The last North American ride of the day had a big impact on the team competition when Selena O’Hanlon and Foxwood High of Canada had a runout at the hut on top of the main water complex. Selena rebounded to still make the time for Canada. Selena’s score was being counted as part of Canada’s team score after the dressage, so that stop will extend Team USA’s lead in the team competition.
The last US pair, Shannon Lilley and Ballingowan Pizzaz tore up the cross-country with “Mango’s” huge gallop and Shannon’s accurate riding. Shannon’s ride capped off a fabulous day of cross-country for the US Team.
Five rides, five double-clears. Team USA absolutely dominated John William’s cross-country course today to extend their team lead in the Pan American Games and head into the show jumping with riders in 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th. It’s hard to say which US rider had the best round today, they all looked fabulous.
6th placed after the dressage, Ruy Fonseca of Brazil had a big fall at the first water, which is a log in the water. Horse and rider were both up, but that set Brazil’s team back, giving the USA even more breathing room at the end of today.
We’ll have final individual and team scores shortly, but the top 5 will be Jessica, Michael, Hannah, Buck, and Shannon.
With two show jumping rounds (one team, one individual) there is a long way to go tomorrow to pick the individual and team Pan American Games medals. Because of the two show jumping rounds, it’s fair to consider the show jumping the most important phase this weekend so no one can rest on their laurels tonight.
Go eventing.
