Stage 1: Denial

By John on

Well friends, how did you enjoy the first and what will probably be the last World Equestrian Games on US soil for many years?  The most frustrating thing is how close we were to a great weekend for the US.  Great Britain had such a strong performance that I don’t know if the US ever could have beaten them, but we had medals in our grasp and we let them slip away on Sunday. Please join Eventing Nation while we US fans go through one of the five stages of grieving each day this week.
As we try to figure out what went wrong for the US, it is important to remember how hard all of our riders worked to get to the WEGs.  The riders have given their lives to horses and all of the discussion following the Games should be held with an underlying respect for their dedication and effort.  Any time we find ourselves pointing one finger at one person, we are probably being too narrow minded. 
When I think about this weekend, I am also reminded how much eventing is a sport of inches.  Imagine what we would be talking about right now if just two moments in the entire weekend–one during Buck’s ride on Saturday and one during Karen’s on Sunday–had gone just a little differently.  Headline: SCRAPPY YANKS MOVE UP FROM 7TH TO WIN SILVER!  At least that would be the crappy cliche headline.  EN’s headline would be something like “Silver is excited for WEG thoughts.”  My point is that it is dangerous to make big decisions based on a few bad moments because those moments might not accurately represent the true situation–i.e. the US team might be fine but just unlucky.  
That said, we are starting to see waaaayyy too many of these moments to dismiss them as unlucky.  The US team entered 6 horses at the WEGs–four finished, and two of those had a stop.  Looking back to the ’08 Olympics, the US team has had just 3 completions without a stop out of our last 12 entires over two international championships.  I know there are asterisks and caveats and excuses to all of the problems we have had, but guess how many completions Great Britain had without a stop over the same period.  
Wait for it….
10
The riders, horses, coaches, selectors, and vets all have reasons why these results are not their fault, but at some point it starts to sound like the kid whose dog always eats his homework.  Who is going to step up and take responsibility and who with the power to make changes to our system will make those changes?  
The six riders that we picked for the US team this year are 6 of the highest quality riders in the world.  But, we need to find a way to develop more riders and get those riders more horses.  The British team riders all either rode in Burghley or Blenheim or both with multiple horses.  Practice makes perfect and British eventing gives their riders more practice than anyone.  
I do admit that Canada’s strong performance and Buck’s stop both weaken the “we need our riders to ride 100 horses a day” argument.  Some people ask me if eventing is more about horses or riders, and I always say it’s 50% riders and 50% horses.  After watching Canada clean up this weekend I might change my answer to 55% horses 45% riders because Canada’s horses were sounder and more honest and that made all the difference.  
As complimentary as we have been of Oded and Katie and even though most of the riders have really liked working with them, it should be pointed out that the dressage and show jumping did not go as well as it could have.  I felt that the team made an excellent decision to bring in specialized help, but maybe the way we organize and apply their help should be looked at.  
Reggie’s refusal proves that giving some riders an exemption from XC at the AEC’s was a bad idea.  Reggie had a stop in the show jumping at Richland, sat out the AEC XC, and then looked completely overwhelmed at the WEGs.  The early part of Reggie’s round on Saturday was so sketchy that I wondered for a moment if Buck might pull up and retire.  I certainly expected Buck and Reggie to look much better on XC because they did jump around Burghley last year, and the selectors were justified in thinking that as well.  But, if Reggie had run at the AECs there would have been a good chance to discover the problems that showed up this Saturday and either correct them or send Bobby.
The US needs to return to a very simple, very fundamental question about eventing: what horses and riders give us the best chance to finish the competition without a stop?  Every single country that accomplished that one goal with three team riders won a World Equestrian Games medal this weekend.  Everyone who didn’t accomplish this goal went home empty handed–it’s that simple.  Is it really good enough for us to just explain away four rides and start getting ready for 2012 with business as usual?  
Go eventing.

Categories:

Eventing Nation, Ridiculous Commentary

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  • PlayerHater

    Once again, thanks for all your coverage this weekend and effort in general. I just want to point out something that I haven't seen brought up anywhere. Buck is a great rider and that horse is a freak of nature, but did you actually watch the round from Burghley? Yes, it was a clear round around one of the biggest xc tracks in the world, but it was a bit on the scrappy side. I was really surprised when they did not make Buck run the horse at Rolex this spring to show that he had put that experience behind him. Second, didn't Buck have a stop at the sunken road last year at Rolex on that horse, but the stop was taken off due to a dog or something running out on course? If Ali was left on the sidelines due to a concern over her horse's coffin jumping ability, why wasn't Buck under scrutiny for that horse's sunken road jumping ability...

