Good afternoon Eventing Nation, can you believe the World Equestrian Games are nearly over? The Kentucky Horse Park has moved on from the madness that is eventing and our beautiful cross-country course has been turned into a series of combined driving obstacles–although that sport also falls under the ‘madness’ category, I believe. Para-dressage, show jumping, vaulting, and combined driving will dominate the WEGs up until the closing ceremonies this weekend.
The US team had a complete meltdown in the show jumping to drop out of medal contention—That sounds familiar, doesn’t it? But this time we are talking about the pure show jumpers. Germany won gold, and needless to say George Morris was not happy. The individuals will have a rest day on Thursday followed by an individual qualifier on Friday and then they will trade horses for the “final four” which is a ride off for the individual medals. First of all, I think that the term “Final Four” is owned by CBS which is so ridiculous that I don’t care and apparently the WEGs don’t either. Also, close your eyes for a moment and imagine how cool it would be if eventers traded horses right before XC: “And now galloping down to the Head of the Lake, Mark Todd on Woodburn.”
The British are leading after the first day of para-equestrian competition–I’m really disappointed in the media for the lack of attention para-equestrian is getting at the WEGs. As I see it, para-equestrian is one of eight WEG disciplines and deserves as much attention as any of the other sports. The media was all too happy to write about Anky and the reiners, why not para-equestrian?
Sports Illustrated wrote a brief recap of the WEGs so far–The article’s title includes the phrase “ill-fated Commonwealth Games,” but, surprisingly enough, it does not mean the WEGs.
A UK eventer is suing her owners for selling a horse they promised to let her compete in 2010…allegedly–This will be an interesting story to follow because riders have very little power over their owners. Most people would be shocked by some of the instances where riders are left high and dry when owners whimsically decide to change riders after the original rider spent years developing the horse.
I normally don’t do this, but if anyone is interested in a very experienced 13yo prelim/intermediate Area II schoolmaster with the skills to win young riders next year, give Emily a call at 540.832.0241 or 434.960.2370. Serious inquiries only please, the price is over $50K. Emily asked me to do this and I warned her that her voicemail would be flooded, but oh well.
Hamish and Dave interview Anky:
Lastly, I am sure that if you were watching the eventing at the Games, you noticed the fantastic Ecogold saddle pads worn by the US and Canadian teams. We wrote about the saddle pads before the WEGs, and they looked fantastic and were really well received by the riders. I have a US team hat, now if only I can get ahold of a team saddle pad…
