Team GB. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

Did everyone enjoy the off day? Because we’re back with the final show jumping phase at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. We’ve got 70 combinations coming forward to jump Alan Wade’s track, and no room for error in this stacked leaderboard.

The United States will be looking to finish 6th or better (or 7th or better if the 2020 host nation, Japan, stays above us on the leaderboard) to achieve qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Let’s go team.

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Starting Order, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, Course Preview, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

1:16 p.m. Here’s how things shook out: Stay tuned for the full report:

1:11 p.m. DOUBLE GOLD for Great Britain! Ros Canter is world champion!

Ros Canter and Allstar B. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

1:10 p.m. THE LAST FENCE DOWN!!! Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD finish in bronze medal position.

1:08 p.m. Ros Canter and Allstar B jump clear! GREAT BRITAIN WINS GOLD! Ros guaranteed podium finish. All rests now on Ingrid.

1:07 p.m. Team GB’s gold medal relies on a clear round from Ros Canter.

1:04 p.m. Sarah Ennis and Horseware Stellor Rebound have one down to finish on 30.3. Ireland finishes on 93 and WILL earn their first team medal here at WEG.

1:02 p.m. Last French rider, Thibaut Vallette Lt Col and Qing du Briot ENE HN have a scary moment at the fourth fence. They have one rail to finish on 30.8. France finishes on 99.8.

12:59 p.m. Astier Nicolas and Vinci de la Vigne drop one rail for 31.2 as individuals for France.

12:57 p.m. Tim Price and Cekatinka finish 31.2 with one down for New Zealand. New Zealand has finished on 142.2 points for 7th place, and Olympic qualification.

@TeamIRLEq now guaranteed a medal at the World Games

— EquiRatings (@EquiRatings) September 17, 2018

12:56 p.m. Tim Price and Cekatinka have a rail at the liverpool.

12:54 p.m. Padraig McCarthy and Mr Chunky go clear for Ireland. They finish on 27.2. A HUGE ride for the team.

12:52 p.m. Piggy French and Quarrycrest Echo has one down to finish on 31.8. Team GB now on 88.80, and Ireland on 89. These final riders have no room for mistakes.

12:50 p.m. Lynn Skymansky and Donner have 3 rails down for a final score of 40.3. The U.S. has dropped to 8th on a final score of 145, which drops the US out of Tokyo 2020 qualifications.

12:46 p.m. Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser have one down to finish on 32.4 for Great Britain.

12:43 p.m. Andrew Hoy and Vassily de Lassos jump clear for Australia to finish on 28.9. Australia finished on a team score of 135.8 for 7th place currently. Lynn Symansky can only have one rail to ensure the US qualifies for Tokyo 2020.

12:41 p.m. Jonelle Price and Classic Moet have 2 down for a final score of 38. New Zealand currently on 138.2 ahead of their final rider.

12:38 p.m. Pawel Spisak (POL) and Banderas have 2 down to finish on 39.4.

12:24 p.m. Tina Cook and Billy the Red jump clear to stay on 31.5 as individuals for Great Britain.

12:32 p.m. Merel Blom (NED) and Rumour Has It N.O.P. have one down to finish on 35.6.

12:30 p.m. Maxime Livio and Opium de Verrieres jump clear for France to finish on 32.1. The French remain on 95.8 with one more team rider to come.

12:38 p.m. VERY lucky rub for Kazuma Tomoto at the liverpool. Kazuma and Tacoma d’Horset finish on 40.20. Team Japan finishes on 113.9.

12:25 p.m. 3 down for Gemma Tattersall (GBR) and Arctic Soul to finish on 44.4.

12:23 p.m. Sidney Dufresne and Tresor Mail have one down for France to finish on 36.9. The French still sit in bronze medal position on 95.8.

12:20 p.m. Emma McNab and Fernhill Tabasco pick up 12 jump penalties and 14 time penalties to finish on 59.8.

12:19 p.m. Emma McNab and Fernhill Tabasco have a stop at fence 3.

12:17 p.m. Phillip Dutton and Z jump clear for the USA!! They finish on 34.

12:16 p.m. The crowd goes wild as Phillip Dutton and Z enter the ring.

12:13 p.m. Yoshiaki Oiwa and Calle 44 have one pesky rail to finish on 38.2.

12:12 p.m. Just one time penalty for Toshiyuki Tanaka and Talma d’Allou for Japan! They finish on 35.5

12:10 p.m. Ludwig Svennerstal and Stinger, the final pair for Sweden, had 7 rails down to finish on 63.3. Sweden now has a final team score of 155.5.

12:07 p.m. Sam Watson and Horseware Ardagh Highlight had one tight moment in the triple combination, but they deliver a brilliant clear round for Ireland to finish on 35.5.

12:04 p.m. Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verahof jump clear for Belgium. They finish on 35.6. Belgium team now finishes on 166.6.

12:01 p.m. Carlos Diaz Fernandez (ESP) and Junco CP, who were the very first to finish cross country inside the time, have one rail to finish on 40.3.

11:59 a.m. Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua have just one down in their first Senior Championship for Ireland. They finish on 41.6.

11:58 a.m. Canada’s Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High jump clear, but have 3 time penalties. They finish on 41.7.

11:55 a.m. Final team rider for Brazil, Marcio Caralho Jorge has 2 down with Coronel MCJ to finish on 47. This gives Brazil a final team score of 217.70.

11:52 a.m. Donatien Schauly Adj and Pivoine des Touches have a brilliant clear for France. They stay on 39.3. The fighting French want a medal today!

