Have a good ride! Photo by Tilly Berendt.Bonjour tout le monde! It is officially the best day of the entire Olympic Games, and yes, I am including the Opening Ceremony, the 100m final, the 4100 relay, and the 50m freestyle in that bold statement, because, well, eventing is the best cross country is the bestest of the best and we all know it. Oh yes, its cross country day at the Palace and the scene is set by the Grand Canal for an epic days sport. And Im going to be here, with you ENers, for all of it. Welcome to our signature live blog, but not as you know itJust in case you missed yesterdays explanation of why things are looking different in our live blogs for the Olympics, heres what you need to know: For those of you who are avid followers of our live blogs (we salute you eventing nerds!), youll notice that things are a little different this time around. In order to adhere to the strict media rules for the Olympics, were not able to bring you live commentary. We can, however, keep you totally informed with regards to whos heading out onto the cross country course today, what their form is coming into the Games, their hobbies and favorite foods (amongst other, um, horseplay), and how theyre likely to perform in each phase based on the available data, so youll be securely in the know as you watch the live stream. Ill also be bringing you the riders reactions following their rounds, courtesy of our roving reporters extraordinaire Sally Spickard and Tilly Berendt who are somewhat inconspicuously scraping croissant debris from the roof of their mouths in the Chat Zone, probably. So buckle up and prepare to be hit with absolutely everything you didnt know you need to know about the horses and riders of the Paris Olympic Games.Before we get down to official Olympic business, here are some links of interest: If you missed yesterdays dressage companion guide,youll find it right here. The substitute rule and scoring is, shall we say, a little complicated, at the Olympics, but never fear, EN is here with a natty explanation of how things will work should a team run into trouble on the cross country. Heres everything you need to know about the Olympic cross country phase. Theres info and links galore in our Ultimate Guide to Eventing in Paris. Weve been chinchilla-ing away backstage to bring you all the Paris content you can possible handle, and were not done yet, oh no! For now though, click here for our view from between the flags IYKYK.Please remember to keep this page refreshed so that you dont miss a thing. Ill be adding in the riders reactions to their rounds as they come in, and the scores periodically, so keep flicking through to gather all the goodies.Croissants a go go, lets go cross country! #Paris2024: [Website] [Equestrian Schedule, Timing, Scoring] [Peacock for U.S. Viewers] [How to Watch Guide] [Ticket Resale Market] [Spectator Guides] [ENs Coverage]________________________________________________________________________________FIRST TEAM ROTATION________________________________________________________________________________ Julia Krajewski and Nickel 21Photo by Tilly Berendt.Julia is, understandably, very excited about this young horse, who, at just 10-years-old has already proven his talent in all three phases. Hes got just one non-completion with Julia on his record and no cross country jumping penalties. Oh yeah, hes at the Olympics right off the back of a superb, winning run at Aachen.Form, Facts & Stats:Julias championships experience: Individual Tokyo 2020 Team Rio 2016 Team & Individual Pratoni 2022 Tryon 2018 (Team) Julia has been presented with the highest sporting award in Germany the Silver Laurel Leaf not once, but twice.Cross Country In 17 FEI runs with Julia, this guy has never had a cross country jumping, flag or frangible device penalty not a single one. There is one wet blip on his record, courtesy of that water at Boekelo last season, which took the scalp of a number of combinations that day. Up until their dunking, they were in the lead. He hasnt been inside the time for a good while, but hes often very close, and time penalties are very much in the single figures. Trust me, this combination is one to watch ________________________________________________________________________________ Shane Rose and Virgil View this post on InstagramA post shared by Shane Rose (@shane.rose.eventing) Given that Shane is heavily involved in racehorses as well as being an eventing legend, you wont be surprised that hes no slouch out on the cross country. This long-term partnership had a superb spin round the Tokyo course on their way to team silver. They contested their first FEI competition back in 2011 and we all know that eventings all about the relationship between horse and rider, which will stand them in very good stead as they look