EN reader and now guest blogger Blair Sylvester is event rider Erin Sylvester’s younger brother and an accomplished event rider himself. Blair attending the Olympics as a spectator this weekend and he has generously agreed to keep us posted about life on the other side of the galloping lanes. Thanks for writing this Blair and thank you for reading.
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Mark Todd, photo by Erin Gilmore
From Blair:
It was an exciting day for eventing enthusiasts. With Boyd being the first rider of the day my mom and I did not have much time to spare after waiting in line before security. I have never seen so many excited spectators. The United States got off to a great start with Boyd and Otis setting a high bar jumping clear and adding minimal time penalties to their dressage score. My mom and I just managed to fight our way through the crowd in front of the big screen and stake our spots to catch Boyd’s ride. There was enthusiastic clapping even from spectators rooting for different countries. I think this is an important element of Olympic games at its best. It’s about celebrating excellent athletes from all countries and the crowd did that resoundingly. I was lucky enough to run into Boyd’s mom soon after his ride. It was wonderful to see such a proud mom celebrating her sons brilliant ride at his first Olympics.
Karen was up next for team U.S.A. with Mr. Medicott. I did not know that he is related to Zara Phillips’ High Kingdom. Karen and Mr. Medicott quickly and agilely zipped around the course. I was positioned in the stadium and I was nervous that Karen would be penalized for not jumping the second fence thankfully it was determined that she jumped inside the flag and she managed to add a second clear round with minimal time.
I tried watching the course from a few different spots. It was impossible to find a place where multiple obstacles could be viewed. The screens were a lifesaver. I particularly enjoyed watching from the stadium. I thought that the sharp turn between fences in the Tower of London was a real challenge requiring quick recovery, sharp steering, and a very focused horse. The stadium had the further advantage of a large screen and a board that recorded the riders time and jumping penalties so that you could keep track of riders progress. While in the stadium I caught a fleeting glimpse of the Kate, William and Harry cheering Zara on with all of Britain. Zara was fast and bold and it paid off.
The two younger riders Will and Tiana had minor bobbles but I think that they are to be commended for finishing their first Olympic course. I hope to see both riders back in a bigger and better in future Olympics. If you consider the parts of the course that rode well for them I think they acquitted themselves well at their first Olympics.
The final ride for U.S.A. was the one I was looking forward to most. I think Phillip is one of the world’s foremost cross-country riders and watching him ride through the course promised to be a highlight of my day. I was extremely disappointed that the screen tracked so little of Phillip’s ride. I did not get to see him ride through any of the major fences as they focused heavily on other riders. What little I saw of Phillip’s ride was exactly what you would expect a ride from Phillip to look like. I suppose since he is such a consistent rider my mind can fill in the gaps.
I am proud that U.S.A. rocked out the Cross-Country in a stiff field. I want to leave you by affirming my pride in the performances of our great athletes and wishing both horse and rider a speedy recovery and a show jumping that continues to demonstrate that the U.S. has not run out of talent yet. Finish strong U.S.A. we will be cheering you on!!