11:50 a.m. Louise Svensson Jahde (SWE) and Waikiki 207 have the last fence down to finish on 43.6.

11:47 a.m. Lara de Liedekerke-Meier (BEL) and Alpaga d’Arville have 4 rails and 1 time penalty to finish on 57.2.

11:44 a.m. Albert Hermoso Farras (ESP) and Nereo CP have 2 rails to finish with 48.50 penalties.

11:43 a.m. Niklas Lindback (SWE) and Focus Filiocus have 2 down to finish on 48.6.

11:29 a.m. At the halfway mark, only 7 have gone double clear.

At the halfway stage the clear rate in the Show Jumping sits at 20%.

The average at a World Games is 22%.

Onto the final 35 horses…. #Tryon2018

— EquiRatings (@EquiRatings) September 17, 2018

11:28 a.m. Theo van de Vendel (NED) and Zindane have five down to finish on 62.4.

11:26 a.m. Raf Kooremans (NED) and Henri Z finish on 56.9.

11:23 a.m. So far the biggest cheers of the day belong to Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo who had 5 down to finish on 63.5 as individuals for Canada.

11:22 a.m. Andreas Dibowski (GER) and FRH Corrida go double clear to finish on 43.5.

11:18 a.m. Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges have 4 down to finish on 60.4 for Canada.

Colleen Loach and Qorry Blue d’Argouges. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

11:16 a.m. The final combination for Italy, Arianna Schivo and Quefira de l’Ormeau go double clear to finish on 45.2. This gives Italy a final team score of 164.3.

11:13 a.m. Daniela Moguel and Cecelia have 3 down to finish on 57.9 for Mexico.

11:11 a.m. Two down for Dan Jocelyn and Grovine de Reve. They finish on 54 as individuals for New Zealand.

11:08 a.m. Pietro Roman (ITA) and Barraduff have one rail and 3 time penalties to finish on 54 points.

11:05 a.m. Kai Ruder and Colani Sunrise jump clear for Germany. They finish on 47.4.

11:03 a.m. Marcelo Tosi (BRA) and Glenfly have 4 rails and 2 time penalties to finish on 65.6.

11:00 a.m. After a devastating runout on yesterday’s cross country, Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH have one rail to finish on 56.3 for Germany.

10:58 a.m. Lisa Marie Fergusson and Honor Me have one down for 52.6 penalties as the first pair to complete for Canada.

10:56 a.m. Chris Burton and Cooley Lands jump clear for Australia. They stay on 48.6.

10:54 a.m. Renske Kroeze (NED) and Jane Z had 3 down to finish on 61.1.

10:52 a.m. 

Massive blow for US, they add 12 pens to team score there. Pushes them behind Sweden on the expected battle for the final Olympic qualifying place. Good news for Sweden. Sweden now have two poles in hand on US.

SHANE ROSE is clear. Important for Aussies staying in top 6.

— EquiRatings (@EquiRatings) September 17, 2018

10:51 a.m. Alex Hua Tian and Ballytiglea Vivendi have one rail and 2 time penalties to finish on 58 as the sole representatives from China.

10:49 a.m. Manuel Senra Chover (ESP) and Cruising have three down to finish with 68.10.

10:45 a.m. Shane Rose and Virgil have a double clear round for Australia to end the weekend (start the week?) on 57.4.

10:43 a.m. Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg have 3 down to finish on 70.7 for the United States.

10:43 a.m. A huge applause as Boyd Martin and Tsetserleg enter the ring.

10:40 a.m. Maria Pinedo Sendagorta (ESP) and Carriem van Colen Z have 2 down to finish on 64.7.

10:37 a.m. Pietro Sandei (ITA) and Rubis de Prere has the final fence down and one time penalty for a final score of 65.1.

10:35 a.m. Joris Vanspringel (BEL) and Imperial van de Holtakkers have 2 down and 2 time penalties for a final score of 73.8.

10:34 a.m. Sir Mark Todd (NZL) and McClaren have one rail down for a final score of 73.

10:29 a.m. The final pair for Switzerland, Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH have one down for a final result of 76.6. Switzerland’s final team score is  332.7.

10:28 a.m. Stefano Brecciaroli (ITA) and Byrnesgrove First Diamond have the very final rail down and one time penalty for a final score of 79.

10:26 a.m. Ryuzo Kitajima and Queen Mary jump clear for Japan! They finish on 75.8.

10:23 a.m. Alice Naber-Lozeman (NED) and ACSI Harry Belafonte have 2 down and 2 time penalties to finish on 85.9.

10:20 a.m. Patricia Ryan and Dunrath Eclipse have the first clear round! They remain on 78.6 as individuals for Ireland.

10:18 a.m. Nicolas Wettstein (ECU) takes a tour around the arena after Meyer’s Happy decides to bolt. Jumped a few extra ferns for good measure. These two had 24 jumping penalties to finish on 104.6.

10:15 a.m. Marcio Appel Cheuiche (BRA) and Iberon Jmen have 4 down and 2 time penalties to finish on 105.1.

10:14 a.m. Little scare from Marcio Appel Cheuiche after Iberon Jmen trips and nearly goes down, but saved it!

10:13 a.m. Ronald Zabala Goetschel (ECU) and Wundermaske jump clear, but add 6 time penalties to finish on 93.1.

10:10 a.m. Will Coleman and Tight Lines have three poles down to finish on 99.2 for the USA.

10:07 a.m. Patrizia Attinger and Hilton P have 2 rails to finish on 96.9 for Switzerland.

