This morning concluded the first qualifier, round one for individuals, for the show jumping. EN guest blogger Liz Fletcher has been kind enough to agree to give us Eventers a sophisticated break-down of each day of Show Jumping competition for both team and individuals. Thanks to Liz for contributing, and thanks for reading.
McLain Ward & Antares (photo by our friends at SmartPak, those lucky dogs!)
Reed Kessler and Cylana had 1 time fault this morning, which George Morris called “super.” Again, the girl is 18 and this is her first Olympic games. McLain Ward and Rich Fellers also had great rounds this morning, two double clears, but Beezie Madden had some problems with her mare. They picked up two stops at the second part of the double at 9A. Even though Beezie is now tied for 72 nd place, because she is part of a team, she will be brought through for the team competitions.
While Beezie’s mishap will affect her ability to receive an individual medal, it does not affect the team medal. However, if Via Volo has a stop again tomorrow, that will affect team standings. Here’s an article with Beezie explaining what happened this morning with Via Volo.
Obviously, because today was the first qualifier, there is not a tremendous amount of predicting going on. Those who went double clear today will not necessarily go double clear tomorrow, or the day after. After the first team event tomorrow, things will shake up a little more. Who will win the individual medal is totally up in the air due to the large number of double clears today. But there are still many rounds to come up that will catch some horses and riders, helping to narrow the field. You never know until the competition is over!
For those in American who missed this morning’s live coverage, you can watch it at 3:30 EST this afternoon on TV.
[Find your local channel for Showjumping]
Tomorrow begins the team competition, but also serves as the second individual qualifying round.
Enjoy your weekend, Eventing Nation! Until tomorrow!
