2003 Pan American Games - Show Jumping

A Great Start for Team U.S.A.

Hough Goes First Then Beezie

Hough, who went seventh, was the first horse to go for the Americans and they set the pace with a clear round that gave them the early lead. “I very much enjoy going first with Windy City,” commented Lauren later that day. Hough did explain that she only had problems at one jump when her horse got distracted and noticed one of the camera crews in the ring as she was rolling back to the tenth jump in the course. “He had one more stride and he had to try extra hard.” But as is so often the case, Windy City came through for her.

Next to go was Beezie, who continued to show the strength of the U.S. team and of her horse. Conquest replaced Laura Kraut’s Anthem after he had to be re-inspected at the vet inspection and dropped a rail in the warm-up. Although Anthem was prepared for the competition the decision was made to have Beezie go instead. “My horse was great,” commented a happy Beezie. She went on to explain that she rode her speed horse a little conservatively because when Conquest knows it’s a speed class he puts it in gear. In the end her horse was quieter than she anticipated and she had to scurry a little at the end to make up some time.