Where it begins. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Oo la la baguette! The Olympic cross country has got the riders pumped and ready for action.There are the usual discussion points: the weather, more specifically the incessant rain that drenched dressage day; the ground, because of said rain; the time, because, If youre not thinking youre late when you leave the start box, youre not going to be making the time.One thing the riders all agree on is that the course is totally stunning the most beautifully-built cross country course dressage leader and record-breaker Laura Collett has ever seen. Pierre le Goupils designed a creative, fair and flowing, impressive track the perfect mix for an Olympic Games.Check out all the fences for yourself in Tillys course preview.Whos gonna say I love it? Who thinks people may be feeling a little too unsuspecting? Whos 100 percent ready to go and give it a crack? Is Chris Burton back for good? Find out all this, and more besides, straight from the horses mouth, so to speak#Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage] Laura Collett and London 52 17.5 1stOlympic record breakers Laura Collet and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Theres lots of [fences] that need a lot of respect. The water at the top of the hill has a lot of options, and theres a fence jumping into water [the horses] have not really seen before with the shape of it. Its gonna come up very quickly because its at the top of a long pull up a hill. To be honest, I think its as tough any other cross country course. Youve got to be on your A game from start to finish, and youre not home until youve gone through the finish flags.Ive been walking it every day since Wednesday; its the most beautifully-built cross country course I think Ive ever seen. It gives it a really nice feel because you want to get out there and attack it, and Im looking forward to the pictures afterwards. Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH 17.8 2ndMichael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I really like the course, its a super nice build. Every fence is very nicely built and the gallop track is so nice. Im really looking forward to tomorrow. I think the rain is good for the ground before, I thought maybe its a bit hard somewhere, but we will see tomorrow. We [do not] have not much experience here. We will know tomorrow after maybe 20 to 30 horses, but my feeling is that cross country will be amazing tomorrow.I really try to concentrate to give the same feeling to my horse like at every other competition. It doesnt work all the time, but I try to ride him to the same feeling with him, the same fun with him, to enjoy and let him gallop We need to stay concentrated. We need to do everything 100% perfect. But I try not to give the horse a feeling that its something special to make him more nervous. Christopher Burton and Shadow Man 22 3rd=Chris Burton and Shadow Man. Photo by Tilly Berendt.We have to go clear first, and Pierre has built a really tough track out there, so weve got to do our job. Weve got to keep our head in the game and stay focused step by step. Luckily for me, hes got a real turn of foot, so well do what we can do.I think parts of the ground actually needed [the rain]. I think now it might be a bit skatey, I hope by tomorrow it dries out a bit and it might be good going we will wait and see.[We asked him if hes back for good?] Stop asking difficult questions! We will see. Do you want to buy him for me?! Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof 22 3rd=Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne Van Bareelhof. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think its an absolute masterpiece technically and aesthetically, its stunning. I think the weather is going to play a big role; well see how much it dries up tomorrow with a bit of sunshine. I think the time is going to play [its part] the big boys and girls in the big nations, I think, will breeze around, but the rest of us have got to have a pretty good go. Felix Vogg and Dao de lOcean 22.1 5thFelix Vogg and Dao de lOcean. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Its the prettiest course I ever seen I think its maybe a little bit too pretty. Everyone feels comfortable. If you have the line, you maybe forget a little bit to ride, but I think thats where it gets you. If you are not really focused and riding like it is a cross country, I think it will be tough. The time I cannot say, youll see after first riders. Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo 23.4 6thRos Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Plenty to jump, plenty of places where youve just got to be on your game the whole way around. The time is going to be a big factor, of course, and thats where mistakes creep in. Ive got a plan, Im open to that plan changing, but Im going to try and stay in my bubble. Ive got a fantastic team around me and hopefully we can get the job done tomorrow. Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park 25.7 9th=Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think its great compared to what I expected. Ive never been here before, but its a bit more strong than I expected, and more undulating. Theres a lot of terrain theyre not huge hills, but theres a lot of terrain everywhere, testing that you can keep your horse balanced going uphills and downhills and the water jumps are all pretty strong. I think [Pierres] done the most wonderful job designing it that it feels certainly to walk like it has a lot of flow to it. It doesnt feel twisty to walk. I think its got beautiful flow [and] the jumps are great. I think it should be well suited to our team. Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress 25.7 9th=Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly Temptress. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think its a lovely track, beautifully built. Now with this rain, I dont think it will be heavy, but it probably will be quite slippery and you know speed with slippery ground is never ideal. I think mistakes probably will come, but hopefully not. Thats my guess, because especially under the trees, is very squashy. Tim Price and Falco 26.5 12thTim Price and Falco. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Its a proper challenge. This rain that has been quietly falling all day, I think its probably going to have a bit of a toll on the ground; well see if that plays into the advantage of the Kiwis or not. Weve got good cross country horses and its a great course, beautifully presented, some nice big, open gallops, and then some very difficult patches as well. Seems like there are options everywhere its always like that at Games, isnt it? Mark Phillips, I remember, having ABCDE and things like that, but once you get your head around it, you can see why the options are there. I wouldnt say that the options are Get Out of Jail Free cards anywhere though; theres still a challenge in those. But theres the obvious straight routes, a few options, and its just our job to make a good plan to know whats important in terms of results, and ride the horse underneath you. Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes 26.6 13th=Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des Melezes. Photo by Tilly Berendt.[I dont watch] too many [riders before cross country]. Ive got my plans and I think there are no so strange things that you have to see. Normally its about the horse, because there are no lines that you say, I do that or I do the opposite I think its quite clear. The time will be difficult. I have to be focused on not looking around me. I have to be focused on my plans and my course and dont get butterflies. Karin Donkers and Liepheimer Vant Verahof 26.6 13th=Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Vant VerahoIts very fairly built, the cross country fences are clear I think the horses will read it well. When I walked it, I felt very Woah [its] a lot of fences you really have to know your lines very well in case of something going wrong. You definitely have to pay really good attention. Good riding, being prepared its definitely not going to be a dressage show.Its a nine minute course, but I think they have the maximum fences allowed, so that makes it already tight enough. Lots of combinations, a lot of choices you have to make, in combination with the crowds the people always make it extra tense and more difficult to ride. I think it will be tough enough to go around clear and in the time. Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21 26.9 15thJulia Krajewski and Nickel 21. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Its impressive as always, beautifully presented. Everything is being asked; I think you actually cannot say its in any way easy [or] to be underestimated. The course is very clever. I think if you ride forward and brave and have an honest horse, you probably will do well. Elisabeth Halliday and Nutcracker 28 19thLiz Halliday and Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think its beautifully presented; its a gorgeous course. I think its difficult, its tough. Theres definitely some five-star questions on the track, but everythings been built in a way thats fair. I think the distances are there to be ridden. Theyve worked incredibly hard on the ground already out there today, theyre spreading gravel and doing everything they can. Its very impressive, what theyve presented us with here. Its a its a joy to be able to be here. Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH 29.1 20thRobin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think its a very beautiful course. The time will be very difficult, and now with the rain, the ground will be softer, so it makes the time even more difficult. Im very happy with the jumps and we are very confident with my horse; it is our [best] discipline. I will try to be in the time I know that hes not the fastest horse but I can take the turns sharp.There are a lot of combinations that we have to be careful at, but I think the most difficult one technique-wise is at the end the last water because the angle is not so easy to ride and its [at] the end, after eight minutes; we have to pay attention. Also, when the horse is a bit tired and long, we have to react and be ready. Christoph Wahler and Carjatan S 29.4 21stChristoph Wahler and Carjatan S. Photo by Tilly Berendt.It is absolutely beautiful; the way its designed and everything, its outstanding. We will have to wait and see, with the rain, whether that will affect the ground maybe, or not, because I think theyve done loads and loads of work already over the last two years to prepare the ground. Nobody knows well have to find out, and I think Julia [Krajewski] has the best possible option to find out and give us the best of information on how we can react. Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake 30.4 25thCaroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Its easy to make a mistake at any jump. Every jump is hard because either theyre under shadows, the design of the jump, the terrain there is no give away jump. Even with the footing now, with all this rain, its beautiful turf, but it is new turf in some places, so its quite easy to slip. I was fortunate to run around Tryon because I feel like its the same sort of terrain and it has similar bridges, which is great for America, to have another course of [preparation] for this. But its not gonna be easy, and if other people are saying its easy no way.I think its a fantastic course. If I compare it to Tokyo, its slightly different with the ideas and questions, but I think it very cleverly opens you out. Theres galloping areas its not just twisty but then I actually think at the end, thats when youre going to slightly get caught out. Theres lots of twists and turns, not just the fences, but obviously the land as well, and actually, I do see the time being quite tight. I see it riding quite intense a little bit like a nine-minute Luhmhlen type of idea. I sort of see that as a comparison, really. Its a great course, really well designed, beautiful.Like all cross country courses, its actually sort of a state of flow. If you can get the flow and the idea of the course, then it should go [well]. Sometimes you can get away with something that looks quite simple, but will catch you up later. For me, I think a big question and I think its a big jump in [is] the direct route up at the second water, the highest point of the course thats tough. I think theres a few different questions elsewhere. I think its accumulation you can build the easiest course in the world, but its the Olympics and people will make some mistakes with the pressure. Boyd Martin and Fedarman B 30.5 26thBoyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Its a hell of a course out there, but I feel like my horse is tailor-made for this sort of track. Ive just got to stay switched on for every jump, every stride. Ive got complete belief in Bruno in the cross country hes ready to go. Every jump counts, every moment counts. You can learn a bit by watching some of the others and getting feedback. But then this rain, the ground will be a bit ripped up, and that could be an extra challenge going later.I think I have just got to work at obviously going flat out, but then trying to keep him settled in the first mile. Thats when he gets really fired up and so Ive got to try and ride him fast but calm at the beginning. I think that theres tough combinations the whole way around. Theres nothing I see out there that we cant do, but theres a lot of jumps you could have a mistake at.ve got confidence that were going to get through it well, but by no means am I going to be losing concentration til I get through the finish flags. I think Ive made a couple of mistakes in the past at this level, by going too fast and flying jumps and then getting caught out by not not getting him back to the correct speed on a few of the accuracy fences. So thats my moment that I have got to concentrate on.I rode a bit out on the cross country this morning, and it [the ground] felt fantastic. There will be parts underneath the trees that will get muddy, but the bulk of the course will be fantastic. It should be fun. Jonelle Price and Hiarado 30.8 27thJonelle Price and Hiarado. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think Pierre has done a fantastic job. Its not an easy brief, I dont think, building an Olympics where youve got the worlds best combinations, and then youve got some of the lesser [established] nations as well, but I think hes done a really good job. Theres some things we havent really seen before hes been creative. Its got to be fast and clear theres a reason Im out first for the Kiwis! Well, theres only one Olympics I havent gone out first, so [its] pretty standard practice and I actually quite like being done early.[In] the third minute, I think the key is youve got to be as conservative as you can you look at the second minute, I think theres seven jump efforts. Number one, you could be cruising quite happily; you could come out at minute two, and find yourself 10 seconds down, and then theres not going to be a whole lot of places to catch it up. I think its going to be about minimizing the damage in those busy patches. Austin OConnor and Colorado Blue 31.7 28thAustin OConnor and Colorado Blue. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I certainly wouldnt get lulled into a false sense of security with the man thats designing it. He [Pierre] is a very, very clever course designer fair, but clever. Its quite intense; nine minutes is going to be quick. I think itll be good safe ground, but its certainly going to be on the softer side. Janneke Boonzaaijer and Champ de Tailleur 31.9 29thJanneke Boonzaaijer and Champ de Tailleur. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think its really friendly for the horses. It has a lot of questions, but [is] also quite readable so if you ride well, its really good to do, but if you make a mistake, then youll have a run out. I think thats really clever. With the options, its maybe a little bit longer or you can do what suits your horse. I think the time will be hard. For sure, were gonna try and chase it, but in the back of our heads and minds, we want to do it safe as well. Im gonna say I love it. Its really nicely built, nice details, and in this garden, its amazing. Peter Flarup and Fascination 32.4 30th=Peter Flare-up and Fascination. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The first time I saw [the cross country course], I thought, Oh, this is too much they really squeezed it to the highest level. But after walking it a few times, I think it looks more doable. I have the feeling that if you get out of the start box with a good, positive feeling, and you can get that into your horse, I think they will fly around. But if you start having concerns at the beginning of the course, then its going to be tough.I know its a 4* course, but you cannot be closer to a 5*. The distance is only nine minutes but you have the same amount of fences [as over a longer course], and that makes it really compact. One, two, three, four are really nice, and gets them going, and hopefully that makes them more positive for the rest [of the course]. Its really nicely built, and Im looking forward to riding it. When we walked [it] yesterday, it was already a little bit slippery in places, but Im quite sure they will fix it, I have no concern about that; Im quite sure that we are in really good hands [and] they will do the best they can. Rafael Mamprim Losano and Withington 32.4 30th= View this post on InstagramA post shared by Rafael Losano & Amanda Brieditis (@r_a.equestrian)Id love to ride cross country on that course. Absolutely, 100 percent ready to go and give it a crack. I think its big we are at an Olympic Game, so thats exactly what we expected and Im sure theres lots of room to go wrong. We need to walk it five, six times make sure weve got a plan A. Its only nine minutes, but I think its gonna ride pretty fast. Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard Casanova 33.3 33rd=Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard Casanova. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.To be honest, I dont think much about [the order.] Going first or last, its about the same for me. Of course, if you go last, its good for you. You can watch some and then that helps a bit, but we walked the course many times, we have a plan and it doesnt change much. Sofia Sjborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z 33.3 33rd=Sofia Sjborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z. Photo by Tilly Berendt.It looks really nice. Theres a few tough questions at the end, just where they jump in and dont know whats coming until quite late. If youve got a bit of a tired horse, a mentally tired horse, then you just have to really make sure that you show them where theyre meant to be going and you help them as much as possible. It looks testing, but it looks fair, and itll be hunting down the clock.It is very mental. I think the horses dont get many rests, because even though theres a few galloping parts, I think theyre always turning in the woods, out of the woods. I think they will need a few breaths around there to carry on. Shane Rose and Virgil 34.6 38thShane Rose and Virgil. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think there are some some really strong elements to it. I think the time could be could be tight as well; it does flow a little better than perhaps we thought, but I think the first couple of minutes certainly that second minute is going to take a lot of time and a lot of thought process to get through. Overall, I think its definitely stronger than Tokyo. It seems quite similar, potentially, to Rio. Certainly in that second minute, there are a lot of influential fences that are going to shape the way the competition runs, and then you need a bit of force at the end of the course to negotiate the last couple of lines. Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS 35.4 43rd=Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I am pumped. I cannot wait to leave the start box on that horse, like from start flags to finish flags. It is game on. I am so excited to take her out there tomorrow. Normally Im the pathfinder at these things, so having the ability to just watch some of the key combinations to see how the flow goes, see how the striding is, see how the horses are interpreting the different jumps out there, is going to be a huge advantage before leaving a start box tomorrow.The course designer is brilliant. What he has set up out there is next level, hes just put so much thought into it into the design and to the layout, using the terrain. Its pretty exceptional to walk around a course like that. From the start flags to the finish, theres not going to be any letting up out there, or youre going to be having time faults. It feels like a four-star short over nine minutes. Its a lot of jumping efforts in a short space with a lot of turns. If youre not thinking youre late when you leave the start box, youre not going to be making the time. Karl Sleazak and Hot Bobo 35.8 46th=Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Im looking forward to seeing how [teammate] Mike [Winter] has a good go out there, but Im optimistic. It looks like a great course. I think that you have got to get their focus early, but then it opens up and we can fly.I was never concerned about coming here, because it is the Olympics. You just put your heart and soul into it, and so you come out of the [start] box hard. I think itll be good for [Hot Bobo] and it will be good for me to get focused in on the job right away.Certainly, you are going to be slow at the beginning, but there are some stretches where there are only one or two fences, so there are opportunities to catch up a little bit. I do think its going to be difficult [to get the time]. I dont think its going to be easy, but I am curious to see. We will see after the first few horses.I like to have my plan and stick with it. Obviously, if things are going haywire out there I will adjust it, but for the most part, I like to stick to my plan and not get too too focused on whatever anyone else is doing. Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Wundermaske 37.7 51stRonald Zabala Goetschel and Forever Young Wundermaske. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I think maybe five or six riders will make the time, but the question is will those horses be sound the next day? You have to plan and see; you need to know your horse well. I know that people will be like, I can make the time, but I think they will be surprised the next day. This is a challenging course its not hilly, but its challenging. Theres new grass in some areas, so the roots will not be long enough, so here we need to use bigger studs besides, its been raining a lot. Carlos Parro and Safira 37.7 51st=Carlos Parro and Safira. Photo by Tilly Berendt.When I first walked it, I thought it was nice I thought it was really jumpable. Then the more you walk it, the more you see problems that could occur, but shes jumped the level before. I think this course, if you ride well on a good horse, youve got a great chance of getting good results.The last water is quite tricky, being [at] the end of the course. The middle water, we dont know how the horses are going to react to the new development, jumping into the water. But this horse and most of the horses here have jumped courses like this. If I can ride well, get in a good spot, in a good rhythm and let her read the question, its very likely the horse is going to jump. Some of the horses here have a lot of experience and theyll be able to get the time.________________________________________________________________________________Go eventing!#Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]

Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Perhaps this was always going to be the way of things, with 64 tests crammed into one day but when the morning dressage leader at the Olympics is someone like Great Britains Tom McEwen and JL Dublin, and theyre sitting on a score of 25.8, you start to convince yourself that perhaps onlya few competitors will be able to best them in the afternoon.But there was something in the water over that lunch break, evidently, even though Paris is operating an almost entirely dry venue here. (Well, we say dry its certainly alcohol-free, though after a full day battling the elements, were not sure anyone can really use the worddrywith a straight face.) In the early afternoon, we saw the ground jury of Christina Klingspor, Xavier le Sauce, and Robert Stevenson enter a period of next-level joie de vivre, and suddenly, records were being smashed, leaderboards were being overturned in rapid succession, and enough excellent scores were being thrown around that weve ended the day with a sterling 22 competitors coming in under the 30 barrier and a top ten that features absolutely none of our morning riders.Toms not far off the pace, though, and a gold medal still feels well within his grasp: he and Dubs now sit eleventh on that 25.8, and have contributed to the best post-dressage team score ever recorded at a Games. The Brits go into tomorrows cross-country on an aggregate score of 66.7, smashing the previous record of 68.6, held by the Australians since the 2008 Beijing Games.Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.But the rider who had the biggest part to play in that overnight success for her nation also finds herself so close to individual gold that she can taste it.Laura CollettandLondon 52are certainly no stranger to extraordinarily competitive first-phase marks nor, even, to scores that dip below the 20 barrier. And today, in her 389th career international test, the Tokyo team gold medallist and her three-time five-star winning partner truly put the pedal to the metal to deliver Lauras best-ever score a 17.5 that also sets a new Olympic record by nearly two points.I loved every second of it, beams Laura, whose incredible finish was met with a sea of Union Jack flags from the strong British support front in the stands. That horse is unbelievable. What hes done throughout my whole career is amazing, and he just keeps on delivering. So Im just very grateful to him. I had the time of my life, to be honest. From the moment I entered the arena, he had his ears pricked and loved it, and so did I.Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.On this, the beginning of their second Olympic adventure, Lauras taking everything shes learned over the years with Dan to try to coax his very best out of him going back to Tokyo in 2021, where they were individually ninth after an uncharacteristic couple of rails, and further, too, to his early years at the top levels peppered with genuine, though achingly high-profile, teething moments.But time, and patience, and learning from both the great days and the tough ones, has been the making of the now very nearly infallible partnership.It takes years and years of hard work [to develop a relationship], and hes a horse thats actually very shy, she explains. Its taken him quite a long time to understand cross-country, mainly because hes a very shy horse. In 2019, we had a roller coaster year, and at the end of the year, he won a four-star long and went into a prize giving, and that, for me, was the turning point. He really believed in himself; he had full trust in me, and I can feel it on top of him.In todays consistent downpour, Laura had to rely on that trust in the fishbowl of the main arena, where the stands were full of people utilising any method possible to try to stay dry.He doesnt like umbrellas and things like that, so its about reassuring him every step of the way and making him believe, because then you can go and do a performance like he did there, she says. You never really think youre going to do it, but everythings been gearing towards this. Its been three years in the making, since the moment we stood on the podium in Tokyo. We thought there, hes still young enough to aim for Paris, and Ive been very lucky that everythings gone to plan in the lead up. Hes just a horse that luckily gets better and better with age.Laura Collett and London 52. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Lauras continued remarkable reign of domination in the sport isnt just impressive because of Dans wobbly 2019 season; its also a testament to the force of her will, which saw her battle back from a nearly catastrophic injury eleven years ago that left her in a coma and took the vision, irreversibly, from one of her eyes. Her motivation then was much the same as it is now: to keep moving towards the next goal, the next step, the next dream, whether that dream is learning how to see a stride again or hunting out an individual gold medal.I look back it only to see how lucky I am and just to be here, let alone be literally here. Its in the past and we try not to dwell on the past, but I know full well that I was very lucky to walk away from that and be able to carry on doing the job that I love. Its my life, and I love these horses and love working with them day in and day out, and being able to come perform on a stage like this with a horse like London 52 Im very, very lucky, she says. To be honest, I dont think about [my impaired eyesight]. Theres no other option than to carry on. Its amazing how quickly my body adapted, and depth perception was very difficult to begin with, but the only thing I wanted to get to do was get back on and ride horses. You have to find a way, and for me its normal now to only have one [working] eye. I might be better if I had two, but well never know!Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Youd be forgiven for thinking that a 17.5 would lend a commanding lead and perhaps a fair chunk of time in hand in tomorrows cross-country phase, but no such luck: sitting second overnight is Herr Gold Medal himself, Germanys Michael Jung, who delivered a 17.8 to slot in just three-tenths of a penalty behind Laura and helms the German team into second place, too.This is a personal best at four- and five-star for the sixteen-year-old gelding (Contendro I x Havanna, by Heraldik), but, remarkably, not an all-time international personal best that came earlier this year in a CCI3*-S at Radolfzell, where the pair put a 17.3 on the board. Weve heard of aiming to make your bank account balance match your phone number, but inching towards making your dressage score match your horses height is a whole new set of niche goals, frankly.It was an amazing feeling to gallop into the stadium it was a goosebump feeling, but at the same time a really great feeling, because Chipmunk was so well concentrated and so good with me, so well listening, says Michi. It was so nice to ride every second and directly before I started the dressage, I knew I could take all the risks and I could try everything.Michael Jung and fischerChipmunk FRH. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Like Laura and Dan, Michi and Chip are tackling their second Olympics together they finished eighth at Tokyo after a contentious safety device activation. Now, five years into their partnership after Michi took the ride over from teammate Julia Krajewski, hes ready to throw all his own considerable experience (Michis won three Olympic golds already, in case youd forgotten that reign of domination) at the job at hand and the years of learning hes done to unpack the inner workings of his horse, too.At every competition, everything I did was experience and learning, trying to get a better partnership with him together and get information, and everything was training for this competition, says Michi. I think everybody had the same idea because the Olympic Games are such a special competition and everyone is really, really well prepared.Alex Hua Tian hears his score as he leaves the arena with Jilsonne van Bareelhof. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Chinas Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof didnt match their four-star personal best today, but for a first crack at a five-star test, they certainly acquitted themselves admirably. They sit in equal bronze medal position going into cross-country on a score of 22, the same score as Australias returning eventer Chris Burton and Shadow Man.Hes good in this space, but you never know going into arena like that especially with a horse like Chocs, says Alex, who tells EN that his horses stable name was chosen because hes big, brown, indulgent chocolate. Hes very extravagant, and he knows it, and hes very arrogant; he loves the attention. I think for him, he was always going to trot in there and think, Oh, I finally found a venue of similar majesty to myself! That was either going to go this way, which thankfully it did, or it was going to go the other way, and he was going to get over the top about it. Hes done a 21 at four-star, so he can do a really good test its mainly whether he walks, basically!Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van Bareelhof. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Now-four-time-Olympian Alex has primarily targeted Chocs at CCI4*-S format, with his last long-format run coming in March of 2023 at Montelibrettis CCI4*-L and that, he explains, is largely a management decision.Hes jumped around a lot of four-shorts, but hes a horse that I always liken to a human athlete thats at Olympic level weightlifting, marathon running, and gymnastics one body cannot have that much talent and that much range, says Alex. Chocs is the most talented horse Ive ever sat on in my life. There are other very talented horses that have been more consistent, or more successful than him over years, but if you look at him in each phase, he just goes extra and I think because of that, through his career hes picked up little bits and pieces on his way to big events, and so hes quite often not made it. Last year, he was our first choice for the Asian Games, and picked up a little injury in the month beforehand, and that would be his story.But if the gelding isnt historically easy to manage, he does, at least, have the great benefit of having been built up, trained, and strengthened in order to hit his peak this weekend.For me, this has always been his goal and his target. Weve saved him for seven years to come here, and tomorrow we unleash the beast and see what happens!Chris Burton and Shadow Man. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Unleashing the beast is no doubt exactly what Burto, historically dubbed the fastest event rider in the world, has in mind with his new partner, the former Ben Hobday ride Shadow Man. The fourteen-year-old Belgian Warmblood (Fidjy of Colors x Favorite van de Keezerswinning, by Winningmood) joined his string just before the mid-winter Olympic transfer deadline, and marked Burtos return to eventing after swapping to pure showjumping for several seasons and getting himself shortlisted for the Australian showjumping team here, to boot.Todays 22 was the horses career-best international score and the key to it, it appears, was riding the wave of the colossal buzz in the ring after the previous rider, Michael Jung, laid down a game-changing score.Shadow Man was on his toes, laughs Burto. Hes a very relaxed horse, and he got really excited because some guy went before me that the crowd liked to cheer for, but then I was just delighted with him he went back to work, showing what a lovely gentleman he is and showing how well-schooled he is. That was a real treat for me, and its always a buzz to be at the Olympics. Hes a pretty cool guy if they are a good nature, theyre a good nature.Taking on the gelding, who Ben rode up to five-star, was a no-brainer for his return to the sport, he says.I said to my vet when we went up to Bens to ride him and vet him in the same day! I said, I feel like I know him already, he explains. We were made for each other the day we were both born. This horse came over the tables, like: Would this be a suitable one for that client that someone was speaking about the other day, for a Championships? I said, No, and walked straight in and saw my wife, and said, How do you feel about going eventing again? She said No, absolutely not. No way. I rang our High Performance Manager, Chris Webb, and thanks to the support of Geoffrey Guy at Chedington Equestrian, I was able to secure the ride on Shadow Man for the season, and its been a delight. Ive loved it I really enjoy eventing him.The strength of the partnership has been a massive boon in his return to eventing, but ultimately, says Burto, riding doesnt change, does it? Riding horses is riding horses. I was away from [eventing] for a while, and I was delighted when I got back to it. Your skill set doesnt leave you. I got very nervous at Aachen actually, because I thought, What if I ruin my career and what if Im old and I cant go fast anymore? But that was nice to see that it doesnt leave you. I am old, though.Felix Vogg and Dao de lOcean. Photo by Tilly Berendt.This is a truly international top ten which is particularly nice to see in the flag-collecting atmosphere of an Olympics and at this point in the competition, weve got nine different nations within the top ten. One of those is Switzerland, whose ongoing upward trajectory is led by five-star winner Felix Vogg, who rides the relatively inexperienced Dao de lOcean this week. Today, the eleven-year-old gelding (Kannan x Heddy, by Heraldik) posted a best-ever international result yes, another one to sit fifth overnight.He gives me so much confidence, because I know when I do it right, hes doing it right, and I give him some confidence, I think, says Felix, who has had the Olympics in sight for this horse, rather than his more experienced team horses Colero or Cartania, since last season.So far, that call is paying off.It was pretty awesome. I think I could have done some stuff a little bit better, but its always like this, says Felix. I think what we had outside, I got 90% inside, and thats all I could ask him. I know hes not as far as other horses here, maybe like Chipmunk or London, a horse like that he still needs the strength and everything but Im happy to think about the future now.Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.After those huge tests from Laura and Michi, there was plenty of buzz throughout the stands about what British team anchor and reigning European Champion Ros Canter might throw down with Lordships Graffalo. The pair posted a 21.3 at last years European Championships en route to the win, and there was plenty of speculation that they could dip into the teens for the first time today but no such luck.Their test, though, was smart, polished, and cadence, with just one slightly laboured flying change and a late halt dropping their marks down slightly. They ended up on a final score of 23.4, good enough to clinch overnight sixth place.Mark-wise, I had no expectations, says Ros. I kept in my own little bubble, really, apart from watching my guys and a couple this morning. Ive very much tried to stay process-driven today.With a competitive start in the bag, she says, Im over the moon with him. We all forget that Walters actually only twelve years old; that, yes, hes won Badminton and the Europeans and everything else, but he is still a green horse. I still very much feel like were only scratching the surface, particularly in a test like that, which is significantly harder than the tests we normally see. Im absolutely delighted that he got all four changes and everything, because hes still not fully matured yet, and I do think theres much more to come from him. We halted a bit late and it had a bit of an effect, unfortunately, on the two movements. But these things happen with horses, and the rest of it, he was spot on.Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.The imposing grandstands towering overhead and the vocal British cheering sections scattered around them worked in favour of the British-bred gelding (Birkhofs Grafenstolz x Cornish Queen, by Rock King).He absolutely loves attention. So, yes, he lifted, but only ever so slightly; he just seems to kind of revel in it, and hes so self-confident and so self-assured that I think he thought he was well up for being there, laughs Ros. He was quite happy. I think when I finished him patted him, he had a little scratch, and then looked up and thought, Yeah, Im all right.While she may have been able to avoid the pressure of trying to mark-match today, Ros has certainly felt the effects of expectation in the longer term as shes approached an Olympics at which shes a hot favourite to win.Oh yes, Ive had plenty of wobbles but actually, the closer its got, the better I felt, she says. Everybody knows me so well; were so grateful to the National Lottery for all the funding we get and the staff that we have around us Ian Woodhead, Chris Bartle, Richard Waygood they know me inside out, they know what the wobbles mean. Ian was delighted that I snapped at him yesterday, apparently, because apparently that means that Im getting towards being on my A game. So Ive had a few wobbles, but once I got on today, I felt very clear minded.Over the last few seasons, Ros has taken more and more of the pressure off her top horses at home, and Walter, like Pau winner Izilot DHI, spends more time hacking than he does schooling. But nailing a test like todays does still take mileage in the ring running through the movements, and Ros has a secret weapon in her pocket where thats concerned.Im very lucky Ive got my old five-star horse Zenshera at home hes 20 years old now, so hes always in work, but often only light work. The last month, hes been working hard as well, helping me to practice the test and make sure I know it inside out. Hes absolutely amazing, and to be quite honest, I think he would have stood in for Walter if we needed him this week, he thought he was about ready to go!Overnight seventh place goes the way of Olympic debutant Stephane Landois, who is the best of the home nation at this stage of the competition, and whose 24.4 with Chaman Dumontceau was arguably the most poignant moment of the day. He took the ride on after the tragic death of the geldings former owner and rider, Thas Meheust, who lost her life at the age of 22 in 2019 while contesting the French seven-year-old national championship with the horse.Since then, theyve been part of the bronze-medal-winning French team at the European Championships last year on their Senior Championship debut, won Chatsworths tough CCI4*-S last spring, and now, made Thas dream come true by representing her, and their country, at the Paris Olympics a competition she had dreamed of for so long.Stephane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau ride for Thas. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Stephane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau. Photo by Tilly Berendt.As they finished their test, Stephane bowed his head down to Chamans gleaming grey neck, held him in a tight embrace for a moment, and then looked up, somewhere beyond the low-hanging cloud cover, and blew a kiss into the sky as the crowd roared for him, for his horse, for France, and for their much-missed Thas.I am very, very happy with my ride. Theres a lot of emotion in this place, so coming here has been really quite special all of us are feeling it, says Stephane, who guides his team into overnight bronze medal position with his result. Theres really an emotion that were all feeling as we come into the arena. I was really emotional, but proud that theres a crowd out there that really appreciate the sport and appreciate everybody that comes in. Im just full of emotion for it, and actually, [the significance of this selection with this horse] has probably given me more strength to come out and to perform well, knowing the history of all of this and the ride.Yoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton Street. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Japans Yoshiaki Oiwa is very familiar with the business end of Olympic leaderboards he made history in 2012 by leading the first phase at the Olympics and making the first steps towards putting Japan on the map as an eventing nation. These days, theyre much closer to superstar status they currently sit fifth of sixteen as a team and Yoshis still here, making it all happen for himself and his country. He sits eighth overnight on a score of 25.5 with MGH Grafton Street, the former ride of Pippa Funnell, with whom he won Burghley in 2019.He knew that today, it was the time, you have to show something, so Im very happy with this, says Yoshi, who has just four FEI runs under his belt with the sixteen-year-old (OBOS Quality 004 x unknown dam). Its a very new partnership, actually. My first competition with him was this year February or March so only a few months. It was challenging for us, but it went well, so Im very, very pleased.Yoshiaki Oiwa celebrates his test. Photo by Tilly Berendt.While Squirrel has historically been a mercurial ride, the ability for the pair to build a solid partnership so fast has come down to a couple of factors Yoshis experience, of course, but also the help of Pippa, whose condition for the sale was that the horse would have to stay on her yard, where Yoshi, too, is now based after years in Germany at the yard of Dirk Schrade.I went to the previous riders place, so the system, everything is the same. She is kind of a legend, Pippa Funnell so she is the coach for me now, and so his routine is the same as before, says Yoshi. Basically, all the team members have been based in Europe for a long time now. We dont have big shows in Japan, so we all have to come to Europe or another country. This is something that makes it difficult for us to make it. But we all came to Europe long enough now, and everybody is a very experienced rider now. So we hope we can do something here.Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park. Photo by Tilly Berendt.New Zealands Clarke Johnstone and his 2022 World Championships ride Menlo Park (Berlin x Faerie Queen, by Rock King) put a 25.7 on the board, bettering their four-star personal best of 27 and guiding the Kiwi team into overnight fourth, to boot.Hes been training so well. Hes so with me, he feels amazing in his body, hes fit but calm, and Ive been thinking he could do a test like that to actually do it, Im just so, so proud of him, says Clarke. Hes been to the World Championships, but that was nothing like this. I bravely decided not to pre-ride him this morning, because thats normally what I would do to get the best out of him hes really solid, he always walks and after I watched the first few go, I thought, Well, that looks very electric in there. Maybe I should pre-ride it.Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park. Photo by Tilly Berendt.But, he says, we decided to stick with what weve been doing, which has been steadily getting the scores lower and lower over the last couple of years and he was just so with me. He did have a little look at the gate stewards when I went about to go into the ring, and I thought, Dont let me down, Jacko. He pulled it back, and he was just a delight to ride in there, really on the aids, and just giving me everything.That puts him into equal ninth place with ItalysGiovanni Ugolotti, who has been on an undeniable upward trajectory with the elegant if slightly inelegantly named Swirly Temptress. Though this is her first test at the five-star level, their 25.5 bests their form across her four-star career, too, and gave Italy much to celebrate after a heartbreaking morning following Emiliano Portales elimination after his ride, Future, bit his tongue in one of the half-passes.The individual top ten at the culmination of the first phase at Paris 2024.The North American UpdateThe U.S. riders delivered solid tests today, though certainly some points were left on the board. A collective three-rider score of 88.9 sees them slot into sixth place in team competition, sitting just 7.7 penalties off the podium and 22.2 penalties behind Great Britain in current gold position. Despite any marks left in the dressage ring today, we all well know by now that those could well be long forgotten when the dust and leftover mud from todays rain settles after cross country.Liz Halliday and Nutcracker. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Latecomer Liz Halliday, who was added to the team after Will Colemans withdrawal of Diabolo, secured the top standing for the Americans with The Nutcracker Syndicates Nutcracker on a score of 28.0 as the second pair to go for the team. You can read more from Lizs ride, as well as our pathfinder Caroline Pamukcu, in our midday report here. After starting the day within the top 10, the Liz will be the top-placed in 19th individually, followed by Caroline in 25th and Boyd Martin in 26th.Boyd Martin and Fedarman B. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Boyd was the sole U.S. rider of the afternoon rotations, securing a 30.5 to sit just behind Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake in 19th overnight. After enjoying a trending score hovering in the mid-70s percentage during the trot work, Boyd lost ground with two mistakes in the four flying changes that feature in the test. Boyd admits hes probably done 20,000 flying changes in practice, but has historically struggled with the left to right change on this horse.Weve been getting it really good at home and in training, but just when the atmosphere is a bit electric out there, Boyd said. Hes got a bit of anxiety, and I think Ive mistimed my aids a little bit. The same thing happened a Pau. He does get a little bit more electric in the flying changes and its a shame. I felt like I gave my all, and it would have been awesome to have four great changes, but it wasnt to be today. I felt like we still came out of it with a respectable score. But today wasnt our day in the flying change department. Other than the flying change, I think it was our best work ever.Caroline Pamukcu and HSH Blake. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Overall our horses did some very fine work, but it was very competitive and I think it showed that we just werent going to be in the top tier today, but Im still very proud of our athletes and horses, U.S. chef dequipe Bobby Costello commented. The amount of work that theyve put in this year has been immense and all of these horses will just keep getting better and they will have to be because the world is getting better as well.The riders will follow the same rotation they did today on cross country. Bobby explained a bit about the strategy behind the U.S. running order. I believe that the first two slots in the running order could be very much interchangeable between Caroline and Liz. I think Caroline actually quite likes not to have too much information in her head going out there, so I think that would be a great slot for her, and Liz you could honestly put anywhere and shes going to perform. I dont think it was ever a question that Boyd would be our anchor rider with all of his experience of being in that position.Mike Winter and El Mundo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Canada currently sits in 14th position as a team on a collective score of 106.4, with Mike Winter and Jonathan Nelson, Emma Winter and his own El Mundo (Numero Uno Calvaros Bria Z, by Calvaro Z) currently the top-placed of the team in 42nd on a score of 35.2. Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS are in 43rd on a score of 35.4 and Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo sit in 46th on a 35.8.Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I was so proud of the composure that she had going into that ring, Jessie said of the 14-year-old Freedom GS (Humble GS Friedel GS, by Fidertanz), who is owned by longtime supporter Charlotte Schickedanz. Its her first time doing a test at the five star level, and it is by far the biggest atmosphere shes ever felt. And I was over the moon with how much composure she showed in there, and honestly, how much brilliance she showed in the movements that shes really solid in. Her future looks bright. Shes one of the most straightforward, competitive thinking mares Ive ever ridden. Like she fights to do the right thing, and sometimes she just doesnt have the strength to be able to carry through the movement yet. But like she has the heart, shes 100% in it, and shes mentally fighting for you.Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo. Photo by Tilly Berendt.I was pleased with [Hot Bobo], she was such a good girl she held it together, Karl Slezak said of his test with Hot Bobo (Arkansas VDL Taneys Leader xx, by Supreme Leader xx). We all know that she can get a bit spooky in the dressage ring, and I thought that she held it together really, really well Just a little tension [in the flying changes], and specifically the left lead to right lead.In terms of the cross country, well have more from the U.S. riders and beyond in Chegs Cross Country Riders React column coming later. Well be back tomorrow with another Companion Guide to cross country, as well as much more from Paris. In the meantime, you can check out the cross-country ride times in full here and have a walk around the course with us in our full preview here. Cross-country will begin at 10.30 a.m. CET (9.30 a.m. BST/4.30 a.m. EST) with GermanysJulia Krajewski andNickel 21(15th on a 26.9) pathfinding. This is a tightly packed field with 22 horses and riders sitting sub-30, so well be expecting a huge amount of movement across the leaderboard throughout the day.Stay tuned, and Go Eventing.#Paris2024:[Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers][How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage] [Form Guide] [Team Form Guide] [Dressage Companion Guide]

Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent. Photo by 1st Class Images.Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent strolled to victory in the Holme Dodsworth Metals CCI4*-S at Burgham International Horse Trials, supported by Project Pony Olivers seventh win in Burghams feature class in the past decade.Oliver added four faults for one showjump down to his leading dressage score of 19.8 on Paul and Diana Ridgeons 10-year-old grey mare, but still topped the 104-strong class going into cross-country. The pair, who won the Kentucky CCI5* in May, made light work of David Evanss cross-country course and galloped home clear and inside the time allowed to hold off second-placed Wills Oakden (Keep It Cooley) by 3.1 penalties.Shropshire-based Oliver, 41, was part of Britains Olympic gold medal-winning team at Tokyo 2021. He plans to take the Valent-sired Cooley Rosalent to Defender Burghley Horse Trials next, and will hope to notch up his third victory at the Lincolnshire CCI5*.He said: Rosie is probably one of the best horses Ive had in all three phases and she makes it all feel very easy. The mistake in the showjumping was my mistake, not hers, but she jumped very well and it is all well within her comfort zone.You dont ever feel like youre going really quick on her across country; she covers the ground very nicely, and if you need to shorten, her stride still remains very quick, which is what makes her fast. And shes not strong at all shes as easy a horse as Ive had to ride across country.Its lovely up here at Burgham; the team do a great job and they make everything as comfortable as possible for the riders, the horses and the owners. The ground is always safe here and we love using it for a preparation run for Burghley.Wills, who is based in Perthshire, was delighted with Geoff and Elspeth Adams nine-year-old Ramiro B gelding, who added nothing to his dressage mark of 26.9.He said: Im so pleased for Geoff and Elspeth Adam. They bought Michael coming into this season and they have been fantastic people to work for. Theyve been very patient and understanding Its his first season at CCI4* and we think a lot of him, and havent wanted to rush him. Theyve given me space, theyve given me time and theyve given me support. Its been brilliant, and its fantastic to reward them with days like this, and hopefully there are many more to come.Hes just a super horse to work with. He always wants to give you his best, he always wants to learn, and hes a horse you can be seriously competitive on. We have a real emotional connection with him, so I hope he keeps improving and takes us to where we want to get to.In third place for the second year running were Emily King and Valmy Biats. Emily finished on her dressage score of 27.6 on her own, Phillipe Brivois and the Valmy Biats Syndicates French-bred 15-year-old.Action at Burgham continues on Sunday with the jumping phases of the NIS Group Services Ltd CCI2*-S, plus British Eventing classes, a Thoroughbred and Ex-Racehorse Show and great fun for families, friends and children. In the afternoon in the Burgham Park Arena, there will be dog agility, hobby horsing and the dog show.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.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 are being livestreamed on ClipMyHorse.tv visitwww.clipmyhorse.tv/en_GB/to watch.Burgham International (Northumberland) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]

Meghan ODonoghue and Palm Crescent. Photo by Emily Grosserhode.Time was the biggest factor on the Advanced division cross country phase today at the Millbrook Horse Trials. Meghan ODonoghue, Round Hill, Virginia and her Thoroughbred gelding Palm Crescent had the fastest round of the day to add six time penalties and move into the lead (35.3). Allison Springer, Middleburg, Virginia, riding No May Moon, a ten-year-old Connemara Sport Horse mare, finished close behind in second place (38.2). She moved up from a tie for 16th place after dressage.There was not much breathing room for the leaders, as only fractions of a penalty separated most of the top placing horses after dressage, so a few time faults really shook up the standings today. Overnight leader Phillip Dutton and Possante, a KWPN gelding owned by The Possante Group, are currently in 3rd place (39.9) after Phillip said he rode a bit conservatively due to the hilly terrain.No one finished within the time allowed. While it was a warm, sunny day, riders agreed that the weather was much better than it has been lately, with a heat wave affecting much of the East Coast, so temperatures in the 80s were actually a relief. ODonoghue pointed out that Millbrook tends to be the first event back for many upper level horses preparing for the fall season, after theyve had a rest following their spring three-day events, so riders tend to not push too hard to make the time. Out of 39 starters, seven horses had jump faults, one was eliminated, three retired and one withdrew. The rest finished clear but with time faults.ODonoghue and Palm Crescent, 18, have a longstanding partnership, and after a at the fell off halfway around cross country at the Badminton CCI5* in England this spring, she is hoping to take him back across the pond to contest the Burghley CCI5* in September.I was thrilled with him today, she said. Were old friends now, hes an older horse and Ive been campaigning him for a while and we know each other very well. Regarding todays cross country course she said, I thought Morgan [Rowsell, course designer] did a great job. Ive been coming to Millbrook for many years now and I love the terrain, I think its a fabulous fitness test. Its also nice to see green grass after a very hot, dry summer in Virginia. I think he does a good job using the land and building the course up enough as we look into what were doing to prepare for a three-day.Springer rode two horses in the Advanced today and one in the Intermediate. My horses were super; this was their first event back since Bromont (Canada) in June, she said. I was really pleased with [No May Moon], shes been really fun at this level. Shes a very quick mare, and the ground was a little hard today but I just let her cook it when shes happy and the thing with her is, shes really looking for the flags and is really efficient. Shes got a lot of gears there were a couple of questions out there that they had to reach for the make the strides and shes just been awesome.Springers student, Katie Lichten, rode three horses in the Intermediate today and leads Division A with Roman Code Red and is second riding HTS Jensen R, and also has the lead in Division B riding Fast Company.All three horses were really good today and I thought the course rode well, she said. Roman Code Red was pretty strong it was his first time out since Bromont and he was excited to be out there. Shes owned two of the horses for the past year and a half and one of them for about eight months. Originally from Massachusetts, she moved to Middleburg, Virginia about a year and a half ago. She said the cooler temps this weekend worked to her advantage with all three horses.Its been so hot in Virginia, my horses were very fresh this morning, she said. I took them out and longed them and they were all bucking. It got hot as the day went on, but we have big hills in Virginia and they are all big horses with really big strides. Sometimes they can be a lot to contain, but theyre really good cross country horses.The Advanced, Intermediate and Preliminary divisions conclude tomorrow with show jumping. General admission and parking are free, and there are a number of options available for an elevated experience. This morning, patrons enjoyed brunch at the Yellowframe Farm Waterview Tent overlooking the water complex. On Sunday morning, a luncheon overlooking the show jumping will take place in small tents around the main arena.Social events are always a highlight of the Millbrook Horse Trials. On Friday evening guests enjoyed a Sip and Shop event with shopping in the Millbrook Market tent, tastings from local purveyors of wine and spirits, and featured guests Mrs. Barbara Tober and Candace Bushnell, who discussed growing up as girls who loved horses the theme of Mrs. Tobers sponsored, signature pink fence on the cross country course.#Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]

Alexander Peternell and Figaro des Premices (RSA). Photo by Tilly Berendt.This may be the first Olympic Games for Figaro des Premices (Quidam de Revel Acapela de Kreisker, by Felton du Mont), but it certainly wont be his last if his rider, Alexander Peternell has his way. Hes got an amazing heart, and I think that hes got an incredible future ahead of him, he said, following their dressage test. Although he was a little disappointed with their performance in the first phase a score of 39 left them in 56th position ahead of the cross country Alex remained pragmatic about the situation: He can produce a much tidier, better test. The atmosphere probably got to him a little bit, so hes just a little bit distracted and not really into the bridle as you can be. I know hes more than capable of producing a far better testBut hes nine, hes still very new to the level.At just nine years old, Norman is one of the youngest horses in the field, though he and Alex have a strong and lengthy partnership. The South African rider, who first represented his country in 2012 at the London Olympics with Asish, has backed and produced this horse right from the very beginning. I bought him as a two and a half year old, so I backed him myself. So all his faults are my faults! he laughed. Initially though, Alex was unsure as to whether he would even be able to buy the horse much to his wifes indignation! We [my wife and I] nearly divorced over it she found him, and we went to look at him and they pulled him out of the field, trailered him to an arena with jumps, and she was like wow. But because I didnt have a lot of funding, I offered a rather cheeky offer. For the whole four hours drive home, my wife was tearing into me because she didnt think we would get him! Luckily, that cheeky offer was accepted not only saving Alexs marriage, but setting he and Norman on the path to Paris. Alexs wife, Suze, has happy memories of Norman in those early days, fondly recounting how easy he was to back; I think I came out to find Alex sat on him, when we were backing him, holding the lunge line. He just hopped on. Hes just a lovely character. Add to that character a very trainable mind and an incredible talent for eventing in their 11 FEI starts, he has only faulted cross country on one occasion and the future looks very bright for young Norman. As Alex says, This time in two years time, watch this horse.#Paris2024:[Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers][How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage] [Form Guide] [Team Form Guide] [Dressage Companion Guide]

Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Vant Verahof. Photo by Tilly Berendt.With seven Olympic Games, eight World Championships, and 14 European Championships on her resume,Belgiums Karin Donckers has partnered with aslew of talented horses throughout her lengthy career, but this season bringsJoris De Brabanders talented stallionLeipheimer Vant Verahof into the spotlight.The name may sound awfully familiar, and it should. The 13-year-old Belgian Warmblood (Vigo d Arsouilles STX Southern Queen xx, by South Gale xx) is a full brother to Karins former Olympic and World Championship partner Fletcher vant Verahof. Leip is also the only stallion in Paris 64-entry field. He balances his busy competition schedule with an equally demanding breeding schedule, and so far, hes got one offspring competing at International levels, the 6-year-old Next Level Leipeimer Dutch.Fathered by 2010 Show Jumping World Champion Vigo d Arsouilles STX, Leip certainly boasts his sires athleticism over fences, while also benefiting from the blood of his dam, the Thoroughbred mare Southern Queen xx.Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Vant Verahof. Photo by Tilly Berendt.All horses have their unique quirks, and thats especially true of stallions in sport, but its no bother to Karin.You have to respect the stallions the way they are. Thats what I have learned from them, Karin said. And this lesson began early in life, as Karin rode whatever she could as a child. Its not the first time that Ive ridden a stallion. I never had the choice to choose what I got to ride. I grew up on a farm where we didnt have the money to buy nice ponies, so Ive learned throughout my life to get the best out of the horse that you have.To date, Karins best CCI4*-L finish in fact has been thanks to a stallion,Lamicell Charizard, with whom she was third at Pau in 2014.You have to respect them more and really accept how they are. If you have a good trust relationship with them, then you have to believe that they will fight for you, she said. But I find it a bit different then the mares or the geldings, the geldings are a bit more easy going. The mares are a bit more of the fighters. The stallions are a bit different.Karin Donckers and Leipheimer Vant Verahof. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Karins three-time World Championship partner Fletch may now be stepping aside to let his stablemate into the limelight, but the Belgian rider always knew what Leip could be capable of, as she brought him up the ranks herself.We worked seven years with the stallion really towards this. Even at Le Lion dAngers when he was seven year old that I felt that he was my next championship horse, she said.Her Paris ride rose to the occasion today when it mattered most: delivering a personal best of 26.6 on the worlds biggest stage, a massive aid to the burgeoning Belgian team.#Paris2024:[Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers][How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage] [Form Guide] [Team Form Guide] [Dressage Companion Guide]

Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Forever Young Wundermaske. Photo by Tilly Berendt.One of the most incredible facets of equestrian sports remains the fact that they are, in many ways, ageless and nondiscriminatory toward elder athletes, both two- and four-legged. This year in Paris, the oldest horse across disciplines is 21 years old, making a new record as the oldest horse in the Olympics.Many U.S. eventing fans will recall the name Wundermaske as a former CCI5* partner of Sharon White, earning two top-25 finishes at the then-4* level at Kentucky and Pau under her tutelage. Now, competing under the recently designated moniker Forever Young Wundermaske, Patch is set to make his Olympic debut this weekend in Paris with Ecuadors Ronald Zabala Goetschel.Sharon White and Wundermaske. Photo by Jenni Autry.Truth be told, the Olympics werent necessarily on the plan for the Oldenburg gelding bred in the U.S. by Tracy Barbeito (hes also the sole U.S.-bred horse in the Olympic field this year!). In fact, Ronald had tried to retire the gelding twice before, not due to injury but simply because he was getting older and Ronald had some younger horses to focus on. And also Patch simply didnt want to sit in a paddock.He has never had an injury never pulled a tendon or a ligament, not even a common cold, Ronald told me. When I tried to retire him, he would just run his paddock.Ronald did try to qualify for Tokyo, but with the postponement and also a slew of injuries to contend with, including a concussion, the Olympics werent meant to be for Patch. As Ronald prepared to travel to Europe from his home base in Florida as he sought qualification for Paris, his team made a suggestion. Why not bring Patch along?I had retired him again and I was going in September of 2022 to buy horses, and my groom started telling me, why dont you bring Patch?, he said.And so Ronalds grand European adventure began, starting with a flight from Miami in February to Holland, where he spent two weeks. Since then, hes traveled to Italy, Poland, Germany, and Switzerland, competing his string of horses which also includes Charly van ter Heiden, the former ride of and 5* winner for Britains Mollie Summerland. Charly was originally intended to be Ronalds horse for Paris, but an untimely bout of ulcers meant the horse would not be able to obtain sufficient qualification. Ronalds other horses were a bit too inexperienced to shoot for Paris, and so the torch once more fell to Wundermaske.Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Wundermaske (ECU). Photo by Leslie Threlkeld.Out of my three horses, it would be whoever was feeling the best that would go to Paris, he explained. The mare I had, she is only turning nine in April and so I didnt want to put the additional pressure on her. There was no favorite, though Charly would have been my most competitive horse maybe. Patch with the new rules had to do a confirmation event, so we did that at Sopot [Poland] in May and had a clear round there. Patch deserves this. He has qualified for three Olympics now.How do you keep a horse thats been going at this level sound for so long? For Ronald, it comes down to selection of events and when to run. I withdraw a lot, he said. Because I go and if I dont like the footing too wet or too hard I dont compete. I am not a commercial rider, so if the ground is not good I dont feel obligations to compete.Ronald also described his training regimen with Patch, which at this point in his career doesnt involve a lot of hard, intensive training. He goes to the walker and trots on good footing, he explained. And we have a pool when were in Pennsylvania or he goes swimming in Ocala. I ride him a few times a week, I pretty much never jump maybe once a month. He knows his job. I keep him happy. I will gallop him every five days when its time for competition, and if not I will just keep riding him like normal and making sure he is on good footing and he stays sound.One has only to watch Ronalds latest cross country round at Avenches (Switzerland) to see this intentional preparation pay off with a smooth and clear trip. Its left Ronald feeling as prepared as ever for what lies ahead.WUNDERMASKE PATCHITO TO PARIS 2024 OLYMPICS !!At 21 years young confirms his qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics!My amazing Patchito is always there for me. Has qualified for 3 Olympics: Rio 2016 Olympics didnt compete because of politics no fault of his own. Tokyo 2020 2021 Olympics didnt compete much in 2019, the qualifying year, and could not get enough points to earn the Olympic spot as I got injured twice falling off of another horse in March and spent 3 months in bed with a concussion. Then on August on my second fall, my left hip was destroyed and could not ride well to get points no fault of Patchito. Paris 2024 qualifies and gets enough points to compete at this Olympics.No other horse of mine deserves more than him to compete at this Olympics !! He never gets sick never has had an injury in his life never calls in sick (hahaha). He is always there for me !!Thanking GOD everyday for letting me be part of the story of this amazing horse.THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU PATCHITO !!Posted by Ronald Zabala Goetschel on Saturday, June 29, 2024Im going to be honest, we have jumped so many big, technical courses here in Europe so I think we are very prepared, he said. With Patch I only competed twice, at Sopot and Avenches, and with the other horses I did more. I think I am readier than ever. Ive never been that ready for a competition, and Patch is feeling fantastic. Adding in the gallops on the hills of England has him feeling super fit.The Games will be a special and a bittersweet one for Ronald, who has confirmed that this will be his one of his final major eventing competitions as he will then switch to focus on dressage. The decision comes out of a desire to spend more time with his 19 month old son, Ronito (who is also a huge fan of Patch himself).He is the love of my life, Ronald said of his son. After this, I will just focus on the Bolivarian Games in Peru in 2025, which will be my last competition in eventing. This is a dangerous sport. I want to be here for my son always. Its been hard because Ive been away for six months. I talk with him every day. And he will have these pictures when he grows up so he knows I was always thinking about him. He changed my life.Ronald Zabala Goestchel and Forever Young Wundermaske. Photo by Tilly Berendt.That being said, the Olympic dream will remain alive and well for Ronald, who says hed love to get to the Los Angeles Games in 2028 in dressage. He also plans to get back into show jumping, as he did compete at the Grand Prix level before switching full-time to eventing. With dressage, though, he could conceivably compete and qualify for an Olympics on the U.S. circuit, whereas with show jumping he would potentially have to travel overseas more.As for his goals for Wundermaske this weekend, Ronald remains realistic but positive. Patch is not the best horse in dressage. Hes not built to do it, he explained. Hes about 76 percent Thoroughbred, so its difficult. I need to ride him very carefully and tactfully, and I cant put too much pressure on him. However in 2020 when I brought him back, he gave me a 29 at four-star, so if he has a good day and is relaxed he can give me a good test. This test is very difficult, its very fast. So weve been working on it and I will do the best I can with him. But Im sure he will give me his heart as always.Catching up with Ronald after his test in Paris, which earned him a score of 37.7, which is relatively consistent with this pairs typical scores, he was pleased with his efforts and already focused on the cross country task at hand. For his part, Patchito tried to spin his way back up the ramp after the test he says, wheres the cross country??, Ronald laughed as if to further prove that age is just a number.Dale Clabaugh and Wundermaske share some bonding time. Photo courtesy of Dale Clabaugh.Making the weekend all the more special is the fact that one of Patchs original connections, Dale Clabaugh, will be in attendance to watch. Dale actually bred Patch for herself originally, working with Tracy Barbeito to produce a horse that she could ride and compete herself.I wanted a foal byWeltbekannt, a Hanoverian stallion owned by Suzanne Quarles of SomeDaySoon Farm, Dale told me. My friend, Tracy, wanted to purchase a Thoroughbred mare to expand her breeding program from Quarter Horses to Appendix Quarter Horses, and we collaborated on tis breeding so that I would have a foal I wanted. An unexpected divorce changed my plans, and I gave Wundermaske to Sharon White as a gift. I was blessed with an amazing horse who has been a blessing to both Sharon and Ronald. His talents would have been wasted on me, but I am living the dream with my dear pony.We are very proud and no matter what, I know he will give me his best like he always does, Ronald echoed. And truly, no matter what, the story of Patchito will also stay forever young.Go Eventing.

