Ballynoe Castle RM, the horse Buck Davidson rode to the top U.S. spot at the Rolex Kentucky CCI**** in April, will miss the CHIO Aachen (Germany) and likely the rest of the season after sustaining a bone bruise.

“He was in the stall the other day laying down taking his afternoon nap, which he normally does. When he got up, he held his hind leg up. He walked out kind of funny, and when we trotted him, he was lame,” said Davidson.

“Reggie” has never needed time off for an injury before, and Davidson said he’s actually sound again already. “The problem with a bone bruise is that it can turn into a fracture. We might go to Aachen and get away with it, but if you don’t, it’s a big whoops,” he said. “He’s 13. He hasn’t ever had any break at all. Obviously Reggie doesn’t owe anybody anything. He’s going to stay in light work. He’ll go out in his front paddock. He doesn’t run. He has his little spot where he eats grass. We’ll just keep monitoring it.”

Since Reggie won’t be able to go back into full work until September, Davidson thought they’d probably just end the year with a few horse trials, although he’ll finalize plans with Carl and Cassie Segal, the owners of the Irish Sport Horse gelding (Ramiro B—Ballyvaldon Natalie, Blue Laser).

“It could be worse. I was pretty scared at first,” admitted Davidson. “We were worried about a fracture or something for real serious that could be career ending, and this is just a little time off. It’s fine if Reggie wants to come hang out in my living room and be like a dog. He’s amazing. I don’t care. He can be my pet.”