This year’s first four-star Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event has to be termed a success, even with the death of one of the equine competitors in the three-star division. The death of any horse is a tragedy, even more so when it is an athletic performer at the height of his career. (See sidebar on page 59 for more information on Boucane’s death.)

Kent Allen, DVM, FEI Associate Veterinarian for the Kentucky Three-Day Event, acknowledged the similarities between the public attention of an equine death in this event and one in Thoroughbred racing, but pointed out that this loss was even more emotional because of the close ties between equine and human competitor.

“The relationship has been there for years between the horse and rider,” he explained of the event competitor. “The horse depends on the rider to put him over jumps he’s never seen before, and the rider depends on the horse to get him out of trouble. They are friends. It’s unique, and it’s special.”

There were about 25 veterinarians on-course for the event, along with 12 veterinary students, noted Allen. John Mayo, DVM, was the veterinary emergency control officer. He was the one who dispatched veterinarians and controlled radio communications on the endurance day of competition