Ashlee Bond Withdraws Donatello 141 from Individual Qualifier

Ashlee Bond will not present Donatello 141 at the second horse inspection.

The Florida-based rider and 13-year-old gelding helped Israel advance to the Team Final with their four fault performance in Thursday’s Team Qualifier, but followed with a 20 fault performance in Friday’s Final. It was an uncharacteristic result for a pair with a 77% four faults or better average at 1.60m (Jumpr Stats).

With 13 on the already board from teammate Robin Muhr and Galaxy HM and no chance to improve their placing, anchor rider Daniel Bluman opted not to compete. Israel finished in ninth.

“Beyond proud of our team finishing 9th overall in our 2nd Olympics! Huge accomplishment for our young team that’s only done 13 team competitions together over the years and to be placed among the best is pretty phenomenal,” posted Bond on social media.

“Personally Don & I didn’t have the best round today but that’s ShowJumping and God works all things to the good and I’m grateful for all the lessons learned along the way the good and the tough ones which build character and make us stronger.

“Don always gives me his all and he owes me nothing – for this reason I am scratching him from the individual competition as it’s in the best interest of my best friend. I’ll be Cheering on my fellow teammates in 2 days.”

Discovered in Germany through American Olympian Richard Spooner and horse dealer Marc Wirths, the Bonds bought Donatello as a six-year old off a video and developed him to the championship level. The pair contested the Tokyo Games together, finishing 11th in the Individual Final.