Diana and Cealy from Rio

Show Jumpers Gear Up for a Race to the Finish

“We have a really strong team and that’s half the battle and we are going to give it our best shot,” commented Laura Chapot in the days leading up to the first Show Jumping competition on Thursday, July 26.

Eventing ended on July 21 and in between there’s been somewhat of a break. July 22 was an off day. July 23 was the jog and then July 24 the training or schooling where the horses were allowed into the arena to jump a test course.

The jog took place on a rainy Tuesday, the first rain we’ve seen here since our arrival. George Morris, Frank and Mary Chapot, John Madden, and Sally Ike were some of the new faces that showed up at the jog along with the riders and their horses. Lauren Hough with Casadora, Todd Minikus with Pavarotti, Laura Chapot and Little Big Man, Cara Raether with Ublesco and alternate rider Jill Humphrey leading Kaskaya.

There were no hitches at the jog as all went smoothly for the U.S. Team and the riders were positive and impressed with the facility and the footing. “It’s awesome. Nobody should be able to make a footing excuse. It’s a long ways from Cedar Falls, Iowa but so far it looks great. I am sure like any other championship it will be a very difficult competition. You shouldn’t underestimate anybody.”