Classic Eventing Nation

Where Can You Watch the Tokyo Olympics Worldwide? Your Live-Stream Guide

By on Jul 27, 2021 6:28 am -

We let Chinch watch the dressage, and now he won’t stop asking for an orange tailcoat.

No matter where you are in the world, your number one priority at the moment is likely figuring out how on earth to pin down some reliable coverage of the equestrian sports in Tokyo, rather than just highlights reels or a total channel-wide focus on cycling instead (we’re looking at you, BBC). Fortunately for us all, there are a number of on-demand streaming services that are providing full coverage to your sport of choice – so here’s how to tune in from around the world. (Oh, and no matter where you are, we recommend visiting The Olympic Channel to get the lowdown on some of the Games’ great sporting stories!)

Australia: 7plus has free live streaming and on-demand catch-up options in case you miss anything exciting.

USA: You can stream or rewatch all the Tokyo content your heart desires via the NBC website or app – but only if you have a cable provider login. If you don’t, you can download Peacock Premium ($4.99/month, with a seven day free trial) to access replays and highlights for every sport, and live coverage of several sports (unfortunately not including equestrian). Fubo TV also offers a paid streaming service with a free trial period. You can also sign up to access NBC channels via Sling or YouTube TV, which are easy to use on your smart TV, Roku, or FireStick, but they’ll cost you a bit more – Sling is currently discounted to $10, while YouTube TV is on offer for $54.99/month, with a free trial period, but it does come with lots of cool features.

Canada: The best option is CBC, which has a pretty comprehensive roster of free coverage. Or, you can watch via SportsNet or TSN, both of which have options available for cable subscribers or streamers at $19.99/month each.

U.K. and Ireland: DiscoveryPlus is your best bet for on-demand and live coverage of all the sports, for the low price of £4.99 per month. You can also make use of a three-day free trial. The BBC’s red button service and iPlayer will have some coverage, but they’re limited in what they can show this year. Eurosport is another good option at a comparable price point to DiscoveryPlus.

Europe: It’s Eurosport again, with that cheap and cheerful streaming package.

New Zealand:  You can stream much of the Games for free on TVNZ, or for comprehensive coverage, watch via Sky Sport or its streaming service, Sky Sport Now, which costs $19.99 per week.

Want to access coverage from another country? Consider using a VPN, which effectively changes your country for browsing purposes. We’ve used ExpressVPN successfully – it comes with a free trial and you can also download it as an app, which makes it considerably more user-friendly if you’re not particularly techy.

Happy viewing!

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage, The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

Tuesday News & Notes from Legends Horse Feeds

By on Jul 27, 2021 5:51 am -

 

The problem with these pesky timezone changes is that when something really, really exciting happens in Tokyo – such as, you know, the cross-country course being opened for walking – it does so in the middle of the damn night and then you get an Olympic adrenaline rush that totally wipes your sleep schedule off the board. Honestly, though, I can’t begrudge a 2 a.m. embargo lift – it’s all part of the joy and the madness of this extraordinary week (and jolly good prep for some all-nighters to come)! Are you guys committing to a sleepless week? Let me know what you’ve got on your snack menu if so, because I’m thinking that a solitary bag of Haribo isn’t going to cut it for me once we get to cross-country day…!

Yesterday in Tokyo:

  • Great British diver Tom Daley finally won a gold medal after taking bronze at both London and Rio. He and diving partner Matty Lee topped the leaderboard in the men’s synchronised 10m platform in what isn’t just a landmark moment for the athlete, but a huge moment for gay athletes, too. Tom is one of Britain’s only openly gay high-profile sportsmen.
  • Tennis superstar Novak Djokovic made another step towards his golden goal, and in other news, he’s like, really, really well-liked in the Olympic Village. 
  • Argentinian fencer María Belén Pérez Maurice might have lost the women’s sabre yesterday, but it wasn’t a total write-off of a day: moments after, and on live TV, her coach and boyfriend of 17 years Lucas Guillermo Saucedo popped the question. (She said yes!)
  • Germany’s female gymnastics team bucked the long trend of tiny leotards and opted for full-coverage costumes in an act of protest against the overt sexualisation of their bodies. This is the first Games since former US coach Larry Nassar was sent to prison for sexually abusing hundreds of young gymnasts, and many competitors fear that not enough has changed.
  • Speaking of gymnasts, 18-year-old Costa Rican competitor Luciana Alvarado found a creative way to circumvent the ban on political statements at the Olympics: she worked a raised fist into her floor routine. Attagirl.
  • One journalist logged 17,000 airmiles in his quest to cover the golf, due to a Covid test that had been taken 39 minutes too early. We’re relieved to report our on-the-ground reporter, Sally, has made it through without any such issues.
  • Japan leads the way in the gold medal table with 8 won so far – that’s already half their all-time high of 16. They’ve taken 13 medals total, while the US has 14 and China has an almost ludicrous 18. Despite the US being the second most successful country in both the gold and overall medal tallies so far, though, former president Donald Trump gave a speech blaming ‘wokeism’ for Team USA’s ‘failure’ at the Olympics. It…didn’t go over well. 

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage, The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

Holiday: It’s National Scotch Day. You know who likes a glass of the brown stuff? A certain Herr Jung. IS THIS AN OMEN?

Events Opening Today:

Copper Meadows Eventing, LLC H.T., Tryon Fall Horse Trials, Chardon Valley H.T., Flora Lea Fall H.T., CDCTA Fall H.T., Apple Knoll Farm H.T.

Events Closing Today:

WindRidge Farm Summer H.T., GMHA Festival of Eventing August H.T., Otter Creek Summer H.T., The Summer Event at Woodside, Waredaca Farm H.T.

News & Notes from Around the World (but mostly Tokyo, let’s be honest):

‘Recycled’ audiences, eco-friendly medals, and an Olympic architecture legacy that’s been kept in the family – these are just some of the extraordinary facts and stories that came out of the Games before they even began. [Tokyo 2020: All Your Key Olympic Questions Answered]

There’s a typhoon on its way to Tokyo. No one seems all that worried, least of all the surfers. They’re looking forward to riding some bigger-than-average waves. [Pandemic Olympics endured heat, and now a typhoon’s en route]

There’s no denying that this is an unusual Olympics, and The Observer‘s Andy Bull has nailed the vibe pretty perfectly. [Surreal spectacle of a superbly set up Olympics with no one here to enjoy it]

The Spanish dressage team has become the first to invoke the new substitution rule. They’ve subbed in Divina Royal, José Antonio García Mena’s reserve ride, after he did the Grand Prix on Sorento 15. [Olympic horse substitution rule activated for first time ahead of dressage team final]

There’s further research now to suggest that horses have the capacity to remember the people in their lives. Which means that there are probably a lot of horses out there complaining about how annoying I am on their WhatsApp group. [Hey, I Remember You: The Extraordinary Equine Memory]

Listen: Meet some of the owners whose horses will contest the eventing this week at Tokyo.

Watch: A compilation of the best bits from yesterday’s sport at the Olympics. I can barely swim, but this makes me want to become a diver.

 

 

Welcome to Eventing Island: Your First Look at the Tokyo 2020 Cross-Country Course

By on Jul 26, 2021 9:08 pm -

It’s official: the embargo on the Olympic cross-country course has been lifted and right now, our Tokyo competitors are trying to force down some breakfast after taking their first walks around the track at the crack of dawn this morning. With the opening of the course comes an end to the moratorium on public images, and so, thanks to some savvy social media posts and the help of the Cross-Country App, we can take our own first look at the challenge to come. We’ll be bringing you a more in-depth look at the course over the next couple of days, but for now, let’s dive into some quick and dirty first impressions.

There and back again: riders will need their sat-navs in situ for the Tokyo track. Screenshot via the Cross Country App.

