GROOM Robbie Sanderson got a bit more than he bargained for at the Dressage medal ceremony in Rio – after getting a hoof to the face from a horse.
The Brit – a coach with the German dressage team – was parading with horse Cosmo as the medals were awarded when the nine-year-old reared up and knocked him to the floor.
Sanderson was then struck firmly on the forehead by Cosmo’s front right leg, resulting in a nasty gash.
The mount of Sonke Rothenberger was swiftly brought back under control as team-mates rushed to help Robbie – who was led from the arena to applause from the stands.
The German team later said that he was “fine”, though he was being taken to hospital to have the injury assessed.
In recent years it has become customary to bring the winning horses to the ceremony itself and parade with the riders receiving their medals.
A ‘groom’ looks after horses everyday needs and make sure they are healthy and in good condition for competition.