Caption contest, anyone?
To give you an idea of just how much the Badminton leaderboard changed after Day 2 of dressage, Day 1 leaders Christopher Burton and Holstein Park Leilani are now sitting in ninth place. Over the last two days, we saw four dressage tests in the 30s and 24 rides in the 40s — that’s one-third of the pairs scoring at least a 49.3. The numbers speak for themselves; the quality of the competition here is second to none, and it almost feels like an Olympics redux considering the lineup. As many expected, Michael Jung and Sam lead after the conclusion of dressage, and we got a sneak peak into why Michael is truly Ze Terminator in his press conference interview.
How to be Ze Terminator in three easy steps, as explained by Michael Jung:
1. Recognize that nerves are healthy
Many fans of the sport assume that riders like Michael have an iron will that stops nervous energy in its tracks. But Michael was very open in the press conference about the fact that he does get nervous, and that helps him to be sharper on bigger tracks like Badminton. Remember that the next time you feel the need to puke while walking your cross-country course.
2. Take pride in little victories
Considering Michael and Sam’s track record, you would think he expects nothing less than total perfection in his dressage tests. But Michael quite candidly said the best part of every dressage test is when he comes in for the salute and his horse actually stops. Considering how many tests we saw this weekend that were muddled by sloppy halts, I like Michael’s reasoning here.
3. Crush your opponent’s dreams
I can’t say I didn’t think it would happen, but it’s tough to imagine that we might not have a Grand Slam winner this weekend should Michael play spoiler. But when asked about that in the press conference, Michael wasn’t exactly sympathetic. It’s simple: He’s here to win. If he does, he’ll become just the second rider to do so on a first attempt at Badminton since Mark Todd in 1980.
Looking at the current leaderboard by nationality, there are three Germans in the top 10: Michael Jung and Sam, Dirk Schrade and King Artus, and Sandra Auffarth and Opgun Louvo; two Kiwis: Jock Paget and Clifton Promise and Andrew Nicholson and Nereo; two Aussies: Chris Burton and Holstein Park Leilani and Sam Griffths and Happy Times; two Brits: William Fox-Pitt and Parklane Hawk and Pippa Funnell and Redesigned; one Italian: Stefano Brecciaroli and Apollo; and one! American!: Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister. Tomorrow’s course is a monster, and things will undoubtedly change drastically by the time the last horse gallops home. I’ll be there to bring you all the action, as well as post-XC analysis from the North American contingent. Go eventing.
