Another top horse goes abroad...

Old Lodge are most certainly backed by a Saudi owner. I would imagine that this has been done for the prestige of Old Lodge and no other reason.

Whether or not Sultan has been sold or just 'moved camps' for the Olympic Games - who knows but a bitter blow for Bruce who has managed and produced the horse since he was a youngster. Old Lodge probably realise that the horse is a certainty for the Saudi Team whereas 'one of a few' (no disrespect to Bruce or Sultan intended here) in GB - therefore to raise their profile Sultan has been given to a Saudi rider! Beware all! Horse cared for, produced and campaigned in the UK by UK rider - owned by Saudi Prince.

How wonderful for OL to take a ready made horse, give to Saudi rider and compete at Olympics! :(
 
I think you've summed it up perfectly. Not sure how many were aware of the Saudi link to Old Lodge.

If you look at the recent list of horse sales, the Saudi Team has bought or acquired 4 top horses in the past few weeks...presumably to fill their newly qualified SJ Team ready for July.

Whilst it must be gutting for Bruce, and indeed disappointing for British fans, you still have to appreciate just how much Old Lodge has put into British Showjumping over the past few years. Many of our national riders are very well mounted thanks to them and they also support a lot of the breeders classes at Hickstead and elsewhere plus the Queen Elizabeth II Cup :-)
 
Rambo, I know only too well about OL and their horses and riders!! Although I would begin to wonder exactly what their motif was with their being so gracious in allowing so many talented British riders produce their horses - and there have been a few (!) only to pull the rug when it really matters to Britian. Whatever excuses they have given for Sultan being given to a Saudi rider - no-one will know the truth except for the elite in the OL 'team' themselves - probably not even the riders!

Can't think of too many Saudi riders who have actually produced a horse to Olympic standard from a complete novice!!!!!
 
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