Designed by Derek di Grazia – best known for his work at the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event – the course is set at roughly 4420m and will take roughly 7 minutes and 45 seconds to complete. It’s set at the Sea Forest venue, a man-made island atop a former landfill site that’s also being used for the Olympic canoeing and rowing. While Sea Forest offers the most spectacular views of the Tokyo skyline, it doesn’t yield up an enormous amount of space – and so looking at the aerial view course map is a pretty dizzying experience. We talk a lot about how twisty and turny Pau has to be to fit into a compact urban space – and this track takes that to the next level.

Look! An actual island devoted to cross-country! Is this what dreams are made of? Screenshot via the Cross Country App.

Fancy taking a closer look? You can check out each fence via the Cross Country App course preview – or keep scrolling to see some of the social media snapshots from this morning’s first walks and final decorations. The cross-country phase will take place  from 7.45 a.m. local time on Sunday morning, which means an all-nighter through Saturday night for most of us – for live-stream options and timetables by time zone, click here.

Irish European Championships bronze medalist Cathal Daniels logs an early course walk:

As does Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier:

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage, The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

Monday Video: Japanese Crash Course with Team USA

By on Jul 26, 2021 5:48 pm -

Japanese Words and Phrases 🇯🇵

#TeamUSA got to practice their Japanese ahead of the #TokyoOlympics with the help of #USADressage owner, Akiko Yamazaki! How did they do?

Posted by US Equestrian on Friday, July 23, 2021

Our friends from the U.S. dressage, show jumping and eventing teams are settling in at Tokyo. Before they touched down, though, they, they had enough time for a classroom session with dressage rider and owner Akiko Yamazaki. They learn common phrases like “My name is” and “good afternoon.” The only phrase missing in translation was “more leg!” Who do you think wins star student?

In the meantime, there’s LOADS to follow this week + a 13 hour time difference (for us east coasters at least). We’ve got the hub to keep you straight; CLICK HERE to get all the info you need and daily coverage links in one handy, bookmarkable post.

Go Eventing!

#TheTeaFromTokyo: The Eventers Take a Spin in the Main Arena

By on Jul 26, 2021 2:17 pm -

It’s been a big day for our eventers out in Tokyo, because today was the first time they got the chance to ride in the extraordinary arena in which they’ll perform their dressage tests later this week. It’s also been a big day for EN, as our boots-on-the-ground reporter Sally Spickard arrived at the venue today, camera in tow, to document the action as it happened. You can check out her super photos and a round-up of her experience so far here, and then, keep on scrolling for a social media round-up full of the latest updates from Tokyo.

China’s Alex Hua Tian celebrated the first-ever eventing team for his country:

Australia’s Andrew Hoy enjoyed some dressage:

The USA’s Phillip Dutton shared an update on the weather:

Horse & Hound‘s editor Pippa Roome enjoyed a classic Tokyo sunset as she settled in to watch the familiarisation:

Photographer Shannon Brinkman captured that crazy sky from a different angle:

Doug Payne and Vandiver enjoyed a schooling session on the main stage:

Belgium’s Lara de Liedekerke-Meier enjoyed a session on her homebred, Alpaga d’Arville:

France’s Karim Laghouag and Triton Fontaine head into the ring for a schooling session after stepping into team duties, following the sad withdrawal of Tom Carlile and Birmane earlier today:

Phillip Dutton and Z get to work:

The Netherlands’ Merel Blom, one of two individual competitors for the country, puts The Quizmaster through his paces:

The formidable British team logs some miles in the arena:

Hong Kong’s Thomas Heffernan Ho and 20-year-old Tayberry take in the sights at their first Olympics:

US team reserves Tamie Smith and Mai Baum have been catching everyone’s attention since Aachen, and they continued to sparkle tonight: 

Poland’s Pawel Spisak prepares for his fifth Olympics:

The US team made early strides: 

India’s Fouaad Mirza got settled in with the gorgeous Seigneur Medicott, formerly a Bettina Hoy ride:

The Australian team nabbed an early slot in the ring: 

Commentator John Kyle managed a bit of sightseeing amongst all his hard work: 

Great Britain’s Laura Collett made use of the best photo op at the venue: 

…and the Kiwis had the same idea: 

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage, The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

It’s Almost Game Time: Eventing Arena Familiarization Photo Gallery

By on Jul 26, 2021 1:44 pm -

Team Poland enjoy a sunset slot in the main arena. Photo by Sally Spickard.

I’ve officially reached hour 30 of being awake (unless you count the two hour sort-of-nap I grabbed on my flight from Seattle to Tokyo Haneda airport, which I definitely don’t), but it’s well worth the lost sleep and jet lag to be able to hit the ground running here in Japan. The logistical dance members of the media had to do to get accredited for these Games were astronomical (though, I’m sure, still pale in comparison to the project that was getting the horses to Tokyo!), as Japan remains strongly affected by the coronavirus pandemic and, understandably, hesitant to allow plane loads of strange people from faraway lands into their country willy nilly.

Have you got Tokyo swag envy yet? We certainly do – now where’s the nearest gift shop? Photo by Sally Spickard.

So, before I could even book my ticket, there was a whole mess of steps I first needed to tick through. Multiple pre-trip Covid tests (plus another one for good measure upon arrival in Japan), submission of a strict Activity Plan from which we cannot deviate, agreement to submit to contact tracing during our stay in Tokyo and many, many other things were required from us before we were allowed to travel. Luckily, I was able to apply and get approval to operate upon arrival instead of undergoing a three-day isolation period like some of my peers. I will need to submit to Covid testing for each of the first few days while I am here to ensure I remain virus-free.

But now, the logistical stress of getting here is behind me and, well, I’m here! All it took was a text from photographer friend Shannon Brinkman to let me know she had a taxi coming this evening to take her to the eventing arena familiarization, and as soon as I could get through the lengthy intake process at the airports, navigate a bus to the Media Transport Mall (basically a massive hub of busses heading in every direction to every sport), then another to my hotel to drop my bags and wash my face, I was skipping down the stairs, camera in tow, to go check out the sights.

Jessica Phoenix and Pavarotti get down to business in Canada’s schooling slot. Photo by Sally Spickard.

You’ve no doubt seen loads of pictures, videos and social media posts by now but let me just reaffirm: the Equestrian Park is pure magic. It comes looming out from among the rest of the urban city buildings like a veritable horsey paradise, and the towering stands gave me a pang of sadness that they won’t be filled with even a small number of spectators (though I understand the reasons why). Suffice it to say there will still be plenty of atmospheric pressure on these horses once they’re in this cavernous space all on their own. Luckily, they’ll only have to be in there for about five minutes total thanks to the newly shortened Olympic Games dressage test.

The teams and individuals, who were grouped by threes or fours, were each given 20 minutes to come and school in the dressage arena itself as well as the surrounding space (of which there is plenty). For the final 10 minutes of that time, the riders were given the competition arena to get in some practice while the next team schooled outside. Afterward, some of the riders swapped saddles to go hop over a few fences to practice for the show jumping phase, which will be held partially at night on Monday.

Tamie Smith gives Mai Baum a stretch and a pat during her schooling session. Photo by Sally Spickard.

Most of the riders focused on the basics, focusing on getting their horses moving forward and relaxing down to the bridle. Perhaps a benefit of having been here for nearly a week already, most horses seemed fairly settled and unbothered by the big atmosphere. That is, of course, subject to change once eight of their friends are no longer visible! A few riders practiced some of the movements from the test, in particular the flying lead changes that will end up counting for nearly 20% of the dressage score.

Tomorrow will be a light day for me, followed by a cross country course walk with Derek di Grazia and other media members on Wednesday. Thursday the fun begins with the first horse inspection, and Friday it’s off to the races! Stay tuned for much more from Tokyo – for now, I sleep!

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Website, Latest News, EN Olympic Digest Newsletter Signup, EN’s Instagram, EN’s Twitter, EN’s Coverage, The Ultimate Guide to Tokyo

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

US Team Announced for CHIO Aachen in September

By on Jul 26, 2021 12:04 pm -

A return to the buzz and camaraderie of a pre-COVID world is Aachen’s biggest hope for their new dates – and if all goes according to plan, the venue will be back to providing a full championship experience for competing teams. Photo courtesy of CHIO Aachen/Andreas Steindl.