  • pardon my rant

    John,
    I agree 100% with your insights, especially the Bobby comment. I’d like to add that, in my humble opinion, there are problems that start at the top. With all due respect to Oded and Katie, both brilliant, both with lots to offer, ‘tweaking’ too close to the event including a jump school Sunday morning seems foolish. Certainly if one (or all) of the riders wanted to take part that may have been alright, but to think you can make any changes at that point is absurd. Too much to lose, too little to gain. Let’s not forget that each of these riders has gotten to this point almost completely on their own, and now the ‘team’ influence is mucking up their ‘mojo’. And that includes everything from the shoes up. Yes, the team insists that the horses be shod by ‘their’ farrier before the WEG. WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT? And as amazing as the Bouckaert’s are, and they are, the footing, dust, and temperatures at the AEC were inappropriate for horse’s days away from the WEG. This was foreseeable, and preventable, and yet there’s no accountability. Today Mets management was called to the carpet for their inability to produce, and in the USEA our old boys club is still in power. I believe politics played a part in the mandatory outing where it should not have been, Mandiba getting the nod, and a few other poor decisions. We need to start fresh and not be afraid to shake things up. Out with the old, in with the new or it will be a repeat performance in 2012. – pardon my rant

  • Beth Collier

    2010 WEG is like a Twilight-Zone repeat of 2006 Aachen:
    4. USA: Amy Tryon (Poggio), Kimberly Severson (Winsome Adante), Will Faudree (Antigua), Heidi White (Northern Spy)

  • Anonymous

    I appreciate the support you have given Canada on your site, but Americans are not the best at everything.

    Consider this....Statistics say that 3 out of 5 Americans are overweight. The American team was a good representation of this. There is something not horseman like when horses are expected to be top-notch athletes and the riders... not so much. Yes Karen, Becky and Buck are good riders but the excess weight and strain placed on their horses seems cruel and they certainly don't look like professional athletes. In the end it looks like Becky's horse couldn't Holder.

  • cloudevent

    Thanks for the live blogs and coverage. We saw Karen's painful stadium round. Do you have video of Buck's stop or "sketchy" parts? buzzterbrown maybe??

  • Jane

    @pardonmyrant - it's USEF you're upset with, not USEA. USEF is the one who hires the coach, picks the selectors, etc. USEA has nothing to do with that.

    John, great coverage and a thoughtful piece. Needed saying, all around. But when you're pointing fingers, why hasn't someone like Sara Ike stood up? Or Jim Wolf? And, of course, the Capt.? One other thing of note - the "team" certainly wasn't very teamlike or supportive of its riders - per Allison Springer's blog today, not only did no one ever explain to her the reasoning between the late substitution, but USEF didn't give her credentials or access to the WEG. It would have been nice if, after totally screwing up the alternates, they could have at least offered them a ticket to watch and/or learn from the experience of being there. Says a lot about how much USEF actually cares about developing and supporting the next generation.

  • Kim Bradley

    Weight doesn't always equal fit, and a fit rider is much easier for a horse to carry than a thinner, out of shape one.

    That said, what are you talking about regarding Karen? Have you seen her close up in person? Maybe 125 lbs--maybe. On a person 5'2". Who is strong. Not fat.

    Becky and Buck have both rather extensively discussed their fitness programs. I think anonymous comments of this nature are uncalled for. If you're going to say it, sign your name to it.

  • pardon my rant

    Jane, Thank you, it was a momentary lapse. You are of course correct.

  • Kathy McDonnell replying to comment of Kim Bradley and Anonymous

    Kim you must have been reading my mind because I was about to say the same thing to "Anonymous" If you're going to say it, sign your name to it. Also nothing like kicking someone when they are already down with your nasty comment "In the end it looks like Becky's horse couldn't Holder." Hey if you want to make an argument about weight and fitness fine but you don't have to crass or cruel about it.

    There is plenty blame to go around re: Team USA results at WEG and I think John hit many of the highlights in his "Denial" summary without beating anyone down and insulting them. It's called doing it was class and tact.

