The euthanasia of a Swiss eventing horse at the Olympic Games because of a torn ligament caused a lack of understanding, but team boss Evelyne Niklaus defended the decision as there was no alternative.
"It is important to know that a multiple complete torn ligament in the region of the fetlock in a horse is not the same as a torn ligament in a person - this cannot be cured for the benefit of the horse," explained Niklaus in a statement.
The 14-year-old gelding Jet Set owned by the Swiss bush rider Robin Godel was injured on Sunday during the terrain test when landing in the last water combination, and an irreparable torn ligament was found directly above the hoof in a veterinary clinic.
With the consent of the owner and the rider, the gelding was put to sleep.
This had caused astonishment and criticism, especially in social networks.
According to the Swiss equestrian team boss Niklaus, "the clinical examinations showed what was already to be feared visually: Jet Set would no longer be able to lead a horse-worthy and pain-free life, not even as a" retired horse "," she continued: "That is why together with the vets, the team on site and the rider decided to redeem Jet Set. "