10:06 a.m. Here’s a course map:

2018 WEG Course Map.

10:04 a.m. Nilson Moreira da Silva and Magnum’s Martini (BRA) have 5 down to finish on  119.80.

10:02 a.m. Felix Vogg and Colero have one pole down at 12a and 3 time penalties to finish on 159.20.

10:00 a.m. Here comes Felix Vogg to get things started!

9:30 a.m. We’re in the the U.S. Trust arena, and the course looks beautiful! First horse in at 10:00 a.m. Click here  for the starting order.

Some areas around Tryon remain flooded. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Florence was no match for eventers Sunday at WEG. There were some scheduling fluctuations, but eventually horses were trotted up for the final inspection. While Jenni covered that emotional rollercoaster (you can find her report here), Leslie Threlkeld and I decided to explore and see how the venue fared in the weather.

First, the areas for horses are absolutely fine. We’ve seen no flooding in/around barns or arenas. Multiple grooms have confirmed with EN that stalls and aisle ways are completely dry. So as always the horses will continue to be comfortable.

Sandbags are in place to keep out any potential water. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The arenas also fared well in the storm with little to no standing water. Photo by Shelby Allen.

The rest of the venue is a mixed bag. While some areas escaped unscathed, others are underwater. The hub of competition, around the Tryon Stadium, is largely unaffected, but the farther you go out the more damage you might see.

The vendor area closed down in time for the rain, but there is some standing water in certain areas. I’d also like to commend the local police who were patrolling the area to make sure the vendor village didn’t fall victim to anyone with sticky fingers.

Overall, many areas fared better than I would’ve thought, but there are certainly more than a few puddles. The National Weather Service still has the area under a flash flood watch, so it looks like rain may continue to fall overnight.

I was able to get around with my ankle height duck boots, but I did have to mind my step, so my advice for spectators is to pack your tall wellies and you’ll be just fine. We’ll be right there with you!

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, Course Preview, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Photo by Shelby Allen.

Wet, but manageable. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Leslie Threlkeld ventures behind the U.S. Trust area, which is not open to spectators. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Many areas are unaffected. Photo by Shelby Allen.

This was where the endurance vet box was. Photo by Shelby Allen.

Ingrid Klimke and SAP Hale Bob OLD. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

IT’S TIME. Cross country day at the 2018 World Equestrian Day has arrived. Start time is 11 a.m. and they’ll be running at 3 minute intervals. The optimum time for this 5,700m track is 10 minutes.

Team USA
11:09 a.m. – Will Coleman & Tight Lines: 40 jump +51.6 time. Finished on 87.20
12:09 p.m. – Boyd Martin & Tsetserleg: 20 jump + 11.6 time. Finished on 58.7.
1:00 p.m. – Lauren Kieffer & Vermiculus: Rider fall at 18a. Both Ok.
1:27 p.m. – Lynn Symansky & Donner: Home double clear!
2:30 p.m. – Phillip Dutton & Z: Home clear + 6.4 time. Finished on 34.

Team Canada
11 a.m. – Colleen Loach & Qorry Blue d’Argouges: Home clear + 10 time penalties for 44.4
12 p.m. – Lisa Marie Fergusson & Honor Me: Home clear + 8.4 time penalties for 48.6.
12:51 p.m. – Hawley Bennett-Awad & Jollybo: Home clear + 10.8 time penalties for 43.5.
1:21 p.m. – Jessica Phoenix & Pavarotti: Rider fall after 18. Both Ok.
2:21 p.m. – Selena O’Hanlon & Foxwood High: Home clear + 8 time penalties for 38.7

As far as what to expect, we’ve never seen a World Championship with a clear jumping rate over 50%, according to Equiratings. The closest would be Rome 1998 (49.4%) and Kentucky 2010 (49.4%), so with the current impending weather we should expect at least half the field (40-ish riders) to have jumping penalties.

Potential weather in mind, time could be influential. The speedy ones to keep an eye out for are Classic Moet, Arctic Soul, Cooley Lands, Billy The Red, Horseware Stellor Rebound and Barraduff.

Equiratings is cranking out stats at a mad rate on their Twitter, and live videos on their Facebook Page. 

We’ll be updating this all day, so keep refreshing this page.

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7:08 p.m. An update from the FEI has just come in:

Heidi Bratlie Larsen and Euforian were pulled up on course by the Ground Jury after fence 21. The horse was taken by equine ambulance to the onsite Veterinary Treatment center where he was diagnosed with a soft tissue injury.

Box Qutie, ridden by Anna Freskard (SWE), who pulled up visibly lame at the cross country finish was transported to the Tryon Equine Hospital where he is also being treated for a soft tissue injury.

3:22 Wow! What a day of cross country. Some stalwarts disappointed, and new talent saw success. Stay tuned for a full debriefing from Jenni Autry. Here’s your leaderboards:

3:22 Ludwig just 6 seconds over!

3:21 Final rider heading home.

3:20 Raf Kooremans & Henri Z home with 15.2 time penalties.

3:19 Scary moment for Ludwig as Stinger leaves a leg at the fence in the final water. Thankfully both recover very quickly.

3:18 Ludwig gets scrappy through the squirrels too. Still good for these two.

3:16 Yoshi home 15 seconds over but clear!

3:15 Final rider, Ludwig Svennerstal is clear through 10.

3:14 Scrappy through the corners for Raf.

3:13 The French are on fire! Sidney home only 10 second over.

