Three-time Olympic gold medalist Anky van Grunsven has withdrawn herself from contention for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Salinero, the Dutch dressage rider’s primary Grand Prix mount, has been slow recovering from an injury that occurred in April. The 16-year-old Hanoverian gelding sustained bruising to his withers, likely as a result of being cast in his stall. Van Grunsven’s veterinarian discovered damage to the capsule around the protrusions of the vertebrae near the wither. Initial reports suggested that the injury was fairly minor and that the gelding would be back to work three weeks after the incident.

However, recovery has been slower than expected, and Salinero will need at least one more month of rest before he’s able to return to work.  According to EuroDressage.com, Van Grunsven said Salinero would need at least three months preparation to be fit enough for the WEG.

Van Grunsven also announced she won’t attempt to qualify for the WEG on her other mount, the Dutch stallion Painted Black, due to inconsistent performances and a minor injury.

Despite van Grunsven out of the running, the Dutch still have several strong contenders vying for spots on the team, including Edward Gal, Adelinde Cornelissen and Imke Schellekens-Bartels. Van Grunsven’s husband, Sjef Janssen, is the team’s coach.

Dressage-News.com reported that van Grunsven might attempt to qualify for the Dutch reining team at the WEG.