US Equestrian has announced the exciting line-up of athlete-and-horse combinations selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the rescheduled CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S in Germany, set to take place from September 15-19.

“Simultaneously as we are out in Tokyo in our last preparation before the Olympic Games, our eyes have consistently been looking forward to the FEI Eventing World Championship in Pratoni, Italy, next year,” said Erik Duvander, U.S. Performance Director of Eventing. “This year’s CHIO Aachen is an opportunity for our riders to get a proper team experience in a unique environment that simulates a championship. I believe we have a high-quality group of athletes and horses that are tracking in this direction.”

The following athlete-and-horse combinations have been selected to represent the Land Rover U.S. Eventing Team at the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S and are listed in alphabetical order:

Will Coleman and Off The Record. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.

  • Will Coleman (Gordonsville, Va.) and Off The Record, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by the Off the Record Syndicate

Sydney Elliott and QC Diamantaire. Photo by Shelby Allen.

  • Sydney Elliott (Bossier, La.) and QC Diamantaire, a 2010 Oldenburg gelding owned by Carol Stephens

Ariel Grald and Leamore Master Plan at the 2019 Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Photo by Shannon Brinkman.

  • Ariel Grald (Southern Pines, N.C.) and Leamore Master Plan, a 2009 Irish Sport Horse gelding owned by Annie Eldridge

Tamie Smith and Mai Baum. Photo by Sherry Stewart.

  • Tamie Smith (Murrieta, Calif.) and Mai Baum, a 2006 German Sport Horse gelding owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell

The following combination has been selected as the alternate for the CHIO Aachen CCIO4*-S:

Lauren Kieffer and Vermiculus. Photo by Nico Morgan Media.

  • Lauren Nicholson (The Plains, Va.) and Vermiculus, a 2007 Anglo-Arabian gelding owned by Jacqueline Mars

The Ultimate Guide to Eventing at Tokyo 2020

By on Jul 26, 2021 11:28 am -

Is this the real life, or is this just fantasy? It’s hard to believe, really, that after all that the last 18 months has thrown at us, we’re really, truly at the Tokyo Olympics. It might be a quieter affair than usual, with no spectators in the capacious stadiums, but the competition is still set to be smoking hot. We’ll be on site bringing you everything you need to know (and, as always, some of the stuff you don’t really need to know, but will thoroughly enjoy nonetheless). Consider this your Tokyo bible – keep it bookmarked for the easiest access to all the essential information you need, including schedules, live-streams, up-to-the-minute scoring, and, of course, every last bit of coverage EN puts out. We’ll be adding each new article as it goes live – simply scroll to the bottom to find the latest additions.

Ready? Let’s do this thing.

THE LOCATION: Tokyo, baby! The last time the Olympics were hosted here was way back in 1964, and this time, the equestrian events have brand new, top-spec venues of their own. The arena-based phases will take place at Baji Koen Equestrian Park in Setagaya, while the cross-country course is set over a former landfill site at Sea Forest. This stunning waterfront venue is also used for rowing and canoeing, and boasts the best city backdrop of the whole Games.

THE COMPETITION: The Olympics runs at a modified level somewhere between a four- and five-star: the dressage test is a shortened version of a CCI5* test, but runs at less than four minutes, and cross-country runs as an eight-minute four-star track, at around 4500m and with roughly 38 jumping efforts. The final day is split into two showjumping rounds: the first will be set at 1.25m and the second, for those who have qualified to fight for an individual medal, is at 1.30m. You can check out the Olympic dressage test here, and for further insight into what makes it such a challenge, check out FEI judge Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride’s analysis.

For the first time, teams will bring forward three horses and riders, without a drop score – but in some circumstances, they’ll be able to substitute their reserve combination into play, even once the competition is underway.

WHAT’S AT STAKE: This is the creme-de-la-creme of championships, and everyone wants to get onto those final podiums. The legacy of great results means something different for each country: many national sporting federations provide financial incentives to individuals who earn medals, and often, funding for the sport in general is dependent on Olympic success.

THE TEAMS: Twenty-nine countries come forward to battle it out for Olympic glory, with fifteen nations fielding teams. Two of those are making history already: China and Thailand have never qualified eventing teams for the Games before. Each team is made up of three competitors, though each can bring a travelling reserve combination who can be substituted at any point in the competition for a penalty. In total, we’re looking at 77 definite entries, though if no substitutions are made, we’ll see 64 actually compete.

THE FORMAT: This is the first Games at which we’ll see the new Olympic eventing format in action. That means that teams are now down to three, without a dropscore — instead, there’s the option to sub in a reserve horse and rider. For all the info you need on the new format, check out these guides:

THE OFFICIALS: There’s a truly top-notch cast of ground jury members on duty in Tokyo. Great Britain’s Nick Burton will serve as president of the ground jury, while Sweden’s Christina Klingspoer and the USA’s Jane Hamlin will work alongside him. The FEI Technical Delegate for the week is the Great Britain’s Philip Surl, while the Assistant TD is New Zealand’s Neil Mackenzie-Hall. The cross-country course will be designed by the USA’s Derek di Grazia, who designs the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event and will design at Burghley from 2022. Great Britain’s Richard Clapham will work as cross-country controller.  On Sunday, the showjumping track – which will be used for both a team session and an individual medal session – will be designed by Santiago Varela. He’s also the designer for the pure showjumping, and was a technical delegate for the Rio Olympics. You can find out more about the course designers here.

THE REIGNING CHAMPIONS: France took the gold in Rio, followed by Germany in silver and Australia in bronze. On the individual podium, we saw Michael Jung and La Biosthetique Sam FBW take gold for Germany, Astier Nicolas and Piaf de b’Neville earn silver for France, and Phillip Dutton round out the podium with a bronze for the USA.

[Times are listed in Tokyo time. For further global time zones, keep scrolling!]

Thursday, 29 July:

  • 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.: First horse inspection

Friday, 30 July:

  • 8:30 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.: Morning dressage session (team and individual)
  • 5.30 p.m. – 8.10. p.m.: Afternoon dressage session (team and individual)

Saturday, 31 July:

  • 8.30 a.m. – 11.00 a.m.: Final dressage session (team and individual)

Sunday, 1 August:

  • 7.45 a.m. – 11.10 a.m.: Cross-country (team and individual)

Monday, 2 August:

  • 9.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m.: Final horse inspection
  • From 5.00 p.m.: Team showjumping final and individual qualifier
  • Following on: Individual showjumping final
  • Following on: Medal ceremonies – team and then individual

TEAM ORDER OF GO: Thailand,  Great Britain, USA, Switzerland, Japan, Australia, China, Poland, Sweden, France, Italy, Ireland, New Zealand, Germany, Brazil

WHERE TO WATCH: Here’s our global live-stream guide.

HOW TO FOLLOW: No matter where in the world you are, you’ll never be starved for content from the Games, which promise to be enormously well-attended by the world’s media heavyweights, despite ongoing restrictions and travel complications. Here are some of the Instagram accounts and hashtags you’ll want to follow to see the competition from all angles…

Hashtags: #tokyo2020, #olympics, #tokyotogether, #tokyo2020olympics, #twohearts, #olympicequestrian, #unitedbyemotion

Accounts: The Olympics, Horse&Hound, The Chronicle of the Horse, FEI Eventing, Equestrian Team GBR, US Equestrian, Eventing Ireland, and Equestrian Life Australia are among the boots on the ground. Don’t forget to follow EN, too – we’ll be bringing you all the insanity in the middle you could possibly need, with editor Sally Spickard on site in Tokyo. Want to know the juiciest stats throughout the competition? Make sure you follow EquiRatings and sign up for the super Eventing Manager game to play along.

