How often do you hear the old cliche, “Team work makes the dream work?” I mean, it is certainly true – as Team GB proved this week, winning their second consecutive Gold Medal. But there are many, many, members of that team – and indeed all of the Olympic teams competing in Versailles this week – not just those we saw competing, or standing on the podium. Arguably one of the most important, but least celebrated or seen, is those in the position of travelling reserve. Although they have the heartache of not making the actual team, they still have to be prepped and ready to step in at any moment, should anything happen to the other team members or their horses. Yasmin Ingham was the one who took on that role in Team GB’s camp, and she has been quite candid about just how difficult it is to be in that position, with a grace and bravery beyond her years.
Bravo then, to Laura Collett, Team and Individual Medallist, for taking the time to celebrate Yas’ contribution to that Team Gold Medal, and giving her the recognition she so deserves. And yes, as Laura says, I have no doubt that Yas’ time will come – perhaps with Laura once again by her side.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. at Caber Farm (Onalaska, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Bayou Gulch H.T. (Parker, CO) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials (Iowa City, IA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Cobblestone Farms H.T. II (Dexter, MI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Hoosier Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Huntington Farm H.T. (South Strafford, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Olney Farm Horse Trials (Joppa, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
River Glen Summer H.T. (New Market, TN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
Friday News and Reading
Guyssssss the Olympics are OVER Well, as far as the eventing is concerned – you can still enjoy the Team and Individual Dressage Finals this weekend, and I suppose the showjumping will carry us through to next week. But after that, we will be hurtled into the full throes of an Olympic hangover. Still, all is NOT lost. As if they knew we would near something to cheer us up, the lovely people over at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials have released the first few entries – and you can continue to follow along as they come in. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, there are already THREE entrants from the USA: Will Faudree, Mia Phelps and Hannah Sue Holberg. Maybe a trip to Burghley is just what you need to get you out of that post-Olympic funk…
Speaking of Burghley, do you think that you could help US based Kiwi Monica Spencer and Artist make the trip? Since shifting her whole family across to the US, Monica already has the 5* at Maryland and Kentucky under her belt, with OOTB Artist. Determined to make the most of her time in the Northern Hemisphere, she now she has her sights set on Burghley, but she could use a little financial help to make the trip. If you you can help out, there’s something in it for you too – a full owner’s experience at Burghley Horse Trials, regular updates on their journey leading up to the event, and other free stuff too – including a signed hat! There is no ongoing commitment beyond Burghley, so if you have a few pennies spare, why not join Monica and Max on their latest adventure?
One of the weirdest thing about the Olympics? All the weird and wonderful interviews that the athletes are subjected to – especially if they win a medal.In fact, the more medal you win, the weirder it seems to get. Just ask Team Gold and Individual Bronze medallist Laura Collett. Still, fun for the mere mortals among us to watch. Which ranking would you go for?
Robert Reyers is making the most of his time at College, but not in the way that you would necessarily expect. Although he was previously based with jumper Todd Minikus – where he intends to return once his studies are over – he is currently taking a break from horses to focus on his studies. However, he is still 100% committed to all things equestrian. Part of Brooke USA, he is helping to raise money to improve the welfare of donkeys in Ethiopia through the education of the veterinarians and their handlers. His fundraising methods are THE MOST FUN I have ever come across, too; The Annual Brooke USA Watering Hole Party. A party for a good cause? Now that is something I can definitely get on board with!
Oh goody, yet more stuff to look forward to. This one should provide some much needed relief during the long, dark months of winter. Sorry, too soon to mention that word?!
Sponsor Corner
Congratulations to the winners of the July Eventing Academy! Didn’t get the result you hoped for? Try again in August! Today is your last chance to enter the August Eventing Academy at Stable View. The event runs from August 9th – 11th. It’s a great opportunity to get your horse used to a 5* atmosphere during a low-key, relaxed schooling competition. Choose to school the cross country course or ride in the show jumping or dressage rings in the days preceding the unrecognized horse trial on August 11th. Will you be there? Register here. Details here.
Weekend Watching
We’ve moved into the show jumping competition in Paris, so if you’re following along you can catch up with EquiRatings’ preview of the team final today:
Back in 1956, Team Ireland finished 7th in the Jumping Olympic Team competition in Stockholm. To this day, they have…
Posted by EquiRatings on Thursday, August 1, 2024
