The horse world was shocked when Charlotte Dujardin withdrew from the Olympics, 3 days prior to the start of the games. But even more shocking, the former golden girl was withdrawing because of a video of her abusing a horse. The Charlotte Dujardin?? Of Charlotte and Valegro??The video was released yesterday, and sure enough, its Charlotte chasing a horse around, beating it with a lunge whip. Its obvious that its clearly painful and confusing to the horse, but I havent seen too many people mentioning this part: theres also a rider on the horse. The horse is scooting, bucking and kicking out, reacting to whip. That rider could have been tossed or seriously hurt. So not only is there a horse in pain, but there could have been very bad consequences for the rider. Certainly a less secure rider would have been tossed off fairly quick.Apparently Charlotte was trying to get the horse to lift his legs more in the canter, even if that makes no sense to me. But many people online have said this is normal, or not uncommon, and are basically saying its not a big deal. Well come back to that in a moment, I just want you to make note of it.Charlotte Dujardin riding ValegroIve seen several people questioning why this video came out now. Its days before the Olympics, isnt that suspicious? It could be a jealous competitor trying to eliminate her, yada yada yada. Granted, many of these thoughts were before the video came out, but lets be clear that Charlotte herself was the one announced her withdrawal, she knew she did wrong. It was a buried skeleton in her closet. Has she done it before? She seemed pretty confident in her approach with that whip. But who knows, we just have this one video, and everything else is hearsay at this point.So why did it take four years for this video to come out? Well, I dont find it suspicious at all, because I have a pretty good idea of what happened.When we have a trainer we like, we tend to believe everything they do is right. We see someone achieving great results, is really charismatic, or just seems really confident, and we convince ourselves that the things they do are the right way. Even if what we see triggers a little discomfort in our brain, we find ways to justify it being the right thing.I think we can all think of a trainer right now that we respected. We constantly wanted their approval, their attention, and perhaps even their friendship. Chances are, we gave them a pass for lots of things For showing up late to a lesson. For favoring another student at a show. For tightening our horses noseband much tighter than we would have liked. And in extreme cases very rough treatment that appears to be training.Its training, we told ourselves. Thats how its done. This is normal, thats how you get a horse to lift his legs up.Most people just go with it. Its rarer for someone to stand up to a trainer, than it is for someone to just accept poor treatment, of either the horse or themselves. There are posts on horse community sites all the time that basically amount to: How do I make my trainer stop doing this thing I hate? Simply telling the trainer to knock it off is never an option.Even if the person stands up against it, they might find themselves cast out of their barn circle. After all, everyone else still believes its normal. Theres a lot of pressure to stay silent.Just yesterday, I saw a post about a barn of lesson horses in North Carolina that are starving. These poor animals are skin and bones, yet are somehow being used in lessons and camps and going to shows. Its not even hidden, these horses are seen by the riders, the parents, and the outside world, at horse show.I think a horse starving is a bit more obvious than behind the scenes abuse, but yet this barn still carried on for quite a while.Their facebook page banner: PSA: Anyone found on the property without an appointment will be arrested for trespassing.Maybe people have been trying to help, which is why the barns facebook page is hostile. But these horses werent kicked out of shows, and they still continued to have lesson business. Their facebook page had 1.8k likes. People could see what was going on, but business continued. Grown adults bringing their children to this barn either didnt recognize what a starving animal looks like, or they just respected the trainer so much, they assumed they knew best. Honestly, Im going with the later. They didnt believe their own eyes because they put so much trust in the trainer.So yes, I totally believe that a 15 year old girl isnt going to say something about the trainer she idolizes. Itll just eat at her for years. According to her lawyer, she asked for others opinions at the time, but was basically told to let it go. She finally spoke up when she saw other dressage trainers being penalized for similar actions.Charlotte is out of the Olympics, and being investigated by FEI. The video looks bad and is likely going to mean serious repercussions for her. Shes already lost some sponsors. I dont know what further consequences will entail, but I wonder how much of an effect its actually going to have on the wider horse world. Will it actually make stop other people?Although it might give people competing at high levels pause, is it going to effect others? Most people arent competing at that level. Theres lots of trainers who only show locals, or dont show at all, and therefore have no governing authority to answer to. Theres still the dressage trainer down the road teaching her students to jerk and hang on a horses mouth for flexation. The trainer who gets frustrated and beats a horse for not understanding. The cowboy who rides the horse to exhaustion, trying to break its will. These people exist. Abusers dont just come in high end packages, they are literally all around us. Chances are that these people arent going to be reprimanded by anyone. FEI isnt going to swoop in to strip these trainers of their non-existent memberships. The trainers get away with it because theres no one there to hold them accountable. Their clients basically just assume they are right, and thats how its always been done, or thats how they do it.You should question it. All trainers should be held accountable, in all aspects of horsemanship. They should be thoughtful with their horse training, and they should be professional with their human clients. If theres something weird, a client should be able to question it immediately, and get an acceptable answer. Trust their your own senses if something feels off.Trainers can be great people, sure. Theres definitely some greats that I know. But not everyone is. Drop the hero worship, and dont look at trainers through rose colored glasses. Horses are very tolerant of some pretty horrible behavior, and they deserve better.If something feels wrong, its probably wrong. I know Ive had that itchy feeling, watching something that doesnt feel right, but Ive said nothing. I wont stay silent anymore, though. I am the only one who can speak up for my horse, and I will take that very seriously.The post Charlotte DuJardin and the Danger of Trainer Idolization appeared first on An Equestrian Life.

Ocala, FL A strong field of horse-and-rider combinations competed in the WEC Grand Arena this morning, aiming for top honors in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix. FEI Level IV course designer Steve Stephens (USA) crafted a challenging track, but it was Olympic Gold Medalist Will Simpson (USA) and Keminko N (Grand Slam VDL x Deminka N) who found the path to success.[...]Read MoreThe post Will Simpson and Keminko N Best the Rest in the $24,000 C. Jarvis Insurance Welcome Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

There are a number of potential reasons why your horse might be biting and knowing what these are is key to working out how to stop a horse biting.This sort of behaviour is very rarely linked to aggression, so its essential to understand why a horse is biting before you work out how to stop it. Its easy to think theyre being badly behaved, but could they be in pain or feeling sore? Its vital that you rule this out first.Whetheryour horse is prone to biting or they suddenly start doing it, contact your vet for advice. You may also need to seek help from an equine dental technical, ACPAT veterinary physiotherapist and/or a qualified saddle fitter.Once pain and discomfort has been ruled out, you can move on to considering whether diet, training or environment are the underlying cause of your horse biting.Biting: why do horses do it?There are many reasons why horses bite, including:Being in painLack of interaction with other horsesDiscomfort due to equipment (for example, being too warm in a rug or disliking the girth being done up due to gastric ulcers)Misunderstanding of social cues between horse and humanNo ground rules set around foodLack of play (which quickly leads to boredom)Lack of exerciseLack of space (such as being stabled for long periods)Learnt behaviourWhy do horses bite?1 Hiding painThrough my work at Blue Cross, I see around 200 horses per year. However, in the 13 years that I have been the charitysHorse Rehabilitation Trainer and Behaviour Advisor, Ive only ever come across four horses who have shown aggression, including biting, towards people without an underlying condition causing it.In these cases, biting was a learnt behaviour that the horse had developed as a result of poor treatment.When horses bite, they are trying to communicate something. Often that is pain, which is why I recommend consulting your vet as a first port of call.Horses are stoic animals and so if they are in pain, it is the last thing they want to tell us. Instead they will try and mask it until it becomes unbearable, by which point they may communicate it through biting because we have touched a painful area.2 Horse biting as playIn the wild, horses walk up to 30km a day. Most of us cant replicate this for our horses living in a domestic setting, and so we have to introduce other stimulating activities and resources into their daily routine to ensure they are not getting bored.Stabled horses who have little interaction with others might start biting as a method of play through nipping-type behaviours.It is up to us as owners to ensure horses are turned out with other horses as much as possible, so that they are given the space and freedom to move and graze freely and regularly. If the fields are too wet and muddy, some time loose in an arena or a yard is much better than nothing.Other ways to increase a horses movement and help to prevent boredom, besides riding, is lunging, in-hand hacking or groundwork exercises, long-reining and using a horse walker. The more time they are out of the stable, the better.3 Dislikes somethingA horse who is biting could be trying to tell you that they dont like the equipment you are using. I once looked after a horse called Broma, who came to Blue Cross with a history of biting and showing aggression towards people. He started biting when we put rugs on him. As soon as we started trying to do up the front straps, he would bite around the front of the rug.Rather than assume he was being naughty, myself and the team considered that he may have been trying to tell us he was already warm enough and felt uncomfortable wearing a rug. We stopped putting it on him, and he stopped biting.4 Are they scared?It is so important that you can understand your horses body language and facial expressions. When you can do this, youll quickly know to stop doing something that is making them feel uncomfortable.Being prey animals, horses like to mask how they are feeling, but if you really watch them you will notice subtle signs. Look for things like changing their eye position, flaring their nostrils or pursing their lips.This could be your horse telling you they are unsure and want you to stop doing whatever it is youre doing. When we miss these signals, the horses communication will have to get louder, which is when biting might happen.Horses are prey animals and a predator would naturally go for their legs. So if a farrier comes in and immediately starts picking up their legs when they are already nervous, it will feel like they are being restrained.This might cause the horse to start biting as a defence mechanism. Correct and consistent training is important in this scenario.Go back a few steps and give them a treat or a nice stroke when the farrier arrives, allowing them to establish a bond first. Practice with other people picking up and holding the horses legs, not just you.Breaking down the process helps to avoid any unwanted behaviour like horse biting escalating.Biting for foodHorses have been domesticated for around 6,000 years. This sounds like a long time, but its actually very short and they still behave similarly to their wild ancestors who were used to having to search for their food.Subsequently, horses are extremely motivated by things that are edible.These days, however, they do not have any restrictions on their food intake because we top it up or treat them for good behaviour.They have learnt when and how to get food and will sometimes nuzzle our pockets for more. Small horse breeds and ponies are particularly known for biting because they know where the snacks are. They arent silly!It is important to set clear ground rules around food. Clicker training can be really useful, as we can click and treat to reward the behaviour we want more of and ignore the behaviour we do not want more of, such as nuzzling our pockets.Remember that horses should be eating for around 16-20 hours per day, so they should also have constant access to forage such as grass or hay in order to help them fulfil their desire to eat.When they dont have this, they are more likely to go and hunt for food from places they shouldnt.Could a biting horse be frustrated?Another reason for a horse biting might be due to frustration. We had a two-year-old horse called Ace come into us who was known for biting and chasing people in the field.However, when we looked at his management, we discovered that he hadnt been castrated and he was only ever turned out on his own, as well as being stabled at night.This horse was biting because he was bored and wanted to play. He had a lot of energy and he needed a way to use it.Once he arrived at the Blue Cross, we gave him friends as well as the opportunity to move and play more. Within a week, he had completely stopped biting. This was even before he was castrated, which we did later on.Is biting natural behaviour?It is very rare to see aggression such as biting when horses are living in a natural setting because grazing, space and companionship are plentiful.Having said that, horses in the wild will show dominance over another horse through aggressive behaviour such as biting and kicking. Fighting stallions in particular may rear and clash with their front legs, teeth bared.In a domestic setting though, if you buy several horses separately and then ask them to live together, not all horses naturally get on well.Its rather the same as with people we dont all like everyone! In this scenario, horses biting each other could be due to play, but it could also be due to the fact that they dont want to be friends.If they dont have enough space to move away from one another, they may start biting and/or kicking to tell each other to stay away.How to stop a horse bitingFind the causeThe only way to stop a horse biting is to work out what is causing the behaviour. By removing the trigger, you will solve the behaviour. Sometimes it is a long journey (particularly in the case of learnt behaviour/bad habits), but it is possible.Read their body languageBefore behaviour escalates to biting, horses will use slighter forms of communication, such as flicking an ear back or scrunching their nose or eyes to communicate that they need distance. Look out for this and you may solve a problem before it starts. Horses are very skilled body language readers, in both each other and people. This is why it so important to be able to read your horses body language and learning what is normal behaviour for them.Seek helpIf you have ruled out a medical cause and dont know how to stop your horse biting, I suggest contacting a registered clinical equine behaviourist to help. Once the root cause has been determined and the horses needs have been met, any biting should stop.Main image: copyright ShutterstockRelated contentHow to tell if a horse is happyHow to stop a horse buckingAll horses are naturally scared of things, says Richard MaxwellHow to read a horses body languageWhy your in-season mare isnt being moodyThe post How to stop a horse biting appeared first on Your Horse.

Over reach boots are designed to protect a horse from over reaching. This is when the toe of the hind hoof strikes the back of the front foot and/or catches the shoe.As well as causing a lost shoe, an over reach injury can also cause severe bruising, abrasions and sometimes nasty cuts to the delicate heel area. Wearing over reach boots can help prevent this happening. They wrap around the pasterns, covering and protecting the horses heels.When to use over reach bootsOver reach boots are useful for multiple reasons and come in all sorts of colours, styles and designs.Your horse might wear them while being ridden, turned out or even when being transported in a horsebox, if the travelling boots you have opted for dont fully cover the bottom of the hooves.My first horse, Marcus, was terrible for standing on the side of his off hind hoof and pulling off his shoe, so my farrier advised putting an over reach boot on the off hind to help prevent it happening.It looked a bit odd Marcus didnt wear over reach boots on any other legs but it mostly did the trick.Shop for over reach bootsTheres lots of choice when it comes to picking a pair of these protective boots, so weve picked some of our favourite over reach boots to make your decision a little easier.Woof Wear Faux-sheepskin Overreach BootThe boots promise to provide no-rub protection to the bulbs of the heel. The bell boot style allows the boot to move freely around the pastern and the faux sheepskin collar aims to prevent sand and grit getting inside.Colour: Black/creamSizes: Small, medium, large and extra largeRRP 29.99 (US$31.49)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereMackey Pull-On Overreach Boots from VioVetA basic rubber over reach boot which pulls on and offers a budget-friendly option.Colour: Black or whiteSizes: Small, medium, large and extra largeRRP 7.55Buying in the UK? Purchase hereShires Arma Touch Close Overreach BootsMade from 6mm rubber with rubber covered touch close fastenings for durability.Colours: Black, orange, red, pink, purple or royal blueSizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full and extra, extra fullRRP 10.99 (US$17.99)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereMasta Air-Flux Overreach BootThese over reach boots feature 3D spacer air mesh, making them breathable and lightweight.Colour: BlackSizes: Pony, cob, full, extra full and extra, extra fullRRP 14.95 (US$16.50)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase herePremier Equine Ballistic No Turn Overreach BootsThese over reach boots feature a no-turn nodule which helps prevent them from spinning around when on the horses hooves. Ballistic nylon makes them lightweight and strong.Colour: Black, white, brown, grey, blue, red, turquoise or burgundySizes: Small, medium, large, extra large and extra, extra largeRRP 24.95 (US$36)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereHy Armoured Guard Pro Protect Over Reach BootsMade from a strong yet flexible outer shell with a neoprene lining, these boots come complete with a neoprene collar at the top of the boot to prevent rubbing.Colours: Petrol, black, brown or whiteSizes: Medium, large and extra largeRRP 16 (US$25)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereVeredus Safety Bell Overreach BootsMade with a Bi-TECH synthetic, durable material that is waterproof and tear resistant, these over reach boots feature a lycra-lined neoprene padding with shock absorption.Colours: Brown or blackSizes: Small, medium and largeRRP 65 (US$85.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereLeMieux WrapRound Over Reach BootsFaux leather overreach boots with WrapRound closure thats adjustable, as well as quick to remove.Colours: White of blackSizes: Medium, large, extra large and extra, extra largeRRP 23.70 (US$39.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereEskadron Neo Bell BootsThese boots feature a 12mm layer of neoprene, providing cushioning and impact resistance.Colours: Black or navySizes: Medium, large and extra largeRRP 34.50 (US$37.99)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereHy Viz Reflector Overreach BootsThese fluorescent neoprene boots will help you be seen on the roads. A strong touch tape closure and durable design work to keep your horse protected.Colour: High vis orange, yellow or pinkSizes: Pony, cob and fullRRP 10.80 (US$15)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereHKM Sparkle Over Reach BootsMachine washable at 30 degrees, these boots feature a soft teddy lining and sparkle touch-tape fastenings at the front.Colours: White, black, lavender or blueSizes: Small, medium, large and extra largeRRP 28.47 (US$39.95)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereHKM Comfort Premium Fur Overreach BootsThese boots are made from a pre-formed plastic shell with touch close fastening and soft inside filling.Colours: Taupe, rose gold, wine red, dark lilac, light lavender, rose, orange, turquoise, light green, baby blue, black or deep greySizes: Pony, full, extra large and extra, extra largeRRP 22.93 (US$16.77)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereElico Splash Overreach BootsThe patriotic over reach boots feature a red white and blue design and are made from flexible rubber.Colours: Red/white/blueSizes: Pony, cob and fullRRP 11Buying in the UK? Purchase hereMajyk Equipe No-Turn Overreach BootsThe boot is made with rip-stop lightweight material over a breathable mesh to prevent over heating. Inside features a no turn design to ensure the boot stays in the correct position.Colours: Black, black/blue, black/red, black/turquoise or black/orangeSizes: Small, medium and largeRRP 29.95 (US$54)Buying in the UK? Purchase hereBuying in the USA? Purchase hereNorton PVC Anti-Spin Velcro Overreach BootsThese PVC pre-moulded over reach boots feature heel bulbs to reduce the risk of them spinning while being worn.Colour: BlackSizes: Small, medium, large and extra largeRRP 9.79Buying in the UK? Purchase hereHow to fit over reach bootsWhatever style you choose, over-reach boots should be long enough to cover the bulb of the horses heel and should sit snugly around the pastern. Once they are in position and fastened, you should be able to fit a small finger inside the top of the over-reach boot.Related articlesBrushing boots tried & tested for fit, value and level of protection5 simple ways to prevent your horse losing a shoeHow to remove a shoe in an emergencyEssential items that need to be in your first aid kitHow much trotting on the road is safe? Dr David Marlin explains best practiceThe post Over reach boots: our pick of the market appeared first on Your Horse.