THE ESSENTIALS:

Final Scores

Final Team Scores

Show Jumping Fence Analysis: Team Final/Individual Qualifier

Show Jumping Fence Analysis: Individual Final

Cross-Country Results

Cross-Country Fence Analysis

Need to Knows: The Tokyo 2020 Eventing Line-Up At a Glance

The Form Guide: Rider Edition

The Form Guide: Team Edition

The Global Live-Stream Guide

Cross-Country Island Life with Derek diGrazia

DAILY LINKS: 

MONDAY, AUGUST 2ND:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1ST:

SATURDAY, JULY 31ST: 

FRIDAY, JULY 30TH: 

THURSDAY, JULY 29TH: 

WEDNESDAY, JULY 28TH: 

TUESDAY, JULY 27TH:

MONDAY, JULY 26TH:

SUNDAY, JULY 25TH:

SATURDAY, JULY 24TH: 

FRIDAY, JULY 23RD:

Pre-Games essentials:

Horses and Courses: Behind the Scenes with the Tokyo Olympics Course Designers

Walk Through the New Olympic Eventing Dressage Test with Valerie Vizcarrondo Pride

Take a Peek Inside Pre-Export Quarantine in Aachen with Courtney Carson

The Logistics of Flying Horses to Tokyo

Your Tokyo Olympic Quick Facts from the FEI

Team changes:

July 7 – US Equestrian Announces Eventing Substitution for Tokyo 2020

July 9 – Olympic Update: French Team Shuffles After Qing du Briot Withdrawal

July 13 – Olympic Update: Stuart Tinney and Leporis Replace Chris Burton and Quality Purdey for Australia

July 19 – Olympic Update: A New Traveling Reserve for the British Eventing Team

July 26 – A Blow for Reigning Olympic Champions as Individual Medal Hopeful Withdrawn

Pre-Games social media round-ups: 

July 8 – The Journey Begins: North American Horses and Riders Embark on an Epic Adventure to Tokyo

July 9 – Journey to Tokyo: Horses and Riders Arrive at Aachen

July 12 – Catching up with Horses and Riders Travelling to the Olympics

July 13 – Go Go Gallop

July 15 – A Little Dance, A Little Jump

July 16 – Four Days ’til Liftoff!

TEAM BREAKDOWNS:

Australia:

  • Andrew Hoy with Vassily de Lassos – 12-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding (Jaguar Mail – Illusion Perdue, by Jalienny), owned by Paula and David Evans, Stefanie Hoy, and the rider
  • Kevin McNab with Don Quidam – 13-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Quidam – Nairobi, by Amethist), owned by Scuderia 1918 and Emma McNab
  • Shane Rose with Virgil – 16-year-old Australian Warmblood gelding (Vivant – unknown Thoroughbred dam), owned by Michelle Hasibar, Niki Rose and the rider
  • Travelling reserve: Stuart Tinney with Leporis – 10-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Lasino – Miss Danny, by Heraldik xx), owned by Karen Tinney and the rider

Brazil:

  • Carlos Parro with Goliath – 10-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Chello III – Octa, by Belisar), owned by EMTEC Laboratories and the rider
  • Rafael Losano with Fuiloda G – 11-year-old Finnish Sport Horse mare (Van Gogh – Quiloda Z, by Quilot Z), owned by Cristiana Losano, Wagner Losano and the rider
  • Marcelo Tosi with Glenfly  – 16-year-old Thoroughbred gelding (Presenting xx – Dorans Glenn xx, by Over The River xx), owned by the rider
  • Travelling reserve: Marcio Appel and Iberon JMen – 19-year-old Brazilian Sport Horse gelding (Indoctro – Landina JMen, by Landino), owned by Samantha Tonello

China:

  • Sun Huadong with Lady Chin V’T Moerven Z – 11-year-old Zangersheide mare (Lord Chin – Paola, by Matchero), owned by Houfeng Shen and Yu Liu
  • Alex Hua Tian with Don Geniro – 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Don Kennedy – Gina, by Giorgione), owned by Pip Higgins, Sarah Higgins, Pam Dews, and the rider
  • Bao Yingfeng with Flandia 2 – 15-year-old Westphalian mare (Fidertanz 2 – Petit Fleur, by Polany), owned by Houfeng Shen and Yu Liu
  • Travelling reserve: Liang Ruiji with Agora de Bordenave – 11-year-old Anglo-Arab mare (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz –Milady de Bordenave, by Daguet du Rochau), owned by Man Yin Rebecca Fok, Hoi Au Ha, Yongtao Ao, and Jea Young Pai

France:

  • Karim Laghouag with Triton Fontaine – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Gentleman IV – Grenouil Fontaine, by Nightko), owned by Philippe Lemoine, Guy Bessat, Camille Laffitte, and the rider
  • Christopher Six with Totem de Brecey – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Mylord Carthago*HN – Jessy Landaise, by Quouglof Rouge), owned by François and Juliane Souweine
  • Nicolas Touzaint with Absolut Gold – 11-year-old Selle Français gelding (Birkhof’s Grafenstolz – Belle Meralaise, by Verglas), owned by Haras de Coudrettes
  • Travelling reserve: none – Karim was originally the reserve, but stepped into the team on July 26 after Tom Carlile was forced to withdraw Birmane due to a tie-up.

Germany:

  • Sandra Auffarth with Viamant du Matz (Lets Dance 73, reserve) – 12-year-old Selle Francais gelding (Diamant de Semilly – Heralina, by Voltigeur le Malin), owned by Prinz Nikolaus von Croy
  • Michael Jung with Chipmunk FRH (fischerWild Wave – reserve) – 13-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Contendro – Havanna, by Heraldik xx), owned by Deutsches Olympiade-Komitee für Reiterei e.V., Hilmer Meyer-Kulenkampff, Klaus Fischer, Sabine Fisch
  • Julia Krajewski with Amande de B’Néville – 11-year-old Selle Francais mare (Oscar des Fontaines – Perle be B’Néville, by Elan de la Cour), owned by rider and Bernd Heicke
  • Travelling reserve: Andreas Dibowski and FRH Corrida (12-year-old Hanoverian mare by Contendro out of Expo and owned by Alina, Andreas and Susanna Dibowski)

Great Britain:

  • Laura Collett with London 52 – 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Landos – Vernante, by Quinar), owned by Keith Scott, Karen Bartlett, and the rider
  • Tom McEwen with Toledo de Kerser – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Diamant de Semilly – Ariane du Prieure II, by Papillon Rouge), owned by Fred and Penny Barker, Jane Inns, and Ali McEwen
  • Oliver Townend with Ballaghmor Class – 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Courage II – Kilderry Place, breeding unknown), owned by Karyn Schuter, Angela Hislop, and Val Ryan
  • Travelling reserve: Ros Canter with Allstar B – 16-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Ephebe For Ever – Narenca B, by Ekstein), owned by Caroline Moore and the rider

Ireland:

  • Sarah Ennis with Woodcourt Garrison – 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Garrison Royal – Davitt Star, by Furisto), owned by Breda Kennedy
  • Austin O’Connor with Colorado Blue – 12-year-old British-bred Sport Horse gelding (Jaguar Mail – Rock Me Baby, by Rock Kind), owned by The Salty Syndicate and the rider
  • Sam Watson with Flamenco – 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Tullabeg Fusion – Tullabeg Heidi, by Ardenteggle Sir), owned by Vahe Bogossian
  • Travelling reserve: Cathal Daniels with Rioghan Rua – 14-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Jack Of Diamonds – Highland Destiny, by Flagmount King), owned by Margaret Kinsella

Italy:

