The Lechuza Caracas Polo team released a statement today regarding the deaths of its 21 horses. The statement is below:

"This is tragic news. We are deeply concerned about the death of our ponies. For the last three decades, Lechuza Polo has participated in Polo Championships and tournaments all around the globe. In that time, we have never encountered such a dire situation like this as our horses receive the most professional and dedicated care possible.

"Currently, we don't know any possible cause of the tragic death of our ponies. We are awaiting the results of the necropsies currently being conducted by the authorities. Lechuza Polo will continue to support and contribute to any official investigation led by the Veterinarian authorities in Florida and by the U.S. Polo Association.

"We wish to thank those from the Polo community who tried to save our precious ponies by selflessly lending their assistance. Although the ponies could not be saved, our gratitude to them cannot be overemphasized.

"Regarding the participation of Lechuza Polo in the current U.S. Polo open, Lechuza Polo feels that due to the current circumstances, we have chosen to withdraw from this year's United States Open Polo Championship."