Is there anything more annoying than when you get your horse in from the field to ride only to find they have lost a shoe? Your ride is immediately put on the back burner and you have the problem of getting your farrier out ASAP to put it back on and what to do with the shoe-less hoof in the meantime?Preventing your horse losing a shoe is an important part of horse hoof care, because it helps to keep hooves healthy.Lost shoes are a nuisance for horse riders and can result in many missed rides and even lameness if your horse is prone to losing them. Here are five things you can do to help lower the chances of your horse losing a shoe.1. Use overreach bootsPutting overreach boots on your horse when turned out or when doing fast work and jumping will hopefully prevent them from standing on the front shoe with the back hoof and pulling off a shoe, but they must be fitted correctly.Overreach boots are a big help but the correct fit is essential, confirms Jack. You need to make sure that the boot touches the floor at the back part of the foot you shouldnt be able to see the shoe at the back, otherwise the boot wont protect the shoe.2. Take care when ridingMost of the time, horses lose shoes when they are out at pasture, but there can be occasions when they lose them while being ridden, such as when galloping and jumping.Tired horses who are loping along are more prone to over-reaching and pulling shoes, explains Jack. So, nursing a tired horse back to their stable safely by keeping them up and together will help. They can stumble into themselves when they are tired.3. Know your terrainHorses can lose shoes in a deep school or gallops, or in boggy ground, but its not the surface or mud that sucks the shoe off.Its where the surface is requiring a lot of effort from the horse to pull their feet out, so much so that their front feet cant get out of the ground quickly enough for the hind feet and the hind feet end up coming into contact with the front and pulling a shoe, says Jack.Be careful when doing fast work on deep going, and ideally make sure your horse is wearing overreach boots.4. Go steady on inclinesHorses that are turned out or frequently worked on inclines can have a higher tendency to lose shoes.Ive noticed that horses who are turned out in fairly level, flat paddocks are less likely to pull a shoe than those turned out on a hilly paddock, for the same reason as the deep going, says Jack.Going downhill also increases the chances of them pulling shoes off.Fast work such as galloping and jumping, where the horse is likely to overreach, and polo and polocrosse where the horse is galloping alongside other horses who can accidentally stand on the outside of their shoes, are also big risk factors for pulled shoes, adds Jack.5. Correct hoof managementDirty bedding and strong urine can damage the hoof, leaving them more susceptible to problems like cracking and losing a shoe, so make sure you clean all hooves twice a day and remove mud and dirty bedding from the feet.Theres also anecdotal evidence that the salt in mud can erode the hoof, so some farriers advise owners to wash the hoof of mud and dry it, says Jack.Reasons why your horse is prone to losing a shoeYour horse pulls them offOverreaching is where the toe of the hindfoot comes into contact with the heel or pastern region of the front hoof. Forging is where the toe of the hindfoot comes into contact with the sole of the front hoof.A front shoe can also be pulled off if the horses other front foot stands on the inside of the hoof, adds Jack. There are odd cases when a hind shoe gets pulled off, such as if the other hind foot stands on the inside of the other shoe and pulls it off, or another horse stands on the shoe and pulls it off, such as if they are playing in the field together.Shoes can also be lost or twisted if the horse gets its hoof stuck in something such as a fence, bucket or haynet, or goes into deep mud.Their conformationThere are a million reasons why some horses are more likely to pull shoes, says Jack. Conformation is a big indicator. If youve a horse with a short back and long legs, they are more likely to pull shoes off. If you have a horse who tracks up well, they are more likely.The type of shoe your horse wearsHorses with a broken back pastern axis (long toes and low heels) are typically shod with more shoe sticking out of the back to offer heel protection and encourage heel growth, explains Jack. Having more steel sticking out of the back increases the risk of them standing on their heels with the back feet.You have to weigh up whether its more beneficial to support the poor conformation or shoe the horse to prevent lost shoes. The problem is that only shoeing to prevent lost shoes and not to support the hoof will cause issues over time.Your shoeing cycleHorses tend to either lose a shoe within the first week or in the last week before they are due to be shod, states Jack. When horses are freshly shod, there can be a lot of steel sticking out of the back of the shoe, as already mentioned, which means there is more of an edge for them to catch.At the end of the shoeing cycle, their feet will be longer, so theyll be more likely to stand on their front feet with their hind feet because there is more surface area.With longer feet, its like walking with flippers and you have to lift the foot higher to break over. Ensuring an appropriate length of hoof is vital to preventing shoe loss.Hoof conditionsCertain conditions, such as ringbone or sidebone, can increase a horses risk of losing shoes.They cause the horse to overreach or forge because they will be hesitant to articulate the joints of the front feet, meaning that they are slower at getting out of the way of the hind feet, explains Jack.Having dry, weak hoovesThroughout all the seasons, you are trying to keep an ideal moisture content throughout the hoof. This is difficult because of the sudden extremes of weather we can experience, says Jack. In the summer, soak the feet and apply a thin oil layer, so that you help trap the water in but dont prevent more moisture getting in.In the winter, you want to keep the feet drier so wash the mud off and then dry before applying a thicker hoof oil.A crumbly, weak hoof will be more likely to lose shoes and can be a sign of a diet lacking in nutrients.Hoof supplements can help look for products with a high level of biotin and remember that it takes new hoof nine-12 months to grow fully from coronet band to the floor, so give it plenty of time to get in the horses system and work. Ask your farrier what they recommend for your horses feet.Related contentWhy hooves crack and how to prevent itBruised soles: common signs and how to prevent it happeningWhat is the difference between a farrier, blacksmith and equine podiatrist?How to prevent and treat thrush in horsesOver reach boots: our pick of the marketThe post 5 simple ways to prevent your horse losing a shoe appeared first on Your Horse.

The Underwriting Exchange Irish Show Jumping team have been drawn sixth of eight Nations to jump in the Agria Jumping Nations Cup of Great Britain. With the Paris Olympics now just days away, Ireland are hoping to go in on a high and Michael Blake has selected a strong quartet for the competition. Denis Lynch joins Tom and Max Wachman, with Cian OConnor anchoring as Ireland bid to go one better than last years runner-up finish. Horse Sport Ireland High Performance Show Jumping Director Blake has chosen the following combinations: Denis Lynch with Vistogrand Max Wachman with Kilkenny (ISH) Tom Wachman with Berlux Z Cian OConnor with Fermoy Earlier this week, Blake said: We were just pipped last year by a strong Britain team and Im anticipating a similar strong showing from them again but we have a strong team and Im hopeful of another strong performance. The action begins []

Bonjour Paris!Join Nicole as she looks forward to the Games with guests Sally Spickard and Catherine Austen.Posted by EquiRatings on Thursday, July 25, 2024I popped onto a Facebook Live interview with EquiRatings Nicole Brown and Horse & Hounds Catherine Austen to recap the first day on the ground in Paris. Tune in for some thoughts on the venue and the official unveiling of Pierre Le Goupils cross country course (stay tuned for Tilly Berendts full preview coming later!). #Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]

Tom Jackson and Capels Hollow Drift. Photo by 1st Class Images.Britains Tom Jackson has taken a convincing lead in the Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S class at Burgham International Horse Trials (24-28 July), presented by Project Pony, with a personal-best score of 22.9 on Patricia Davenports Capels Hollow Drift.Tom and the 13-year-old grey were part of the British squad at the 2023 European Championships in France, and finished second in the CCI5* at Defender Burghley in 2022.I was so pleased with him, said Surrey-based Tom. Weve just taken the pressure off him a little bit since Badminton [where he finished fifth], and he felt really happy in the arena. I think that was the best test Ive had with him. Hes been flirting around the mid-20s mark before at this level, but hes gone and smashed that today.Tom plans to take Capels Hollow Drift back to Burghley in September.Well try to go one better than last time! he said.The 31-year-old added: Weve been coming to Burgham since nearly the very beginning of the event, when there were about four stables up in the top corner of the field it has grown so much. We come back every year because the courses are fantastic, the going is fantastic and its a lovely event to be at.Tom has an impressive margin of nearly six points in hand over second-placed Harry Meade with Jane Dear and Charlotte Oppermans Away Cruising (28.7). Third is Irish rider Lucy Latta on her 2024 Badminton runner-up, Lesley Cramptons RCA Patron Saint.Izzy Taylor, a former winner of the feature CCI4*-S class at Burgham, is first and second in section B of the Hambro Sport Horses CCI3*-S on Caroline Wilsons eight-year-old Hathaway Royale (24.1) and Johnny Hornbys seven-year-old Barrington Alice (24.4).Im delighted with my two grey girls, said Izzy. They are very different to each other Hathaway Royale is a little horse who is really learning to shine, and Barrington Alice is a taller, younger mare who is still learning at this level. Its great to be at Burgham with such exciting horses excelling in a big class.Ibble Watson, 21, is on top in CCI3*-S section A with a mark of 24.4 on her own Aristotoles S Z, ahead of the USAs Jenny Caras (Sommersby, 28.2).Of the four British Eventing Open Intermediate and Intermediate sections at Burgham today, two were won by Tokyo Olympics team gold medallist Oliver Townend, who will be hoping to challenge the CCI4*-S leaders on Friday when he does his dressage test on his 2024 Defender Kentucky CCI5* champion Cooley Rosalent.Burghams Friday programme features the showjumping and cross-country phases of the Hambro Sport Horses CCI3*-S, while dressage continues for the Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S and starts for the NIS Group Services Ltd CCI2*-S.Saturday and Sunday at Burgham not only offer top-class sport with the jumping phases of the CCI4*-S topping the bill, but also great fun for families, friends and children. From 10.30am on Saturday in the Burgham Park Arena, visitors can take part in have a go dog agility and the newly popular pastime of hobby horsing, and theres also a fun charity dog show. On Sunday, the dog show, dog agility and hobby horsing will take place in the afternoon following the conclusion of the Thoroughbred and Ex-Racehorse Show in the Burgham Park Arena.Burgham also features great tradestands and lots of delicious, locally-produced food and drink and public bars. It is situated in beautiful, tranquil Northumbrian countryside not far from the A1 between Morpeth and Alnwick.If youre looking for a family day out thats really affordable this summer, you cant do better than Burgham International Horse Trials (24-28 July) visitwww.burghaminternationalhorsetrials.co.ukto find out more and to buy tickets.All four days of cross-country from Burgham Thursday, 25 July to Sunday, 28 July will be livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.tv visitwww.clipmyhorse.tv/to watch.

Hello all, and welcome to Paris The City of Lights has beckoned, and the best of the best from every corner of the globe have come to put it all on the line. Its been a tumultuous season thus far, filled with tactical entries, heartbreaking withdrawals, cutthroat qualifications, and a rather bloodthirsty IOC, all leading up to giving the world the best damn horse show possible and what a grand one it will be.Weve been all Paris, 24/7, for so long that its a bit surreal to finally be here! After tossing out team announcements seemingly on the daily, we finally have all our riders in one place long enough to bring you the long-awaited 2024 Paris Olympic Games Form Guide. As much as we joked behind the scenes that we wish this could be the final call for all nations in attendance, we never know when we might see some last-minute substitutions, so be sure to keep refreshing ENs Olympic Hub, because with Sally on the ground, Tilly behind the camera, and more than half a dozen Paris-hungry reporters behind their screens at home, we will be tirelessly hitting the headlines to help you feel like youre right there at Versailles with the rest of the greats.Our special Olympics trading cards on each horse and rider combination feature some statistics courtesy of our good friends at EquiRatings; share them with your friends (or your family, your enemies, your rivals, you get the idea). Each combination has an Elo Rating, essentially ranking how many horses they have finished ahead of or behind at competition (and is affected by those horses Elo ratings as well), and a 6 Run Average (6RA) of their last six international dressage scores at any level. These are some of the most meticulously-calculated prediction models in the game, and should give a bit of insight into the strengths and comparisons between riders (and teams) to send you into this weekend just a little more informed. Keep an eye out for their Prediction Centre that just went live, which combines all the stats and probabilities to give you the mathematically-predicted champions!Youll want to keep a tab open to this Form Guide as you watch the screens this week, but make sure to keep another open to Tillys incredibly thorough and effortlessly passionate Olympic Team Form Guide, where youll get the insider breakdowns and background on which teams are on the up-and-up and who to keep an eye on! You can also learn more about everything happening in this weekends competition from schedules to streaming to social media in our Paris Olympics Ultimate Guide.Allons-y (Eventing)!Want to jump straight to your favorite horse and rider? Click the links below to jump to their section (the combinations are listed in alphabetical order by country code and last name):Christopher Burton and Shadow Man (AUS)Kevin McNab and Don Quidam (AUS)Shane Rose and Virgil (AUS)TR: Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture (AUS)Harald Ambros and Vitorio du Montet (AUT)Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT)Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Origi (BEL)Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Vant Verahof (BEL)Tine Magnus and Dia van het Lichterveld Z (BEL)TR: Maarten Boon and Gravin Van Cantos (BEL)Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard Casanova (BRA)Rafael Mamprin Losano and Withington (BRA)Carlos Parro and Safira (BRA)TR: Ruy Fonseca and Ballypatrick SRS (BRA)Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS (CAN)Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo (CAN)Michael Winter and El Mundo (CAN)TR: Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (CAN)Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof (CHN)Huadong Sun and Lady Chin Vt Moerven Z (CHN)Miloslav Phoda and Ferreolus Lat (CZE)Miroslav Trunda and Shutterflyke (CZE)Peter Flarup and Fascination (DEN)Nicolas Wettstein and Altier dAurois (ECU)Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Forever Young Wundermaske (ECU)Esteban Benitez Valle and Utrera AA 35 1 (ESP)Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Taraje CP 21.10 (ESP)Veera Manninen and Sir Greg (FIN)Sanna Siltakorpi and Bofey Click (FIN)Karim Laghouag and Triton Fontaine (FRA)Stphane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau (FRA)Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe (FRA)TR: Gireg le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge (FRA)Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo (GBR)Laura Collett and London 52 (GBR)Tom McEwen and JL Dublin (GBR)TR: Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir (GBR)Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH (GER)Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S (GER)Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21 (GER)TR: Calvin Bckmann and The Phantom Of The Opera (GER)Balzs Kaizinger and Herr Cooles Classico (HUN)Susie Berry and Wellfields Lincoln (IRL)Sarah Ennis and Action Lady M (IRL)Austin OConnor and Colorado Blue (IRL)TR: Aoife Clark and Freelance (IRL)Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes (ITA)Emiliano Portale and Future (ITA)Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress (ITA)TR: Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere (ITA)Ryuzo Kitajima and Cekatinka (JPN)Yoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton Street (JPN)Kazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne (JPN)TR: Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson (JPN)Noor Slaoui and Cash In Hand (MAR)Janneke Boonzaaijer and Champ de Tailleur (NED)Sanne de Jong and Enjoy (NED)Raf Kooremans and Radar Love (NED)TR: Elaine Pen and Divali (NED)Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (NZL)Jonelle Price and Hiarado (NZL)Tim Price and Falco (NZL)TR: Caroline Powell and Special Cavalier (NZL)Malgorzada Korycka and Canvalencia (POL)Robert Powala and Tosca del Castegno (POL)Jan Kaminski and Jard (POL)TR: Wiktoria Knap and Quintus 134 (POL)Manuel Grave and Carat de Bremoy (POR)Alexander Peternell and Figaro des Premices (RSA)Frida Andersn and Box Leo (SWE)Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 (SWE)Sofia Sjborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z (SWE)TR: Malin Asai and Golden Midnight (SWE)Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH (SUI)Mlody Johner and Toubleu de Rueire (SUI)Felix Vogg and Dao de lOcean (SUI)TR: Nadja Minder and Toblerone (SUI)William Coleman and Diabolo (USA)Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA)Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (USA)TR: Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker (USA)________________________________________________________________________________Christopher Burton and Shadow Man (AUS) | Groom: Maddie TaylorRenowned as the fastest cross country rider in the world, Chris Burton actually took a sabbatical from eventing at the end of 2021, only returning to the sport this year in a bid for Olympic selection. In his time off, the multiple 5*-winning rider wasted no time in climbing the ranks in the show jumping world at one point it looked like he might be selected to ride for Australia in both disciplines.His partner in Paris, Shadow Man, is no stranger to the international show jumping circuit either, having contested some CSI2* and CSI3* tracks with previous rider Ben Hobday. With Ben, Fidgy made his 5* debut at Badminton back in 2022, though they did not complete, parting company three-quarters of the way around cross country. However, they were second in the Nations Cup in Strzegom in 2019, and fifth in the 4*-S at Bramham that same year, proving that Fidgy has bravery in spades, as well as scope. He and Chris have only been together since March, but they have wasted no time in getting to know one another. Chris ran him reasonably steady across country on their first couple of outings, though had he put his foot down on the gas, they would have been well placed in both Strzegom and Kronenberg. When he did finally take the brakes off in the Nations Cup at Millstreet in June, this pair showed that they really do mean business, adding nothing to their dressage score of 25.7.This will be a third Olympics for Chris, and he will not be heading to France to make up numbers. Agonizingly close to an individual medal in Rio where he finished fifth, Chris has every shot at a medal this time around, with a partner who is as talented in all three phases as the man riding him.[RETURN TO TOP]Kevin McNab and Don Quidam (AUS) | Groom: Lucy HartleyKevin McNab and his wife Emma moved to the UK in 2012, setting up a yard in Surrey, southwest of London. They have both represented Australia in eventing Emma at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, and Kevin at the Tokyo Olympics, where he and his partner in Paris, Don Quidam, finished 14th individually while the Australian team took home the Bronze medal. However, it didnt seem like they would even get to start at first, as they were initially named as traveling reserve.Every day is fun with him, hes a horse you enjoy riding every time, Kevin says of Don Quidam, and together they have enjoyed a number of successful 5* runs, including sixth place at Kentucky in 2021 as well as a couple of top-20 placings at Pau. Kevin has played a pivotal role in the careers of several leading riders, amongst them his teammate in Paris, Chris Burton. It is unlikely that he and Don Quidam will be anywhere near the top of the leaderboard after dressage, but they have a helpful habit of delivering a double jumping clear, which could see them inch their way back up the placings, perhaps bettering their result in Tokyo. A broken cheek piece saw him amass a huge amount of time as well as 20 jumping penalties at the World Championships in Pratoni last year, despite being in the top 10 after dressage, so one thing that is for certain in Paris will be a thorough tack check before he sets off cross country![RETURN TO TOP]Shane Rose and Virgil (AUS) | Groom: Jamie AtkinsonIt is almost impossible to remember a time when Shane Rose and Virgil were not together, so long have they been a partnership. 