Out of all the photos I’ve seen from cross country day at the Paris Olympics — and I’ve seen some incredible shots, both from our own Tilly Berendt and other talented photographers — I think this one hits the hardest. That’s the late Annie Goodwin’s father looking on as her horse, “Bruno”, runs around the cross country at the Olympics with Boyd Martin in the stirrups. If that doesn’t leave a lump in your thoat, then I’m not sure you have a soul. And I’m sure that the connections of Stéphane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau felt much the same way yesterday. Both Boyd and Stéphane paid incredible tributes to their horse’s former riders by delivering beautiful clear rounds on the world stage.
Looking ahead now, we’re in for one heck of the show jumping finale. Don’t forget — we’re going to see two rounds of jumping today! In case you need a refresher on how the eventing show jumping works in the Olympics, here you go.
U.S. Weekend Results
Millbrook H.T. (Millbrook NY) [Website] [Results]
Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Results]
UK International Events
Burgham International (Northumberland) [Website] [Results]
Major International Events
#Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [EN’s Coverage]
Your Monday Reading List:
In case you’re new here and not familiar with Boyd and Bruno, USA Today published a really nice article on their bittersweet partnership subsequent to the death of Annie Goodwin in 2021. Grab a box of tissues.
The most serious injury on cross country yesterday, to my knowledge, was sustained by Don Quidam, the mount of Australia’s Kevin McNab. Kevin jumped off the horse as he felt a lame step towards the end the of course. Don Quidam is expected to make a full recovery.
The crowds were INSANE! Check out just a couple of neat snapshots to get a feel for the number of spectators that were out and about and cheering on their favorite pairs.
After watching show jumping today you might be a little inspired. At least that’s how I often feel after watching a big event! If you’ve got the urge to saddle up and pretend you’re riding in the ring at Versailles, considering implementing a few lessons that Olympian Laura Kraut shared with a group of lucky young riders at the recent USEF Horsemastership Training Session.
Morning Viewing: Take a look inside the Great Stables at Versailles (not where the competition horses are being housed) and hear from Canadian eventing team manager Emily Gilbert about the logistics it takes to get to the Games.