Ocala, FL Crowds gathered at the WEC Grand Arena for the weeks highlight event, the $75,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix. Thirty-one elite combinations from 11 different nations showcased their talents over a technical track designed by FEI Level IV course designer Steve Stephens (USA). In an exciting eight-horse jump-off, Peter Petschenig (AUT) claimed victory aboard Ennebel Van Het Posthuijs (Numero Uno x Annebel),[...]Read MoreThe post Peter Petschenig and Ennebel Van Het Posthuijs Taste Victory in the $75,000 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida Grand Prix appeared first on World Equestrian Center.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by EquiRatings (@equiratings)We are only on Day 2 of the Olympics and I dont know about you, but I am already exhausted. Maybe that is a result of several last minute team changes, or maybe we can put it down to an absolutely mammoth day of dressage yesterday, with all 64 tests being crammed in to one day. Or maybe it is a combination of both, but whatever the reason, we had better dust ourselves and prepare for another day of highs, lows, and everything in between as the cross country gets underway.In fact, it is probably already well underway by the time you read this, with the defending Olympic champion Julia Kraweski and this years Aachen winner, Nickel 21 (one of the afore mentioned last minute swap ins) due to leave the start box at 10.30 am local time (4.30 am ET/9.30 am BST) You can find the rest of the start times here.This may not be the toughest course some of these horse and rider combinations have faced dont forget there are several 5* winners in this field but it is certainly going to be another level of intense, with 28 fences 45 jumping efforts crammed into Pierre le Goupils 5149m, 9.02 minute course. Add to that the pressure of an Olympics and the stage is set for another thrilling day of sport.Once again, we will be bringing you the very best of coverage and updating you as the competition unfolds or at least, as much as we can whilst remaining within the strict media rules that apply at the Olympics. Just like yesterday, we will have a Companion Guide, compiled by the incredible Cheg Darlington, complete with facts, stats and trivia, and once it is all over, Tilly and Sally our eyes and ears on the ground in Versailles will be filling you in on the days events.If you want to refresh your memory as to what happened yesterday though I dont know how you could forget that Laura Collett broke an Olympic record then check out all of our coverage thus far.Once again, all of the action will be available to view live find out how to watch here and you can keep an eye on the live scores, too.So consider yourself prepped and ready for Olympic Cross Country Day see you on the other side!#Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]U.S. Weekend ActionMillbrook H.T. (Millbrook NY) [Website] [Entries] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Hunt Club Farms H.T. (Berryville, VA) [Website] [Entries] [Scoring]UK International EventsBurgham International (Northumberland) [Website] [Entries] [Volunteer] [Scoring]Major International Events#Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]Links to Start Your Sunday:There may be records being set in Paris, but there are sub 20 dressage scores being recorded at Burgham International Horse Trials this weekend, too.Arguably one of the hardest positions to be in at an Olympics, read more of what it is like to be a Travelling Reserve.Im not crying, youre crying. There have already been tears aplenty after just one day of Olympic action. Ben Hobday former rider of Chris Burtons horse, Shadowman is certainly not afraid to show his emotions following his former 5* partners 3rd placed test.If youre not already overloaded with information ahead of todays cross country action, then check out EquiRatings Cross Country Form Guide, full of every fact and stat you could ever want to know and some more besides.If you struggle to sleep tonight after an adrenalin filled day of sport, then why not Irish eventer and EquiRatings co-founder Sam Watson read you a bedtime story?Sponsor Corner:Ecovet ambassador and 5* eventer Sara Kozumplik deals with a lot of bugs and pests down at her Florida farm, Overlook South. Heres what she has to say about how Ecovet works for her.Morning Viewing:All eyes may be on Versailles this weekend, but there is all sorts of fun going on at Hickstead this weekend, too. Alex Bragg and Quindiva won the Eventers Challenge there earlier this week think arena eventing, but on double speed!

Eventing riders will tackle the cross-country course at the Olympic Games in Paris today (28 July). What does each fence look like? Find out below.Optimum time: 9 minutes 2 secondsNumber of fences: 28Jumping efforts: 45Course designer: Pierre le GoupilLength of course: 5,149 metresFence 1 The Olympic CrownThe first fence is slightly uphill. It is far enough from the starting box for a forward and positive start.Fence 2 The Builders OxerThis enormous oxer is 1.18m high with a top spread of 1.75m and a base width of 2.4m. It is a frangible fence for safety reasons, which means it will fall down if hit by the horse, incurring penalties.The theme of this fence is a tribute to the skill of all woodworkers, including those who built these fences. It features two traditional hand tools and an apprenticeship symbol.Fence 3 The Peacocks ShelterThe peacock shelter is situated in the Peacock Allee. Maximum dimensions are used here with a base spread of 2.7m and a jumping width of 4m.Fence 4 Courtship of the PeacockThis ditch and brush is a cross-country fence classic, with the grand canal in the background.Fence 5abc Menagerie PondThis is the first water jump and first combination fence. The central water fountain will be on their left as horses gallop through. There are two different routes to allow the less confident horses/riders to take more time between efforts.The direct route here is a jump into the water over an angled fence (The Mangrove) and then a brush corner (The Nest) in the water. The C element is a step out of the water.Fence 6ab Menagerie FountainAfter jumping up and out of the water over a pontoon at 5c, there are two strides to this frangible skinny fountain.Fence 7ab Ulysses CompanionsThere is a step to an angled frangible birch log or the option of taking a longer route to a similar but more straightforward version.Fence 8 The Reading CornerThere is a choice between two similar brush fences to jump. This is what is considered a good galloping fence and riders wont be wasting time here.Fence 9 The Pastoral EnclosureThis frangible rustic open oxer comes after a long gallop uphill and will help riders to regain control and balance before the next fence, which is the second water jump.Fence 10ab Vauban CitadelleThere multiple routes here: a stone-effect bridge over a ditch leads to a narrow V then to one of four brush corners.Alternatively, a simple ditch leads to angled brushes or a narrow brush oxer into the water, followed by one of the brush corners.Fence 11 Science LaboratoryThis is a let-up fence where horses and riders can catch their breath and rebuild their confidence. This table is related to the next fence (12) with a smooth curve to the left in 7 or 8 strides.Fence 12 Enlightenment BookcaseThe bookcase table comes seven or eight strides on a smooth curving line after fence 11.Fence 13ab Sailors WorkshopThese two boat hulls are parallel but offset. Accuracy will be key.Fence 14 Impressionists GuinguetteA simple but huge picnic table of maximum dimensions, this is located on the approach to the first pontoon across the Grand Canal.Fence 15 Tiny DitchThis natural ditch may look small, but the white limestone on the landing side will help riders read it properly. It also prepares them for the next element, requiring a positive, forward approach as they go uphill.Fence 16abcd Viewpoint over the Grand CanalThere is a huge step down to another ditch, followed by three strides to a skinny arrowhead brush.Fence 17ab The a la Francaise GardenTwo large angled brush fences are positioned here.Fence 18 The StagHorses jump between the antlers, over the top of the stags head. It looks different, but from a jumping point of view it should be a straightforward question.Fence 19 Estovers Log PilesThis is a big but relatively straightforward fence for riders at this level.Fence 20 Estovers Log PilesAnother large but inviting log pile that is well within the permitted dimensions for an Olympic cross-country course.Fence 21abc Whimsical WoodsThis is the last section in the woodland and it is the most naturally undulating part of the course. A frangible vertical fence in front of a slope is followed by a big skinny brush log pimple.Fence 22 Traditional French Equestrian SchoolWhile galloping towards the last section of the course, competitors will have to negotiate this huge saddlery trunk. It isnt technically difficult but it does come after a few downhill strides and demands attention.Fence 23abcd Etoile Royale watersThis is the third and final water fence.A hanging log takes horses into the water before a turn to a brush fence in the water. Riders then have the choice of a sharp turn to an open corner or taking a slightly longer route to another open corner.Fence 24 Hundred Steps StaircaseThis straightforward triple-bar fence is another frangible obstacle on the course, jumped towards the canal.Fence 25 & 26 Cornelian DilemmaThese two angled brush fences are connected but numbered separately. This means any circles between the fences wont be penalised, but it will cost time.Fence 27 Los Angeles 2028This frangible fence does symbolises a passing of the Olympic torch and is inspired by the iconic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. LA will host the Games in 2028.Fence 28 Liberte, Egalite, FraterniteThe last fence references the French Olympic motto. It is positioned on top of a small mound and the small bushes on the approach should help horses read the fence more effectively.Useful linksView thecross-country start listSee the fullteam standings after dressageRead the fullindividual standings after dressageRelated contentRecord-breaking dressage scores earn solid lead for Brits in ParisHandy Olympic timetables to download plus how to watchParis Olympics eventing form guide: fifth gold for Team GB?Interesting facts about the equestrian venue for the Paris OlympicsOlympic eventing format: how it worksThe post View the Olympic cross-country fences at the Paris Games appeared first on Your Horse.