15 years to be precise, and in that time they have amassed too many results to mention here, representing Australia at several different championships including the Tokyo Olympics, where they also finished tenth individually. Last year, they won the Adelaide 5* with just 0.8 cross country time faults to add to a 28.1 dressage score. They have also finished in the top-10 at both Pau and Luhmuhlens 5*s, top 20 at Burghley, and won the ERM series leg at Blair Castle in 2017.He has to be the centre of attention, Shane says fondly of his long term partner, who is not only a cross country machine, but also careful enough to be considered as a full-time show jumper before Shane bought him. Add to that a natural dressage ability, and you have yourselves a combination with all the credentials for a podium finish. It would be a remarkable turn around for Shane, who suffered a heavy fall earlier this year, leaving him unable to walk, let alone ride. However, a few broken bones is nothing to worry about for this man; over the course of his career, he has broken both legs and arms more than once, smashed his wrists, punctured lungs, split his liver, had reconstructive surgery on his face, and fought his way back from thyroid cancer. Winning an Olympic medal should come pretty easy to him then![RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Shenae Lowings and Bold Venture (AUS) | Groom: Charlotte AndrewsThis will be the second senior team appearance for Shenae and Bold Venture in as many years. Like her team mate Shane Rose, with whom she was based for a short while, 28-year-old Shenae is still based in the Southern Hemisphere, although she has ventured over to Europe a few times over the last few years. A trip to Italy was one of the highlights, where she made her team debut at the World Championships in Pratoni. A 26.3 dressage made the world sit up and take notice, though an unusual three poles on the final day ultimately dropped her and Bold Venture back down the leaderboard.Bought sight unseen from a Facebook advert, ex-racehorse Bentley did not take well to his first career, finishing second last on more than one occasion, despite his impressive breeding. Known then as Hell on Wheels, that certainly seemed to be the case in his younger days. He was a beautiful looking, but very, very, quirky horse, said Shenae of the gelding. I spent two weeks in the round yard trying to get on and off him without him running off bucking or doing something that he shouldnt have been doing! However, Shenae persevered and it has paid off: they won the Olympic qualifier at Millstreet in 2023, were in the top 20 at Aachen last year, and have won the CCI4*-L at Adelaide two years in a row in their native country. Hes a real individual, but what makes him so special is how much he trusts me and the bond we have, she says of Bentley. As traveling reserve, we may not actually see them start in Paris, although this will certainly not be the last we see of this duo on the world stage.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Harald Ambros and Vitorio du Montet (AUT) | Groom: Susanne AmbrosThe acquisition of Vitorio du Montet was one of the best-kept secrets of the last couple seasons, and what a boon it is for Austria, who keep quietly chipping away at becoming a major player on the world stage. Vitorio du Montet was formerly a 5* ride of Frances Maxime Livio, with whom he finished eighth at Pau in 2020, and fifth there the next year. In 2022, he headed to Badminton, but fell at the final fence, and after that, he was sold on to Spain, where he returned to international competition early the next year. Two runs later, he changed riders again, this time to Czechia for a few months before Harald Ambros took the reins in September of last year.Harald, who works as a full-time dentist, will make his fourth Olympic start in Paris he took part in Athens in 2004, Beijing in 2008, and London in 2012. With Vitorio du Montet, he looks like he could record an exciting finish, too: well be expecting a mid-30s score, but a swift cross-country run and a clear round (or rounds!) on the final day should see them climb. They wont hunt for a medal this time, but this is a great chance to see a hugely exciting horse contributing to the development of a nation. Two placings at CCI4*-S and CCI4*-L on their way to France also certainly boost the confidence, not least of this media team.[RETURN TO TOP]Lea Siegl and DSP Fighting Line (AUT) | Groom: Julia hnerIts a second Olympic call-up for 26-year-old Lea, who made her debut as the youngest eventing competitor in Tokyo. She may be young, but shes got all the maturity and experience of an Olympians daughter, her father Harald having competed as part of the Austrian team at Athens 2004. Lea proved to be a force in her own right when she took on Tokyo, finishing 15th individually with her Junior and Young Rider horse, DSP Fighting Line. Fighty is an appropriate moniker for this tough gelding, whos been in the form of his life this season, with two wins and a second place on his card. They regularly post sub-30 dressage scores and Lea will certainly be aiming for a clear round on cross country day; they added just 2.4 time penalties on their Olympic debut. This is a horse whos enviously equally good in all phases, most often jumping clear in the final phase, although he did have one pole in the first round in Tokyo, and two in the second. But Leas the kind of rider whos constantly learning and developing, and that will stand her in good stead as she comes forward for her second Games. With their trademark fighting spirit and three years more experience including a World Championships this pair will surely be looking to be make their mark even higher up the leaderboard this time around.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Lara de Liedekerke-Meier and Origi (BEL) | Groom: Bettina CardinaelWhat an extraordinary couple of seasons Arville-based Lara is having. After a seriously tough run of luck culminated in her falling at the first fence on cross-country at Pratoni, the 36-year-old has only doubled her resolve and her formidable work ethic, and now shes at the forefront of the changing tide of Belgian fortunes. The feather in her cap? A win with homebred Hooney dArville in the CCI5* at Luhmhlen in June, which made her the first-ever Belgian 5* winner but thats hardly her only accolade. She had two horses finish in the top ten at Aachen earlier in the month, she helped steer Belgium to both a qualification for Paris at last years Europeans and a series win in the FEI Nations Cup in 2023, and she ended last season with the second-most wins of any eventer in the world, the most cross-country runs, the most clear rounds in either jumping phase, the most clears inside the time, the most well, everything, really. This year, she already has seven FEI wins to her name and, at the time of writing, 35 placings.Origi might be a slightly surprising choice for fans, who will know that Lara has five horses qualified for the Olympics after all, hes just ten years old, and relatively short on experience compared to his stablemates. But Lara has always had him in mind as choice number one, because hes capable of being very flashy on the flat, hes quick and clever across the country his few penalties, she insists, are down to bad decisions by her, not him and hes a truly remarkable show jumper. With the potential for two rounds on the final day, this little orange dude, whos got three FEI top-fives to his name this year so far, is exactly who youd like to find yourself sitting on.[RETURN TO TOP]Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Vant Verahof (BEL) | Groom: Dirk VermeirenKarin Donckers is a force to be reckoned with: at this point in her career, shes already been to six Olympics, eight World Championships, and 14 European Championships. Shes arguably the most experienced rider in the entire field, and that makes her an extraordinary asset for the rising fortunes of the Belgian front, even if shes on a slightly less-experienced horse than usual this time around.Were used to seeing Karin riding Fletcher vant Verahof, with whom she competed in Rio, the last three World Championships, and four Europeans too. But the 19-year-old gelding, who was still running internationally as of May, is stepping down this time to make way for his full brother, the 13-year-old Leipheimer vant Verahof. Together, he and Karin havent finished outside the top twenty in an FEI event since mid-2021, and while hes still chasing an elusive first career win, hes become a really consistent campaigner. Hes not slow, but hes not wildly fast usually, hell sit around 10 time penalties and hes a 30-ish scorer, too. Thats enough to put him there or thereabouts, and his penchant for a show jumping clear means he often winds up, if not in the top ten, then in the top twenty and very respectable. His reliability will be an asset as Belgium fights for a best-ever finish here, and while he wont be a contender for an individual medal, he and his hugely experienced rider are worth their weight in gold when it comes to trying for the pipe dream of a team medal.[RETURN TO TOP]Tine Magnus and Dia van het Lichterveld Z (BEL) | Groom: Dorien de Swaef2022 Belgian Champion Tine Magnus has been making waves in her sport despite not actually eventing full-time she works on her familys chicory farm as her proper job, and events very successfully on the side of that. Her ride for this years Olympics, which will be her debut, is a remarkable 10-year-old in Dia van het Lichterveld Z, who many, many people have tried to get their hands on, totally unsuccessfully. Its not hard to see why: from the start of her career, shes had an eye-catching penchant for jumping and a huge amount of natural talent, and that promise has been followed through with every step up the levels.Tine, who rides the striking mare for owner and breeder Kris Van Vaerenbergh, comes to Paris having won the technical, tough CCI4*-S at Strzegom with Dia, as well as placing in Saumurs CCI4*-L on tricky ground. Dia is a low-to-mid-30s horse in the first phase, a naturally very quick and reliable cross-country horse, and a very good showjumper too, and while this selection comes early in her career, shes arguably one of the most exciting talents in the sport and so is Tine. Well likely see them hit their peak at LA in four years time, but this summer, they could help Belgium make history at the Olympics, and that would be an extraordinary fairytale finish.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Maarten Boon and Gravin Van Cantos (BEL) | Groom: Emmanuelle HaelvoetMaarten gets the eleventh-hour call-up into the reserve slot after the Monday withdrawal of Cyril Gavrilovic and Elmundo de Gasco, and its a poignant moment for him with his 13-year-old Gravin van Cantos. These two have an incredible relationship and know each other so well that Maarten actually spends very little time watching other riders over courses theyre going to tackle, because he knows his horse and has a firm plan that suits her. That approach has seen them become an asset to the Belgian lineup at Nations Cups, and they tend to be pretty consistent and steady in all three phases, though one of their rare mistakes did come on the world stage at Pratoni in 2022, when they fell on cross-country. Theyre very capable of a sub-30 score, a workmanlike cross-country round in a decent time, and a one-rail final phase.Whether he gets to run or not, Maarten will be an asset to his fellow riders with his sunny optimism. Hes a real family man and that really shows on him, and hes become part of the fabric of the Belgian eventing community: his first World Championships came as a groom in the late 90s for fellow Belgian Kris Vervaecke, and hed often look after Kriss young son, Senne. Now, as a team rider in his own right, Senne has spent the last few years coaching Maartens own son, who, he laughs, asks him most days when he might give him the ride on Gravin van Cantos, a horse the whole family enjoys riding at home.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard Casanova (BRA) | Groom: Georgia RogersParis will be Marcios third time on an Olympic team, having competed in the 2012 London and 2016 Rio Olympics. After earning seventh place in eventing at the Rio Games, Marcio moved to the United Kingdom and is now based at a yard in Wiltshire. His Olympic mount will be his partner of three years, Castle Howard Casanova. Howard, as the 11-year-old grey gelding is called back at the barns, is just really starting to step into his prime, having just completed a full season at the 4* level in 2022. Most notably, the pair came in at second place in the 2023 Pan American Games.With just 11 starts under his belt, Howard has never had an obstacle fault on cross country, no matter the level, but is known to cross the finish line with a handful of time penalties. Slow and steady might be the main play in his book across the country, but Howard and Marcio are the ones to beat in the show jumping phase, going double-clear more often than not.[RETURN TO TOP]Rafael Mamprin Losano and Withington (BRA) | Groom: Holly FitzgeraldHe may be just 27 years old, but Rafael has nearly 100 FEI starts to his name and an impressive track record, having competed in the Tokyo Olympic Games. However, he unfortunately had to retire on the cross country track in Tokyo, leaving him with what Im sure is a lot to prove for his second attempt at the Olympic level.Rafael has only been competing Withington internationally since June 2023, taking over the ride from Great Britains Sam Ecroyd, who was campaigning him at the 2* and 3* level. So far, their partnership seems to be off to a good start, even coming in ninth at the Pan-American Games in 2023, where he helped his team earn a Bronze medal. Most recently, they completed the 4*-S at Marbach in Germany, where a MIM activation added 11 points to their score, dropping them down from the middle of the pack to 32nd place. With a little luck, Rafael and Withington will be able to avoid a similar result at the Paris Olympics.[RETURN TO TOP]Carlos Parro and Safira (BRA) | Groom: Charlotte MenziesCarlos Parro saddles up for his fourth Olympic games representing Brazil, bringing forward his own and John and Juliet Chambers Safira, who is 12 this year. This mare is a special one for the Chambers of Springfield Stud, who also bred her by their homebred stallion, Springs Spirit. Safira joined Carlos string in the 2018 season, initially starting her international career in the show jumping ring and jumping through the CSI4* level. Carlos has been methodical in his production of the mare, waiting until 2023 to step her up to the CCI4* level.In the fall of last year, Carlos and Safira were members of the bronze medal-winning Brazilian team in the Pan American Games, finishing 11th individually. The mare has done one 4*-L to date, at Sopot, where she finished sixth. Shes got a 6RA finishing score of 33.0 according to EquiRatings, which puts her solidly into contention for a strong finish at Paris. Show jumping might be a weaker link for this pair, as theyve not collected a clear round at the 4* level to date, and should Carlos be in the top 25 after the team round, he will have the extra challenge of coaxing another round out of the mare.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Ruy Fonseca and Ballypatrick SRS (BRA) | Groom: Alena DorotichRuy Fonseca finds himself in the traveling reserve position this year with Ballypatrick SRS, narrowly missing out on team selection for Brazil. A two-time Olympian and World Championships rider himself, Ruy brings a wealth of experience to the table should he be called in to join the team. Hes also a generous host, opening up his Bombadill Equestrian in England to multiple riders ahead of the Games and also to some of the U.S. Developing Tour riders who traveled overseas earlier this summer. Ruy and Ballypatrick SRS were also members of the Brazilian team in Chile at last years Pan American Games, finishing 12th individually. They also started the World Championships in Pratoni in 2022, but withdrew following dressage.This pair has loads of experience at the 4* level, and while perhaps an unfortunate pick-up of 20 penalties on cross country at their final prep in Sopot may have deterred their eventual team selection, theyve laid down an excellent body of work that cant be ignored particularly a stellar show jumping record nearly free of rails at the 4* level.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS (CAN) | Groom: Lisa BarryJessica Phoenix gears up for her third Olympic Games with Canadian-bred Freedom GS. The mares suffix of GS makes her easily identifiable as a product of owner and breeder Charlotte Schickedanzs family operation, Schickedanz Galten Farms. The familys early pride came in the form of Abdullah, one of the most prolific show jumpers of the 1980s, and Jessies Paris partner is a descendant of Abdullahs damline.Sired by 4* eventer Humble GS, Freedom is the product of four decades of Canadian breeding. This pair will be pleased with a dressage result in the mid-to-low 30s. Jessie has carefully produced the mare through the levels, and her cross country record reflects her boldness. Time penalties in the endurance phase would be expected, but more often than not Freedom produces a penalty-free show jumping effort. Their average finishing score of 35.5 certainly keeps them punching against this field, especially considering the massive advantage that is Jessies championship experience.[RETURN TO TOP]Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo (CAN) | Groom: Amber WavrykAn impulsive purchase at the esteemed Monart Sale has paid off in spades for Karl Slezak, who seven years later is riding that planned resale, the mare Hot Bobo, in his Olympic Games debut. Bobo was a sale fail for Karl and his wife, Katlyn, as the mare was excessively spooky, but those early challenges turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the Irish Sport Horse has proven her worth time and time again. In her first season at the Advanced level, she made headlines winning the massively competitive Cosequin Lexington CCI4*-S, securing her place at the 2023 Pan American Games, where they helped team Canada secure their place in the 2024 Paris Olympics while earning individual fourth. On their best day, the pair are certainly capable of sub-30 dressage, as demonstrated by a score of 27.6 in their last outing, the CCI4*-S at Bromont, which they won. We cant say the mares cross country record is faultless, but shes certainly reliable and has shown she can rise to the occasion when it matters. While they had two rails down on the final day at the Pan Ams, this pair has also shown they can jump clear on a final show jumping day, and are lined up to be an exciting combination for the Maple Leafs.[RETURN TO TOP]Michael Winter and El Mundo (CAN) | Groom: Amy FerrisUK-based three-time Canadian Olympian Mike Winter is an advocate for diversity and anti-racism in sport, as well as speaking up for equality issues such as clean drinking water, education, and health care, using his platform as a top-level rider to raise awareness of these important issues. When hes not training horses, going eventing, or being an advocate extraordinaire, Mike likes snowboarding and tractors.While this is a first Olympics for El Mundo, hes got solid championships experience under his cinch: he made the trip to Pratoni with the Canadian team in 2022 and then produced an excellent, career-best placing individual fifth at the Pan-American Games in Santiago last year, which helped Canada to team Gold. Were looking at low- to mid-30s in the dressage, followed by a clear cross country jumping round; you have to go all the way back to Pratoni to find penalties on their record. Theyre no slouches either, with time penalties this season firmly in the single figures. This geldings a one or none kind of guy in the show jumping, more often none, although he can add a smidge of time.Roberto joined Mikes barn as a six-year-old produce and sell prospect. But when a major injury meant Roberto was confined to box rest, Mike appointed himself as the geldings round-the-clock carer, and the bond they formed cemented their long-term partnership, a relationship thats a joy to see in action when theyre out eventing together.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Colleen Loach and FE Golden Eye (CAN) | Groom: Meredith WrightFE Golden Eye, aka Goldie, is a multi-talented gelding for sure, dabbling in the show jumping ring and giving lessons to young kids as well as placing in the top ten at events from Bromont in Canada to Santiago, Chile. Goldies passport will have yet another page filled when he travels to the Paris Olympics. Colleen says the 12-year-old gelding is kind and quiet Weve used him for lessons with young kids before. I taught an 11-year-old, and she had a full flat lesson on him. Hes just the kindest, sweetest horse, and hes very intelligent.Hopefully that big heart will help him out as the traveling reserve for the Paris Olympics. This will be Loachs third time traveling to the Olympics, albeit her first time in the reserve slot, having traveled to Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2020.