  • Susanna Bordone with Imperial Van De Holtakkers – 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Quidam de Revel – Ava VD Holtakkers, by Argentinus), owned by Maria Giovanna Mazzocchi
  • Vittoria Panizzon with Super Cillious – 12-year-old British-bred Sport Horse gelding (Deanes San Ciro Hit – Lady Priscilla, by Rock King), owned by Lucy Allison, Deborah Bevan, Juliet Donald, and the rider
  • Arianna Schivo with Quefira de l’Ormeau – 17-year-old Selle Français mare (Iolisco de Quinhon HN – Isabelle du Brulot, by Beausejour IV), owned by the rider
  • Travelling reserve: Stefano Brecciaroli with Bolivar Gio Granno – 10-year-old Anglo Arab stallion (Gio Granno – Native de Sautussan, by Faalem), owned by Maria Giovanna Mazzochi

Japan:

  • Yoshiaki Oiwa with Calle 44 – 14-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Cristo 5 – Sara IV, by Quebec), owned by the rider
  • Toshiyuki Tanaka with Talma d’Allou – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Opium de Talma – Belle de l’Etang, by Prince Ig’Or), owned by Riding Club Crane
  • Kazuma Tomoto with Vinci de la Vigne – 12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Esterel des Bois – Korrigane de Vigne, by Duc du Hutrel), owned by the Japan Equestrian Federation
  • Travelling reserve: Ryuzo Kitajima with Feroza Nieuwmoed – 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (VDL Groep Zagreb – Uthodina, by Frisbee Kerellec), owned by Riding Club Crane

New Zealand:

  • Jesse Campbell with Diachello – 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Diarado – Visser Cholin, by Chello I), owned by Kent Gardner and the rider
  • Jonelle Price with Grovine de Reve – 13-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Hermea de Reve – Erkina Jane, by Rimilis), owned by Therese Miller and the rider
  • Tim Price with Vitali – 11-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Contender – Noble Lady I, by Heraldik xx), owned by Joe and Alex Giannamore and the rider
  • Travelling reserve: Bundy Philpott with Tresca NZPH – 15-year-old New Zealand Sport Horse gelding (Fuego du Parlet – Paradise NZPH, by Barbarian), owned by Brian Philpott and the rider

Poland:

  • Małgorzata Cybulska with Chenaro 2 – 12-year-old Oldenburg gelding (Chequille – Dayenne, by Dinaro), owned by Marzenna Walden
  • Jan Kaminski with Jard – 11-year-old Polish Half-Bred gelding (Czuwaj – Jucznia, by Chef Supreme) owned by Marcin Kaminski
  • Joanna Pawlak with Fantastic Frieda – 12-year-old Hanoverian mare (For Edition – Pirola, by Pinkus), owned by the rider
  • Travelling reserve: none. Jan Kaminski has stepped into the team following Pawel Spisak and Banderas’s elimination at the first horse inspection.

Switzerland:

  • Robin Godel with Jet Set – 14-year-old Spanish Sport Horse gelding (Nordico – Carina), owned by Jean-Jacques Fünfschilling and Olivia Sellar
  • Melody Johner with Toubleu du Rueire – 14-year-old Selle Français gelding (Mr Blue – La Guna de Rueire, by Bayard d’Elle), owned by Peter Hasenböhler and Peter Thuerler
  • Felix Vogg with Colero – 13-year-old Westfalian gelding (Captain Fire – Bonita, by Bormio xx), owned by Jürgen Vogg
  • Travelling reserve: Eveline Bodenmüller with Violine de la Brasserie – 12-year-old Swiss Warmblood mare (Galant Normand – Clarte de la Brasserie, by Cinema), owned by Mathias Bodenmüller and Christian Kohn

Sweden:

  • Louise Romeike with Cato 60 – 17-year-old Holsteiner gelding (Contendro I – Melanocarpa, by Heraldik xx), owned by Hinrich, Louise and Susanne Romeike
  • Ludwig Svennerstål with Balham Mist – 14-year-old British Sport Horse gelding (Mill Law – Rock Me Baby, by Rock King), owned by Andrew Ayres and Svennerstål Eventing AB
  • Therese Viklund with Viscera – 13-year-old Hanoverian mare (Fidertanz 2 – Wilhelmientje, by Wolkentanz), owned by Lena Nyström
  • Travelling reserve: Sara Algotsson Ostholt with Chicuelo – 10-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding (Click and Cash 1155 – Expensi, by Empire 1115), owned by Patricia Oddshammar & Gunnar Modalen

Thailand:

  • Arinadtha Chavatanont with Boleybawn Prince – 17-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Colin Diamond – Ann Brook Lass, by Clover Hill), owned by Karnchanaporn and Tanakom Chavatanont, Natthaya Lertrungamorn
  • Weerapat Pitakanonda with Carnival March – 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Cavalier Carnival – Ryans Cruise, by Atlantic Cruise), owned by Harald Link, Sureeporn Pitakanonda, and Nunthinee Tanner
  • Korntawat Samran with Bonero K – 15-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Son de Niro – Moonlight, by Damiro), owned by Nara Ketusingha and Vithai Laithomya
  • Travelling reserve: none

USA:

  • Phillip Dutton with Z – 13-year-old Zangersheide gelding (Asca – Bellabouche, by Babouche VH Gehucht Z), owned by Thomas Tierney, Ann Jones, Caroline Moran, Simon Roosevelt, and Suzanne Lacy
  • Boyd Martin with Tsetserleg TSF – 14-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall II – Thabana, by Buddenbrock), owned by Christine Turner, Thomas Turner, and Tommie Turner (On Cue – reserve)
  • Doug Payne with Vandiver – 17-year-old Trakehner gelding (Windfall II – Visions of Grandeur, by Mystic Replica xx), owned by Debi Crowley, Doug Payne, and Jessica Payne
  • Travelling reserve: Tamie Smith with Mai Baum – 15-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Loredano 2 – Ramira, by Rike), owned by Alexandra Ahearn, Ellen Ahearn, and Eric Markell

INDIVIDUAL BREAKDOWNS: 

Austria:

  • Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati with DSP Cosma – 12-year-old Brandenburg mare (Canterbury – Farah, by Ferman), owned by the rider
  • Lea Siegl with DSP Fighting Line – 14-year-old German Sport Horse gelding (Ostermond xx – Pia, by Laretto Diabolo), owned by Marianne Mühlböck

Belgium:

  • Lara de Liedekerke-Meier with Alpaga d’Arville – 15-year-old Belgian Sport Horse gelding (Wunder Boy van de Zuuthoeve – Mooney Raaphorst xx, by Shamaraan xx), owned by Larga S.P.R.L.

Belarus:

  • Alexandre Zelenko with Carlo Grande JR – 11-year-old Polish Half-Bred gelding (Carlo Grande – Kaloe, by Spartakus), owned by the Belarus Republic Olympic Equestrian and Breeding Center

Canada:

  • Colleen Loach with Qorry Blue d’Argouges – 17-year-old Selle Français gelding (Mr Blue – Hardie du Bourg, by Count Ivor), owned by Peter Barry

Czech Republic:

  • Miloslav Prihoda Jr with Ferreolus Lat – 11-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Jaguar Mail – Veonille II, by Royal Dance), owned by Vladimir Malak and the rider
  • Miroslav Trunda with Shutterflyke – 10-year-old Dutch Riding Horse mare (Sir Shutterfly – Zaramba, by BMC Kigali), owned by Svobodova Adela

Denmark:

  • Peter Flarup with Fascination – 10-year-old Danish Warmblood stallion (Favorit Ask – La Mirage, by Lando), owned by Victoria Ulrikke Hjortnaes

Ecuador:

  • Nicolas Wettstein with Altier d’Aurois – 11-year-old Selle Français gelding (Sisley de la Tour Vidal – Julye d’Aurois, by Crystal Diamonds), owned by Frank Wettstein, Monique Deyme, and the rider

Hong Kong:

  • Thomas Heffernan Ho and Tayberry – 20-year-old Belgian Warmblood gelding (Feridoon – Rismo, by Kimball), owned by Irene Ho and Miranda Rauis

India:

  • Fouaad Mirza with Seigneur – 15-year-old Westfalian gelding (Seigneur d’Alleray xx – Gina XIII, by Finley-M), owned by M/S Embassy Property Development PVT Ltd

