Arko III

[jackrussell]

Anybody heard anything about why he's been stopping lately, most spectacularly in the King George V Cup at Hickstead? When I first saw it I thought Skelton was a long way off the fence but everybody's reaction was that it must be a problem with the horse so did my eyes deceive me? So what do you think is behind it? a veterinary problem or just too many big classes too close together?

 

[MillionDollar]

Yeh i thought the same thing that he was a long way off the fence, but thats just my opinion. I think the horse has just had enough at the moment and is saying i want a break, im bored. All hes been doing is big shows and is under constant pressure, like Nick said.

 

[seabiscuit]

The horse has done FAR too much and needs a LONG break.. For christs sake the Hales have just been using him as a money making machine, he is a horse.

 

[severnmiles]

[ QUOTE ]
The horse has done FAR too much and needs a LONG break.. For christs sake the Hales have just been using him as a money making machine, he is a horse.

[/ QUOTE ]

Exactly!! He must have been in the reports nearly every week since Athens! Poor boy, you'd never see that happen in racing or eventing. Pressure, Pressure, Pressure! Nick should know best

 

[seabiscuit]

Too right, not only has he been competing every week/month or whatever, but all over the world! One momment he is in Dubai, the next he is in Florida, then Canada, etc etc etc!

 

[MillionDollar]

I totally agree, Arko has won over £400,000 in prize money over the past few years and i think his stud fee is something like £3,500. Poor guy must be so tired and fed up.

 

[Super_Kat]

[ QUOTE ]
i think his stud fee is something like £3,500.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes it is and only proven international mares or proven broodmares who have produced good stock can go to him.........Personally, why pay that when you can have the olympic gold medallist and winner of numerous other major titles for 2000 euros (about £1700 I think).

 

[H's mum]

Yes - it's a lot of pressure on a horse - both mentally and physically - i was thinking the same when watching JW and Peppermill last night - winning in Italy - it was only last week they were at hickstead - then before that somewhere else - and somewhere before that - clocking up some real airmiles!

I hope Arko is ok and returns to his usual form - he's a top horse!
Kate x

 

[Governor]

It annoyed me that he's been described as past his best. He's not himself for sure but with a schedule like that its hardly suprising.

I expect the Hales concern is if they give him a break now he'll be older when he comes back and possibly won't return to form fully. It's a such a shame he's a fantastic horse but he's under sooo much pressure.

 

[Ignition]

He hasn't done as much as some other horses, but obviously different horses go 'stale' after different amounts of work.. let's hope he makes a full recovery.

 

[Peanot]

This is what is on the BSJA web site.


UPDATE ON ARKO III


Major concerns regarding the Hales family’s top show jumping horse Arko III and his recent loss of International form and subsequent performance in the King George V Cup at the Royal International Horse Show following earlier outstanding achievements in international Grand Prix wins in Rome and Lucerne, the Agentinius stallion was sent immediately to the Animal Health Trust in Newmarket for medical tests.

The health trust reported a minor problem with his coffin joint on his near fore, which was lacking fluid. This was followed by an MRI scan and the results have shown additional slight problems.

The outcome of this, is that Arko III is on complete rest until the end of this year. He will be re-scanned at the end of October and following a satisfactory healing process, he should be back in work in the new year.

John Hales, President of the BSJA and joint owner of Arko III with his wife Pat and daughter Lisa, said:-

“Obviously we are bitterly disappointed with this news, all we have ever wanted is for Arko III to represent his country at the highest level, however the plus side is that now we have found the reason for his lacklustre performance and this has at least enabled us to give him time for nature to repair the damage” John continued “It is inevitable with horses competing at such a high level of competition that these types of stress injury occur.

We wish the British team well for the forthcoming World Equestrian Games and hope to rejoin them in the near future”.

Arko III is part of World Class Performance under UK Sports and as such receives support for exploratory veterinary care.