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof (CHN) | Groom: Holly WharfeIts been a circuitous trek to Paris this year for three-time Olympic rider Alex Hua Tian. Initially China was to send a team to Paris, but unfortunately the nation lost their qualification due to a failed drug test for Alexs other horse, Chicko, at the final qualifier at Millstreet last fall. Although investigation determined that the drug in question, Regumate, was ingested inadvertently, the loss of a team berth still stood. Alex then had to refocus his efforts on maintaining his qualification as an individual, and will bring forward the 15-year-old gelding Jilsonne van Bareelhof, a solid competitor at the 4* level, to Paris.This pair has a great jumping record and are well-capable of dipping into the mid-low 20s on the flat, and Alexs experience for this fourth Olympic appearance puts them into good stead to potentially move into that top 25 individual final round. Alex, for his part, is also a stalwart ambassador for equestrianism in China, though he bases his operations in the UK. He can often be found teaching clinics and otherwise bringing inspiration to other Chinese riders to chase their dreams of following in his footsteps.[RETURN TO TOP]Huadong Sun and Lady Chin Vt Moerven Z (CHN) | Groom: Deborah CarpenterThis pair returns to the Olympics after representing on the Chinese team in Tokyo, where they finished ninth as a team and 37th individually. Now, Huadong Sun and Lady Chin Vt Moerven Z have another three years of practice under their belts, also dabbling in pure show jumping as they prepped for Paris. Huadong has lightly campaigned the 14-year-old mare in FEI competition this year after focusing on the 2023 Asian Games at the end of last year, where they finished fourth individually.Impressively, Lady Chin Vt Moerven Z has very nearly a fault-free FEI record in terms of cross country jumping penalties one pesky missed flag back in 2019 is the only mark against them. Show jumpings a bit more of a weaker link for them, which can of course play into their chances at a top 25 individual finish this weekend, but the experience this pair has cant be discounted and I would expect them to at least deliver a mid-high 20s mark on the flat and a clear cross country to put themselves into the best possible position for a strong finish.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Miloslav Phoda and Ferreolus Lat (CZE)You may remember Ferreolus Lat as being the horse in Tokyo with the most strikingly voluptuous forelock. If youve been thinking about, like, other stuff since that Olympics (who are you?!), let us remind you: they finished 33rd at Tokyo after activating a frangible pin on their steady round and tipped just one pole on the final day. There they put a 33.8 on the board, which is about right theyve gone sub-30 once, in the European Championships at Avenches, which they contested shortly after Tokyo, and theyve also crept into the high 30s a few times. They also competed at the World Championships in Pratoni in 2022, though that was a trickier week they added 20 penalties on cross country and ultimately finished 62nd. This year, theyve run in a CCI4*-S at Sopot and a CCI4*-L at Strzegom, finishing eighth and third respectively, though in small fields.They come forward this week as one of two Czech individuals, because their small central European nation was granted another spot after the contentious disqualification of Lithuania. Czechia feels a little bit like Austria, or perhaps one step behind it in terms of their role on the world stage theyre working hard at the periphery of eventings heart in order to create long-lasting structures thatll benefit their country from the top down.[RETURN TO TOP]Miroslav Trunda and Shutterflyke (CZE)Shutterflyke, whos by Sir Shutterfly, is an out and out jumping horse, and contested the Six-Year-Old World Championships in her very first season of eventing back in 2017. Thisll be a second Olympics for her with Miroslav, who piloted her to 39th place at Tokyo with one mistake across the country at Tokyo. They also had twenty penalties while representing Czechia at the World Championships in 2022 but generally speaking, actually, theyre a consistent pair in this phase, and have podium finishes in competitions such as the CCI4*-L at Strzegom.Shutterflyke is a naturally quick horse with a high cruising speed, but the pair do lose some ground in the first and final phases. They trend towards the high 30s on the flat, and in showjumping, theyre usually going to take a couple of rails with them. But theyre still riding in service of the development of the sport in Czechia, and this Games is a great opportunity for that, thanks to the late acquisition of these two individual slots.Its well worth noting, too, that Miroslav is one of several riders in this competition to balance riding with another career. Hes an equine vet, specialising in the diagnosis and treatment of soundness problems.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Peter Flarup and Fascination (DEN) | Groom: Anne FlarupOur sole Danish competitor this week is the hugely experienced Peter Flarup, who was the head trainer for the national eventing team until two years ago, when he decided to step down to focus on his horses ahead of Paris. Hell once again compete with 13-year-old Fascination, his Tokyo 2021 partner, with whom he finished 40th with two mistakes on the cross country. The horse was only a nine-year-old then, and in the years since, Peters put the work in to get him plenty more experience. That includes eight top-ten finishes at 4*, with a win at the CCI4*-S level at Maarsbergen last summer and a couple of trips around indoor eventing competitions too, which will have helped to expose the horse to unique pressure and atmosphere. Shortly after Tokyo, they had a run of unfortunate results, including a retirement on course in Luhmhlens CCI5*, and then retirement in a CCI3*-S and elimination in one of those indoor cross-country classes. From the start of the 2023 season onward though, that confidence knock has been resolved and their results have been hard to argue with. With the exception of one event, where Peter withdrew before cross-country, theyve finished in the top ten in every FEI run in that time period (thats eight placings).Will that translate to a placing in Paris? Its unlikely, because theyre almost certain to start around the 33 mark and finish with a rail or two, but theyre a quick pair who have become very reliable on cross country, and they should be able to fight for a really respectable result for their tiny nation. Thatll be the key thing Denmark doesnt get much funding for eventing, and riders are generally required to self-fund, so if Peter can nail down a great finish, it might make the powers-that-be take note.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Nicolas Wettstein and Altier dAurois (ECU) | Groom: Diane SulligerReady to feel like a complete under-achiever? Then please, read on. Nicolas Wettstein speaks five languages, has three passports, has ridden for three different nations, and has represented Ecuador at two Pan-American Games, two World Equestrian Game and, following Paris, three Olympics. Oh, and add to all of that the fact that eventing is not actually his full-time job. Instead, he juggles a top-level eventing career with his day job as CEO of a pharmaceutical distribution company in Geneva. To do that takes another level of dedication; Nicolas is up at 5 a.m. each day to ride his horses before work, and then squeezes in his own fitness sessions after work too. Born to a Swiss father and Algerian-born French mother, he rode for France as a Pony and Junior show jumper, before switching to Eventing and the Swiss flag as a Young Rider. However, he then switched nationality again in 2011, after meeting his Ecuadorian wife, Diana. I really fell in love with the country I got a feeling there I have never really felt in Europe, he says of his decision..His ride in Paris, the 14-year-old Selle Franais gelding Altier dAurois, was also his ride for the Tokyo Olympic Games, though Nicolas openly acknowledges that he was a little green at those Games, where they dropped down the leaderboard after an early run-out on cross country. However, Paris 2024 was always the goal for this horse, who is owned by Nicolas and his parents and was bought as a seven-year-old show jumper. A hard worker who always tries his best, he was 14th at last years Pan-American Games, so hopefully Paris will see a marked improvement on his last Olympic appearance.[RETURN TO TOP]Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Forever Young Wundermaske (ECU) | Groom: Ashley KehoeMy whole life revolves around horses, says Ronald, the second of two individuals riding for Ecuador at this Olympic Games. This will be Ronalds second Olympics; he made history in London 2012 with Master Rose as the first Ecuadorian eventer to compete at an Olympics. 43rd on that occasion, Ronald had also made history two years previously when he became the first rider from Ecuador to qualify for a World Equestrian Games too. He did not compete on that occasion, but he and his Paris ride, Forever Young Wundermaske, did compete at the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, where they finished 64th.Like his compatriot and fellow Paris Olympian Nicolas Wettstein, Ronald is not a professional eventer. Instead, he heads up several lucrative businesses, although the sole aim of his various business endeavors is to fund his equestrian pursuits. Born in Ecuador to non-equestrian parents, he was given a pony at three years old, and all but taught himself to ride. He moved to the USA in 1984 to take a degree in Business Administration at Boston University, before retuning to Ecuador to start his various business pursuits. Indeed, he actually gave up riding for nine years, but never lost sight of his Olympic dream, and returned to the States to pursue his equestrian goals in 2002. These days, he continues to travel between Ecuador and the States, juggling business and horses: I was born with this chronic, incurable disease called horse-alcoholicness, and its gotten worse over the years, says Ronald. That may be so, but it has also got him to two Olympic Games not bad for a boy who taught himself to jump over a fallen log.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Esteban Benitez Valle and Utrera AA 35 1 (ESP)Spain fought hard for a team qualification through the Nations Cup series last year, even sitting out the European Championships to save their horsepower for that but when circumstances meant that they couldnt field a team for the finale at Boekelo, they sadly had to hang up their boots on the team dream, and Italy walked away with the spot instead. But good news for the Spaniards: they have two individual spots this week, and will be well-represented at the Olympics.The first of their two riders is German-based Esteban, who has his own business, Cadiz Sport Horses, in Seedorf. He moved to Germany in 2016 to train and was based for a period of time with Elmar Lesch near Luhmhlen, whos as well-known for producing exceptional young professionals as he is for producing top-class young horses. Esteban is perhaps best known for his partnership with the diminutive, fiery mare Milana 23, with whom he competed at the 2022 World Championships and the European Championships in 2021 and 2019. Milanas now stepped down to run for fun at 1* with Estebans girlfriend, Valentina, and his focus is instead on the exciting young Utrera.At just 11, the grey Spanish-bred mare has already notched up some very good results, and since September of 2022, shes finished in the top ten in seven of her eight FEI starts. Shes had a quiet lead-up to Paris in fact, she hasnt run in an FEI event since getting her confirmation results in March at Montelibretti CCIO4*-S where she was fourth, because all Olympic candidates had to travel back to Spain to compete in the National Championships instead but shes on a very evident upward trajectory. Her former high-30s scores have become consistent low-30s ones, her showjumping is improving, and her best phase, the cross country, continues to be excellent. Shes one of the most naturally quick horses in the field, with very few career time penalties to her name and just one jumping penalty in this phase ever in her 23 FEI starts. That came last summer at Arvilles CCIO4*-S, and shes been on excellent form in her few runs since. They wont vie for an individual medal, but this is certainly a great opportunity for them to put Spanish eventing on the map.[RETURN TO TOP]Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Taraje CP 21.10 (ESP) | Groom: Isabel Verdugo ManzanoThis will be an Olympic debut for Carlos, whos represented Spain at three World Championships and four European Championships. His most recent call-up at a championships came with the 11-year-old Taraje, who he rode at the 2022 World Championships. They got eliminated on cross country there, but evidently took a whole heck of a lot of learning away from an unfortunate situation, because since then theyve been on super form. They havent finished lower than 16th in an FEI event since, and theyve logged seven top-tens (and three wins!) since. Two of those wins came at Spanish 3*s, and one came in a small CCI4*-L at Floresti in Romania, where half the field was made up of horses wholl be in Paris this week. In real world terms, theyve gone sub-30 once at 4*, but more often sit around 30, with a 32.5 at the World Championships on their score card. Theyre a very quick pair, and their elimination at Pratoni was their first cross country jumping mistake since the horses FEI debut. On Sunday, they tend towards a pole or two, but even so, they should do themselves and the horses owner-breeder proud as they help to develop Spanish eventing this week.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Veera Manninen and Sir Greg (FIN) | Groom: Paivi ManninenI just have to get this out of the way Im petitioning for Sir Greg to be the best-named horse in the whole of the Olympic field. In all seriousness, Greg and Veera are long-time partners, having competed together at the FEI level for nearly a decade. Veera describes the adorably grumpy Greg as a highly-motivated, intelligent, and willing horse. At just 24 years old, Veera took Greg through the Young Riders program, riding in the FEI Eventing European Championship 2021 for Young Rider and Juniors and placing seventh overall. Now, just three years later, shes on the road to the Olympics in Paris.Just a few weeks ago, Veera and Greg competed in the FEI Eventing Nations Cup in Strzegom, Poland, coming in sixth place by a narrow margin. A strong showing at a Nations Cup is exactly the sendoff you want prior to the Olympics. Hopefully this young pair can pull off a repeat performance in Paris.[RETURN TO TOP]Sanna Siltakorpi and Bofey Click (FIN) | Groom: Aino LavonenGoing to the Olympics is not cheap, something Finlands team knows more than most. A close friend of Sannas, Sari Passaro, launched a campaign to help fund the Finnish teams preparation for and travel to the Olympics. The campaign, which sells team merchandise and is run by volunteers, has become dual purpose for a country where eventing is a lesser-known sport. According to Sanna, hopefully it will inspire other riders as well. If Veera and I made it to the Olympics, maybe it could be possible for me too.With a little luck and backed by a big support group of friends and family, Sanna and Click will hopefully pull off a great ride at Paris. Sanna bought Click when the 15-year-old Swedish Warmblood was just four years old, and together, theyve competed at the FEI level for one year shy of a decade. Bar one event at Strzegom where they placed 19th, this pair hasnt placed outside the top ten since 2022.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Karim Laghouag and Triton Fontaine (FRA) | Groom: Coraline RadigueKarim is Frances best-loved star, and with good reason: hes just about the friendliest person youll encounter in the sport, and hes got such a good sense of humour that hell make you laugh even if theres no common language shared. (Case in point: his impromptu post-dressage rave, famously recorded in the now-defunct Event Rider Masters series, which was pure Karim silliness and joy.) Hes also one heck of a competitor: hes got five European Championships, two World Championships, and two Olympics under his belt already, and was part of the Bronze medal winning team at Tokyo with Triton Fontaine and the Gold medal winning team at Rio in 2016 with Entebbe de Hus. At last years Europeans, over a course designed by our Olympic designer, he was a bronze medalist with the team and tenth individually with Triton. They were also second in Paus CCI5* in 2022.The pair can start sub-30, but are more likely to put a 31 or so on the board in the first phase (it was a 32.4 at Tokyo) but after that, theyll stay very, very close to that score. Theyre among the fastest in this field, and have a solid string of consistent form now since their string of 20s in 2022. On Sunday, theyre likely to jump clear in at least one of their rounds. Moreover, Karim has the experience and the attitude to be the glue that holds a team together and keep that French spirit alive and thriving at a home Games. Expect colossal cheers when hes on course and somehow, hell be able to interact with his fans even while bringing his full focus to the questions in front of him. Hes a rare kind of gem, really.[RETURN TO TOP]Stphane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau (FRA) | Groom: Marine RenaultOne of the most poignant partnerships in this line-up is that of 30-year-old Stphane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau, ordinarily styled as Ride For Thas Chaman Dumontceau. That prefix is an ode to the horses former rider and producer, young French talent Thas Meheust, who tragically lost her life in a cross-country fall while riding the gelding in the French seven-year-old championship at Haras du Pin back in 2019. She was just 22 and one of the countrys brightest rising stars, competing for her country at Pony, Junior, and Young Rider European Championships. Beyond that, she also represented the sport in FEI working groups and seminars, and was a force for positive change for everyone as she focused on her dreams.One of those dreams was the Paris Olympics and now shell get her chance to be there, thanks to her beloved horse and her friend Stphane. Together, the pair have logged some exceptional results they won a very, very tough Chatsworth CCI4*-S last spring, were sixth and bronze medalists with the team at the also very tough European Championships at Haras du Pin, and were eighth in the CCI4*-S at Pompadour this spring. They can go sub-30, and have even gone down to 22.8 at 4*, and theyre quick and very reliable across the country. They do, however, have a tendency to a rail.This will be Stphanes second-ever team call-up, but hes proven hes more than ready to cope with the pressure and he certainly wont ride alone this week. Its worth noting too that the Meheust family continues Thass legacy of positive change the Ride For Thas foundation works to raise money for safety devices in the sport.[RETURN TO TOP]Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo Menthe (FRA) | Groom: Aure CoulangeIt always felt like a sure thing that Nicolas Touzaint, the stalwart of the French team, would be in Paris this summer, it just wasnt clear which of his two top horses it would be with. Would it be Absolut Gold HDC, with whom hed been team bronze medalist and individually sixth at the Tokyo Olympics, as well as team bronze medalist at the European Championships, or would it be 11-year-old Boekelo winner Diabolo Menthe?In the end, it turns out its the latter who gets his first senior Championship call-up (he was bronze medalist in the Seven-Year-Old World Champs back in 2020, so he does have that under his belt). His is an impressive resume: in just 15 FEI runs, hes got 13 top tens to his name, and two of those are wins. Hes never had a cross country jumping penalty in an international, and hes gone clear inside the time eight times; hes also a very good show jumper. And as for Nicolas? At 44, hes already ridden for France at five Olympics, including playing a part in the team gold in Athens in 2004, as well as two World Championships and nine senior European Championships. Hes also the only Frenchman ever to win Badminton, which he did back in 2008. Hes got ice in his veins and is at his best on the World Stage, a very rare fall at the 2022 World Champs notwithstanding. Hes the kind of banker that the new three-to-a-team format begs for and will be aiming for team and individual medals this week.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Gireg le Coz and Aisprit de la Loge (FRA) | Groom: Marion RoddeAs far as reserves go, its a bit of a treat to be able to have a pair as strong as Gireg and the charismatic Aisprit de la Loge in your back pocket. They were individuals at last years Europeans, where they finished 15th, and theyve got two top-three finishes from two 4* starts this year. They finished 13th at Badminton in 2023 when the conditions were seriously tough, and were 18th there in 2022. They do have some inconsistencies to their name in 2022, particularly, they ran into some issues that they resolved through the season, and theyve looked on strong form ever since.If theyre called up, they should deliver a sub-30 test, and theyre reasonably quick across the country and pretty reliable in the final phase. They might not be as consistent as some of their teammates, but on their day, theyre very, very good indeed. Gireg was previously based in the UK and rode with Chris Burton, Sam Griffiths, and William Fox-Pitt during his time there and you can see all their various influences in his riding.