July 26, 2024—US Equestrian released a statement noting a late substitution to the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team. Will Coleman and Diabolo withdrew ahead of the first horse inspection, and Liz Halliday and Nutcracker, previously the traveling reserve combination, joined the team.

Coleman made the switch two days ago from Off the Record, his original Olympic mount, to Diabolo, his direct reserve mount. However, Diabolo was pulled from the competition on Friday due to an untimely hoof abscess per the US Equestrian statement.

“They say timing is everything. With how our last two days have gone here in Paris, that simply could not be more true,” said Coleman in a statement on his social media accounts. “It has been a difficult 48 hours for my team and all of Off The Record’s and Diabolo’s connections. I don’t have anything to say other than I wish all of Team USA the very best of luck this weekend. I will be here supporting them all the way through in what will certainly be an incredible competition at the most amazing venue I have ever seen. Go get ‘em guys.”

Statement from Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello

U.S. Eventing Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello offered more insight into the whirlwind of events for Coleman and the U.S. Olympic Eventing Team in the US Equestrian statement.

“The last 48 hours have truly been tough for our team, but particularly for Will Coleman,” said Chef d’Equipe Bobby Costello in the statement. “Off The Record looked well [at] training camp, but Will’s direct reserve, Diabolo, continued to impress and was physically in such great condition, so we made the decision to place into the team roster before moving to the venue. Diabolo trotted up great prior to shipping from training camp and arrived at the venue happy and sound. Unfortunately, shortly after settling into stabling he showed some significant signs of discomfort, and the team immediately got to work to address a potential abscess in the right front foot. Team Farrier Beck Ratte, Dr. Susan Johns, Diabolo’s groom Hailey Burlock, and Will’s wife, Katie, were so diligent and excellent in treating Diabolo and he did in fact trot up sound last night.

“With that said, we felt after weighing the risk, it was not in Diabolo’s or the team’s best interest for him to move forward with the competition this week,” continued Costello in the statement. “We’re all just really devastated for Will and his entire team. It takes so much work to get to this moment and it’s just such an unfortunate turn of events. We’ve got to look forward though, and with that said, we’re heading into this competition with four very competitive horses, and l still feel very confident in this team’s ability to be successful here in Paris.” 

The Updated U.S. Olympic Eventing Team

The U.S. Olympic Eventing Team will now consist of Halliday and Nutcracker, Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, and Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire joined the team at the venue as the new traveling reserve combination. All U.S. horses passed the first horse inspection on Friday, July 26.

While Halliday was prepared to step up as the traveling reserve rider, it was an unexpected turn of events before the start of competition. She had a similar experience as Coleman for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games. Halliday was on the U.S. team with Deniro Z but withdrew before traveling to Tokyo due to an untimely hoof issue.

“I’m feeling a lot of mixed emotions right now,” Halliday said in a statement on her social media accounts. “I’ve been in Will’s shoes before and I know the pain and disappointment that comes with a last-minute change ahead of the biggest moment in your sporting career and life. I’m devastated for their team – they’ve worked so hard and deserve to be here.

“I always knew this was the responsibility of the reserve role, and Bali and I are mentally and physically ready to step in and deliver our best for the team,” continued Halliday. “We’re 100% focused and prepared to head down the centerline and represent our country on Saturday. The USA have an incredible team here in Paris – we are ready to fight hard and give it our all.”

Competition Begins Saturday

Equestrian competition for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games begins Saturday, July 27. The eventing dressage phase will start at 9:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. ET).

Check out more coverage on the Paris 2024 Olympic Games here.