Marilyn Little-Meredith has withdrawn Raylyn Farm’s RF Rovano Rex from the U.S. Equestrian Federation Eventing Short List for the 2012 Olympic Games. The horse has been withdrawn for veterinary reasons.

“I am incredibly grateful to the USEF Selection Panel for their faith in RF Rovano Rex and myself, and for the honor of our inclusion on the Olympic Short List for 2012,” said Little-Meredith. “Unfortunately, I believe it is in the best interest of my wonderful partner to save him for another day, though I wish everyone all the luck on the road to London. The US is so fortunate to have such a talented and driven group of horses and riders to represent our sport in London, and these riders are equally as fortunate to have an unparalleled support system in place as provided by the USEF.”

In 2011, RF Rovano Rex won the CIC*** at Fair Hill (Md.) and placed ninth at the Fair Hill CCI*** (Md.). This spring, he was second at the Red Hills CIC*** (Fla.). RF Rovano Rex sustained a bruised bone at the Rolex Kentucky CCI****; after a clean cross-country round with just 4.4 time penalties, Little-Meredith didn’t present “Rex” at the final inspection. At the Volvo Bromont CIC*** (Que.), Little-Meredith won the dressage, then withdrew and didn’t jump.

Rex passed USEF veterinary inspections prior to the naming of the short list on June 11, but a subsequent bone scan requested by a USEF representative on June 13 and a second veterinary opinion independent of USEF team veterinarians Dr. Catherine Kohn and Dr. Brendan Furlong was considered. Pursuant to that evaluation, the decision was made to withdraw Rex. 

“I want the best for my horse. He’s sound, galloping, and in the best form of his life,” Little-Meredith said. “I’m really disappointed, but I also understand that I am not a vet and if there is an opinion out there that thinks he should have more time, then that’s what needs to happen.”

With the withdrawal of RF Rovano Rex, the USEF Selectors named Will Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Andromaque to the Short List. The 11 horse/rider combinations named to the Short List will fly to Great Britain on Monday, June 18. They will contest the Barbury Castle International Horse Trials June 27-July 1, following which the team will be named. 

This withdrawal also moves Faudree and Jennifer Mosing’s Pawlow from the first ranked substitute position onto the Nominated Entry. All of the short-listed horses will be evaluated again by the USEF Veterinary Panel prior to departing. 

The original press release (published June 11, 2012) is available online. 

The Updated Nominated Entry in Alphabetical Order (the short-listed combinations are designated below in bold type and a star next to their name) 

Will Coleman on Jim Wildasin’s Twizzel*

Tiana Coudray on Jaital, Inc’s Ringwood Magister*

Buck Davidson on Carl and Cassie Segal’s BallyNoe Castle RM

Phillip Dutton on Team Rebecca’s Fernhill Eagle

Phillip Dutton on Bruce Duchossois’ Mighty Nice*

Phillip Dutton on Jim and Arden Wildasin’s Mystery Whisper*

Will Faudree on Jennifer Mosing’s Andromaque*

Sinead Halpin on Carraig, LLC’s Manoir de Carneville*

Boyd Martin on the Neville Bardos Syndicate’s Neville Bardos*

Boyd Martin on the Otis Barbotiere Syndicate’s Otis Barbotiere*

Boyd Martin on Henley House Stables’ Remington XXV

Clark Montgomery Holly Becker and Kathryn Kraft’s Loughan Glen*

Karen O’Connor the Mr. Medicott Syndicate’s Mr. Medicott*

Allison Springer Carole and William Springer’s Arthur*

Ranked Substitute to the Nominated Entry:

1. Becky Holder on Phil and Melissa Town’s Can’t Fire Me