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Rosalind Canter and Lordships Graffalo (GBR) | Groom: Sarah CharnleyThey say good things come to those who wait, and that is certainly the case for current World Number One, former World Champion, and reigning European Champion, Ros Canter. She was travelling reserve in Tokyo, possibly one of the hardest roles to take at any Championships, but she has finally got her chance at Olympic glory in Paris. Strong favourites for Individual Gold, Ros and Lordships Graffalo have impressed from the off, coming second on their first 5* run at Badminton 2022, before taking the win last year with an untouchable performance from start to finish. Indeed, it was 2022 the year that Walter was second at Badminton that the eventing world really began to sit up and take notice, when he followed up that stellar 5* debut with a double clear at the World Championships to end up in fourth and all of this as a relatively inexperienced 10-year-old.Last year, Walter also romped home clear and inside the time on a particularly testing cross country day at the European Championships in Haras du Pin, adding just one rail to their first phase score to take the win. Theirs was the fastest round of the day, something that has become somewhat of a trademark of this horse, whos natural ability to balance himself lends itself perfectly to the dressage too; not since 2021 has this horse gone above 30, and it was a score of 21.3 that led them to the win in Haras du Pin. I just feel like a very lucky girl to have a horse like Walter in my life, says Ros, who has just regained the top spot on the FEI World Rankings, and arguably Walter is just as lucky to have a rider like her![RETURN TO TOP]Laura Collett and London 52 (GBR) | Groom: Tilly HughesIts hard to remember a time when London 52 wasnt associated with record finishing scores and multiple 5* titles. Yet his was not an unchequered journey to the top. Despite early successes top spot in the 8/9-year-old CCI4*-S at Blenheim in 2018 one of the most significant ones Dan also had a few notable mistakes on his path to greatness, not least of which an elimination at the final water at the 2019 European Championships in Luhmhlen, where Laura was riding as an individual. However, he redeemed himself just a month later when he won the CCI4*-L in Boekelo, and it is fair to say he has never looked back. Laura refers to that event as the turning point in his career: Hes always been quite a shy horse, but he has belief in himself now [post-Boekelo], she said at the time. That belief manifested itself the following year, when he won his first 5*, at Pau. Selected for the Tokyo Olympics, the pair were ninth overall and helped to secure the Gold medal for Team GB.The following year, Dan and Laura continued to cement their place at the top of the sport, winning Badminton in the spring and securing their selection for the World Championships in Pratoni. The wheels did come off again there with a shock drive-by, although Laura is determined to learn from her mistakes. She said we tried to wrap him up too much on that occasion, resulting in him being over-fresh on cross country day, so to avoid a recurrence of events, she plans to cross country school the week before Paris. With another 5* win at Luhmhlen last year, it seems that the only thing missing from Laura and Dans trophy cabinet is an individual medal, and there is every chance that Paris could be the place where they pick it up.[RETURN TO TOP]Tom McEwen and JL Dublin (GBR) | Groom: Adam ShortJL Dublin made his first Team appearance back in 2021 at the European Championships in Avenches. Piloted by the legendary Nicola Wilson, who produced him from a five-year-old, the ever-precocious Dubs still only a 10-year-old won both individual and team gold. Following their tragic and in Nicolas case, career-ending fall at Badminton the following spring, Tom McEwen took the reins, and this incredible gelding has continued to go from strength to strength. Together, they have made several further team appearances, including last years European Championships. They parted ways at the final water on that occasion one of only three cross-country errors in this horses career to date in one of the most shocking twists of a day that was admittedly full of surprises. Other than that though, the pair have been incredibly consistent at the top level and within touching distance of a big win on numerous occasions.Second twice at Kentucky, third at Pau last year, second in the CCI4*-S at Luhmhlen this year, Tom and Dubs have yet to hit the number one spot at a big one, but with an ever-impressive dressage score they won the 4*-S in Kronenberg this spring with a PB of 20.9 it seems that they are on the cusp of doing so, and what better place to do pull it off than at an Olympics?! An Individual Gold medal would certainly be a nice addition to the Team Gold and Individual Silver medals that Tom brought home from the Tokyo Olympics and there is a high chance he could be bagging himself another Team Gold, too![RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Yasmin Ingham and Banzai du Loir (GBR) | Groom: Alison BellIt is testament to the strength and depth of the British team that the reigning World Champion is going as travelling reserve. Yes, you read that right: last years Aachen winners and this years Luhmhlen CCI4*-S winners, Yas and Banzai du Loir, are not actually lining up as part of the team of three in Paris. Instead, they will be waiting in the wings should anything go wrong for the other Brits, and what a pair to have sitting on the subs bench!Runner up to Michael Jung on Banzais 5* debut at Kentucky in 2022, they went one better a few months later at the World Championships in Pratoni to take the World title. However, 2023 was not quite so successful for the pair; they had a shock 20 penalties on their return to Kentucky, and another at the European Championships, too. Still, as Yas herself, winner of every National title all the way up from Ponies, says, thats just horses, isnt it? Some days you come out on top, and some days you dont. Thats not to say it was all bad though; they also became the first British combination to top the podium in Aachen, and were also second to their teammates Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim. They have put their run of bad luck firmly behind them this year it would seem, with another podium finish in Kentucky, as well as taking the top spot in the CCI4*-S in Luhmhlen. Yas will no doubt be a little disappointed to be in the reserve spot with Banzai a horse who was bought with the goal of getting to Paris but as one of the brightest stars in British Eventing, and still practically just a child at 27, there is no doubt that this will not be her last Olympics.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRH (GER) | Groom: Jenny BrendelChipmunk FRH is apparently the Leonardo DiCaprio of the horse world. Just as Leo was regularly snubbed for his reclusive Oscars statuette, Chip is still on the hunt for an Individual Gold medal to hang on his stall door, despite being one of the top eventing horses in the world. Hell have to console himself with his two Team Gold medals (Pratoni World Championships 2022 and Luhmhlen Regional Championships 2019) instead.Of course, Michi and Chip have still had a hugely-impressive career together. With a total of 25 4* starts on their record, this pair has galloped out of more 4* start boxes in the last few years than most will in their lifetime. However, he has been stuck in an always-the-bridesmaid-never-the-bride type situation, with one rail at the last fence costing him the gold at Pratoni in 2022, and similarly had one rail down at this years Luhmhlen Olympic Selection Trial CCI4*-S, again costing him the win. With a little luck, the rails will stay in their cups in the final phase at the Paris Olympics, and Michi and Chip will come home with the Individual Gold theyve been striving for.[RETURN TO TOP]Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S (GER) | Groom: Li Ann KirchheimIt is hard to believe that Christoph Wahler is only 30 years old; he has already achieved so much. He represented his country on five occasions as a Junior and Young Rider, bringing home several medals including an individual bronze in 2015 at the Young Europeans. Second in the 5* at Luhmuhlen in 2021, he and Cartajan S went on to finish seventh in the European Championships in Avenches later that year, his first Senior Championship where he was riding as an individual. He played a key role in helping to bring home Team Gold at the 2022 World Championships, adding only 9.6 cross country time faults to his first phase score, and finished just behind his teammate Sandra Auffarth in fourth place at last years European Championships in Haras du Pin, where he again added just cross country time faults to his finishing score. Germany won the Silver medal on that occasion, confirming Christoph and Cartajan as an invaluable part of the German team.All of this, and Christoph doesnt even consider eventing to be his full time job; in 2020, he took over the management of his familys highly-successful breeding operation, Klosterhof Medingen, established by his grandfather and responsible for breeding some of the worlds best Trakehners. It would not be all that surprising to see Christoph take a place on the Individual podium in Paris, and this certainly wont be the last Olympic appearance for this talented young man.[RETURN TO TOP]Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21 (GER) | Groom: Sandra DeckerA late overnight shuffle created instant headlines the reigning Individual Gold medalist has left the German bench and is ready to defend her Olympic title as the first female Individual Gold medalist in eventing. While Nickel 21 might be a bit younger and not quite as experienced as Julias Olympic Champion and World Reserve Champion partner Amande de bNeville, he is definitely not to be discounted and will certainly hold his own with Chip and Carjatan. Hes coming off a surprising (but not really) win at CHIO Aachen and has a whole slew of 4*-S placings to his name at the tender age of 10.Nickels had a bit of a circuitous journey to this stage; he was originally purchased to be a show jumper, but didnt display enough progression and instead transitioned into eventing initially with a young rider. Julia eventually took back the ride after the young rider, Sophia Rssel, took a gap year (lucky duck). Julia describes him as incredibly genuine, which is a marker of her rides if you look back through her recent history of Samurai du Thot, Chipmunk, and Amande de BNeville. Nickel is just like your best buddy, she described at Aachen. He really, really wants to go well with you its very cool.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Calvin Bckmann and The Phantom Of The Opera (GER)What a week for 23-year-old Calvin, whos at the forefront of an extraordinary next-gen of German talent. He now finds himself in the traveling reserve spot, having occupied the achingly tough fifth man position a spot that requires you to be available and on site but restricts your access to all that sweet merch, and requires you to leave once the competition begins. And so the sweet relief at getting to be a part of it all must be enormous, even if its a touch bittersweet to see a teammate miss out.Enough of how he got here, though lets look at the credentials Calvin brings to the table. He was once styled the Young Jung by EquiRatings for his stylish, intuitive riding, which saw him attain huge success and accolades throughout his Pony, Junior, and Young Rider career. Hes based in the Warendorf system that produces the Olympians of the future and so rides under Julia Krajewski, who has stepped into the team proper now. His 5* debut came at Kentucky this year, where he and Phanty won plenty of fans through their palpable bond, their boldness, and their joie de vivre and though they picked up 20 penalties on course, they looked every inch en route to being big winners in years to come.Just before Paris, they were runners up at CHIO Aachen an extraordinary accomplishment for a rider still so early in his career. He was also sixth at Luhmhlens CCI4*-S in June a huge selection trial full of the very best of the best with Altair de la Cense, a mare hes carefully and sympathetically brought back to the top after a long stint of 20s even when she went back down to two-star. He and Phanty, who was initially produced by Sandra Auffarth, have a colossal amount of top ten finishes to their name, and if theyre used this week, they should start around the 30-31 mark, deliver a speedy round on cross country day, and then, on Sunday, theyre about 50/50 on clears and one-rail rounds. Even if he doesnt run, Calvin will have an extraordinarily educational week that will play a huge part in his development as Germanys next big thing.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Balzs Kaizinger and Herr Cooles Classico (HUN)Weve got a sole Hungarian representative in this years field, and his will be a familiar name to anyone who follows eventing on the continent. Balsz (thats pronounced Balash, for what its worth) will be his countrys first representative at the Games since 1996, and thats a great score for the central European nation. Hes been based in Germany for the better part of a decade, and competed with his top horse, Clover, at the 2022 World Championships, finishing 61st.Twelve-year-old Herr Cooles Classico, who was initially produced by Germanys Beeke Jankowski until 2021, stepped up to 4* in the middle of 2023. He has six runs at the level under his belt, and other than one activated safety device, hes got a clear string of cross-country rounds. While hes not among the fastest horses in the field, hes not slow either he added just 4.8 time penalties in his sole CCI4*-L start, which came at Sopot in May. Theyre a mid- to high-40s pair on the flat, and tend to have a couple of rails on the final day, but a solid completion will be their goal and is absolutely within their grasp. Thatll be a great foundational finish as Balsz continues to build this exciting second-string horse for the future.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Susie Berry and Wellfields Lincoln (IRL) | Groom: Crisy SalmonSusie Berry is already a Championship veteran, having represented Ireland at every stage of her career. That includes six European Championships from Ponies to Young Rider level, as well as appearances on Senior European and World Championship teams. All of that, and she is still only 28 years old. Moving over to the UK in 2014 to base with Piggy March, Susie was part of the first cohort of young riders to participate in the Wesko Foundation Young Eventer Programme, receiving mentorship from the likes of Pippa Funnell as a result. She left Piggys yard in 2020, setting up on her own just a few miles down the road in Kettering, Northampton, which made the move a lot less daunting: All my friends are still here, all my support network, like the farrier, the physio, the vet. They all stayed the same, so it took quite a lot of the pressure off leaving the comfort blanket that was Piggys to set up my own.This will be Susies first Olympics, and her first Championship with Slinky, a horse she has produced since 2018. Still only 11, Slinky has fewer miles on the clock than the others [horses she could have been selected on] but they have been top ten on all but one of their International starts so far this season, and can be relied on to produce not only a low, if not sub-30 dressage score, but a safe and clear cross country round. Add to that an ability to jump clear on the final day more often than not too, and there is little doubt that Susies Olympic debut will be a remarkable one, and possibly the first of many.[RETURN TO TOP]Sarah Ennis and Action Lady M (IRL) | Groom: Emily SingletonNot content with only being an accomplished equestrian, Sarah Ennis is also very into water-based activities and is a keen diver, qualified to Divemaster level (no idea what that means; I guess if you know, you know?!). In between all of that, she has managed to find time to represent her country on several different occasions, contributing to the Team Silver Medal at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, where she also finished fifth. Part of the Tokyo Olympic team, she was also part of the Irish squad at last years European Championships in Haras du Pin, delivering the second-fastest time of the day and helping to bring the Irish agonizingly close to the podium again, with a fourth-place finish for the team. Remarkable really, given that she only started eventing when she was 18; prior to that she was solely focused on dressage.Little Action Lady M she stands at just 15.3hh is still relatively inexperienced at just 10 years old, although she has pulled off a double jumping clear on all of her starts this season, landing comfortably in the top 10 in all three of her international starts. Her dressage score averages around the mid to low 30s, which should leave them comfortably in the middle of the pack, although they could well climb following the jumping rounds, which are undoubtedly their strong suit.[RETURN TO TOP]Austin OConnor and Colorado Blue (IRL) | Groom: Francesca DenningThere was not a dry eye in the house when Austin OConnor and Colorado Blue topped the podium in Maryland last year and became the first Irish rider to do so since 1965. This pair burst onto the international stage at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where the last-minute withdrawal of Cathal Daniels and Rioghan Rua saw them being called up from the reserve spot. Despite a rather uninspiring dressage, they would go on to record the fastest cross country round of the day, and finish best of the Irish in 13th place. Since then, their star has continued to rise, culminating in that historic win in Maryland.Eighth at Badminton in 2022 and third last year, to go clear inside the time or at least very, very close is something that is almost expected of these two, and barring a very uncharacteristic drive-by at the Leaf Pit at Burghley last year (which ultimately set him on his path to Maryland), Saltys cross country record is nigh on immaculate. Second in this years CCI4*-S at Bramham with a first phase PB of 26.4, Austin is aware that dressage would be this horses Achilles heel, and as such has been working hard with Tracie Robinson to lower their usual score of mid to low 30s. The hard work seems to be paying off, and what a time for it to be coming to fruition as they head into their second Olympics together.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Aoife Clark and Freelance (IRL) | Groom: Natalie WallaceAoife spent most of last season on the sidelines, having badly broken her arm earlier in the season. A year ago my arm was swinging and I had to catch it, with bits of bone coming out in all sorts of places they shouldnt, she reflected, following her selection as traveling reserve with the 11-year-old mare, Freelance. So while she may not get her chance to start in Paris, the very fact that she is going is nothing short of miraculous it took until earlier this year for Aoife to be fully fit and riding again. Luckily, Laura Collett deputized for her last season, giving Freelance a couple of educational CCI4*-L runs before Aoife took the reins again at the beginning of this year.Fourth in the CCI4*-L at Saumur with just a couple of cross country time faults to add to their first phase score of 27.2, Aoife and Freelance are everything you could ever wish for in a Team Reserve: capable of a smart dressage score as well as a steady double clear rarely does Freelance lower more than a pole, if that, in the final phase. Aoife brings forward a wealth of experience too; she was seventh at the 2012 London Olympic Games best of the Irish, on that occasion and has been in the top 10 at Badminton more than once as well.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes (ITA) | Groom: Francesca GenoveseWe see Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes heading in to Paris coming off of a 13th individual and Team Silver in the 4* Nations Cup at Avenches in June. Bertoli and the 13-year-old mare Fidjy, owned by the rider and az. Agricola di campello argenta, have been partners since 2020, and moved up to the 4* level quickly that year, finishing their first 4* together in 18th at Pratoni. Since then, these two have been seen to score in the upper 20s or low 30s in dressage and have a typically clear cross country record, with an occasional rail.[RETURN TO TOP]Emiliano Portale and Future (ITA) | Groom: Simone TentiEmiliano Portale, along with his, Scuderia 1918 Capital srt, and Emma McNabs gelding Future, bring their new but experienced partnership to Paris. Named the 2021 Athlete of the Year by the National Union of Veterans of Sport of Rome in Italy, Portale started riding Manny in the 2023 season. Manny had previous 4* experience with Pietro Grandis prior to Portale taking the ride, and while this partnership is new, they have already finished in the top 10 at four 4* events. We often see an upper-20 or low-30 dressage score, an impressively clear cross country record, and typically a rail or two.[RETURN TO TOP]Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress (ITA) | Groom: Charlotte HodgsonGiovanni Ugolotti and Krin and Kristina Rausings Swirly Temptress bring a long term partnership to the table. Ugolotti rode the now-12-year-old mare at the 1* level back in 2018, developing her to the 4* level in 2020 and finishing 19th at Strzegom in her 4* debut. Since then, these two have 17 4* competitions starts under their belt, and notably won the 4*-L at Ballindenisk in 2022. These two typically wow in the dressage, often scoring in the 20s at the 4* level, even scoring a 24.4 at Boekelo. They have a solid cross country record, but a possibility of a rail or two.