3:12 Second to last rider, Raf Kooremans keeps on a forward positive direct route through the Mars water.

3:11 Yoshi digs deep for the corners. Super.

3:09 Yoshiaki Oiwa looking super through the downhill chevron at 9.

3:07 Wow great save by Arianna at the final water. She is clear through there with one less stirrup.

3:07 Brilliant by Sarah Ennis! Double clear, and her ride helps put Ireland in medal contention.

3:06 Sidney Dufresne (FRA) clear through the Mars water.

3:06 The French are currently in silver medal position, and they’ve got their final rider on course.

3:04 Arianna Schivo goes the long way at the Mars water. Sort of forgot that was the main route!

3:04 Fastest lady in the world! Jonelle Price and Classic Moet home clear 16 seconds under the time!

3:01 Marcio home with 9.6 time penalties for Brazil.

3:00 Sarah Ennis is brilliant through the downhill chevron at 9.

2:59 Jonelle and Classic Moet just so fast through the corners.

2:58 Shane Rose adds 28 penalties over cross country.

2:57 Jonelle clear through the Mars water.

2:56 Jonelle is away!

2:56 Karin Donckers and Fletcha van’t Verhof home 20 seconds over.

2:55 Super cool live integration of helmet cams into the coverage. Just got a bird’s eye view of Marcio Carvalho Jorge clear through the Mars water.

2:52 Shane Rose has a fly-by at 9.

2:51 Not confirmed, but I believe Ros just pulled out the fastest round today! 8 seconds under.

2:50 Allstar B is so fit and full of running, even after the hill.

2:49 Phillip is home clear. 19 seconds over for 6.4 time penalties.

Phillip Dutton and Z. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2:48 Phil clear through 23. Ros through the final water.

2:48 Karin Donckers also on course now. They’re through 7.

2:47 Ros through the corners.

2:46 Ingrid home clear BANG ON OPTIMUM! She almost takes out the camera man.

2:45 Ros and Allstar B take a flier at 9. So honest!

2:44 Phil clear through the corners and now Ros Canter is on course.

2:43 Ingrid’s ride is a little rough and ready, but clear through the final water.

2:42 P. Dutty clear through the Mars water.

2:42 Z is looking full of running. Phil doing expertly managing him.

2:41 Here we go with Phillip Dutton and Z, our last US pair.

2:40 Ingrid clear through the corners.

2:39 Manuel is thrilled with his clear round! Cheeky tongue out at the finish + Ingrid clear through the Mars water.

2:36 Bobby crawls over the ditch & wall at 5, but looks completely unbothered by it.

2:34 Selena Home clear, but 20 seconds over. Three clear Canadian finishers for the team score.

2:32 This hill is no joke. Selena working hard over the combination on top of the hill. Good work!

2:31 Ingrid Klimke off on course with SAP Hale Bob OLD. She’s got Willberry on her back!

2:30 Spain’s final rider Manuel Senra Chover clear through the Mars water! Selena golden through the final water.

2:28 Go Selena! She and Woody are clear through the Mars water!

2:27 Bill Levett’s horse Lassban Diamond Lift hangs a leg on the boat in the water, and Bill falls in the water. The horse amazingly has no issue with the waterfall bank.

2:24 Amacuzzi looking a little tired before hanging a leg on the fruit table, and Simone Sordi is on the ground.

2:23 Patricia Ryan is home. She added 47.8 penalties.

2:21 Felix Vogg’s day didn’t go as planned, but he never stopped fighting. Home with the 40 jump pen + 33.6 time.

2:21 Theo Van De Vendel hails a cab through 9.

2:19 It held off for a while, but here’s the rain.

2:15 Oh dear. Patricia Ryan gets a long one at fence 9. This unseats her, and she saves it, but not before Dunrath Eclipse goes barreling into the crowd and over the ropes. She did also hit a pin on that fence for 11 pens.

2:14 A wild jump over the first corner, and sadly another problem at the second corner.

2:13 Merel Blom and Rumour Has It N.O.P. clear but one pesky second over!

2:12 Heartbreak! Our U.S. transplant Felix Vogg has a runout at the boat in the Mars water.

2:10 Waikiki 207 making this look like a hunter round! They’re clear through the corners.

2:08 Great riding for Louise Svensson Jahde. Clear through the Mars water.

Louise Svensson Jahe and Waikiki207. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

2:06 Thibaut Vallette Lt Col is another home for France. He’s only 3 seconds over the time.

2:04 Stefano Brecciaroli home for Italy with the one stop +

2:03 Toshiyuki Tanaka looks like he’s having a tack malfunction with the bridle, but clear through the Mars water.

2:00 Stefano Brecciaroli goes for the direct route, but after a wild jump up the bank he has a runout at the skinny.

1:57 Tim and Cekatinka home double clear!!

Tim Price and Cekatinka. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

1:56 Marcio Appel Cheuiche home for Brazil!

1:55 Tim clear through the final water.

1:54 Padraig McCarthy clear through the Mars water for Ireland.

1:53 ‘merica

Lynn Symansky and Donner. Photo by Leslie Wylie.

1:52 Tim Price is brilliant through the corners.

1:52 Emma McNab home 17 over, but clear for Australia!

1:51 Recent Burghley winners Tim Price and Cekatinka off and away.

1:50 What a save for Marcio Appel Cheuiche!! Sticks it at the Mars water

1:49 Lara de Liedekerke-Meier with just 4.4 time penalties.

