U.S. and Canada Sail Through WEG Jogs; Sweden’s Alexander Withdrawn

Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville at WEG. Photo by Jenni Autry.

The first horse inspection here at Haras du Pin has just wrapped up, and I’m thrilled to report that all the American and Canadian horses passed with flying colors — and looked fantastic while doing it! We almost sent all 99 horses through to dressage, but Ludwig Svennerstal’s Alexander was ultimately not re-presented from the holding box, leaving the Swedish team with just three riders.

My Win, Laszlo Egyed’s mount and the only horse in the competition representing Hungary, was also sent to the holding box, but passed upon re-presentation. Yuri Shumsky’s Pinokalada, the third horse sent to the holding box, also passed upon re-presentation. That’s a total of three horses held, with just Alexander being withdrawn, leaving us with 98 horses to do battle here in Normandy.

It’s been an overcast afternoon, but thankfully the rain held off, giving us very comfortable conditions for the jog in front of the beautiful chateaux at Haras du Pin. Team USA was first out, looking very sharp in their Hermès jackets and dark jeans. But I have to say I love the look the Canadians sported — with the ladies in white jeans and red-and-white striped shirts and Peter in red slacks, a navy blazer and coordinating tie.

All the Americans and Canadians jogged without fanfare, with a usually boisterous Manoir de Carneville looking very workmanlike. Donner wasn’t thrilled when the crowd clapped at the announcement of “Accepted!” came, but that’s not out of the ordinary for our favorite Flying Deer. I’m also pleased to report Boyd Martin looked very sound in his own trip down the jog strip. Everyone — both humans and horses alike — looks ready to go.

As always, kudos to the American and Canadian grooms for turning the horses out so well. Stay tuned for more photos — check back soon to this post! — and the Unofficial Jog Awards, plus the cross-country course preview and about a million other things since the wifi is finally working in the press tent. Go WEG!

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