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere (ITA) | Groom: Gaia NelliPietro Sandei and az.agr. Galanthus di Castellani S.s gelding Rubis de Prere come on to the team as the traveling reserve, adding the Olympics to their impressive and extensive resume. This partnership began competing at the FEI levels together back in 2011 at the 1* level. Over the last 13 years, Sandei and Rubis have competed in the 2018 World Equestrian Games, ridden through the 5* level recently finishing 10th at Luhmhlen in June and have a handful of 4* wins under their belt, including at Pratoni this May, Montelibretti last November, and in the 4*-L at Montelibretti in 2021. While a sub-30 dressage score has been seen from these two, they consistently score in the low to mid 30s, often jump around the cross country clear, but do have the chance of a rail.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Ryuzo Kitajima and Cekatinka (JPN) | Groom: Matt GlenworthIn Tokyo, Ryuzo was traveling reserve with Feroza Nieuwmoed, and stepped in after the cross country elimination of teammate Yoshi Oiwa to show jump for his nation, which he did with a smart clear round inside the time. In 2016, he got the call-up with Just Chocolate and picked up 40 penalties across the country, withdrawing before the final horse inspection. Now, perhaps, the third time will be the charm as he heads to Paris on the team with the very talented Cekatinka JRA, who was purchased from the Prices yard ahead of Tokyo in Team Japans big buying spree.Their form would suggest this one will go very well: they were second in the CCI4*-L at Ballindenisk in April and won the CCI4*-S at Mata do Duque in Portugal in March after Cekatinka sat out the 2023 season. That break came after the 2022 World Championships, where they jumped clear on cross country day but withdrew before the final horse inspection. Theyve gone sub 30 a few times at 4*, and as low as 25.7 back in 2022, but are generally low-30s or 30 scorers. Theyre reliable and pretty speedy, and very good showjumpers Cekatinkas a clever, quick-footed, catty mare ,and Ryuzo gets great training from Angela Tucker, with whom hes based in England.[RETURN TO TOP]Yoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton Street (JPN) | Groom: Emily GibsonJapan has really invested in horsepower over the last couple of Olympic cycles, and although the plug looked pulled on that funding last year when Japan initially failed to qualify a team, they hit the ground running again once Chinas disqualification meant that they stepped onto the team roster. Their biggest purchase of the year? Pippa Funnells 2019 Burghley winner, MGH Grafton Street, for hugely experienced Yoshi Oiwa.Yoshi made history for Japan at London 2012 when he led the first phase; he made history again when winning Bramhams CCI4*-L in 2017, becoming the first-ever Japanese rider to win a 4* outside his home nation. Hes been based in Germany for years, training with Dirk Schrade and basing his business out of his yard, but now he joins the rest of team Japan in the UK. One of the conditions of Squirrels sale was that the horse stay on Pippas Surrey yard and under her supervision, and thats working well for them all so far the notoriously mercurial, but very talented gelding has been performing superbly with Yoshi, whos been able to fast-track his understanding of the horse with expert guidance from the person who knows him best.They have four runs together at FEI events so far since coming together over the winter a steady clear to start off at Kronenberg CCI4*-S, a quicker run at Burnham Market for 15th, a speedy fourth place in Ballindenisks CCI4*-L, and finally a 12th place in a big, hugely competitive selection trial CCI4*-S at Bramham in early June. Squirrel is never a sure thing his penchant for a naughty run-out crops up throughout his career but now, at 16, hes looking like he might be ready to really take it all seriously. Itll be fascinating, any which way, to watch this new partnership learn about one another through their biggest competition yet. They should start sub 30 though maybe not with the crazy lows that Pippa sometimes got the horse to, like a 22.8 at Burghley and if the communication is on point, they should be very quick across the country. A rail, though, is not out of the question in the final phase.[RETURN TO TOP]Kazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la Vigne (JPN) | Groom: Jackie PottsUp until 2016, Kazuma Tomoto had never ridden around a cross country course up until then, show jumping was his chosen discipline. However, having made the decision to switch to eventing with an initial goal of riding at the World Equestrian Games in 2018, he also then made another momentous decision: to move to Britain and base with William Fox-Pitt. Both decisions have paid off he was part of the fourth-placed Japanese team at WEG in 2018, before going on to be fourth individually at the Tokyo Olympics. Although he had to learn almost everything about eventing from scratch, and initially found cross country a little scary, his name regularly features at the top of the leaderboard. He has come second at Blenheim twice, completed his first 5* in 2019, and was top 10 at both the World Championships and Pau in 2022.It was with Vinci de la Vigne a horse previously campaigned by French rider Astier Nicolas that Kazuma took eighth place at the Worlds, adding just a pole and some cross country time faults to an impressive 25.9 dressage score, and the pair were third in the CCI4*-S at Bramham earlier this year. Hes got a great eye and a very good feeling with a horse, says his mentor, William Fox-Pitt, and Kazuma is equally as complimentary about him, crediting him with contributing to much of his success thus far: He always gives me good advice. Kazuma has a very good chance of finishing on the podium in Paris, making history in the process the perfect story for an Olympics![RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Toshiyuki Tanaka and Jefferson (JPN) | Groom: Rowan LairdReserve for Team Japan, Toshiyuki is another rider who came to the sport a little later than most, at 22. It was a show jumping competition on TV that led to him learning to ride at Riding Club Crane in his native country, before his mentor there, Olympic veteran Kazuhiro Iwatani, encouraged him to take up eventing. Not only did he do just that, he also made the decision to move 6000 miles across the world to the UK, and base with Angela Tucker at Tetbury in Gloucestershire, despite not knowing a word of English. Twelve years later, he is preparing for his third Olympics, having also represented Japan at his home Olympics in Tokyo three years ago, as well as at the London Olympics in 2012. Part of the Japanese team at the World Championships in Pratoni, he completed his first 5* at Badminton back in 2019.Toshiyuki and Jefferson only came together last year; prior to that he had been campaigned by Australias Chris Burton and then Bubby Upton, who took the reins in 2022. With Bubby, Jefferson came third in the CCI4*-L at Blenheim, and he and Toshi have enjoyed several top-10 placings together in their relatively short partnership, not least of all second place in the CCI4*-L at Blair Castle last year. With a dressage score averaging around the 30 mark although it has dipped into the 20s on occasion this year and a propensity for a double clear, Team Japan can rest easy in the knowledge that their reserve horse and rider have the ability to make a very positive contribution to the Team result, should they be called upon to do so.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Noor Slaoui and Cash In Hand (MAR)One of the great stories of this years Games is that of Moroccos Noor Slaoui, who is her nations first-ever international eventer and will be the first Arab woman or North African equestrian ever to compete in eventing at the Olympics. Shes not yet 30, and only began eventing at 19 when shed relocated to the UK for university and drove past a horse trials and thought the whole thing looked rather like good fun. But horses were in her blood long before that as a child in Casablanca, shed spend whole days on the back of mules riding around the mountains, and when she moved to France at 18, she did a stint training with the Cadre Noir to become a riding instructor and graduate to proper riding. When she did discover eventing, she decided to do it properly: she bought a green seven-year-old and based herself with Aussie eventer Bill Levett to learn all she could. Within a couple of years, she went from BE90 to 3*, and now, here she is.Shes still based in the UK, and runs a business buying, producing, and selling horses with Deborah Fellous, which helps to find her upper-level campaign with Cashman. But thats not all this Forbes 30 Under 30 lister does shes also very involved with a remarkable project spearheaded by her mother, Amina, who became a paraplegic in her 30s after a cycling accident on holiday. Struck by how little support there was for people with disabilities, she started a rehabilitation centre in Bouskoura the Noor Centre, no less thats helped over 25,000 people. Its remained independent and uses a financing model that allows people without funds or insurance to receive treatment alongside those who can afford to pay. Noor has brought her own spin to the centre shes made visits with horses and ponies for therapeutic interactions with the patients.All in all? Shes a rider well worth throwing your support behind as she trailblazes for her region, for Arab women, and for people living with disabilities. A steady completion will be her goal, and that will represent so much more than simply getting to the end of the competition.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Janneke Boonzaaijer and Champ de Tailleur (NED) | Groom: Ria WestenengJanneke makes her sophomore Olympic appearance this week, having competed at Tokyo as an individual with Champ des Tailleurs. Their week there was an educational one; they picked up 20 penalties and an additional 11 for activating a MIM clip, and were subsequently eliminated for being deemed to have missed a fence in a combination. But now-26-year-old Janneke used the experience to fuel her fire, rather than dampen it, and she and her 17-year-old Champ have been on a roll since then. They finished 17th at last years European Championships and contributed to the team qualification here the first Dutch team in eventing since Rio. They won Baborowko CCI4*-L last season, finished third in the Nations Cup CCIO4*-S at Strzegom the same year, and jumped competitive clears in three CCI4*-S classes this year, including over the tough terrain and conditions of Bicton.Theyve often been mid-30s scorers, but theyve been creeping downward, and that Bicton run saw them post a sub-30, so they look set to peak at the right moment. Theyre ordinarily very reliable across the country Tokyo was an outlier for them and reasonably quick, and theyre more likely to show jump clear than not. Theyll helm an exciting Dutch effort this week and represent a fantastic building block for the future of the sport in the country.[RETURN TO TOP]Sanne de Jong and Enjoy (NED) | Groom: Jantien van ZonIts an Olympic debut for Sanne and her homebred Enjoy, who have previously represented the Netherlands at the 2022 World Championships, where they competed as individuals and finished 58th, and the European Championships in 2023 and 2021. Theyve also been to the Six- and Seven-Year-Old World Championships, and finished fourth at the former.These two know one another inside and out theyve grown up together from the game mares birth, and Sanne broke her in herself. Theyve done all their firsts together first 4*s, First Nations Cups, first Senior callups. Sannes mother, Jantien, who works for the Dutch federation, evented the mares granddam, and Joys mother, Next Joey, was intended for competition too, but lost her vision in one eye in an accident as a youngster and so became a broodmare instead.Now, at 29 (Sanne) and 15 (Joy), theyre ready to tackle their biggest milestone yet. Their first-phase scores can fluctuate theyve gone sub-30 a few times at 4*, but can also reach the high-40s. Theyre consistent across the country, and sit at a middling speed; their last 20 penalties came at last years Europeans, and so theyre averaging one wobble per year in internationals but a lot of smart clears. Sannes put a tonne of work into the final phase, too it used to be a little tricky for Joy, and now shes got a clear run stretching back a year. Thats no surprise, really Sanne, whos a keen producer of talented young horses, also spends a lot of time doing pure show jumping.[RETURN TO TOP]Raf Kooremans and Radar Love (NED) | Groom: Lydie KooremansThis is a relatively new partnership, with Raf and Radar Love having gotten together just before this season with Paris very much in mind. Radar Love, who is competing under this shortened name in Paris due to corporate naming restrictions from the IOC, was formerly campaigned by fellow Dutch young rider Sterre van Houte, who took the horse to Junior Europeans and competed through the 3* level. Dutch Olympian Merel Blom also formerly competed the horse, giving him experience at the 4* level.This isnt a pair that will necessarily threaten the top of the leaderboard in the first phase, and while theyre very much still building a partnership, they do have a decent jumping record at the 4* level and will be looking to deliver a personal best performance in Paris. A second-place finish in the 4*-L at Strzegom earlier this year cemented their trip to the Olympics, which will be a first for Raf, though he does have senior championships experience as a World Championships rider in 2018 and multiple appearances at the European Championships.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Elaine Pen and Divali (NED) | Groom: Sabine HeijnLondon 2012 Olympian Elaine Pen returns this year as traveling reserve for the Dutch with the 16-year-old Divali. This pair had a couple of blips on their record in 2023, including a fall at the European Championships, but really if you can look past those, theyve got quite a consistent record thats mostly free of cross country jumping penalties always a key at these Olympic Games. Theyve got two top-five or top-10 finishes in as many 4*-L starts together dating back to 2020, so theyre flush with experience should they be needed at the midnight hour to come in and save the day as a substitute.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (NZL) | Groom: Marcus BeanHighest-placed Kiwi at the 2016 Rio Olympics Clarke Johnstone only recently relocated back to the UK; he returned home to New Zealand in 2013, having precociously been based with Sir Mark Todd at Badgerstown. Since his return, he has been based at Aston Farm in Gloucestershire, home of Mark Phillips, and in 2022 he and Menlo Park were part of the Bronze medal winning team at the World Championships in Pratoni. Originally produced by Kevin McNab, Menlo Park was also briefly ridden by Oliver Townend, before being sold to Australia, where Tim Boland competed him for a season, though rider injury ultimately led to Clarke buying him. Together a relatively short time, theirs is already a strong partnership, finishing in the top 15 in all but one of their international starts.Clarke, who has a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Otago, was also part of the Bronze medal winning team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games, and he and Menlo Park finished 15th at CHIO Aachen last year, adding just a rail and cross country time faults to their dressage score. That is typical of this combination; they have only ever had cross country jumping faults on one occasion since Clarke took over the ride, and you can count on one hand the number of rails they have had in that time, too. However, this will be a somewhat bittersweet Olympics for Clarke, after the sudden death of his partner Codey Jervis last year. Having the goal of the Olympic Games, which we were both so invested in, has kept me going the past six months, and I have poured my heart and soul into training and competing my lovely horses this year to make our goal a reality, says Clarke. I know he would be so proud. Making a good result in Paris would be all the more meaningful.[RETURN TO TOP]Jonelle Price and Hiarado (NZL) | Groom: Rosie ThomasThis is the fourth Olympic call up for UK-based Jonelle one half of New Zealands eventing power couple. Her ride here in Paris is Hiarado, a relatively new ride for the former FEI World Number 2; she only took the reins in 2022. Prior to that, this diminutive little mare was ridden by Grace Taylor, who took her all the way to 4* level. However, Jonelle has wasted no time in forming an incredibly strong partnership with the mare, and they have rarely been out of the top 20 since joining forces.Described by her groom, Rosie Thomas as a feisty little mare with a very big attitude, Hiarado was seventh on her 5* debut in Pau last year, propelling Jonelle back into the big leagues after the retirement of her top two rides (Faerie Dianamo with whom she won the Luhmuhlen 5*, and Badminton winner Classic Moet) the previous year. When you ride a horse like Hiarado, its pretty motivating, and I cant wait to see what she is going to do next year, Jonelle said of the mare after her top-10 finish at Pau last year, and it is safe to say that she has high hopes for Paris. Perhaps Jonelle can help to end the Kiwi Olympic medal drought, and repeat the Team Bronze or better that she contributed to as part of the team in London 2012.[RETURN TO TOP]Tim Price and Falco (NZL) | Groom: Kerryn EdmansParis marks a third Olympic call up for former FEI World Number 1 and multiple 5* winner Tim Price. His partner out here, the dinky, doughnut-loving Falco, already has a 5* title to his name, having won Pau back in 2021 as well as a Team and Individual World Championship medal from Pratoni in 2022. He was set to run at Maryland last year too, but emergency colic surgery put paid to those plans. Happily, his recovery has clearly gone without a hitch, and he is back in the spotlight once again. Although Tim has always seen the potential in this horse Ive never known another horse like him it took a little while for his natural talent to channel itself in entirely the right way. Up util 2021, a run-out or stop cross country would not be out of the question for Falco, but he has become increasingly consistent since then, verifying Tims faith in him. He has never made the same mistake twice, says Tim truly the best way to learn, and to get to the top. With an impeccable show jumping record, last having a rail in 2021, and a natural flair for dressage, Falco Mr. Nice Guy, according to groom Kerryn Edmans has all the ability to bring home an Olympic medal for Team New Zealand and Team Price![RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Caroline Powell and Special Cavalier (NZL) | Groom: Tristan HudsonIt barely seems feasible that this years Badminton winners, Caroline Powell and Special Cavalier Cavvy are heading to Paris as traveling reserve, rather than as one of the main three. Still, Caroline is thrilled to have even been selected for another Olympics: What an honour to represent my country again. I cant wait for the Games. Its always a very special time. This special mare has always shown bags of promise, finishing top 20 at the Le Lion dAngers Seven-Year-Old Young Horse Championships in 2019. She went on to finish fifth in her first 5* at Pau in 2022, seventh at Aachen last year, and sixth at Maryland last year too. That came after an educational first run around Badminton, where she picked up an uncharacteristic 40 penalties and a whole heap of time cross country, although Caroline credits that experience to helping the mare to her victory at the event this year.What Cavvy may lack in experience, her rider makes up for this will be her third Olympics, having made her debut at Beijing in 2008, and contributed to the Kiwi Bronze medal at London in 2012. Both of those team appearances were with the great Lenamore, with whom she also won Burghley in 2010. We may not see Caroline and Cavvy start in Paris, but as she still is reasonably young, perhaps this will be a good warmup for LA in four years time![RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Malgorzada Korycka and Canvalencia (POL) | Groom: Aleksandra SliwinskaAfter representing Poland in the 2022 World Championships and the 2021 European Championships, Malgorzata Gosia Korycka and Canvalencia make their Olympic debut in France. This is a very experienced pair at the 4* level, having stepped up in 2019 and logging 21 starts at the level since then, including multiple Nations Cup appearances. On a great day, this pair can earn a low-30s mark on the flat, and theyre pretty reliable on cross country as well with just a couple of blips on their record to date. Show jumping for this pair can yield a pole or two down, but they have shown their capability of jumping clear, and if Malgorzata can do what she can to get on that optimum time cross country, shell make a strong showing for Poland, who will be wanting to put the what can go wrong, will element of the Tokyo Olympics behind them this weekend. Malgorzata is part of an eventing-centric family, as shes currently engaged to Tokyo Olympian Jan Kaminski. She and Jan operate their Stajnia Kozerki stables just outside of Polands capital, Warsaw.