1:49 Emma McNab is producing a great round for Australia

1:43 One second under for Tom McEwen and Toledo de Kerser. The brits officially have 3 riders home clear.

1:42 p.m. Lynn home double clear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! She looked careful but that OTTB was moving!!

1:39 Andreas Dibowski and Tom McEwen also clear so far for Germany and Great Britain, respectively.

1:37 Lynn looks on assignment for a team rider completion. She’s very careful through the corners, but clear still.

1:36 Lynn goes very carefully and clear through the Mars water!

1:35 Let’s go Lynn!

1:34 OH MY GOD Jessie gets bobbled, fights for it and nearly has it. Holds on for strides and strides, but finally falls. Ugh gutted for her.

1:32 Jessie has an amazing recovery at the corners. Pavarotti twists hard in the air over the first, and she goes on with 1 (or no) stirrups to go clear.

1:30 We’re in the 3rd team rider rotation: Jessica Phoenix has to stick a big landing at the Mars water, but clear!

1:28 Pauliina tries to take a long one at the corners. They scrap over, but she pops off. She’s up pretty quickly.

1:27 Pauliina Swindells and Ferro S scrappy & clear through the Mars water.

1:25 Another stop for Sandra going the long route at the Mars water (at D). She puts a hand up to retire from what I can tell.

1:24 Viamant du Matz runs by the boat in the Mars water. 20 pens for Sandra Auffarth.

1:22 Short hold, and now we’re back with reigning world champion Sandra Auffarth.

1:19 Dan Jocelyn home for New Zealand. No jumping,

1:16 Astier home bang on optimum time. Complete masterclass. Ride of the day.

1:14 Oh dear. Brazilian rider Henrique Plombon Pinheiro’s horse, Land Quenotte Do Feroleto jumps right into the ditch & wall at the Buckeye combination (5).

1:13 Tina home clear + 6 seconds over the time.

Tina Cook and Billy The Red. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

1:12 Dan Jocelyn nearly unseated at the drop into the Mars water, but he recovers quickly and saves it over the boat!

1:12

Boyd gets scrappy through the squirrels. #WEG2018 pic.twitter.com/fnYSV5JjOe

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) September 15, 2018

1:11 Being named individual has given Tina some kind of determination. She’s on it!

1:10 Astier is pure class on this course. He is going fast and clear! Through the corner so far.

1:08 NO Bug tapps a leg on fence 18, and she tried so hard but just couldn’t save it. Lauren is on the ground, but looks ok physically.

1:05 Tina out for Great Britain. Clear through 9.

1:05 Lauren clear through the corners.

Lauren Kieffer and Verimiculus. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

1:04 The Spanish came to play. Albert Hermoso Farras home clear with just 5.2 time penalties.

1:03 Lauren clear through the Mars water, long route.

1:03 Lauren clear through 9 and looking fast.

1:02 Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus out on course. Clear through 5.

1:01 Nicolas Wettstein performs some shape shifting, but clear through the Mars water on the direct route.

1:01 HAWLEY!!!! She’s home clear 27 seconds over the time.

1:00 Pawel Spisak home clear for Poland! Only .8 time penalties.

12:57 Canadians are on fire! Go jolly!!!

12:51 Hawley Bennett-Awad and Jollybo clear through 12! They successfully went the long way at the Mars water.

12:50 SAVE OF THE DAY by Robin Godel whose horse stumbles to the knees. Robin is chucked up on the horse’s head but sticks it.

SAVE OF THE DAY. Robin GOdel and Grandeur de Lully CH. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

12:50 Hmm… Did not see Anna jump the C element in the Mars water, but no one has pulled her up. Could by my mis-seeing.

12:48 Fab riding by Robin Godel who has to work hard to get Grandeur de Lully CH up the waterfall bank.

12:47 Anna Freskard actually skipped the C element of the Mars water before her runout, so that’s elimination.

12:45 Box Qutie says no to the waterfall bank with Anna Freskard

12:33 Ryuzo Kitajima activates the frangible device at 19. His reins then come unbuckled at the end, and he circles. Tie the ends of you reins in a knot, kids!

12:43 Maxime home just 5 seconds over the time! Super completion for France.

12:42 Renske Kroeze goes direct and clear through the Mars water.

12:40 Italy with another rider home. Pietro Sandei adds 29.6 penalties

12:39 Ryuzo Kitajima clear the direct route in the water! Well done.

12:39 Queen Mary has springs in her feet! Heading to the influential water.

12:37 Maxime Livio clear through the corners with Opium de Verrieres.

12:37 Cathal home! Just 9 seconds over.

12:36 p.m. Cathal Daniels continuing the good momentum for Ireland.

Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

12:35 p.m. Mark Todd home 44 seconds over.

12:33 p.m. Italy’s Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere have a miscommunication and just barely get to the other side of the boat in the Mars water. This horse also wants nothing to do with the following waterfall, but they’re through clear on paper.

12:30 p.m. Rioghan Rua chips an extra stride in at the F element of the Mars water. Scary, but through.

12:30 p.m. Toddy gives us all quite a scare at a downhill brush. McClaren stumbles and nearly trips up.

12:29 p.m.

12:27 p.m. Nooooooo Toddy goes the long way at the Mars water, but still a runout

12:25 p.m. Mark Todd — please eventing jesus get him around!

12:25 p.m. Imperial van de Holtakkers with something dragging off that right front. Looks like boot tape.

12:22 Belgium’s Joris Vanspringel fighting for every moment.

Joris Vanspringel and Imperial van de Holtakkers. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld

12:22 Chris Burton has a stop at the boat in the mars water!

