(USEF) – Dalton, GA – Michael Pollard’s team of international event horses was involved in a road traffic accident just five miles from his training center in Dalton, Georgia when their trailer turned over trapping all six horses on board.  Five horses were cut free and survived with lacerations but tragically Michael’s new stallion VDL Ulando H died at the scene. No-one was injured in the accident which was caused by the driver of another vehicle pulling out in front of them without seeing the trailer. Icarus, Schoensgreen Hanni, Jude’s Law, Raphael and Little Star sustained minor lacerations. They are all at home and in a comfortable condition.

Michael was not at home at the time. The horses were being driven by his grooms and according to police at the scene there was nothing that could have been done to avoid the oncoming vehicle.

The injured horses include:

Icarus (Fly), 14 year old grey Thoroughbred gelding owned by Michael & Nathalie Pollard, has suffered the most serious lacerations and will be transported today to Rood & Riddle Veterinary Clinic in Lexington, Kentucky for surgery.

Schoensgreen Hanni (Hanni), 9 year old German Warmblood mare owned by Nathalie Pollard, suffered some superficial cuts but is not expected to miss any work in her preparation for Bromont CCI3* June 8-10th in Canada.

Jude’s Law (Jude), 11 year old Irish Sport Horse Gelding owned by Michael Pollard & John Bryant, has minor cuts that required stitching but should be able to return to work in a few weeks.

Carl Bouckaert’s Raphael, who won the Chatt Hills Open Preliminary division last week, survived with just some bruising and will be given time to recover from the shock before returning to work.

Little Star, a brood mare, suffered cuts to her hind legs and is expected to make a full recovery.

Condolences go out to Ruth Armstrong, her family and connections on the loss of the stallion VDL Ulando H who died at the scene as a result of head and neck trauma. “He was the love of my life, an athlete and a gentleman and deserves a good send off,” said Ruth.