The Netherlands:

  • Merel Blom with The Quizmaster – 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Albaran xx – Zarah-Maro, by Casco), owned by Stal Hulsman B.V. and Blom Sports Stables
  • Janneke Boonzaaijer with Champ de Tailleur – 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding (Quidam de Revel – Vera, by Oberon du Moulin), owned by HJC Roozendaal and Lieke van der Werf

Puerto Rico:

  • Lauren Billys with Castle Larchfield Purdy – 19-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding (Karistos – Hallo Purdy, by Hallo), owned by the Purdy Syndicate CCC and the rider

Russia:

  • Andrey Mitin with Gurza – 14-year-old Trakehner mare (Kwazimodo – Gabonya, by Bant), owned by Ferdinand Kibizov and the rider
  • Mikhail Nastenko with MP Imagine If – 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse mare (Shannondale Sarco St Ghyvan – Fast Morning Flight, by Errigal Flight), owned by Tatyana Gura

South Africa:

  • Victoria Scott-Legendre with Valtho des Peupliers –12-year-old Selle Français gelding (Tinka’s Boy – Etna Pierreville, by Rosire), owned by the rider

Spain:

  • Francisco Gavino Gonzalez with Source de la Faye – 15-year-old Anglo-Arab mare (Tresor du Renom – dam unknown), owned by Francisco Gaviño Carabantes

Want to stay in the know with all things Olympic eventing? We’re getting ready to kick off daily editions of our Olympic Digest starting Wednesday, July 28. You can sign up for free right here.

Michael Jung Aims to Make More History With a Hat-Trick of Gold in Tokyo

By on Jul 26, 2021 9:00 am -

Germany’s Michael Jung rides his 2019 European Championship horse fischerChipmunk FRH in Luhmuhlen, (GER) and is aiming to make history with a hatric gold in Tokyo (JPN). FEI/ Oliver Hardt/Getty Images

After Germany’s Michael Jung won the second of his two consecutive Individual Olympic Equestrian Eventing titles at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games he was asked what he had next in his sights. “Tokyo 2020 of course, and the Europeans and maybe the world title along the way!”, he replied.

He wasn’t joking of course, because the 38-year-old who made Eventing history by becoming the first to hold the European, Olympic, and World Championship titles at the same time is one of the most formidable athletes in all of equestrian sport.

He didn’t make it to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018 when his horse had an injury, but at the FEI European Championships the following year he took team gold and was just pipped at the post for the individual title by team-mate Ingrid Klimke.

This is a man who sets the bar really high for everyone else, and if he can do the individual hat-trick in Tokyo then he will set a new Olympic record. Charles Pahud de Mortanges from The Netherlands came out on top in Amsterdam in 1928 and again at the following Olympics in Los Angeles in 1932, and New Zealand’s Mark Todd won in Los Angeles in 1984 and again in Seoul in 1988. Both riders partnered the same horse on each occasion, the Dutchman riding Marcroix and the Kiwi riding the legendary Charisma.

Jung was also riding the same horse, the mighty Sam, when coming out on top at London 2012 and the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. This time around he will partner his 2019 European Championship horse Chipmunk, and the world waits to see what more magic he can bring.

Team silver

He’ll be joined on the German team by two of the three athletes who helped clinch team silver in Rio, Sandra Auffarth (Viamant du Matz) and Julia Krajewski (Armande de B’Neville). However it is the French who line out as defending team champions, with Thomas Carlile (Birmane), Nicolas Touzaint (Absolut Gold HDC) and Christopher Six (Totem de Brecey) flying the flag for Les Bleus.

The British arrive as reigning world champions with the world number one, Oliver Townend (Ballaghmore Class), number five Tom McEwen (Toledo de Kerser) and number 22, Laura Collet (London 52) in their side, backed up last-minute replacement reserve Ros Canter with Allstar B, the horse she rode to individual gold at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018. . There’s great strength in depth in this selection, while the Irish world silver medallists, and the Kiwi side that includes husband-and-wife Tim and Jonelle Price, also look highly competitive.

But there are further Olympic records hanging in the balance. Australia’s Andrew Hoy, Shane Rose and Stuart Tinney have 166 years of life-experience and eight Olympic medals between them. And 62-year-old Hoy could make Olympic history by becoming the first athlete to win gold medals an incredible 29 years apart. He won his first team gold in Barcelona in 1992 and if he could do it again he’d break the all-time record set by Hungarian fencer Aladár Gerevich, who triumphed in 1932 and 1960.

Hoy went on to win two more team golds, at Atlanta in 1996 and Sydney in 2000, and just by turning up in Tokyo he will set an Australian record with his eighth Olympic appearance since his debut in Los Angeles in 1984 at the age of 25.

From left: Sandra Auffarth, Michael Jung, Ingrid Klimke and Julia Krajewski. Photo by Jenni Autry.

Changes

The sport of Eventing has been subject to many changes down the years and at the Tokyo 2020 Games there will be a new and shorter Dressage test, which will take just under four minutes to complete. The Dressage and Jumping phases will be staged at Baji Koen Equestrian Centre in the city, while the Cross Country action will be held at Sea Forest Park in Tokyo Bay.

Following the Ready Steady Tokyo Equestrian Test event staged at Sea Forest in August 2019, during which an FEI official climate impact study and horse monitoring project took place, the Cross Country course was shortened to approximately eight minutes.

It’s all a long way from the first time Eventing was included in the Olympic programme back in 1912 in Stockholm when the competition began with Phase A, “an Endurance ride over 55km in four hours” and Phase B, “Cross-country over 5km in 15 minutes with 12 obstacles”.

After a rest day the all-military competitors then set out to tackle “Steeplechase over 3,500m in 5 minutes and 50 seconds with 10 obstacles”, while on day four there was “Jumping over 15 obstacles up to 1.30m high and 3.00m wide” before finally finishing up on day five with “Dressage”. From seven starting teams, four completed and Sweden took both Team and Individual gold.

Times have indeed moved on, but the partnership between horse and athlete remains at the heart of equestrian sport, and in Olympic Eventing that partnership is at its zenith.

What is Eventing?

Once known as “The Military” because it was a test for cavalrymen and their horses, Eventing is the most comprehensive test of horse and rider, combining the separate disciplines of Dressage, Cross Country and Jumping, with results from each phase totalled for a final score. It is the lowest score that wins, both for the team and individual medals.

It has been an Olympic sport since 1912.

Michael Jung and Sam at the first horse inspection in Rio. Photo by Jenni Autry.

How it will play out…

The Team and Individual competitions will run concurrently on consecutive days as follows: Dressage test (over two days, 30/31 July), Cross Country test (1 August) and First Jumping Competition (2 August) to determine the Team classification.

The Individual Final Jumping test will take place after the Team Jumping Final on the same day (2 August), with the top 25 battling it out for the medals.

Eventing Dressage and Jumping will both be staged at Baji Koen Equestrian Centre, with horses travelling to Sea Forest Park for Cross Country day.

To enable a finish by just after 11.00, the start time on Cross Country day will be 07.45 JST.

Horses can be substituted for the team competition, and a horse/athlete combination may be substituted by a reserve combination for medical/veterinarian reasons in any of the three tests after the start of the competition.

The top-25 horse/athlete combinations go through to the Individual Final.

The athlete rides the same horse throughout for the Individual classification.

There will be two horse inspections – on 29 July, the day before the Dressage phase begins, and on 2 August before the final Jumping phase takes place.

A drawn starting order will be used for the Dressage and Cross-Country tests but in the final Jumping test horse/athlete combinations will go in reverse order of merit.