[RETURN TO TOP]Robert Powala and Tosca del Castegno (POL) | Groom: Chiara FabbianiRobert Powala makes his senior eventing squad debut for Poland this weekend with the 11-year-old Tosca del Castengo, whos spent the entirety of her international career under his guidance. Robert will be a handy secret weapon in the final phase, having competed in World Cup competition as a show jumper previously, and for her part, his mare can also produce a clear round on the final day. This pair spent the better part of 2023 ticking off qualifications and gaining mileage in preparation for this selection, collecting three top-10 finishes at the 4* level. They havent historically been the quickest across the country, but they do tend to jump clear and if theres any time to really go for that optimum time, this is it. Robert bases himself in Italy, where he also works as a riding instructor. He said that after he competed in Italy as a junior in 1986, he set a goal to one day move there, and eventually, he did.[RETURN TO TOP]Jan Kaminski and Jard (POL)After a late substitution of Pawel Warszawski, Tokyo Olympian pair Jan Kaminski and Jard have stepped up to the plate. Since their last canter down the Olympic centerline, Jan and Jard (in addition to sounding like a funky band name) have represented Team Poland on several occasions in Nations Cup competition, including Pratoni, Strzegom, and Haras du Pin in 2022, Arville and Jardy in 2023, and Strzegom again this year, where they were unfortunately eliminated after a fall on course. Last years triumph was a win on home soil in the CCIO4*-L at Baborowko, which earned them the spot that ultimately led to this chance to contest in Paris.While not the cleanest record overall we do see a chance at a runout on course, and its more likely than not that well drop at least one pole on the final day Jard has been only improving as time passes. Well likely see a low- to mid-30s dressage and a handful of cross country time, but Jans pure show jumping experience along with some crossed fingers for Jard to avoid the rails may help the Polish team make up for any previous days delays.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Wiktoria Knap and Quintus 134 (POL) | Groom: Michal KnapWiktoria Knap inches closer to her first senior championship, slotting in as the traveling reserve for the Poles with the 14-year-old Quintus 134. Wiktoria competed in Junior European Championships in 2015 and 2017, and has since featured in Nations Cup competition. With Q, whom shes had since the horse was young, shes gained a ton of experience at the 4* level. This pair has a really strong cross country record with just a couple of blips, but show jumping is at least on paper their nemesis when it comes to notching competitive results. With the necessity of potentially two show jumping rounds, and of course the all-important first team show jumping final round, this weakness could have factored into the selectors decision to keep her as a reserve. But should they get called in, particularly for cross country, they will have been preparing and crossing all their ts to ensure they are as best-prepared as they can be if they are needed.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Manuel Grave and Carat de Bremoy (POR) | Groom: Joachim GravePortugal is represented in all three equestrian sports in Paris for the first time since 1960, and Manuel Grave gets the nod in eventing with a last-minute berth due to some switcharoos in qualification. In fact, its been since 2004 that Portugal was represented in eventing, and it was Manuels father, Carlos, who was the rider at those Olympics in Athens, Greece. This weekend, Carlos will act as Manuels coach, making this an exceptionally special weekend for both Portugal and the Grave family. Manuel did his homework, ticking off every qualifier he could get his hands on and accumulating FEI World Ranking points that would help his cause should other individuals in his region fail to obtain their qualifiers. This is just what happened, and Manuel will tell you he was hesitant to believe that all of his hard work had paid off and earned him a trip to Paris.Carat de Bremony came to Manuel from Duarte Seabra, who U.S. readers might recognize as a Portuguese connection to Phillip Duttons Tokyo partner, Z. Manuel describes the horse as not the easiest to ride, but hes courageous and understands his job at this juncture. This pair wont be at the top after dressage with a mid- to high-30s average, but they have proven to be fairly reliable on cross country. Show jumping could prove tricky with two rounds if Manuel finds himself in the top 25, but no matter what, a completion this weekend will be incredibly special for this rider and his home country.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Alexander Peternell and Figaro des Premices (RSA) | Groom: Elinor CapostagnoThis will be British-based Alexanders second Olympics he rode at London in 2012 with Asih, finishing 49th after a legal battle to get his spot at the Games, and he also competed with the horse at the 2014 World Championships, finishing 39th. His nine-year-old Figaro des Premices, or Norman, will make just his 11th FEI start this week, and itll be a learning one with LA on the brain. Theyre putting down mid- to high-30s scores at the moment, but only have cross-country jumping penalties in one of those 10 runs they picked up 60 penalties and retired on course at Bicton CCI4*-S in tough conditions in May, but regrouped to jump clear around Bramhams CCI4*-S in June and Strzegom CCI4*-L the geldings first run at that level later that month. At the moment, theyre not letting the handbrake off on cross-country, and wisely so: this is a young horse with plenty to learn, and Alex is focusing on giving him exposure and an education. Hell get that in spades in Paris, which will be his PhD in being an event horse, and itll be an exciting foundational milestone for all thats to come in the future.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Frida Andersn and Box Leo (SWE) | Groom: Cecilia ForsbergThis will be a second Olympic appearance for Frida: she started at the Rio Olympics in 2016, but sadly had to withdraw her horse, Herta, after the cross country phase. Prior to that, she had represented Sweden at several European Championships, all the way through from Ponies and Young Riders, making her Senior Team debut at the European Championships in Malmo in 2013. She was ninth individually on that occasion, helping the team win their Silver medal. She and Box Leo were part of the World Championship team in Pratoni in 2022 too, and finished best of the team in 17th place with just a rail and time faults to add to her dressage score. Sweden were sixth overall on that occasion, and took the same spot in the final standings at last years Europeans in Haras du Pin, where Frida and Box Leo once again finished within the top 20.Competed up to 4* level with Ludwig Svennerstal, Frida took the reins on Box Leo in 2021, and alongside their Championship appearances, the pair have finished in the top 25 in all of their FEI starts together, including an eighth place at CHIO Aachen last year. Frida, who has degrees in both Dental Hygiene and Sport and Business, spent two years in Germany training with Frank and Sara Algotsson Otsholt before returning home to Sweden. She is now trained by her mother Annki Andersen-Gerdin, and in 2019, she moved to Boxholm to work alongside the breeder, Therese Orup, who bred Box Leo. I like to compete and love to win, Im a really competitive person, she says of herself, and she will be leaving no stone unturned to achieve the best result possible fore both herself and the Swedish Team in Paris.[RETURN TO TOP]Louise Romeike and Caspian 15 (SWE) | Groom: Madeleine BrugmanThis, too, will be a sophomore Olympic appearance for Swedens Louise Romeike. The darling dappled grey Caspian 15, or Tony, has been a rising star for Louise, and shes produced him herself up the levels. He made the step up to the 4* level last year, ending the season with a superb 11th place finish at Boekelo on 34.5 a finishing result which would certainly leave the pair in a fighting position against this years Olympic crowd. Louise was born with horses in her blood; her mother is Swedish team rider Ann-Louise Svensson, and shes married to German eventer Claas Romeike which makes Hinrich Romeike, 2008 Olympic Individual and Team Gold medalist, her father-in-law. Talk about a talented bunch around the dinner table! Louise and Hinrich share ownership of Tony with Dutch eventer Madeleine Brugman, who will groom for Louise in Paris.[RETURN TO TOP]Sofia Sjborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z (SWE) | Groom: Danielle GrahamSofia Sjberg will slot in for her first Olympic Games this year for Sweden, having represented at the 2022 World Championships with this horse. This is another consistent pair for the Swedes, with a very strong cross country record coming into the Games and plenty of experience over designer Pierre Le Goupils tracks in the past. Sofia has the benefit of many years spent training with Olympic champion Michael Jung in Germany. She now bases full-time in the UK, where she benefits from the tutelage of Tim and Jonelle Price as well as dressage rider Laura Tomlinson. Shes also actually got some ties to the U.S. as her mother, Juliet, is American.In terms of recent form, Sofia and Belle focused on 4*-S competition to ready themselves for Paris, and while their dressage scores arent quite competitive yet, they do have the capability to jump clear in both jumping phases. Their contribution to their first Olympic squad should be valuable based on this preparation.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Malin Asai and Golden Midnight (SWE) | Groom: Jenny NilssonAnother member of the Swedish World Championships squad was Malin Asai (ne Josefsson) with the 16-year-old Golden Midnight. She assisted the Swedish in their obtaining of Olympic qualification in Pratoni with a sixth place overall finish, and now she will slot in as the traveling reserve for Paris. They enjoyed a solid trip around the Luhmhlen CCI4*-S as the final prep, and should be a solid option should they be needed to help the team complete in Paris. Malin is half-Japanese and moonlights as a small animal vet, and her family also breeds German Shepherds.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH (SUI) | Groom: Joelle RolleRobin Godel is still only 16, yet he already has six Swiss National Championship titles under his belt and has represented his country more times than most riders twice his age, including at the last Olympic Games. He and Grandeur de Lully CH have been together since 2015, coming through the Young Rider ranks before becoming a firm fixture on the Swiss Senior team, too. Grandeur and I have developed a very strong relationship, Robin says of his 16 year old partner. I must admit at the beginning things were not so easy hes a bit different! But we have built confidence in each other. They have been on the Senior European and World Championship team since 2018, and landed their best championship placing to date at the 2022 World Championships, where they finished in 15th place. Prior to that, they had had back-to-back wins at both the test event in Pratoni and the Nations Cup in Avenches, adding just a fraction of time to their dressage score on both occasions. They have won on their last two outings this year as well, again topping the podium at the Avenches leg of the Nations Cup, and in Strzegom before that. Needless to say, they will be feeling full of confidence heading into Paris, and hopefully this Olympics will have a happier ending for Robin, who tragically lost his horse, Jet Set, after cross country in Tokyo.[RETURN TO TOP]Mlody Johner and Toubleu de Rueire (SUI) | Groom: Catherine GilliozMeldy Johner and Toubleu de Rueire return to the Olympics for their second appearance together, having represented Switzerland in Tokyo where they finished in the top 10 individually. At 17 years old, Toubleu has been a stalwart and consistent campaigner, with just one 20 on his entire FEI record, collected all the way back in 2017. Hes partnered with multiple riders at the top level, including a handful of trips to European Championships, and hes going to be a superb horse to have in the upcoming test this weekend. If Meldy can secure a personal best dressage and sneak into the very low 30s or even the high 20s, shell be set up to make some big climbs up the leaderboard with her ability to go quick and clear across the country.[RETURN TO TOP]Felix Vogg and Dao de lOcean (SUI) | Groom: Claudia WeberIts an exciting time to be Felix Vogg, who brings forward a horse many fans may not recognize compared to his stalwart 5* winner, Colero. But you should be excited about this one as its a top choice for Paris and is certainly a threat for an individual medal this weekend. Felix trains with, among others, German Olympian Bettina Hoy, whos detai-oriented training philosophy truly gets the most out of her students and their horses. All of this prep and diligence has yielded some serious results with this 11-year-old, including a win at the Weisbaden CCI4*-S and a second place at the Avenches leg of the FEI Nations Cup this year. Felix has been very intentional about how hes produced this horse, pushing for time on cross country only in more important events, like Long formats, and nearly always producing a fault-free show jumping. This pair has a decent speed figure on EquiRatings as a result and will be one to watch as Felix sets out on Pierre Le Goupils track.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Nadja Minder and Toblerone (SUI) | Groom: Therese Bischof MinderAs if its not enough that Swiss rider Nadja Minders partner in Paris shares his name with the iconic Swiss chocolate bar Toblerone his stable name is equally as sweet: Schggeli translates as chocolate. So far, so adorable. But according to Nadja, that is where it ends: the 17-year-old Swiss Warmblood is apparently the rascal of the barn, getting up to mischief wherever he can. Still, you can forgive him that given his record to date. He and Nadja have come through the ranks together, competing at both Junior, Young Rider, and Senior Championships together.Although they are the traveling reserve in Paris, they have competed at two Junior and Young Rider European teams, and made their senior debut on the 2022 World Championships Team in Pratoni. That competition did not go according to plan, with an uncharacteristic parting of ways agonizingly close to home, but they redeemed themselves at the European Championships in Haras du Pin last year, finishing 23rd individually and helping the Swiss team to fifth place. With an incredible partnership and an almost-flawless cross country record barring that blip in Pratoni this is just the kind of combination you would want waiting in the wings should anything go wrong for the Team.[RETURN TO TOP]________________________________________________________________________________William Coleman and Diabolo (USA) | Groom: Hailey Burlock and Erin JarboeA last minute swap in sees Will Coleman make his second Olympic appearance and his first since London in 2012 but not with Off The Record as per the original selection. Instead, he brings forward the less-experienced but no less spectacular Diabolo, with whom Will took the Kentucky 4*-S earlier this year. Not only did they win, but they also posted the second lowest finishing score there to date on a 29.9, and were the only pair to complete the course inside the time. Theirs is a relatively new partnership Dab was previously campaigned by Gemma Tinney over in Australia, before the Diabolo Group LLC syndicate joined forces to buy him for Will. We bought the horse last year and I cant thank the people enough who came together to acquire him for me, said Will off the back of his Kentucky win, and admitted that such a result had taken a lot of time and patience, as Dab initially struggled to adjust to life in the Northern Hemisphere. This was the first win for the pair, and although they have finished top ten in all of their international starts together, this was the first time that they had finished on their dressage score. Admittedly, it was only time faults to add on past occasion this horses jumping record is almost impeachable, and even the time faults are not a serious weakness, more a smattering here and there.Their dressage score in Kentucky was a PB, and with the regular input of Ian Woodhead in the first phase, one can only assume that they will be able to put in a repeat performance in Paris. Despite their short time together, Will has already vocalised how highly he thinks of this horse: I think were only just getting started and I really hope that we can just continue to bring him to his full potential Im excited about his future. Dabs who shares his sire, Diarado, with three other Paris bound horses JL Dublin, Hiarado, and Radar Love is the latest superstar to emerge from the Coleman stable, evidence of the formidable team set up there, including Wills additional secret weapon of dressage guru and groundwork master Katie Coleman as well as #supergrooms Hailey Burlock and Erin Jarboe. Together they have established an undeniably a strong, sustainable program that yields incredible results, so while this may be a very last minute and unpredicted shake up of Team USA, it should in no way be considered a dent in their armour.[RETURN TO TOP]Boyd Martin and Fedarman B (USA) | Groom: Stephanie SimpsonIts a very bittersweet Olympics for Boyd and his top horse, Fedarman B, who most will know by now was formerly ridden from his young years by Annie Goodwin before she passed away in a tragic riding accident in 2021. Boyd was asked by Annies family to take the reins on Bruno, and truth be told he wasnt sure it was the right horse for him in the beginning, as he struggled to gel with the Dutch Warmblood gelding. Boyd admitted he might have moved the horse up too soon to Advanced and paid the price with some costly eliminations and penalties along the way, so he took things back a few steps and focused on establishing more trust. The time spent paid off, and after winning the 2022 Grand-Prix Eventing Festival in Aiken, there was no looking back.Since then, Fedarman B has become one of the most consistent horses in the U.S., finishing in the top 10 in his first 5* at Luhmhlen in 2023 and (touch wood) not having a pole down in FEI competition. Boyd says hes still yet to have the perfect dressage test with this horse, who still can score in the mid- to low-20s on a strong day, but hes got an excellent not-so-secret weapon in wife Silva Martin, a Grand Prix dressage rider in her own right who spends a lot of time helping Boyd with his horses and riding them herself, as well as help on the ground from Germanys Bettina Hoy, who was on hand in the U.S. training camp for some additional fine-tuning. Boyd also rides regularly with show jumping Olympian Peter Wylde, whose quiet way of encouraging horses to jump well has served Boyd incredibly well over recent seasons. Bruno is adjustable and rideable, which will come in handy on cross country, and theyd be ones to bet on to deliver two clear rounds on medal day.[RETURN TO TOP]Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake (USA) | Groom: Chloe TeahanIf youve ever heard anything about HSH Blake, chances are youve also heard the word unicorn alongside. Sourced as a young horse from Ireland by Caroline Pamukcus longtime business partner and friend Kelley Hutchinson, Blake was always a special horse for the future. Incidentally though, in his first U.S. event Caroline invited some other riders and potential owners to watch the horse, only to fall off in the show jumping! Despite the funny start, this pair has done nothing but succeed since then, steadily ticking off the boxes including traveling overseas for the Young Horse World Championships at Le Lion dAngers, where they finished 10th, and Strzegoms Nations Cup leg, where Team USA won Silver.Blakes lighter on 4* experience to be sure, having run just one 4*-L (which he won, of course), but this can actually be a boon on a team that will be able to use a young horse with fresh legs for the grueling jumping challenge. An Individual Gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games helped to solidify Carolines shot at her first Olympics, and despite losing a shoe on cross country in Kentuckys 4*-S this spring, she still managed a fast clear and a fifth-place finish to seal the deal. Caroline is a busy gal, operating a bustling import and sales business in the U.S. while also competing her long string of horses.[RETURN TO TOP]Traveling Reserve: Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker (USA) | Groom: Abby StegerYou really have to feel for Liz Halliday, who takes her place as traveling reserve with Nutcracker, who wouldnt have been our guess for her Paris horse at the beginning of the year. But this is Olympic selection and the U.S. is lucky at this juncture to have depth on multiple riders strings, and Bali demonstrated his readiness by finishing just off the podium in his first 5* at Kentucky this spring. Liz is a former racecar driver whos done races such as the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, making her a consummate athlete and competitor who knows exactly how to channel her energy into competitive success. Shell also be a strong supporter in the wings for the U.S. team and has extensive experience in overseas and team competition to draw on for what is always a very tricky mental challenge in the role she has.Nutcracker stands as a very competitive horse, one whos been with Liz since his young horse years, and hes been sensibly produced and really come into his own as he became a confirmed 4*, and now 5*, horse. It speaks a lot to the depth of the U.S. right now to have a rider of Lizs caliber and qualification on the bench, as she could have easily been a team member had the cards fallen just a little differently.[RETURN TO TOP]#Paris2024:[Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers][How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]

