2003 Pan American Games - Show Jumping

A Great Start for Team U.S.A.

By Diana De Rosa

“No surprises here today,” commented Chef d’Equipe Frank Chapot after the U.S. team took the early lead in the first of four rounds of show jumping on August 13, 2003 at Campo Ecuestre Palmarejo in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic for the 14th Pan American Games. The team of Margie Engle, Wellington, FL, riding Hidden Creek’s Perin; Lauren Hough, Ocala, FL, aboard Windy City; Beezie Madden, Cazenovia, NY riding Conquest II and Chris Kappler, Pittstown, NJ, on Royal Kaliber had the combined lowest score of 1.66 penalty points.

The U.S. has sent a very strong team to these Pan American Games because the results are critical for their placement in the Olympics. As of now the U.S. has not qualified for Athens, Greece but a first or second here would secure their place. The strength of this team was obvious and show how it should be done they did. In the team standings Mexico was their closest rival (6.87), then Argentina (13.57), Brazil (15.39), Chile (16.16), Guatemala (21.06), Canada (23.15), Colombia (33.39) and Ecuador (48.50).

Taking the early lead individually in the starting field of 42 horses was Michelle Navarro riding Osho for Peru who had the fastest time of 78.12. “He is a very good horse. So, I didn’t feel any pressure,” she commented after her round. “But there’s still a lot more to go.”