12:21 Piggy home double clear!!!

12:21 The fastest man in the world is on course.

12:19 p.m. Boyd Home with 31.6 penalties added on cross country.

12:17 p.m. Quarrycrest Echo is looking super. This may just be Team GB’s day.

12:16 p.m. Julia home 21 seconds over for a score of 48.3

12:15 p.m. Piggy also takes the long route at the Mars water.

12:14 p.m. Piggy French on now for GB. She’s cutting corners everywhere possible.

12:13 p.m. Boyd continuing on with force.

12:12 p.m. Boyd on course — Has a stop at the boat for the Mars water. He looked like he came in on a half stride with Tsetserleg wanting to take the long one and Boyd wanting to wait.

12:11 p.m. Lisa Marie Fergusson home clear with 8.4 time for Canada!!!

12:10 p.m. JULIA HAS A STOP!! At the second corner at 14.

Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk FRH. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

12:09 p.m. Word is definitely back to the barns. Julia takes the long route at the Mars water.

12:09 p.m. Julia clear through 9.

12:07 p.m. First glimpse of Julia on the live stream! Clear through 7.

12:07 p.m. Maria clear through the water. Some horses very upset about the waterfall, others seem to not mind.

12:06 p.m. Dressage leaders Julia Krajewski and Chipmunk off on course.

12:05 p.m. Second rider rotation continues with Spain’s Maria Pinedo Sendagorta clear through 7.

12:04 p.m. Alex Hua Tian home clear with 9.6 time.

12:03 p.m. Second Canadian rider — Lisa Marie Fergusson has to really fight for it, but gets Honor Me up the waterfall bank.

12:02 p.m. Ronald Zabala Goetschel (ECU) has a fly-by at the final corner with Patch.

12:01 p.m. Daniela adds only 8.8 time penalties. Well done!!

12:00 p.m. Alex Hua Tian making it happen with Ballytiglea Vivendi. Clear through 17.

11:58 a.m. Daniela killing it around this course!! clear through 22 so far.

Daniela Moguel and Cecelia. Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.

11:56 a.m. Heidi Bratlie Larsen looks to be pulled up on course. Euforian looking tired.

11:55 a.m. Daniela Moguel goes the long way at the water at 10.

11:53 a.m. The one refusal and 51.2 time penalties.

11:53 a.m. Ok it’s official I want to take Euforian home with me!

11:51 a.m. Euforian looks like such a solid citizen for Heidi Bratlie Larsen. Stands way off the waterfall water, but offers to do it for her and trot the skinny afterwards. She’s the first from Norway ever to represent in eventing at WEG.

11:50 a.m. There are opinions on the course:

Is that a World Championships course !!! #walkinthepark boring

— Ruy Fonseca (@RuyFonseca) September 15, 2018

11:48 a.m. South Africa’s Victoria Scott with a stop at the B element of the Mars water (10).

11:46 a.m .Niklas gets a big jump over a table at 21, but he sticks the landing!

11:45 a.m. We loose another pair to the waterfall bank up at 10, this time Patrizia Attinger.

11:44 a.m. Niklas Lindback (SWE) clear through the corners.

11:43 a.m. Alice has to really fight for it through the last water. Some of these spouts are really backing horses off.

11:42 a.m. Kazuma home for Japan double clear!! Just one second under the time.

11:41 a.m. 

Here comes the rain☔️ #WEG2018 pic.twitter.com/lGVcr2945f

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) September 15, 2018

11:40 a.m. France has their first rider home. Donatien is the third to come in 25 seconds over.

11:39 a.m. Alice Naber-Lozeman (NED) has a runout at fence 9, a chevron downhill.

11:37 a.m. Pietro Roman and Barraduff home with no jumping, but 25 seconds over the time.

11:36 a.m. Kazuma Tomoto (JPN) clear through the Mars water. Donatien Schauly Adj (FRA) clear the final water.

11:34 a.m. Sam home double clear!! 3 seconds under time.

11:31 a.m. Update on Blyth — He had 2 refusals at the water (with the second not shown on the live stream), so the corner refusal was elimination.

11:30 a.m. Barraduff seems to slip on a turn ahead of fence 10 with Italy’s Pietro Roman. All good carries on clear through the Mars water.

11:29 a.m. Sam & Horseware Ardagh Highlight clear through the corners (14).

11:29 a.m. Nilson’s stop + time gives him a score of 79.8

11:28 a.m. Irish pathfinder Sam Watson it out!

11:27 a.m. Blyth has a second stop at the corners. He appears to be calling it a day.

11:24 a.m. Blyth Tait suffers the same fate of Will & Nilson at the waterfall bank. Word will be getting back to teams on an alternative plan at that water.

11:21 a.m. Gemma home for Team GB!!! Clear inside the time.

11:21 a.m. Magnum’s Martini says hell no to the waterfall bank at the Mars Sustainability Bay at 10. Nilson just barely stays on there.

11:20 a.m. Nilson Moreira da Silva clear through the water at 7. Magnum’s Martini stumbled a few times in there. Curious as to that footing.

11:19 a.m. Will through the finish with Phish. Penalty score showing as 87.2.

11:17 a.m. Australia’s first rider out — Andrew Hoy with Vassily de Lassos.

11:16 a.m. Kai Ruder home. No jump penalties, but 43 seconds over the time.

11:15 a.m. Gemma Tattersall (GBR) takes the longest route at the Mars water, avoiding the bank with the waterfall feature.

