International Technical Advisor. Eventing chef d'équipe, Jacky Green, team veterinarian, Dr. Christiana Ober, team manager, Fleur Tipton, stable manager, Max Corcoran, team farrier, Randy Pawlak and team therapist, Jo Ann Wilson will accompany and provide support to the team throughout the Games.