Facts and Figures:

  • 29 countries
  • 15 teams
  • 65 horse/athlete combinations
  • 14 countries represented by individuals
  • Australia, Germany and USA share the biggest number of team victories in Olympic Eventing history with four each.
  • Australia, victors in Rome in 1960, has the unique record of winning three team titles in a row – at Barcelona in 1992, Atlanta in 1996 and on home ground in Sydney in 2000.
  • Team France are the defending Olympic champions.
  • The French have twice claimed the team title – in Athens in 2004 and at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
  • Germany’s Michael Jung is the defending double-champion having won the Individual title at London 2012 and again at the Rio 2016 Games.
  • Germany has won the Olympic Eventing Individual title on three occasions but Sweden holds the record for most wins with a total of four, the last recorded on home soil in Stockholm in 1956 by Petrus Kastenman riding Illuster.
  • When the Olympic Games were last staged in Tokyo in 1964, the Eventing it was held in Karuizawa, 150km north-west of Tokyo.
  • History was made when a woman competed in an Olympic three-day event for the very first time that year. The USA’s Lana du Pont, who 27 years later as Mrs Wright won team gold at the World Driving Championships in Paris (FRA), finished 33rd of the 34 horse-and-rider combinations that completed. A total of 48 riders from 12 nations participated, and 14 were eliminated in the Cross Country phase.
  • At Tokyo in 1964, Italy claimed Team gold and the Individual title went to team member Mauro Checcoli riding Surbean.

The Teams

Australia: Andrew Hoy (Vasilly de Lassos), Shane Rose (Virgil), Stuart Tinney (Leporis). Alternate: Kevin McNab (Don Quidam).

Brazil: Carlos Parro (Goliath), Marcelo Tosi (Glenfly), Rafael Mamprin Losano (Fuiloda G). Alternate: Marcio Appel Cheuiche (Iberon Jemen).

China: Alex Hua Tian (Don Geniro), Huadong Sun (Lady Chin V’T Moerven Z), Yingfeng Bao (Flandia 2). Alternate: Ruiji Liang (Agora de Bordenave).

France: Thomas Carlile (Birmane), Nicolas Touzaint (Absolut Gold), Christopher Six (Totem de Brecey). Alternate: Karim Laghouag (Triton Fontaine).

Germany: Sandra Auffarth (Viamant du Matz), Michael Jung (Chipmunk FRH), Julia Krajewski (Amande de B’Neville). Alternate: Andreas Dibowski (FRH Corrida).

Great Britain: Laura Collett (London 52), Tom McEwen (Toledo de Kerser), Oliver Townend (Ballaghmor Class). Alternate:Ros Canter (Allstar B).

Ireland: Cathal Daniels (Rioghan Rua), Sarah Ennis (Woodcourt Garrison), Sam Watson (Flamenco). Alternate: Austin O’Connor (Colorado Blue).

Italy: Susanna Bordone (Imperial van de Holtakkers), Victoria Panizzon (Super Cillious), Arianna Schivo (Quefire de l’Ormeau). Alternate: Stefano Brecciaroli (Bolivar Gio Granno).

Japan: Yoshiaki Oiwa (Tullyoran Cruise), Toshiyuki Tanaka (Taima d’Allou), Kazuma Tooto (Vinci de la Vigne).

New Zealand: Tim Price (Vitali), Jonelle Price (Grovine de Reve), Jesse Campbell (Diachello). Alternate: Bundy Philpott (Tresca).

Poland: Pawel Spisak (Banderas), Malgorzata Cybulska (Chenaro 2), Joanna Pawlak (Fantastic Frieda). Alternate: Mateusz Kiempa (Libertina).

Sweden: Ludwig Svennerstal (Balham Mist), Theese Viklund (Viscera), Louise Romeike (Cato S). Alternate: Sara Algotsson Ostholt (Chicuelo).

Switzerland: Robin Godel (Jet Set), Melody Johner (Toubleu dd Rueire), Felix Vogg (Cartania). Alternate: Eveline Bodenmuller (Bioline de la Brasserie).

Thailand: Arinadtha Chavatanont (Boleybawn Prince), Weerapat Pitakanonda (Carnival March), Korntawat Samran (Bonero K).

USA: Philip Dutton (Z), Boyd Martin (Tsetserleg TSF), Doug Payne (Vandiver). Alternate: Tamra Smith (Mai Baum).

The Individuals

Austria: Lea Siegl (DSP Fighting Line), Katrin Khoddam-Hazrati (DSP Comsa).

Belgium: Lara De Liederke-Meier (Alpaga d’Arville).

Belarus: Alexandre Zeleno (Carolo Grande JR), Aliaksandr Faminou (Martinie).

Canada: Colleen Loach (Qorry Blue d’Argouges), Jessica Phoenix (Pavarotti).

Czech Republic: Miloslav Prihoda Jr (Ferreolus Lat), Miroslav Trunda (Shutterflyke).

Denmark: Peter Flarup (Fascination).

Ecuador: Nicolas Wettstein (Altier d’Aurois).

Hong Kong: Thomas Heffernan Ho (Tayberry).

India: Fouaad Mirza (Seigneur).

Netherlands: Merel Bloom (The Quizmaster), Janneke Boonzaaijer (Champ de Tailleur).

Puerto Rico: Lauren Billys (Castle Larchfield Purdy).

ROC: Andrey Mitin (Gurza), Mikhail Natstenko (MP Imaging If).

Republic of South Africa: Victoria Scott-Legendre (Valtho Des Peupliers).

Spain: Francisco Gavino Bonzalez (Source de la Faye).

The Officials

Ground Jury President: Nick Burton GBR
Ground Jury Members: Christina Klingspor SWE and Jane Hamlin USA.
Technical Delegate: Philip Surl (GBR)
Course Designer: Derek Di Grazia USA
Chief Steward: Helen Christie NZL

The Nations:

Australia, Austria, Belgium, Belarus, Brazil, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Puerto Rico, Republic of South Africa, ROC, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, USA.

James Alliston Pulls Off Three Top-Two Finishes at Rebecca Farm

By on Jul 26, 2021 9:00 am -

James Alliston and Paper Jam. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

James Alliston was the big winner of the weekend at The Event at Rebecca Farm, with 3 top 2 finishes in the FEI divisions. James won first and second in the CCI4*-Short, as well as first place in the CCI4*-Long.

CCI4*-L

James Alliston and Paper Jam jumped a double-clear in showjumping to win the CCI4*-Long on Sunday with a final score of 38.8. James said the 12-year-old Hanoverian “was really awesome – honestly I wasn’t expecting to win because I had some time penalties yesterday. But he’s a really sweet horse and a real tryer, and I am excited for him going forward.” James will run Galway with “Jammers” at the end of the year. He also said, “He’s a fast horse, he doesn’t get tired. I’m hoping he can go 5*. He’s got all the pieces.”

James, who is based in California, loves coming to Rebecca Farm and says that “riding is one of those sports that’s all about experience.” Coming to The Event is quite eye opening because of the natural terrain, as well as the atmosphere. It prepares horses and riders for other big venues away from home.

Caroline Martin (USA) and Islandwood Captain Jack. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

Caroline Martin and Islandwood Captain Jack added 4 jump penalties to finish in second place with a score of 38.9. The 12-year-old Irish Sport Horse who goes by “James” is owned by Caroline’s mom, Sherrie Martin. “I am really pleased with him. I wanted to come out here and practice going fast on cross country – fast but under control. He’s an amazing horse… and I am quite lucky to have a horse like him. He’s a horse of a lifetime for sure,” said Caroline.

She and James will probably be heading to the Maryland 5* this fall. Her advice for riders who hope to compete at the FEI level is to “Watch. Watch everything. Being here, even though you’re still in the U.S., it’s a little like being in Europe.” Caroline was also very genuine when she encouraged riders to strike up conversations with their role models and reminded us that “we all just ride horses for a living, and we care genuinely about each other.”

Jennie Brannigan (USA) and Twilightslastgleam. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

Jennie Brannigan and Twilightslastgleam had 8 jump penalties to finish in third on a score of 41.0. “Grampa” is an 11-year-old Thoroughbred owned by Tim and Nina Gardner. Jennie said she was hoping to be third this weekend, and she was happy to be in the [press] tent on Sunday. “That little horse has to try his heart out to compete at this level… I am just thrilled he tried as hard as he did because he has to overcome a lot to compete at this level.”

