Totally, totally with you on this. Just must not be coming out in my responses.
Spun = turned around (‘spun’ around) and sent packing back to his stall.
I would just like to note that not only do they have to have qualifying results, but they also need to have enough international points. They get points based on placings at these events as well (so completing 2 CCIs is better than completing one, placing well is better than finishing with a qualifying score, etc.) All riders are ranked internationally according to their points. Since countries such as the US, who might have 75 riders ranked highly, can only send 5 riders, riders such as the Chileans can get in. They take the highest ranked individuals that are not part of teams. As riders pull out due to financial issues, training choices, injuries, etc. the next riders are chosen (so there is a wait list).
Incidentally, I’ll bet they paid most of their way themselves. I worked for a rider who was his country’s only representative at the highest levels of eventing, and he was wait listed for Athens. Each week we moved up the list, and it literally came down to the last few days before he decided to pull his name out; he didn’t want to fly his horse that far without knowing if he could compete.
The Chilean riders probably placed decently at their events; let’s not knock them. Let’s also remember that many of us had to be taught to trot up our horses somewhere along the line (whether from a T3DE or from coaches). In addition, they could be having a hard time adjusting. Let’s cut him some slack for not knowing how to properly present. However, I don’t disagree with the vets’ decision.
