At the Badminton Horse Trials, in the United Kingdom, a horse had to be euthanized after he fell on a section of the CCI5* cross country course. WSF Carthago was thoroughly examined, where it was clear he couldn't be saved. Read here why horses often need to be put down after a severe injury.
Fiona Kashel's top 5* horse, WSF Carthago, had to be euthanized after he suffered an irreparable injury at Badminton Horse Trials. On Sunday, May 7, he fell with his rider on the 26th obstacle of the CCI5* Cross Country, after which he was cared for by several veterinarians. At the end of the competition, on Monday, May 8, Badminton Horse Trials issued the following statement, "The cross-country suffered a sad consequence with the injury to WSF Carthago, owned by Frank Breach. WSF Carthago was treated at the Badminton veterinary clinic and then hospitalized. During surgery it became clear that due to the extent of the injury a successful recovery could not be guaranteed. Our sympathy goes out to the entire team."
The 13-year-old gelding was bred in Ireland and came in second on the course designed by Eric Winter. The duo went flawlessly over the jumps until the 26th obstacle, where WSF Carthago injured himself. Along the side of the course, first aid was administered to the horse until the horse ambulance arrived to transfer him to the veterinary clinic. His rider, Fiona Kashel, withdrew her second horse Creevagh Silver De Haar from the race. It wasn't the first 5* race for Kashel and WSF Carthago, who scored a seventh place in last year's CCI5* in Luhmühlen.