Jennie’s advice for aspiring FEI riders was to “Stay realistic about what we’re doing. Don’t take yourself so seriously that you don’t enjoy it.” She went on to say that it’s important not to let the highs take you too high, or the lows too low.

At the end of the day, this is a very challenging and dangerous sport and it’s all about keeping it fun and staying safe. Jennie spoke about the tragic death of event rider Annie Goodwin on July 14th and emphasized that it should serve as a reminder to all of us to be good to each other, and to help and care for each other.

Maya Black (USA) and Miks Master C. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

CCI4*-S

The final placings for the CCI4*-Short remained the same from cross country until the end of competition on Sunday. Maya Black maintained the lead to win first place with Miks Master C, a 9-year-old Swedish Warmblood owned by Laurie Cameron. Maya and Mickey added 4 jump penalties for a final score of 33.8. Giving advice for up-and-coming riders who have the goal of competing in the FEI divisions at Rebecca Farm, Maya said to be prepared. Practice and prepare, and understand what is expected.

Elisabeth Halliday-Sharp (USA) and Cooley Quicksilver. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

Liz Halliday-Sharp and Cooley Quicksilver added 4 jump penalties to finish in second place with a score of 43.6. The Monster Partnership owns the 10-year-old Irish Sport Horse. Liz, who was happy with her choice to come to Montana, said “What a great event this is, oh my gosh we had so much fun. It’s been an absolutely great event for the horses – beautiful weather, perfect ground, and a lot of atmosphere for them.” Speaking about The Monster’s show jumping round today, Liz said “I thought he jumped really well – he’s a bit out of practice. He was a good boy to just sort of pony up and come here.” In terms of next steps, Liz and The Monster will be heading to Pau for the 5*.

Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

Rebecca Braitling and Caravaggio II, a 10-year-old British Sport Horse, jumped clear and added .4 time penalties, for a third-place finish with a score of 58.7. “Ernie” is owned by Arnell Sporthorses.

“He was so good! I was sort of thinking I want to take him to Morvan [Park] – take him east. He’s green and he needs experience.” Bec said that coming to Rebecca Farm in comparison to other venues is “off the chart. You come with really high expectations a lot of the time. There’s a lot more going on at an event like this… there are a lot more variables.” The additional variable make it an amazing learning experience for horses and riders.

James Alliston and Nemesis. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

CCI3*-L

James Alliston and Nemesis, a 7-year-old Canadian Warmblood owned by Alliston Equestrian maintained their lead in the CCI3*-Long with a double-clear round for a final score of 33.1. “He was really good, really good. He is young but he has been a big winner already. His mind is excellent. He keeps a really level head and has the talent, but also “strength of mind” to come out on day one of competition and do a good job.”

Nemesis is a young horse and James commented that “It’s early in his career to do this, but they learn so much from coming here and going on the grass. Rebecca Farm really exposes them to how it’s going to be when they go to somewhere like Kentucky.”

James also grabbed the second-place finish in the CCI3*-L with Alliston Equestrian’s RevitaVet Calaro. The 9-year-old Holsteiner put in a double-clear round for a final score of 34.3. James said that Calaro and Nemesis have come up together. He used to always beat Nemesis at prelim, but at intermediate they switched that up. Calaro is a really talented horse, but his mind can be a bit trickier: “When he comes to a show he gets really excited. He learned a lot from this show – he got a bit tired on cross country, but I think that was good for him because he came out more relaxed today.”

James also wanted to send a “Big thank you to his owner and to Garyn [Heidemann],” who had him previously as a dressage horse, “because they gave him to me and allowed me to whatever I wanted with him.”

Lucienne Bellissimo and her self-owned Atlantic Vital Spark added 4 penalties for a rail and a third- place finish with a score of 38.1. The 11-year-old Irish Sport Horse who goes by “Ted” in the barn, did well in Montana on the “fabulous ground” and Lucienne was very complimentary of the excellent, consistent footing.

They made the long journey from South Carolina for the first time this year, and she plans to make The Event at Rebecca Farm an annual destination. Lucienne spoke highly of her entire experience in Montana, including a trip to nearby Glacier National Park. She also finished 7th in the CCI3*-L on her mare Tremanton (aka Ting Ting), a 9-year-old Thoroughbred owned by Horse Scout Eventing, LLC. Lucienne is planning to give the horses a holiday now, and then go to Octoberfest at Stable View this fall.

Tommy Greengard and Joshuay MBF. Photo by RedBayStock.com.

CCI2*-L

Tommy Greengard and self-owned Joshuay MBF maintained their lead to win the CCI2*-Long. Adding only one rail to their dressage score of 25.4, Tommy and Josh, a 7-year-old Dutch Warmblood, finished with a score of 29.4. “It’s been amazing… it was so great to bring him here. The goal was to get him here and I wasn’t sure it would happen… but he came and showed up for me in a big way. I really couldn’t ask for him to be any better. He jumped higher and higher, and worked harder and harder all weekend.”

Josh will stay at the prelim level for a while, although Tommy hasn’t decided exactly what’s next. He said, “I want him to feel like King Kong at the end of the year. He hasn’t put a foot wrong all year and I want him to feel his absolute best self before moving him up.” Tommy also won the Sr. Open Training A division on his dressage score of 23.9 on Andrea Pfeiffer’s Leonardo Diterma.

Maya Black and Laurie Cameron’s 6-year-old Hanoverian, Double Diamond C, also added just one rail on Sunday to finish second on a score of 31.0. “Overall, I was really pleased with him. He’s been a pretty consistent horse all along. I am personally a little bummed that I had a rail, but I was very pleased with him overall, all weekend.” Maya said “Petey” shows so much promise as a young horse and will stay at the preliminary level for a while. “He is entered right now for the AECs and then we’ll see what the fall holds. Maybe he’ll do another 2-Long in the fall, but otherwise we’ll keep chugging along.”

Alexis Larson and PL Diamond’s Inspiration maintained their dressage score throughout the weekend and consistently moved up the placings from 14 th after dressage, to 6 th after cross country, and into a third-place finish on Sunday. The 9-year-old Irish Draught, who goes by “Izzy” has been coming to Rebecca Farm with Alexis for four years now.

“She’s a jumping beast… picks up her feet, and is everything you could ask for in a good mare.” Alexis commented that “competing out on the toughest course with some of the best riders is really exciting. Have fun, and really ride what you have been practicing. Think about all of that stuff you have been preparing for – this is the moment!” Alexis is based in Carnation, WA and trains with Marc and Erin Grandia of Full Gallop Eventing.

Congratulations to all of the riders and horses – it was a fun and safe weekend at Rebecca Farm, and we look forward to more action in 2022!

ABOUT THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM

The Event at Rebecca Farm presented by Montana Equestrian Events is held every July in Kalispell, Montana. One of the largest equestrian triathlons in the United States, The Event is also considered to have some of the world’s finest scenery. Each year it draws hundreds of riders of all levels, from amateur to Olympians. The 2021 Event celebrates the 20th anniversary of Rebecca Farm.

The Event at Rebecca Farm features thirteen courses ranging from novice to Olympic qualifier, which were originally developed by world-renowned course designer, Mark Phillips. In 2012, Scottish equestrian Ian Stark redesigned the Rebecca Farm courses. Known for his immense
contributions to eventing, Stark has won multiple Olympic medals and was inducted into the Scottish Sports Hall of Fame in 2010.

CCI4*-L Final Results: 

CCI4*-S Final Results: 

CCI3*-L Final Top 10: 

CCI2*-L Final Top 10: 

The Event at Rebecca Farm: Website, Ride Times, Live Scores, Volunteer, Halt Cancer at X, Live Stream, Show Photographer, EN’s Coverage

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