  • andrea

    Jane - I just read Allison's blog post - I cant believe they didnt have tickets for the alternates. I almost find that rude. The alternates put their lives on hold just like the chosen ones.
    I now need to find out how Canada played that game. I do hope much much better.

    She did make a good point though - the PAN AM GAMES - they are a coming up and now is an excellent time to start reviewing everything that went wrong and everything that went right and think new blood in riders and in horses for the future games and the 2012 olympics.
    We can all dwell on what happened over the weekend and point more and more fingers but I really hope that out of all of this some real good comes with some good looks at the younger generation.

    And in my very limited opinion I would say that Karen's horse would be best given to a young rider with the talent to move on and the ability to learn. The other point that I havent read anywhere is - maybe 4* is too high for him and he is over-faced? He would be a very valuable horse for a young rider in the making.

  • andrea

    and before I forget

    A MASSIVE HUGE THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE EVENTING NATION TEAM FOR BRING US THE BEST WEG GAMES COVERAGE EVER!!!!!!!!!

    You all rock big time!!

  • Callie

    Agreed, if you want to have a discussion about weight and fitness, that is fine...but sign your name and please make sure the comments are relevant. Are you really sure that Becky 30 lighter wouldn't have had the same weekend? I'm sure not.

    In any event, giving Reggie a pass this year made no sense to me. I understood why Bobby was given a lighter load, but Reggie is young and not exactly seasoned at this level. IMO that was a blown call. Many of the other issues can be chalked up to mistakes, but that one was blown.

  • Beth Collier

    If anyone thinks Becky and Buck are overweight riders, did you see our gold medal reining team. Yikes!

  • Valorie

    With all due respect, Anonymous, I don't know if you are the same Anonymous who suggested in an earlier segment that riders' weight may have had something to due with the Americans' sub-par performance, but jeez, is this really necessary? Way to kick a team while it's down.

    While I appreciate identifying and discussing the issues we face in fielding a competitive team, I don't think our problems were based primarily on lack of fitness by either our horses or riders.

    I stand behind my comments as a 5'3" 110 lb. amateur that Becky, Buck and Karen could ride circles around.

  • Monty White

    I don't see how "Anonymous'" comments are relative (Becky has more than proved herself as an event rider). So go get real.

    There are politics in all sport where there is subjectivity in any of the selection processes, so it's something you'll always need to 'deal with'.

    Personally I see the horses having a little more influence in results. Here in the UK, the foreign riders are always up against it, in getting the best horses, as there is always pressure from UK selectors to place horses with British riders. Hence the Aussies & Kiwis are always working harder, with other people's cast offs. I think the kiwis have found ways round that now and are going to be tough to beat in the next few years.

    Interestingly, the top 6 (individually) are based in Europe, and No. 7 has been UK based this year and probably will be next year. I think, unfortunately, the US has disadvantages of geography when it comes to gearing up for championships, but I'm sure there are more fundamental reasons related to this week's problems.

  • Marie B..

    All I can say it SOMETHING needs to change. Coaching change, selection trials change, how we manage our horses/riders that are on the Team, NOT running them 2-1/2 weeks BEFORE the WEG...my list could go on.

    There were terrible decisions made by the coaches and selectors. Why do we keep seeing the same, crappy results after major events (WEG, Olympics).

    The USEF needs to get their act together, clean house and get new coaching staff. If this were the NFL, MLB or even a modest community college, the coaches/selectors/selection process would have given the boot by now!

    Obviously it DOESN'T WORK! Try something, anything, else!!!!

  • Kate

    It is wonderful to see so many people who are of the same mind as myself at this point after watching the WEG. I have been watching the bureaucracy associated with forming our Eventing team with increasing distaste this year. I was lucky enough to stay with a friend in Lexington who was a volunteer to drive around the British teams from hotel to horse park, and thereby got to meet and speak with many of the team members from all the disciplines, as well as the Chef of the Dressage team and the overall Team leader Will Connell. First off, we need to take a look at their website, and look at the staff they have for the British team, and notice the obvious difference in the depth of their expertise, and ours. Do we have this many people devoted to our horses and our riders? If you go to the British Equestrian Federation website, their motto is "More people, more horses, more places, more medals". It certainly held true this week.

