Two Horses Win 2019 Rood & Riddle Comeback Award

The 2019 Rood & Riddle Comeback Award is being given to Yoder and Cyklon 1083, two outstanding horses who faced severe medical challenges, made a full recovery, and continued on with their duties and competitions.

This award is presented to a horse who has performed at the highest levels of competition or service, faced a medical/surgical issue, received veterinary care by a Rood & Riddle veterinarian, and subsequently returned to compete at its previous performance level.

Yoder, a 17-year-old Appendix Quarter Horse/Belgian cross, has served as a Lexington Mounted Police horse for two years. Yoder was injured in the line of duty in December 2018, when he and his rider, Officer Shawn Davis, were on their way to the Christmas parade in downtown Lexington. Yoder stepped into an uncovered utility hole and got the shoe on his rear left hoof wedged in a pipe. Doctors Kevin Hyde and Colton Thacker and fire officials worked for more than an hour trying to free him. After arriving at the hospital, Dr. Brett Woodie was Yoder's treating veterinarian. Thanks to the great care he received, Yoder is now back in service (including working the 2019 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, G1).

The second recipient, Cyklon 1083, is an 18-year-old Swedish Warmblood stallion owned by Spy Coast Farm. He was ridden on the international show jumping circuit by Team Ireland rider Shane Sweetnam. In 2015, Cyklon underwent colic surgery and emergency surgery for guttural pouch mycosis while in Belgium for a competition. Once arriving home to Spy Coast Farm several months later, it was discovered that the guttural pouch surgery had resulted in nerve damage to his airway, which Dr. Rolf Embertson of Rood & Riddle was able to correct. Cyklon was able to successfully return to competition. In 2017, Cyklon again underwent colic surgery and was treated at Rood & Riddle by Dr. Scott Hopper. Once more he was able to successfully return to international competition. Cyklon retired to stud in 2019 with 30 career wins in 10 different countries and 99 top placings. He resides at Spy Coast Farm in Central Kentucky where he is enjoying the relaxed pace of a breeding stallion and visiting tour guests when they stop by the stallion barn.

"We are pleased to present the 2019 Rood & Riddle Comeback Award to both Yoder and Cyklon 1083. They exemplify the characteristics of an outstanding horse who suffered a major health issue, returned to service and competition and continued their exemplary careers," said Dr. Tom Riddle.

The award presentations will be held July 27 during Hats Off Day Opening Ceremonies prior to the Rood & Riddle Kentucky Grand Prix.