Error-ridden open day

Tryon – The opening-day endurance event of the World Equestrian Games was cancelled by heat and humidity following heavy rain on Wednesday after organisers sent several riders off in the wrong direction.

The endurance race, the first event in the quadrennial equine sports festival that runs until September 23, was initially to take place over 160km.

But several riders were led the wrong way by stewards and volunteers, forcing the organisers to stop the race after 40km, and plans were made to finish the competition over 120km.

That idea was scuttled by heavy rain that left steamy and unsafe conditions for horses and riders.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but it was done with horse and athlete welfare in mind,” said Thomas Timmons, president of the veterinary commission.

“Conditions after the rain resulted in extremely high levels of humidity and, combined with rising heat, it was deemed unsafe to continue.”

The International Equestrian Federation will probe the circumstances surrounding the misdirection of horses and riders. –