Champion quits Kiwi squad

Masterton equestrian rider Jenny Champion has definitely pulled out of competing in the endurance event at the World Equestrian Games scheduled to begin later this month.
Champion, together with her mare Freckles, had been chosen to represent New Zealand in the prestigious event being staged in Kentucky, US, but withdrew after a spat with officialdom in this country.
"I wasn't being allowed to take the groom of my choice and that was something I just wouldn't tolerate" Champion said.
"I'm adamant. It's vital that in a gruelling event like that, the horse has to be completely comfortable with the people handling it.
"The event itself is hard enough on the horse anyway, without the added pressure and further risk of upsetby being groomed by relative strangers."
Champion remained determined to call the shots and viewed the official stance as totally unreasonable.
"No groom of my choice, no entry from me," she said.
And that, it seems, led to the impasse, with neither side willing to back down.
Champion isn't alone in this situation.
"Another competitor, Sue Reid from Pukekohe, has also withdrawn for the same reason," she said.
Both women have been replaced in the three-person New Zealand team which is already in Kentucky preparing for the event.
However Champion will also attend.
"Yep, I'm still going over, but just as a spectator," she said.