11:14 a.m. Will has another runout with Phish at the first corner.

11:13 a.m. Carlos Diaz Fernandez is home clear inside the time!! Time possible, maybe won’t cause issues.

11:12 a.m. Will Coleman and Tight Lines have a stop at the water at 10. Phish said no to the waterfall bank up.

11:11 a.m. Kai Ruder (GER) clear through the corners with Colani Sunrise.

11:10 a.m. Colleen is home clear!! 25 seconds over the time.

11:08 a.m. We’re seeing the first of Spain’s Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Junco CP. They are definitely looking quicker than Colleen.

11:05 a.m. Super start for Canada with Colleen. Direct routes are possible.

11:03 a.m. Colleen takes the direct route at fence 10 — Mars Sustainability Bay (This is the one that has numbered letters A-G)!

11:02 a.m. Colleen is through the first water at 6 — the Hearthstone Sluice.

11:02 a.m. Colleen doesn’t seem to be in a huge hurry around this course. Likely looking for a solid completion for Canada.

11:00 a.m. Colleen Loach and Qorry Ble d’Argouges is off!

10:58 a.m. Spain’s Gonzalo Blasco Botin has also withdrawn Sij Veux d’Autize. Spain and Sweden are now down to three-member teams.

10:55 a.m. Sara Algotsson Ostholt announced this morning that she has withdrawn Wega from WEG before cross country. They were placed fifth.

10:31 a.m. 

Storm's a-comin. #WEG2018 pic.twitter.com/xegdol6Fqt

— Eventing Nation (@eventingnation) September 15, 2018

10:30 a.m. We’ve finally got a semi-official numbered map:

Ros Canter and Allstar B. Photo by Jenni Autry.

We’ve seen all 83 pairs in the dressage here at the World Equestrian Games, and all I can say is where’s the cross country? Only kidding. We saw some really good work over the last two days. Riders were dropping personal bests left and right. There were tears of joy (or was that sweat?), and we’ve got a very tight leaderboard going into cross country. We chat with a few eventers for their thoughts on the dressage, on the course and on the humidity:

#Tryon2018: Website, Entries, Schedule, Start Times, Individual Scores, Team Scores, Ultimate Guide, How to Watch Live, EN’s Coverage, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Instagram

Julia Krajewski (GER) and Chipmunk FRH (1st—19.9)

On a sub-20 test: “He’s done 19-something twice before, so I felt a bit of pressure to produce it again. They joke about it, ‘do a 19 again,’ but I think secretly they mean it. It’s all about preparation, and certainly I can’t just pull him out of the stable and push a button and do a 19. Chipmunk felt really relaxed and I could ride for all the points — calm and collected like a professional, even if he’s only 10 years old. After a few movements I felt like, yes it could be good, but you never know how the judges see it. When I finished the audience went crazy, so I thought it could be a good score.

On the cross country course: “Probably the second water because we’ve got all five options and it goes from a A to G, which I’ve never before. They’re quite a few possibilities. You have to think what to do when something happens just to be prepared. Then probably 9AB. The skinny one down the hill is a proper question, and then another is the corners at 14. [There are] quite a few fences where you have to have your line right and be very concentrated. There are many with several options. We hopefully did a good job to find the best way for every horse on the team.”

On the heat during tomorrow’s cross country: “We had a really hot summer in Germany. It was over 30 degrees (86 fahrenheit) for more than 5 weeks, which I think helps at least, but the horses aren’t used to the humidity. This morning I had a cross country school and last Sunday we did a gallop where he felt really good. The rest is up to the rider and your feeling during the course. If you feel them tiring you have to slow down and do the pace they need. We are prepared to go fast, and we are prepared to slow down a little if necessary.”

Ingrid Klimke (GER) and SAP Hale Bob OLD (2nd—23.3):

On her test: “I was very pleased because he was so relaxed and so smooth, and I could really ride everything the way I wanted. He came in and right away at the start, so I was first a little worried, like why don’t they go ahead and ring the bell now because we are ready? But as soon as he entered the ring it was as if he knows his program, was listening, waiting. There was nothing he could do better.”

On the cross country: “I think there are some possibilities where it would be easier to run out, so the rides have to be really focused, but lucky fences and a wonderful course. I’m really happy it stays to the end (stays a full 10 minute course) because then we have the hill, and on top of the hill two more minutes, so it is a true course and that’s why we are here.”

Ros Canter (GBR) and Allstar B (3rd—24.6):

On her test: “I am absolutely over the moon with him. The last three or four years he has been ultra-consistent in this phase. He is just so amazing. No matter what the atmosphere, he never changes. I gave him a day off yesterday because he worked so well the day before. He has just got that temperament where he puts 100% in for me every time, and it’s more the pressure for me that I want to do him proud and everyone else who has helped get me here.”
On the course: “It looks a good course. The challenge is going to be the humidity and the potential weather conditions. As last team member to go, I don’t know what weather will be thrown at us yet. I will try to stick to the plan and hope I can deliver for the team. I know Team Great Britain is pleased that the longer course is still in place. Our selections were based a long that, and we’ve got the horses fit and ready to run, so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Phillip Dutton (USA) and Z (12th—27.6):

“He is such an improving horse. He loves to work and loves to train, and I couldn’t be more pleased with him,” he said. “We have trained for it (cross-country to be full distance, and the teams were picked for that. I think it is the right decision.”