    Anyway, while talking to these wonderful people, I became increasingly embarrassed by the US performance that week, and asked the Brits in a straightforward way what they thought was not working with our system. Why could we not have the continual success as them? More importantly, how could it be arranged for me to move to England? These are the things that I learned:
    1) We need to get our own heads out of our asses.
    2) We should probably consider adding different people to the Team that we have for the last 10-15 years. (Related..we should probably not give them shortcuts and "bys" because they are just old and important)
    3) Our group of possible selections is deplorably small, because we seem to be incapable of creating a deeper selection field by spending time and money on the "up and comings"
    4) I should get on a plane as soon as I get home to my horse. And pack my wellies.

  • Britt

    Maybe I overlooked them, but I didn't see anybody questioning Becky's weight when they won the AECs. Comet proves to be an amazing horse and Becky certainly has proved herself as a rider (agree with Monty). I don't think the US would have chosen Becky to represent the United States as an individual if they believed her weight would be a hindrance to their performance!

    I do want to say thank you to John, Emily, and the entire staff at Eventing Nation for all your hard work! I am complete eventing newbie (converted from hunters/jumpers), but I absolutely LOVE reading all the blogs. I really appreciate your candid-but-still-tactful-and-sometimes-oh-so-hilarious writings. Thank you very much!

  • Anonymous

    I think your American team have just proved that they are human and shit happens. Will this be the last time the Americans will have a chance to prove themselves? No. I think this is a classic situation where horses have humbled their owners and you all should just be grateful everyone will be able to compete next time. I dont think coaching is a an issue because your riders aren't excatly spring chickens where this is their first time competeing at the WEG's. Bottom line is, SHIT HAPPENS.

  • C

    1. That really bugs me about Allison Springer not getting access to the event. She is not my favorite rider for mostly personal reasons, but she earned that alternate spot and deserved to be treated as such! Such silly politics. As annoying as I find her, she is a legitimate up and comer with horses and (importantly) resources and the team should be fostering this! I am SURE there was some way to get the two alternate riders back passes at least, come onnnn.

    2. Re: Paddy - it is just still weird they didn't pull him sooner. I am their biggest fan and it BROKE my heart that they didn't run but it just seems like a crazy situation. Cellulitis is so finicky - and I wonder how aggressive a treatment they could honestly pursue and stay within FEI regulations. Certainly cannot administer steroids (i.e. naquasone) which is a pretty standard tx? I mean, if it were me making the call, I probably would have held out for Paddy to get better but I am so biased in my love for that pair :) And that is why I am not a selector!

    3. Reggie looked a mess. What caused this should be questioned. Inexperience? Sourness? Soreness? Riding? Something was wrong - if it weren't for the genetic lack of fear gene of the Davidsons I do not think they would have made it around. I do like this horse and I hope his future is bright, but this was just all wrong.

    4. Time to rehaul - i could not agree more. CMP needs to go. The good old boys need to make room. And that goes to Karen as well. I got the chance to watch a developing rider training session this year and she was there riding with CMP. She made one of the RUDEST comments about developing riders in general that really, really lowered my respect for her. To make it all the much sweeter - she was talking "privately" to Max but made sure to talk loud enough that us spectators could hear and my brother actually got it on camera. Really ridiculous. With her great expertise she stands in a prime position to help the US team flourish. But I get the feeling she is not as team oriented as we hope. She only has Mandiba on her top list right now - a somewhat unusual position for her - but maybe, just maybe, that means 2010 just isn't her year and she should focus of developing a young stock, finding new owners, etc rather than pushing what shes got! Enough negatives, some positives. Karen is not fat. She is a great athlete with a great deal of skill. I do not question for an instant that she is one of our countries very top event riders and a huge asset.

    4. Horses are horses, and only so much can be done to get to the point before we leave it in their hooves. Paddy was just rotten luck. Comet was crappy luck (however, having a US team farrier sounds insane!).

    5. Finally, what it all comes down to is politics. USEF politics. The same politics that would run Karen on a sub-par horse over taking a risk on Arthur. Same politics that somehow apparently required Becky to jog a 3/5 lame horse. Same politics that required ridiculous qualifications of these horses - rather than looking at them on an individual basis. Rebecca Farm, Richland, AEC, etc just really breaks down a horse fast. Is it necessary to campaign a horse this hard to prove oneself?

