United States Eventing Association

Mill Spring, N.C. – US Equestrian announced this morning that Will Coleman (Charlottesville, Va.) and Tight Lines, The Conair Syndicate’s 11-year-old French Thoroughbred gelding, will step in as a substitute combination for The Land Rover U.S. Eventing Squad at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018.

Coleman and Tight Lines were named as a reserve combination when the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Squad was announced in June, and will now serve as substitutes for Marilyn Little (Frederick, Md.) and RF Scandalous, the 13-year-old Oldenburg mare owned by Jacqueline Mars, Michael Manders, and Phoebe Manders.

Regrettably, RF Scandalous sustained a minor, lower limb injury during the final training session that will keep her and Little from competing at the WEG. While the prognosis for the mare is very good, under guidance from the U.S. team veterinarian and in the best interest of the horse, Little made the decision to withdraw RF Scandalous and not move forward with competing. Competition begins for the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Squad on Thursday, September 13.

Little said in a press release, "It is with a heavy heart and through endless tears that I am announcing that RF Scandalous and I won't be competing at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) this week in Tryon. Scandalous has been going absolutely amazing during the final training camp in preparation for WEG. Following my final ride yesterday, she showed mild inflammation in her lower limb.

While the prognosis for Kitty is excellent, under guidance from the U.S. team veterinarian and in the best interest of my lovely mare, I have made the decision to withdraw Kitty and not move forward with competing this week. To say that I'm devastated would be an understatement. I am grateful for my owners, Jacqueline Mars, Phoebe and Mike Manders, as well as my entire team for supporting my decision during this very difficult time. As athletes, we commit our lives to our sport. Kitty is my best friend and my teammate. For us to not be able to perform at this year's biggest global competition after all of the endless hours of preparation is heartbreaking.

Not only was I looking forward to competing alongside my teammates but it was even more special to represent my country in the US. I am committed to making sure that Kitty is back to herself, and I am looking forward to returning to the international eventing scene. In the meantime, I will continue to cheer for team USA, and know my replacement Will Coleman is fully prepared to step in."