Stefano Brecciaroli (ITA) and Byrnesgrove First Diamond (18th—28.4)

On his test: “I’m very pleased, it was the first time with the horse at this level. Today it felt good, there was one mistake and it was my mistake on the flying change, it was a little too late in asking the horse, so one mistake but the rest was very good. The horse tried very hard and it was a good result. We’ve had almost six months together and I think it is a good start.

On his coach, Andrew Nicholson: “I am very lucky to have a man behind me like Andrew. You know Andrew, he is sure about all so I listen to him and do the job. Andrew is a very good man and I’m pleased to have him here with me.”

Tim Price (NZL) and Cekatinka (11th—27.2)

“It’s very tight around that 27 number, it seems to be the magic number. She is a hot little mare lacking a little bit of experience in particular in an occasion like this. As you get closer to your dressage test, all you want is to just go in and be normal, not go in and change and for the most part she was really good in that way- she stayed focused and worked away. We had a bit of irritation in the middle of the test, I don’t know if a fly got on her or something so that was a bit of a shame but she came back to me and we got on with the job and she was really good.

“The cross country is demanding, none of us know what the time is going to be like because with a difficult time it heightens the difficulty everywhere else because everyone else is trying to go and do a good speed but it’s tomorrow and I’ve only just got this job done so now I can take it a little bit more seriously. It will be what it will be, we are pretty gutsy, the Kiwi’s and hopefully we’ll make a good plan together and go and execute.”

Andreas Dibowski (GER) and FRH Corrida (33rd—30.3)

“She was okay. She is a very young horse, so it was not a perfect test, but everything what I wanted to do worked good.

“I have walked the cross-country course twice. There are a lot of fences and we have a lot of possibilities, so we will make a plan A, B and maybe C. It depends on how much rain is coming. Nobody knows at the moment.”

Lynn Symansky (USA) and Donner (17th—28.3)

“I am so happy with my horse. He is an American-bred thoroughbred, and he tries his heart out. He was so good in there and I could not be happier. To be riding here on home soil, it is so awesome to be cheered by a home crowd. It gets us all amped up just that bit more, especially for cross-country day.

“It looks a good course. This horse is born for a track like this, so I am hoping it ends up being as tough as it possibly can be tomorrow.”

Tom McEwen (GBR) and Toledo de Kerser (19th—28.3)
“I am really pleased with the test. It was a shame about the last change with one too many strides, but he was awesome.We have a strong team score, which is the main thing.

“I don’t think the cross-country course should be underestimated. It is possibly not the biggest course we’ve jumped, but saying that, it is technical, it is strong and you have got to keep your wits about you. There are plenty of strong questions out there, so a lot to get on and ride.”

Sandra Auffarth (GER) and Viamant du Matz (35th—30.6)

“I’m really happy with my horse. He’s really young, I have been riding him since he was four, so for the last five years and he has had great development over the last three or four months, he’s learning every week and I’m really happy. It was not the plan that I ride him here, my plan was of course to ride Opgun Louvo so I’m really happy with him.

“I think the cross country course is good for him, he gave me a really good feeling in the last competitions so I’m looking forward to it.”

Endurance riders beginning the second leg of the race at WEG. Photo by Shelby Allen.

In an unprecedented turn of events, the endurance competition has been cancelled mid-race at the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games. What began with a false start after some riders were “misdirected” on course early this morning, ended in controversy as the FEI officially abandoned the competition this evening.

In the early parts of the race, many riders were sent down the incorrect path, and because of this it was decided that the competition would be restarted and shortened from 160 kilometers down 120 kilometers.

Riding resumed at 11:15 a.m. EST, and the race continued throughout the day, but by 6 p.m., the FEI had cancelled the competition altogether. A statement released cited FEI General Regulations Article 109.12, which allows cancellation in cases of extreme weather.

“This was a difficult decision to make, but it was done with horse and athlete welfare in mind as the conditions this afternoon after the rain resulted in extremely high levels of humidity and, combined with rising heat, it was deemed unsafe to continue the ride,” said Thomas Timmons, President of the Veterinary Commission.

At the time of the statement, multiple endurance riders remained on course, with the leader, Spain’s Alex Luque Moral, more than halfway finished with the final 28.2 kilometer loop.

Questions remain as to the official time at which the competition was cancelled, and why many horses remained on course for nearly an hour after the announcement. Riders were outraged, and chaos ensued around the vet box when the decision was made — resulting in local police being called to the scene.

The Independent Equestrian Community Integrity Unit (ECIU) has been tasked with a full investigation into the circumstances that resulted in some riders being misdirected in the early parts of the course. The FEI has said that the investigation will be made public after it has been presented to the FEI Bureau, and will include interviews with officials, volunteers, Organizing Committee and all other relevant personnel.

[Cancellation of Endurance competition at FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018]

UPDATE (Sept. 13 4:30 p.m.): The Real Spanish Equestrian Federation has lodged an appeal against the FEI’s decision to abandon yesterday’s endurance competition. Had medals been awarded at the time of abandonment (no official timestamp has been disclosed), Spain would have won team gold.

In its appeal, Real Federación Hípica Española noted that more than 80% of the distance had been completed by the race leaders at the time of cancellation. They also pointed out that while there is no legal precedent for the situation, but in previous competitions cancelled for reasons other than the weather medals were awarded according to placement at the moment of suspension (they cited the 2012 FEI World Endurance Championships as an example). “All of them are the reasons why we ask the FEI to reconsider its decision of not awarding medals to this championship,” the appeal concludes.

An endurance press meeting is supposed to take place later today. [Real Federación Hípica Española]