A press release from the FEI popped into my mailbox last weekend of the sort probably not expected to be widely reproduced. FEI president Ingmar de Vos celebrated the clean sheet returned from the dope-testing of 30% of all horses (though one should surely start from the premise that we don’t expect any positives – it […]
The 2016 Olympic Games Equestrian has been somewhat marred by a series of disqualifications in the show jumping for misuse of whip or spur. Although those were all unacceptable incidents, are the machinations required to get a Dutch dressage horse to the ring and Kiwi eventer to the first jog justified and surely such actions begs […]
The last day capped off with a bronze by Eric and his gutsy little mare, Fine Lady!! What an absolutely incredible way to end these Games. In the history of the Olympic Games, Canada has only won three individual medals in equestrian sport and Eric has won two of them. The third, of course, belonging to […]
After all the excitement and the heat yesterday, I was too pooped to write about it! Those following the CBC livestreaming at home know that the competition was fierce and the Canadians were outstanding. The audience at home and in here in the packed stands baking in the 33+ heat got to see dramatic sport […]
Not much to report today other than the news from the show jumpers. I spent the day in the mixed-zone – which is an area the riders visit after their rounds to talk to the press. It’s great to hear the riders’ reactions to their own and their teammates performance, but you miss a lot […]
The Canadian team put up a score of just four faults and is sitting in sixth place after the first round of team competition at the 2016 Olympic Games. The result was good enough to earn a spot in tomorrow’s second round, which is reserved for the top eight countries. The team’s top placing after […]
The flights out of Rio were all booked so Christilot Boylen spent the day sharing her thoughts with me on the freestyle. Another highly informative afternoon! First off, I asked about her predictions which turned out to be spot on: “Charlotte, Isabell, Kristina, and Dorothee – any could medal depending on day form.” Herewith, the […]
What an awesome start for Canada! The entire team had great rounds but what a debut for Amy! I want to get excited, but don’t want to jinx things. The riders often talk about how Canada tends to box outside their weight class. “Canada comes from nowhere all the time so I’m hoping that happens,” […]
It’s a down day at the equestrian venue in Deodoro, Rio de Janeiro. The jumpers had their training day, 90 seconds in the ring to do what they liked. There was a short course set up that they could jump if they wanted, with many opting to simply do some flatwork. Both Eric and Yann […]
I got schooled today! The inimitable Christilot Boylen joined me in the media seats today after Anton was finished and back in the barn. The six-time Olympian, who has trained Belinda for 23 years and Megan for the last 2 ½, gave a master class on dressage that was super informative and VERY entertaining. I […]
