Just before the 34 fence at the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event on April 28, Le Samurai, ridden by Amy Tryon of Duvall, Wash. and owned by Jerome and Rebecca Broussard of Whitefish, Mont. appeared to take a misstep. The pair continued a few strides to the final jump and finish line. After the finish line it was discovered that Le Samurai was injured during the stumble, having lost his supporting ligaments in his front left leg.
Le Samurai, affectionately known as Sparky, was given a mild sedative and taken to the Hagyard Equine Medical Institute for treatment. On May 4 the Broussard family announced that Sparky had been humanely euthanized.
In a statement on Tryon’s website they said, “From the outset we have been determined to give this magnificent horse the best veterinary treatment available, but only so long as the continuation of that treatment remained consistent with Sparky’s best interests. Regrettably, the veterinarians treating him have advised us that a successful outcome is not possible.”
Le Samurai made his Rolex debut with California rider Robyn Fisher in 2005. During the cross-country phase he took what Fisher described as an “unlucky spill” and fell at the double corners, eliminating the pair from competition and causing a hold on course. Both Le Samurai and Fisher were uninjured, but neither Fisher nor Le Samurai competed at the 2006 Rolex.
Some have questioned Tryon’s actions at the Rolex, continuing on after Le Samurai’s stumble, taking the final jump and cantering past the finish line. In an official statement, the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) stated that it was investigating an alleged case of abuse which occurred during the event involving Tryon and Le Samurai.
The Ground Jury collected written statements from the Fence Judges, the Sector Steward and FEI Veterinary Delegate, Dr. Catherine Kohn. They also reviewed the video and interviewed Tryon after the Sunday morning horse inspection. Following Tryon’s interview, the Ground Jury referred the matter to the Appeal Committee.
Tryon was disqualified from the event in accordance to article 164.4.5 of the FEI General Regulations which states, “In serious cases, immediate disqualification with one or more horses from a competition or from the whole event with a referral to the Secretary General (for referral to the Judicial Committee).”
“I am heartbroken at the passing of Le Samurai,” said Tryon. “Sparky was a wonderful horse and a gallant partner who meant the world to me. His loss has left me indescribably sad. I want to join the Broussards in thanking the veterinarians who tried so hard to save him.”
A statement from the United States Equestrian Federation said, “She (Tryon) has been an outstanding representative of the United States, both on and off the field, winning medals in many international competitions including the Olympic Games and the FEI World Equestrian Games. Amy is respected worldwide as a kind and generous horse woman who gives back to the sport, and an athlete of great character and principle. The USEF is prepared to guide her through the hearing process.”
Once the FEI has collected all reports and evidence, the case will be submitted to the Tribunal (the former Judicial Committee) and all the relevant evidence will be reviewed prior to any decision being made. As of the time California Riding Magazine went to press the FEI Tribunal had not released an official ruling on the case.
Since the death of Le Samurai two other horses died during the cross country phase of the four-star Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials in Gloucestershire, England.
Skwal, ridden by England’s Andrew Downes, finished the course but collapsed after leaving the main due to heart failure. The second horse, Icare D’Auzay, ridden by the experienced French rider Jean-Lou Bigot, broke a flag which severed an artery and despite emergency treatment could not be saved.
Although the FEI does not have the authority to manage and oversee national events, which are governed by National Federations, it has made several statements over the past month that they are seriously alarmed about the increase in fatal accidents in Eventing. To deal with their growing concern, the FEI has decided to formalize the Eventing Safety Cross Country Working Group into a permanent FEI Safety Sub-Committee. This committee will be led by international event rider and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) President David O’Connor. The Committee members will include Event riders, course designers and trainers from the leading nations.
The role of the FEI Safety Sub-Committee will be to analyze the figures, trigger specific investigations (i.e. specific combination of fences, analysis of riders or horses falling several times during a year, events with abnormal number of falls, etc.), and produce concrete recommendations.