  • critter

    John. How did you get that picture of me? Ya think nobody's looking... I swear.

    Great post. Great coverage. Excellent (*appropriate*) tone. GJ all around.

    Anon (re:weight) - if I didn't know you were just some hateful cowardly sap trying to get attention, I'd give it to you.

  • Anonymous

    The comments about weight are not being hateful it is just a fact that the riders are not held to the same standard as the horses. True athletes are not overweight. I don't understand how you all think weight comments are cruel but expecting horses to cart aorund overindulgent riders is not cruel.

    Look at the other 80 or so competitors from around the world that evented at the WEG. Only one team stood out as being overweight. Becky, Karen and Buck have results to prove that they can ride...that is not the issue. They can also choose to eat less and work out if they wanted to. Riding a horse comes with responsibilities and when you are off the horse you owe it to that animal to be the best you can be. So don't pretend that weight in this sport does not matter. And don't try to convince me that these folks are in good shape. How far could each of them run with the same weight ratio on their human back as their horses do.

    So quit all whining about the fact that I mentioned the TABOO subject of weight. The US is a leader and an example in many things on this planet. Self discipline should be one of them. And I remain to be anonymous because none of you know me anyways.

  • Suzanne

    @anonymous - before you pass judgement on anyone else's personal appearance, please post a *recent* photograph of yourself naked... um,thanks.

  • Anonymous

    Well I was sitting at the sunken road. Reggie was GALLOPING down the hill to and Buck was fighting hard to get his attention. When Buck turned to the hanging log the jump in...I was watching Reggie. He never focused on the jump until it was too late. Buck was trying...horse just looked green and unfocused. He never locked onto the question and therefore never read the question. I would not rule this horse out...he just looked green and strong out there. I don't know what his competition schedule has been or if he was fighting an injury...but Buck was riding hard to keep it all together.

  • Anonymous

    You would really hate me if I sent you a pic of myself naked. I hate to brag but I am a about a 9.5. Not a 10 as I have a scar from a surgery on my rock hard abs. I work out everyday and I eat healthy but enjoy a good serving of fries and gravy every once in a while. You are not barking up a hypocrites tree.

  • Lynn

    So what is the difference between a 5'7 180 pound woman who is unfit and a 6 foot 180 pound man it's still 180 lbs. Comet had to withdraw because he lost a shoe on on CC and was sore having nothing to do with anyones weight. Did you see her dressage test? It was fantastic. Her CC terrific she nailed it. And having stood next to Karen at AECs she's not in anyway overweight geesh.

  • Anonymous

    The difference is one overeats and is not as active as they should be. Karen's BMI would be in the overweight range.

    Why is so hard to admit that these riders are not treating their own bodies like they are professional athletes??? Why are we never supposed to mention someone's weight????? This is in their control.

    Would it make them better riders??? At this level of competition everything counts!!!!!! ...nobody is disputing they are three of the best on the planet...imagine what might be possible if they invested time and effort into their own fitness?????

  • Ashley

    "Rock hard abs"

    Sure. And that's why you're riding ****, right?

  • Kim Bradley

    Anonymous--

    Post your full name with all your posts, and I won't have a problem with you. I'll still think you're wrong, but I'll respect your right to say it.

    As it is--cowardice, rock-hard abs or no.

  • scopeyPDX

    You know John, I would totally support some editing on comments. People like this jackass attention-seeker, and the guy about Boyd's citizenship. Comments for this post are just a write-off now. You're an editor, and entitled to keep the conversation directed. And do not let the trolls talk freedom of speech. You're not silencing them, you're booting them off the site that you own. Particularly when they hide behind anonymity. Consider it, really. Delete them when they turn up, so we can stay on what we came here for.

  • Kim Bradley

    Just for kicks, anonymous, I just calculated Karen's BMI based on the information in her rider profile. It's in the middle of "normal."

    What's your beef?

  • Anonymous

    Silly argument. Of course, our team leadership should encourage fitness and cross-training for all of our riders. Not sure that is relevant discussion here and now... I agree Buck and Becky kind of stood out amongst the riders but I know it is something they both have struggled with and they both look a whole lot better than they did 2-3 years ago!

