Boyd Martin’s mount, Otis Barbotiere, was “spun” (withdrawn in the holding box) during the second horse inspection of the 2012 Olympic eventing competition, pre-show-jumping.

After his first jog before the Olympic veterinary commission, Otis was sent to the holding box, where Martin jogged him again for the veterinary officials. The horse appeared the dreaded “not quite right” in front; where, exactly, was difficult to determine from my bird’s-eye view high up in the press tribune. 

The remaining U.S. horses–Mr. Medicott, Ringwood Magister, Twizzel, and Mystery Whisper–were accepted without incident.

The U.S. can continue in the team competition without Otis, but with Martin being among the stronger scorers, his absence may hurt the team’s chances for squeaking into bronze-medal position