An overhead view of how Pierre le Goupils Olympic track will criss-cross the canal and avenues of the Versailles estate.Theres nothing quite like designing an Olympic cross-country course. Firstly, it has to slot into a tract of land thats rarely or never hosted the sport before; secondly, it has to be friendly enough to allow less experienced nations to have a chance of completing, while also testing the big guns and providing a spectacle to represent the sport. And, on the world stage, safety and horse welfare become even more important than ever.But Paris 2024s course designer, Pierre le Goupil, who also designed last years tough European Championships track, isnt buckling under the pressure hes relishing it. And along the way, hes allowing himself to be surprised, too.One of the biggest surprises on unpacking the gorgeous, beautifully-built course today is how much space there actually is to open up the stride and gallop on. Wed all been expecting a much tighter, twistier, more intensive track, because it uses a reasonably compact area to get the job done but even Pierre was pleasantly surprised at how much usable space he had to play with once he got his boots on the ground for the first of his fifty or so site visits over the last couple of years.When I first heard about the cross country being here, I said, Ah its going to be flat. Straight lines. Crooked, very sharp turns, nothing to play with, and its totally different. Theres a lot of things to play with, he says.And so, rather than a go-kart track of a course, its something a little bit different more, perhaps, akin with a Luhmhlen-style course, though held at championship level, which is effectively a short CCI4*-L, rather than five-star. And in the unusually short time Pierres had the role he was given it in 2022, rather than straight off the back of the delayed Tokyo Olympics, as would usually be the case hes set to work to maximise the space as best he can, while also managing the estates need to continue allowing tourists on site and to protect its heritage trees and flora.On first walk, it doesnt, perhaps, read as a hugely difficult track but then, maybe thats just right. We saw a not-hugely-difficult track exert huge influence at the World Championships in 2022, particularly for very experienced five-star horses, who werent, perhaps, quite as rideable with nothing enormous to back them off. Could that kind of influence be exerted again here? Could Pierre, whose difficult Europeans course last year took many by surprise, have a few tricks up his sleeve here? Lets give it a walk and see.THE ESSENTIAL INFOOptimum time:9:18Length:5300mFences:28Efforts:45There might be hustle and bustle and excitement around the main stadium, but the first fence on course takes us well away from that a solid twenty minute walk, in fact, into the spectacular woods of Versailles. Its a lovely spot to start, not just because its so peaceful, but because its socool, too. Its hot though not stiflingly so here in Paris, and the humidity is pretty high, but when you find yourself in the avenues, nestled underneath the estates ancient trees, its absolutely perfect, and ideal for intensive sport.Fence 1: a straightforward ramped table that gets horses and riders off to a confidence-boosting start.As with all courses, the Olympic course uses the first few fences to settle horses and riders into a rhythm and allow them to get some confidence-building airtime. And so these first few fences arent particularly big, nor are they complicated theyre a warm welcome into the most important cross-country roundof each horse and riders life.Theres no forgetting youre at the Games, though: fence one features the Olympic rings on the take-off side, as well as the Olympic motto, Citius, Altius, Fortius or Faster, Higher, Stronger. That motto was actually used for the first time back at Paris 1924, and one hundred years later, it still feels like the perfect summary of this phase. As another thoughtful decoration, the fence is made to look as though its flanked with laurel wreaths which does give it a sort of owlhole effect that should encourage riders to tackle it positively so their horses dont take a peek.An Olympic start.The second fence is a ramped timber oxer, decorated with oversized workmans tools a nod to the hard work of the course builders here, who have definitely had their chisels out creating some incredible artwork across this track.As I like to say all the time, designers are not as good as builders, says Pierre. If they dont have proper skilled builders, they cant achieve what they want. So this is important, and builders never have enough recognition. We always talk about the designers, but its very important to be able to rely on high level of skills, and as you can see we have them.The idea, he continues, first came about after the fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the flurry of skilled rebuilding thats been taking place there ever since ahead of its reopening in December.Fence 2.A massive hammer? No problem. This fence is clear, and friendly, and equipped with MIM clips for added safety just in case someone has a bad shot to it, which they shouldnt though sometimes the first three fences are where those little mistakes get ironed out.The distinctive avenues of the Versailles estate.The first galloping stretch on course comes between fences two and three, and keeps competitors under the cover of those cooling trees. Somehow, this still doesnt feel like just another event, or just another field, or just another bit of woodland Versailles trees and avenues are so distinctive, and so revered, that it feels a bit like stepping into centuries worth of history.If these trees could talk, muses EN head honcho Sally, I wonder what stories theyd have to tell?Theyd probably, we decide, say a thing or two about guillotines.Fence 3.Then, after a long straight run, fence 3 appears. Its a table, which could be jumped straight on or at an angle, depending on how much set-up a rider feels their horse still needs. Also notable here, though, is the unjumpable fence decoration on the approach thatll impact the choices riders can make on their line, but it also gives them the chance to be watched over by a carved peacock. Delightful!A closer look at fence 3.Were starting to see a bit more dimension now, and this opportunity to jump on an angle is also a great chance to sharpen up ahead of the combinations to come.Fence 4.Theres one more single fence to jump before well get to that first combination, and its a classic eventing question. The ditch and brush at 4 isnt quite the same sort of spectacle as, say, the capacious and terrifying Cottesmore Leap at Burghley, but its still a fence that requires a positive, forward ride and a galloping approach. That a fence like this comes just after an angled option is no accident: that progression allows riders to ensure they can adjust the canter and go from a more accurate ride to a more attacking one. Once they find themselves in the thick of a combination, they made need to switch between those approaches in quick succession, so this is a way to ensure that all the gears are in place.Fence 5ABC and 6AB (the pale, skinny fountain fence in the back middle of the photo.)Theres a shorter galloping stretch that takes us out of the woods and into the striking open vista of the first water, which is situated in one of Versailless historic fountains one thats been reinvented to become a horse-friendly complex. It retains an amphitheatre-style historic seating area, which adds some serious gravitas to the scene, and xxThis actually wasnt where Pierre had originally intended to place the first combination on course but the logistics of placing the start and finish, he says, meant that the course had to start a little bit later in the reserved area, and so as a compromise, hes made sure to keep this water friendly and inviting.It begins with a log drop into the water (5A), after which our competitors will pop a left-handed brush corner in the water itself (5B). Then, theyll cruise out of the water up a step (5C), and then head to a skinny, angled, MIM-clipped fountain fence (6AB). Its all about putting the pieces of the puzzle together sensibly here each element is dimensionally friendly and theres plenty of space between them to plan a line, and theres options, too, in case of any difficulties, including a long route that has two efforts at 6AB rather than one as in the direct route.Its the first combination, so it comes quite early on the course. But this is also why its not massive for four-star, explains Pierre. At this level we could have had something a little bit tougher, but the technicality will stay the same. When you work on a project like that, the first thing to consider is where do you start from, where do you do the warm up, and the terrain. I would have liked to start earlier, but that would have been where is now the cooling area. I would have liked to have maybe 500 meters more and maybe have a combination where we have the [undergrowth] over there. But we went to a compromise. For the moment, nobody has complained so far!Fence 7A.The first three combinations on course come up in very quick succession, and after making it through the water, our competitors will head back into the woodland via an entry point at 7A a step up onto a pretty sharp incline. Then, theyll head straight to 7B, an angled white birch upright.Fence 7B.This is the straight route, but there is a slow option here thats another collapsible birch rail, but jumped in the other direction, and riders will need to be careful of the route they choose so that they dont cross behind the fence (that is, on the landing side) on their way to present to it. Further defining their route is a set of carved wooden animals guarding the centre of this copse. Most should go straight here.Fence 8.Theres options, too, at fence eight, a wide, brush-topped bench with some cushions on it that look like they might have been nicked from Marie Antoinettes bedroom in the palace. Theres a left-handed one and a right-handed one, and nothing notably different between the two the choice made here will simply come down to the line the rider wants to place themselves on. This fence comes after one of the most significant galloping stretches on the course and will be best tackled out of the forward, positive stride that riders have set in the lead-up to it.Fence 9.Theyll land running from 8 and maintain their pace for another reasonable stretch, after which theyll meet this wide, timber oxer, which still needs to be ridden positively but must be set up for properly, because its big, imposing and MIM-clipped, so a tidy effort will be key here. Its a simple fence made visually striking by the little sea of wildflowers framing it.Just a little view from the Versailles summer house, darling.This oxer needs to be used quite tactically: weve just finished a fast minute with lots of galloping and not much jumping, and then its just a short run on to the next combination fence, so by moderating the approach and ensuring their horses are listening, our competitors will put themselves in good shape to adjust again soon.Fence 10A.The next combination is the second water complex, which is jam-packed with options, and so horses and riders alike will need to be focused and committed to find their line and pick their way through. Any discombobulation, and a horse might be so busy wondering which fence is his next one that he drives by his intended route without even seeing it. First, theyll jump this big bridge, which is set on a serious angle over a wide open ditch.Fence 10BC.Then, theyll pick their route of choice though the water, the fastest of which will see the jump into the drink over a broad-armed skinny brush, and then up, out, and over a right-handed brush-topped corner.The numbering here is very friendly, mind you theres a lot of options to mix and match without getting into trouble over missing or doubling up on a lettered fence, and theres even an open ditch option if that angled bridge doesnt appeal.Heres another look at that direct route into the water, which utilises a visually impactful style of brush fence that weve been seeing more and more frequently over the last couple of seasons.This third of the course is really the gallop-y area, and from 10ABC, we get another little pipe-opener before completing the loop.Fence 11 and 12.Then, theyll meet a pair of hefty tables, styled as a desk and a bookcase, which sit on a left-handed turn on a related distance. Theyll be able to make a few of their own decisions here, because theres enough space to go wide and jump both elements straight on, or they could take a more economical line and save a couple of valuable seconds by allowing for more of an angled effort.Fence 13AB.The next galloping run takes us back into the cool, calm, and quiet of the woods, and when we re-emerge, we find ourselves right on the edge of the Grand Canal, dotted for now with visitors soaking up the sunshine in rowboats. But even if we dont see rowboats on the water come Sunday, we certainly get them here two of them, in fact, overturned and decorated with oars, half built and half a skeleton, once again paying tribute to master craftsman. These both sit on an angle, and as the riders tackle them, theyll be able to see the grandstand in the distance, urging them on.Fence 14.Theyll continue to follow the Canal around to its left arm, and as they turn, theyll leap over a huge picnic table dressed in gingham. Then, theyll hang a right and take the first pontoon crossing on the course.What has been [the determining factor] for the choice of that final track was where we start, where we arrive, and do we go across the Grand Canal twice, once, or not at all? says Pierre. Everybody wanted to go across the Grand Canal twice, but then you have money issues, technical issuesFinally, everybody wanted to go twice, especially the broadcasters.The temporary pontoons were trialled at last summers test event with great success, and are immovable and dressed with arena surface and, in the very unlikely case that someone jumps over the side of one and ends upinthe Canal, a trained rescue team, who underwent drills at the test event, is on hand to safely guide horse and rider back out.Crossing the first of the Versailles pontoons.Safely across the Canal, competitors dip, momentarily, back into the woodland to tackle the combination at fence 15 and 16ABCD. The first fence is an open ditch with a lip on the take-off side that has horses landed on uphill ground, on which theyll nip up to the top of a mound and make a decision between a left- or right-handed route.Fence 15.The left-handed route is made up of a drop (16A) to two brush skinnies (16B and 16CD), while the right-handed route has two drops (16A and 16BC) and a single brush skinny (16D), which is on the inside line and therefore a touch quicker, though theres not a huge amount in it, so riders can pick their route based on their horses strengths.The drops at 16, as viewed from the landing side.Its not very difficult. The problem is its really much a test for the rider, says Pierre. He needs to be solid on his feet, elastic, fluid, and he needs to go with the horse, but stay balanced, exactly right in the saddle. So a step like that at this level is not a problem. But you still need to stay on your feet and you have the ditch, and you have a skinny there, so they can go left, they can go right. They need to be fast. But it isa very safe combination, and its spectacular. I dont know, I love that fence!Skinnies galore at 16ABCD.The next pontoon crossing is the pontoon crossing the one that runs our competitors directly across the heart of the Grand Canal, with the Chteau de Versailles sunbathing alongside in all its glory.There. She. Is.At this point, were past the halfway point of the course and snaking back towards the grandstands once again. On our way there, where well find the feature water jump, well first meet fence 17AB, which is a double of offset angled brushes with picket fencing in front of them.Fence 17AB.Then, its a right-handed turn into the woods, where we find fence 18 one of the most visually striking jumps on course. Its a cordwood pile shaped like a stags head, with antlers stretching up to the heavens.Fence 18.Fences 19 and 20 are separately numbered but the same profile of fence on a related distance. These big, beefy woodpiles will give a great feeling and demand a powerful jumping effort.Fence 19.Fence 20.Theres a decent galloping stretch on this surprisingly open track before the combination at 21ABCD, which is actually a three-effort fence. On the direct route, this begins with an airy upright at 21AB, followed by a sharp downhill approach to a brush skinny at 21C. Then, theyll jump another brush skinny at 21D. Again, cognisant of the fact that he has developing riders and nations here as well as major heavy-hitters, Pierre has given options though the lettering means that no mixing and matching of routes can be done.The Czech riders and support team walk the line from 21AB down to 21C.The next galloping stretch winds competitors out of the woods and spits them out at the far end of the Grand Canal, in the shadow of the huge grandstands at the main arena. They wont be entering the arena itself on this track, but the next couple of fences allow them to come very close to it. First, theyll jump a beefy treasure chest at fence 22, before looping directly in front of the stadium to enter the water complex at 23ABCD.Fence 22.The first element of this water complex is a log drop in, facing towards the grandstand, which is followed by a brush fence in the water, marked as 23BC. Once on dry land again, theyll jump an open oxer at 23D. Theres a number of alternative options here to replace various fences within this complex.The water complex at 23ABCD.The view of the complex from the other side.The best method, Pierre says, is to jump that log drop on the left-hand side, giving enough space on the landing side to arc out the right-handed turn to the brush in the water, which is perpendicular to the log. We could see that final corner playing an influence even without tonnes of terrain here, horses will be starting to tire at this late stage, and its a wide, big effort equipped with sensitive yellow MIMs.Then, its a left-handed turn and a pop over fence 24, a dimensionally imposing elephant trap.Fence 24.Now, were heading back down the side of the canal once again en route to the finish but theres still a few more key fences to jump before we get there. Fence 25 is a brush fence thatll be jumped on an angle to create a solid line to its twin at fence 26.Fence 26.Continuing straight along the canal edge, we then come to fence 27, an upright, bright white representation of the IOC headquarters, framed by a nod to the Hollywood sign and Pariss successor, the LA Olympics in 2028.Fence 27.And from there, the finish is in sight all our competitors will need to do is pop over 28, a house emblazoned with the French motto, Libert, Egalit, Fraternit. Add in a bit of cross-countr and weve got ourselves a deal, France.Fence 28.In all seriousness, though, this is the moment where dreams come true whether those dreams are a clear inside the time and a shot at a podium finish, or a completion in an Olympic debut, and the extraordinary rush of making it here will be something beyond words.Pierre, as course designer, is so conscious of those varying goals and wins within his field, and has had the tough job of designing a track that tests the best while nurturing and educating the developing horses, riders, and nations in the field.If you compare with the European Championships [which he designed last year], there may be more difference between the strongest team and the less strong, or some individual who has less experience, which means that we need to give a chance for everybody, he says. In terms of safety or respect, there needs to be an opportunity for everybody to achieve, but still be testing enough. I think the new format with three riders only in the team, and the possibility of changing, itsnot clear for everybody what is going to happen. How can you react, including for the Chef dEquipe? What has to be the strategy, what instruction to give to the first riders, the second, the third. You can decide to play it safe, but can you win like that? So having multiple options I will say, this is why some of them are very much longer and a bit more easy, because if its not lower, you still have a question, but you have more time between the question, so it gives more chance to achieve it. We know that its very important.Its more important here than in the Europeans, for example, where the density of the level of the teams is a little bit different, he continues. I had the experience of the Pan American Games last year, which was important too, because this was really, really what was at stake, and I have been briefed very seriously about that. And its always a team effort. So working with experienced Technical Delegatess and listening I mean, thats the way you learn, and Im still learning. This is the most important year to find the right balance. Even if you can never tell what is going to happen, depending on the weather condition, and you dont know the riders; you dont know necessarily their last achievements. And doing that in a venue that has never hosted any competition, in a venue that is, like Versailles, with all the constraints, all the factors economical, touristic, environmental. Every decision, every step needs to be considered from many different angles. Its been a tremendous experience.#Paris2024:[Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers][How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]