    Becky 06 http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yvPZONZ3BnM/S0ET42F38gI/AAAAAAAAAR0/i9U11CtmHOs/s1600-h/larger+becky+holder.jpg

    And Karen? are you on crack? Probably explains why you are so skinny. Are you thinking of David O'Connor? Karen is no spring chicken and she looks great.

  • Kate

    Scopey I completely agree with you. John you need to monitor some of these comments and take off the ones you feel are unnecessary. Good comments all on the team.

  • Lizzy

    I agree with scopeyPDX... I'm still trying to figure out anon's beef with Karen. She looks in great shape/weight to me.

    To anonymous: anyone can be a 9.5 on the internet. Back up your statements.

    Also here's a question... Philip and Boyd both had horses as alternates, but not Buck. Why? I personally think Bobby is the better of his two horses, yet he wasn't picked. Again... Why? I'm guessing some sort of soundness issue. Any thoughts on that aspect?

  • Elaine

    Someone outside of the US team mentioned that Bobby had a minor boo boo but I haven't heard this from anyone from the US so it's either not true or top secret.

  • Anonymous

    I don't think the comments are out of hand. I hate monitoring, too controlling. I mean, I think everyone agrees that anon is just trying to add fuel to fire so just ignore it and it will go away. It will probably go to the gym soon anyways.

  • juney

    Ooooo do tell

  • John

    Any more inappropriate discussion of weight on this thread will be deleted because I just don't want to read them as will any more anonymous comments. We have anonymous comments as a convenience to our readers so they don't have to bother registering. Consider this a friendly warning.

  • Anonymous

    I think this anonymous person is having a bad self esteem day about her own riding and feels the need to bring other far superior riders to her level. Pathetic.

  • John

    Ok, that is an anonymous comment. I'm serious that any anonymous comments will be deleted from this thread because I am sick of so many anonymouses. Take the extra 2 seconds to type something into the 'name' box. 'John sucks' would work fine for all I care just don't leave it blank. Starting...now.

  • eventer79

    Ooo ooo, I'm not anonymous! But just wanted to thank you and all the folks who contributed to EN coverage of this event as I know how hard y'all worked at it. And I appreciate when people take the time to post thoughts like yours, articulate and well-thought out commentary on what you saw. I've watched some of these riders compete for a verrrrry long time and wondered, when will we see some new names in the ranks? And how the heck will they get there?

  • sameold

    It's dissapointing to see a potentially constructive, intellectual thread turn into something so juvenile and nasty. What good does it do?
    Seriously? Is it improving the issues that you so strongly believe need fixing? Instead of typing insults (not only in this thread, but others
    in the recent past concerning team selection, etc), pointing fingers, and whining, how about realizing that you aren't in a position to make certain decisions, and that there's
    probably a reason for that. Everyone is of course "entitled" to their own opinion, and should express it, but there are so many better ways to do so!

    "You know John, I would totally support some editing on comments. People like this jackass attention-seeker, and the guy about Boyd's citizenship. Comments for this post are just a write-off now. You're an editor, and entitled to keep the conversation directed. And do not let the trolls talk freedom of speech. You're not silencing them, you're booting them off the site that you own. Particularly when they hide behind anonymity. Consider it, really. Delete them when they turn up, so we can stay on what we came here for."

    Agreed. Part of the appeal of this site used to be that there were constructive discussions.

  • C1

    Didn't I read somewhere the WEG's were here in 1978?

  • pardon my rant

    The Eventing World Championship was held in the US in 1978, and it was only Eventing. While this past weekend was also the Eventing World Championship it differs from 1978 as all of the other disciplines were held simultaneously, making it a World Equestrian Games collectively.

  • Jen

    "Some people ask me if eventing is more about horses or riders, and I always say it's 50% riders and 50% horses. After watching Canada clean up this weekend I might change my answer to 55% horses 45% riders because Canada's horses were sounder and more honest and that made all the difference."
    Has to be said that keeping a horse sound and honest is an attribute to the RIDER, of course there is an element of luck in any horse sport however one can take an honest sound animal and without a proper training, conditioning and maintenance plan make them unsound and unhappy very quickly, if Canada is producing multiple sound honest animals I would say that is a credit to their riders and their training and maintenance program.

