Brazilian dressage fans’ hopes for team success at these Olympics were dashed when team horse Nilo VO failed his veterinary re-inspection.

The horse was sent to the holding box with Rogério Clementino yesterday, at which time the veterinarians decided he should be re-presented 24 hours later.

For the final exam, Brazilian team coach Johan Zagers shouldered the responsibility for presenting Nilo to the veterinary committee. After trotting him twice, and following an extremely lengthy discussion, it was finally announced that Nilo had failed.


Nilo VO horse withdrawn from Olympic dressage competition

Rogério Clementino with Nilo VO during the first vet check.

Without a reserve rider, Brazil will no longer be able to participate in the Olympic team competition, although Luiza Tavares de Almeida and Leandro Aparecido da Silva will be able to participate as individuals.

Although the official veterinarians are not obliged to offer any explanation, they did say that their decision was based on frontal unevenness in Nilo’s paces, indicating a lameness issue.

Brazilian Chef d’Equipe Salim Nigri and the Brazilian team veterinarian Thomas Wolff said they did not agree with the decision of the veterinary committee.

“The withdrawal of Nilo was a surprise not only for us Brazilians but also for other delegations,” Wolff said. “Nobody expected Nilo to be rejected. Unfortunately, it’s a final decision.”

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