So there’s a few big guns arrived in Versailles ahead of the eventing competition, which kicks off TODAY(!) with the first horse inspection. But to be honest, they all pale in comparison to the latest arrival there: none other than our very own Chinch. That’s right pals, the main man has arrived, and so now we really are ready for it all to begin.
If like us, you are utterly frantic with anticipation, then you’ll be thrilled to hear that we have a full team ready and waiting to bring you all of the very best Olympic content, every day as it happens. We have our fabulous roving reporters Sally and Tilly – who will also be bringing you all of the best photographic content too – actually there in Paris, as well as an incredible team working away remotely, too, so you really won’t miss a thing.
Expect up to date reports as the action unfolds, thanks to Cheg Darlington, and plenty of behind the scenes action over on our Instagram channel (@goeventing).
Although the Horse Inspection won’t be streamed, all of the rest of the action will be – make sure you know where to watch it, depending on which country you’re in, with our extensive guide. Before it all begins though, be sure to familiarise yourself with all of the riders and teams participating in the 2024 Olympic Games, with our fantastic form guides. If you need to know anything else, then check out our Ultimate Guide to the Paris Olympics, where you will find everything you need – and more. In fact, your best bet would be to bookmark that page, as we will be updating it CONSTANTLY throughout the games, making sure you don’t miss a thing. We have an exciting weekend ahead, let’s make the most of it, cheer our athletes on loud and proud, and GO EVENTING!
U.S. Weekend Preview
Millbrook H.T. (Millbrook NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]
UK International Events
Burgham International (Northumberland) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Major International Events
#Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [EN’s Coverage]
Friday News & Reading
We all know how integral the team behind the scenes is, and Jackie Potts has been part of that team for many, many years. Groom for William Fox-Pitt for 30 years, Paris will be her sixth Olympics – she made her debut at Athens 20 years ago! This time, she will be the wing woman to Team Japan’s Kazuma Tomoto – find out more about Jackie’s fascinating career, and what it is like to groom at an Olympics, here.
If you manage to exhaust all of the Olympic content that EN have brought you thus far, don’t worry. There is plenty more where that came from and in the meantime, there are also various Olympic themed podcasts to tide you over. First up, the Instrides Podcast has a great new episode, with Jon Elliot, as in US Olympic Selector. Then there’s not one but two new episodes from the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast, offering a fascinating peek behind the scenes with some of the owners and grooms of our Olympic superstars. And finally, Athens Gold Medallist, Leslie Law gives his Olympic predictions on the Jon and Rick Show. Seems we’re not the only ones suffering from a little Olympic fever.
Just a quick break in ALLLLLL of the Olympic chat. I know that Paris is all anybody is thinking, talking and dreaming about right now, but once that is all over, we are all going to need something else to get excited about, and I have just the thing for you. That’s right, the next big 5* is just coming in to view on the horizon, and the entries for the Defender Burghley Horse Trials opened this week. Enjoy this little throwback with the great Andrew Nicholson (multiple Olympian if you want to keep it on brand), to get you in the mood.
Not strictly eventing related, but still Olympic themed, so arguably still relevant. Plus, as Olympic athletes, our guys will no doubt be sleeping in these headline hitting beds too… I mean, at this point, I really don’t know what else to say…so I’ll leave you to make your own minds up on the matter.
Sponsor Corner
Happy Retirement Gayle! This comment from @Kim.wendel.eventing is a tear-jerker. “Gayle has been a light for all riders. Always there, always helpful, always kind, always calm. She had such a hard job and riders are stressed and anxious so her presence was truly admirable.
Enjoy retirement and thank you for being you ❤️”
Weekend Watching
Up until Wednesday, they were travelling reserve. Now Julia Kraweski is lining up to defend her title, this time with 10 year old Aachen winner, Nickel 21. Get to know him a little better – and fear not if German isn’t your first language – there’s subtitles to help you out. Good luck Julia and Nickel, and to all the other competitors in Paris. The Olympics are finally upon us, let’s GO EVENTING!
