The Olympics are bursting with stories – the story that plays out at the Games, of course, but also the prequel; everything that happened that led to this moment of being an Olympian in Paris.
Every rider and horse in the eventing had their own, unique story, but two stood out for their similarity: Boyd Martin and Fedarman B, and Stephanè Landois and Ride for Thaïs Chaman Dumontceau. There were two people riding each of those horses at the Palace of Versailles; Boyd and Annie Goodwin, and Stephanè and Thaïs Meheust, and Boyd and Stephanè did Annie and Thaïs proud as they fulfilled their late friends’ legacies by riding their horses at the Olympics.
Here’s another poignant equestrian story, one that spans two Games – Belgian dressage rider Larissa Pauluis had her late husband’s name on her gloves when she competed in Tokyo. This Olympics, she honored her promise to him that she’d ride in Paris.
U.S. Weekend Preview
Area VII Young Rider Benefit H.T. at Caber Farm (Onalaska, WA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Bayou Gulch H.T. (Parker, CO) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Catalpa Corner Charity Horse Trials (Iowa City, IA) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Cobblestone Farms H.T. II (Dexter, MI) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Hoosier Horse Trials (Edinburgh, IN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
Huntington Farm H.T. (South Strafford, VT) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer]
Olney Farm Horse Trials (Joppa, MD) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]
River Glen Summer H.T. (New Market, TN) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Scoring]
Thursday News and Reading
It’s getting hot out there. After the equestrian events kicked off with a deluge of rain pouring down on the eventing dressage, things have been hotting up considerably in Versailles and the trend looks set to continue. We know that horse welfare is the absolute priority, and special measures have been put in place to safeguard the horses in the heat. Here’s what’s being done.
We all know that the grooms are an integral part of the team behind eventers. But they don’t just take excellent care of the horses (and riders), they’re also the biggest supporters and cheerleaders. Laura Collett’s groom, Tilly Hughes, penned a letter to Laura before the Games, then had a ringside view as London 52 did his thang and won two Olympic medals – such joy.
And talking of cheerleaders, Pippa Funnell sure was one proud horse mom watching ‘Squirrrel’ take on the Olympics and make history with Team Japan. Every single nut in the world for Squirrel.
Cross country day in the gardens of the Palace of Versailles was nothing short of spectacular. From the world’s best fans lining every meter of rope and cheering the horses and riders along, to the truly stunning and impressive features throughout the course (I mean, horses galloping across a pontoon spanning the Grand Canal (!!!), and that circular pond has got to be the most beautiful water complex ever), all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the enormous palace. It was a showcase of our sport which every single one of us should be proud of. Former COTH writer Sara Lieser got to witness the action up close and personal as a spectator this time around; here’s what she had to say about what it was like to be in the thick of things on cross country day at the Olympics.
Here’s a quick round-up of some of the non-horsey things happening elsewhere at the Olympics: Some Olympic spirit at the fencing and, well, not so much. The rugby 7s looks like a blast, and kinda like a wedding party: First up on the dance floor – a glass or three in – the tequila’s all gone. Celeb spotting at the gymnastics, which Snoop Dogg is digging. This guy who just happened to have his swim kit with him at the Olympics, you know, just in case. Turns out… Case. A sea-sick Serena Williams. And finally, the croissant Olympics, because it’d be rude not to, really.
Video Break
The coverage of the eventing, I thought, was pretty impressive. Sure, it was helped by the best venue ever, but spectators at home were treated to some really excellent camerawork, with a variety of angles and close-ups, and even over-head shots. Here’s an insight into how they made things happen out on the cross country course.
Also, here’s a bonus video today, because that’s the kinda gal I am. Did you spot the horse in the Paris Opening Ceremony? Well, this is a cool video showing how it came into being.
