September 1, 2006

A Sterling Performance: USA Wins Team Silver in WEG Showjumping
By Karen Robinson

Beezie and McLain – Onward and Upward

Bad luck sat heavily on McLain Ward’s shoulders in Athens two years ago, when Sapphire’s bridle broke during the individual show jumping. Beezie Madden, faultless all the way to the same point, saw her Olympic podium dreams evaporate as the rails came down. Now, in Aachen, both riders have earned another chance. Madden advances to the individual competition on Saturday in first place, and Ward is just 4.87 points behind in fifth.

Only two women have ever made it to the final four at the World Championships, a unique competition in which the finalists must ride each of their opponents’ horses over a modified course. The first woman was Canada’s Gail Greenough in Aachen in 1986, who with Mr. T became not only the only woman, but also the only North American ever to win individual gold. (The second woman to advance to the final four was Malin Baryard-Johnsson on Butterfly Flip in Jerez 2002.) With Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum in sixth place, this WEG may see a first: two women in the final four. Beezie Madden, in her characteristically understated manner, says: “we still have a lot of jumping to go, probably the hardest yet on Saturday. My horse feels good and I hope to make it through to Sunday.” She says that she would look forward to opportunity to ride any of the other top four horses. “I think any horse that makes it to the final four is going to be a an honour to ride. I would enjoy riding Shutterfly.” For her part, Michaels-Beerbaum is cautiously optimistic about her prospects. “In general I have a really good feeling. Shutterfly has been absolutely perfect. Like Beezie said, I think Saturday will be a big test. Whoever makes it to the final four will really deserve it.” Pressure from the men for the coveted four spots will be relentless: Gerco Schröder belies his youth with great riding, veteran Ludger Beerbaum – in bronze medal position – is always a force to reckon with, and some of the biggest names in the sport lie just a point or two down the standings. Frank Rothenberger has promised the riders a course that will test the best.