In Friday evening’s final round, August 27th, of the Individual Olympic Show Jumping competition in Athens, Chris Kappler said he felt Royal Kaliber take a bad step after jumping a fence in the jump-off for the silver and bronze medals. He immediately stopped Royal Kaliber and dismounted, and the horse was taken to the veterinary clinic on the grounds of the Markopoulo Equestrian Center. Royal Kaliber has been examined by a team of internationally recognized veterinarians and his injury has been described as an acute strain of the superficial digital flexor tendon to his left foreleg. According to Dr. Tim Ober, a veterinarian for the U.S. Team, Royal Kaliber’s prognosis is good, he has no bone damage and with time he should be fine.

Friday’s injury is unrelated to a slight filling in his hind leg occurring in mid-summer, from which he recovered in a short time.