  • LisaB

    I knew we weren't going to medal. Why? Many reasons.
    First, we were cocky and sloppy.
    Second, day late, dollar short on bringing in specialized coaches. They cannot be effective if they are only brought in here and there.
    Third, too many cooks in the kitchen. If it's true that the team MADE Becky present a lame horse, she should have the final say. Her horse, not theirs. She looked like an ass.
    Yup, weight. I'm struggling with this now - more than ever before. And let me tell you it affects x-c on a stamina front plus your weight difference in dealing with terrain.
    Onto Buck and his crappy round. He runs this horse at jumps. The horse is a lofty jumper. And Mike E-S's course didn't allow you to run at things - he made so correct horse/rider adjustability was rewarded.

  • Cindy

    Weren't you originally against the horses running at the AECs because of the hard ground and it being just two weeks before the WEGs?

  • critter

    Hey Lisa!

    (Re: I knew we weren't going to medal... And Mike E-S's course didn't allow you to run at things - he made so correct horse/rider adjustability was rewarded.") You get no acclaim for optimist. lol ;)

    I know the above comment about BDJ's xc course is just one example you are using of cocky/sloppy (not entirely sure what you mean there - I didn't see it). However, it's noteworthy that xc wasn't where we lost the medal. So the US riders (4 out of 5/80%) did not have problems with the xc course. To me, that's a huge Positive coming out of WEG.

    I just refuse to be completely downtrodden because our team wasn't able to pull it out. Rails happen. Tense Dressage happens. It's so Disappointing. But they, for the most part, had an excellent xc day... across what looked like a beast of a course. That takes a huge heart in both horse and human. I think this means our team was not entirely ready to take a medal this year. That just means there's still work to be done. Why do people condemn that?

    OT: I'm disappointed for the team, but it makes me sad that they're getting ripped on. If we're the 'eventing family' we're a dysfunctional one indeed.

  • George

    I thought we did win the gold, right? The guys who were twirling and skidding...oops wrong bunch. Never mind as Roseannadanna used to say...after all this is John's denial section. I thought it was wonderful we pulled up as far as we did after xcntry(2nd)but it had no effect on the outcome since the British slammed the door shut in stadium. And I am not going to bash any of our team...one stop in 48 efforts of a 4 star xcntry course and you want to tar and feather Buck...someone has to come in fourth...just wasn't our day...

  • LisaB

    I meant that we-the entire team was sloppy and cocky - with the exception of Boyd. He seems to be hungry about it all.
    We picked x-c machines because they somehow had a crystal ball about the course. Yes, that was probably the only part we got right.
    The dressage and the st is where it fell apart.
    Question:
    Is it me or does seem like we always scramble at the last minute about our dr and st? It's like OMG! Our dr scores aren't good enough and it's already August - let's get Oded in for a couple of lesson. Or, OMG! we are still pulling rails and it's July, let's get Katie in here - who honestly seemed to realize the issue and beat up the team with every inch of their lives while she could.
    I bet money we won't hear about either one of them until the summer of 2012.

  • Five Star

    Thanks, John for the great WEG coverage! I couldn't agree more with your observations. I wonder what they are saying in the German eventing camp given that they were in the lead after dressage but were a nightmare in cross country. Winning the individual gold does smooth things out but they were a disaster otherwise. Oh, and they actually did worse than the US in the team standings.

    It was interesting to read the comments of both WFP and the US riders when summing up the competition. WFP made a point of thanking all of the fans and their supporters back home. I didn't hear that from the Americans unless it was edited out. Just excuses for not doing better. I know the riders (except Boyd) let themselves down and certainly they let their horses down by not riding them better but they also let their fans down. With the disdain that seems to be growing towards some of the ULRs, the USEF and CMP, etc., the riders should be making every effort to include some acknowledgement of their fan base as well as the owners and sponsors. The USEF also needs to be more transparent as they are becoming more mistrusted by the eventing community.

    I also think it is inexcusable that the alternate riders did not get tickets! What a learning opportunity they missed out on. And to not even explain how the decision was made regarding Kim's horse to poor Alison is poor management at best. We have many very talented younger riders in our country but the US is going to lose out on this talent if the USEF doesn't support and groom them for the major championships.

  • be me

    John, Who won the point 2 air vest?

  • John Sucks

    LisaB totally agree with everything you said.

    As for the 55% horse 45% rider.... WOWWW rewind.

