DeRosa Daily Equestrian Olympic News
Horsesdaily Veteran Olympic Reporter Diana DeRosa Brings Us Into Her World

A Word About The Show Jumping

If you haven’t already heard, we are tied with Switzerland in first place and McLain and Sapphire are tied with Eric Lamaze and Hickstead who both have had two clear rounds so far.  Tonight’s course was really tough.  McLain set the pace and then Laura Kraut looked like she was also going to make it two for two but at the very last fence she knocked down the last rail.  Will Simpson had a foot in the water and a fence down for 8. 

Then all eyes were on Beezie.  She was stellar around the course and we were sitting on the edge of our seats knowing that if anyone could do it she could.  But then down the outside line it looked as those she cut the corner a little tight and Authentic reacted by running out.  When she came back to go down the line again, Authentic looked a little rattled and nailed a fence.  She finished on 11 faults.

Later we found out the real story.  Authentic started shaking his head for no reason that Beezie could figure out.  It was if something was bothering his ear and he was shaking his head so much he never even saw the first fence.

This certainly has been a show for uncharacteristic things to happen but never mind we are still doing good.

Tomorrow continues with the second half of the Nations Cup followed by the Team awards.   The Freestyle takes place on Tuesday followed by the Individual Medals.   I’m crossing my fingers we’ll bring home a few more medals before these Olympic Games end.

In the meantime, take some time to write me about the dressage question I asked above.  I want to know what your thoughts are on that subject.  I’ll post excerpts from your comments in my next column.