Syracuse (WSYR-TV) – Central New York native and Olympic Gold Medalist Beezie Madden will not compete at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament following arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs in her right shoulder, tournament officials announced Tuesday.
The tournament says Madden underwent the procedure in mid-September to allow ample recovery time for next year’s World Equestrian Games to be held in the United States for the first time.
“Beezie has sustained traumatic injuries to her should through her riding career. She recently underwent arthroscopic surgery to treat the damage and remove bone spurs,” said Dr. Craig Ferrell, Professor and Vice Chairman of Vanderbilt Orthopedics and USET team physician. “The rehabilitation requires a period of restricted use of the shoulder. She is a determined competitor, but is faithfully adhering to a progressive rehab plan. I expect a full return to her Olympic competitive condition by the first of the year.”
The rest period will allow adequate healing and preparation time for Madden for the trials of the World Games beginning in February 2010.
“I’m very sorry to not be riding in Syracuse. It’s my favorite event year after year, and, it’s home,” said Madden. “But my primary focus has to be representing all Americans at the World Games next year. Having my procedure after the Syracuse Invitational wouldn’t have allowed that. The silver lining for me is that I’ll be able to enjoy the fans at Syracuse much more intimately as a spectator along side with them.”
The tournament says Madden will be present throughout the Syracuse event including numerous personal appearances .
The Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament featuring the 126th National Horse Show begins October 28 and runs through November 1, 2009.