    The highest placed Canadian horse Port Authority was brought up by Stephanie through the young riders ranks. Colombo was not wanted by other riders and Selena has brought him to the quality he is now at. Exponential not on the team but I have seen Jessica brining it up through the ranks. Kyle has dealt with issues with Parker. Point is these riders have not bought winning stunning horses off other riders. THE CANADIAN RIDERS put the work into making these horses sound and honest. The US riders could be better but clearly they lack some form of dedication in their training to make their horses honest and keep them sound.

    Or you can deny it and believe that these riders are stumbling failures compared to the US team and got better horses. Even so... I think the US riders in that case should let the Canadians pick their next mounts ;)

    Sorry John, I read your post and felt that name had to be used in this discussion for added fun value :P

  • Eventer

    Oded has been working with the team all year. He was at the majority of the training sessions. It was not like he was a last minute addition. And also know one can deny what Katie did with Kim was amazing. I still think we need to be more focused on starting a better program for the up and coming. They are the future of our sport. Developing riders is a joke, I know because I made the list. We cant just sit and wait for Jennie Brannigan or Kelly Pugh or Tiana Coudray to all of a sudden just appear and be on a team. We need to help them get there.

  • Diemer

    Well guys lets face it. Although many points are valid and this stream of "Incidents" with the US team does seem to be a Continuing problem I dont think we can judge them to harshly. Couple of points I want to cover.

    1. Karen's Stop.
    Lets face it. The reason why this was so shocking is simply because we all expected in the back of our minds for that combo to have issues on XC not SJ. I think if we are going to point any fingers I think we should look at both. To me (my opinion) It looked like Karen rode to a deep and possibly bad spot and the horse simply was not honest enough to just get it done. Yes Karen is a 4* rider however I know what its like to have a horse like that. My Intermediate horse was very dependent on me for confidence XC and if I was off he was off. Plain and simple. So unfortunately Karen didnt put in the perfect ride we needed her to. Yes it was very disappointing and it is easy to point fingers however it is somewhat understandable.

    2. Becky
    I love Becky to death. I knew her back when she was Becky Douglas in fact its primarily her fault that my family got into this sport. She has been struggling with her weight all of her life and believe me when I say that she fights it everyday. Now yes it is easy for someone like me to point fingers and say "Well she just needs to go to the gym" and "I have rock hard abs why cant she have them?" Just because I was blessed with my fathers metabolism and ability to stay fit does mean I have the right to judge her. It is easy for us to judge but put yourself in her shoes just for a minute and try to imagine how much work she must go through to continue to attempt to stay fit and yet have a wonderful talent.

    3. Politics

    Lets face it guys. This will never go away. When ever there is a group of people in a competitive atmosphere no matter how small or large this will be here. For example the American Polocrosse Association has maybe 250 active members. And the politics are still there. It is a fact of life. Is it fair? No. But lets face it. Even if we removed all those we thought were choosing teams via politics within a year we would be doing the same with the replacements.

    4. Future teams

    Its hard to say what the selectors should look for. Personally I like the basis that the Kiwi team had. They had two hardened veterans and two determined medal hungry youngsters. The teams had clear experience with 2 of the most experienced riders in the world and energy for two very talented newcomers. Their team seemed very balanced to me.

    5.Boyd

    I feel bad in a way for Boyd. All this talk of teams and drama have somewhat overshowed the fact that Boyd had an amazing weekend. Kudos to him.

    6. MARK TODD IS STILL A GOD

    I would love to hear anyones comments on what I think. The only way to learn to to hear as many sides and thoughts as possible so you can have as many tools as possible for the future. Oh and one more thing. I know Im a bit biased but.....

    HOLLY HUDSPETH AND STEWIE FOR 2012 LONDON!!!

  • Elaine

    I don't think it's just our horses who need help in stadium. Our riders could probably use more stadium rounds than their horses can take. How do you prepare the riders without overjumping the horses.

  • critter

    Aaaah. I see exactly what you're saying. Agree - it seems not that Oded and KP were unhelpful, but that it was too late. It's risky to change things at the last minute. When it comes to horses and people, those last minute changes can cause more harm than good even if, over time, they could be beneficial.

  • anonymous

    I heard that allison and amy's credentials were taken from them by jim wolfe of the uset so he could give them to his "friends"....

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