YOG 2010: Fitness concern for Scudamore's horse at Youth Olympics

From Tom Reynolds, Sportsbeat, in Singapore

GREAT Britain's Carian Scudamore is sweating on the fitness of her horse ahead of her Youth Olympic Games debut later this week.

CONCERNED: Carian Scudamore is sweating over the fitness of her assigned horse, Mighty McGyver, at the Youth Olympic Games

All competitors in Singapore will compete on borrowed horses, selected after a draw.

Scudamore, whose recent performances have earned her funding from London 2012 partner Lloyds TSB's Local Heroes scheme, is slated to partner Mighty McGyver.

However, he is suffering from a form of dermatitis in his leg, thought to have been caused by an allergic reaction to the turf being used for the event.

Competitors are not allowed access to assist in treating their own horse, so Scudamore now has the challenge of remaining focused and letting the vet and trainers worry about making sure the horse is as fit as possible.

"It's a bit hard not being able to assist, but the vet has assured me they are doing all the right things so I really just have to trust them," said Scudamore, after completing a 'solid' training session on Monday.

"They said we'll just make sure we keep it nice and clean and then wrap his legs up before competition. Hopefully, he'll be fine."

European junior champion Scudamore is playing down her chances of success in the individual event but is confident she could play a key role for Europe in Wednesday's team event.

"We weren't so hopeful yesterday, but after watching today's training we are really confident," she added.

"The Italian girl (Valentina Isoardi) will have her work cut out because she got a horse that is way too big for her but I think the rest of us will be fine."

The luck associated with the horse draw has changed the dynamics of the event with many observers, including Scudamore, predicting the Asian team that consists of United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kazakhstan, Syria and Singapore will start favourites.

"The Asian team is really good because they got some great horses in the draw," she said. 

"The horse Pearl Monarch is so good you only have to ride it half decent and you probably have a chance to win."

 Lloyds TSB is providing awards of £1,000 to over 270 emerging young sportspeople identified each year across Britain, in the run up to London 2012 and beyond.  Visit LloydsTSB.com/London2012