US Equestrian announced today that Gabe Hutchins, of Joseph, Oregon, and FM Shine N Tag Chex, a 7-year-old stallion owned by Tamarack Ranch, will step in as a substitute combination for the U.S. reining squad at the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) Tryon 2018.
Hutchins and FM Shine N Tag Chex (Whiz N Tag Chex x Shine With Wanda x Shining Spark), bred by Carol Rose and Ann Ramsay, were named as a reserve combination when the U.S. reining squad was announced in May. They will now serve as substitutes for Tom McCutcheon, of Aubrey, Texas, and The Wizster (Gallo Del Cielo [Rooster] x Miss Whizard Jac x Whizard Jac), an 8-year-old gelding owned by Turnabout Farm Inc.
The Wizster sustained a minor injury during a training session but is expected to make a full recovery. After evaluation from the U.S. team veterinarian, and with the best interest of the gelding in mind, McCutcheon decided to withdraw The Wizster and not move forward with competing at the WEG.
Competition for the U.S. reining squad begins Sept. 12.