to add another medal to their haul.Form, Facts & Stats:Shanes championships experience: Team Tokyo 2020; 10th individually Rio 2016 Beijing 2008 (Team) Pratoni 2022 (Team); 13th individually Tryon 2018 (Team) Caen 2014 (Team) Aachen 2006 (Ind.) Rome 1998 (Ind.) Shanes a five-time winner of the Anna Savage Medal, presented to the best and fairest Australian eventing rider.Cross Country They were clear inside the time at Tokyo and added just 2.8 time at the World Championships in Pratoni. More recently, they finished on their dressage at the Horse of the Year event in New Zealand on their way to taking the win, and were just one second over the time in the Adelaide 5*, which they also won. In 48 FEI competitions across his career, Virgils had a 20 out on cross country on just five occasions, with just one 11 for a breaking a frangible device, two eliminations and two withdrawals before cross country seriously, this guy is one to watch Hes also speedy the most cross country time hes added since the beginning of the 2019 season is 5.6. Dependable, honest as the days long, and quick, all the attributes of the great event horse that this guy has proved he is, time and again, as Shanes brought him up through the levels since his first event back in 2011.________________________________________________________________________________ Michael Winter and El MundoMike Winter and El Mundo. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.Theres nothing more important than the relationship between horse and rider as theyre galloping and jumping across the country, and this combination have one of the closest. Roberto was supposed to be a produce and sell prospect, but Mike struggled to find a buyer for him, and then the gelding was injured and had to be put on box rest. Mike appointed himself full-time carer for the big guy and of course, selling was totally off the table after that. And here they are, at the Olympics. Bet Mikes very glad that Roberto stayed firmly in his barn.Form, Facts & Stats:Mikes championships experience: Beijing 2008 (Team) Athens 2004 (Team) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Outside of eventing, Mikes hobbies are snowboarding, and tractors.Cross Country In 31 FEI competitions, this pair have had cross country jumping penalties on just five occasions, the most recent being at the World Championships in Pratoni in 2022. They added 7.6 time at the Pan-Ams in Santiago last season, where they won team gold, and are generally between about that and low-teens in terms of time penalties. They kept it to 10 in the 4*-L at Bramham last season, a notoriously tough track, and added 8.8 there in the 4*-S this year. The Olympics are kind of in between a long- and short-format in terms of number of jumping efforts, length and time allowed (its 4* in terms of the obstacles), so that gives us a bit of a picture of El Mundos relevant form when it comes to time penalties.________________________________________________________________________________ Sarah Ennis and Action Lady M View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sarah Ennis (@sarah_ennis_eventing)Sarahs a pretty speedy kind of lady, and shes sat on another speedy kind of lady, so it seems like they make the perfect match. They sure are a mighty combination. It sure will be exciting to watch this pair blink and youll miss em!Form, Facts & Stats:Sarahs championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Team Tryon 2018, 5th individually Caen 2014 (Team) Sarah will be totally fine galloping alongside and crossing the Grand Canal shes a qualified scuba diving instructor to dive master level.Cross Country In 16 FEI starts this pair have sixteen completions, fourteen of them coming after jumping clear across the country. Add to that the fact that this pair are pretty quick, and youre onto an eventing winner. They added just one second of time to their dressage score in the 4*-S at Ballindenisk this season, where they finished third. In their most recent long-format run, which came at Blenheim last year, they added just 3.6 time penalties on cross country day. ________________________________________________________________________________ Mlody Johner and Toubleu de RueirePhoto by Tilly Berendt.This horse is a cross country machine with so, so many clear rounds under his cinch over his decade-long career. It must feel so good to be sat on such an experienced horse as you leave the Olympic start box, and to be on one so consistently careful cross country, well, Mlodys one lucky lady.Form, Facts & Stats:Mlodys championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team); 17th individually Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Mlodys sporting motto is very apt for a team Olympian: Do the best you can and give your best. For yourself and for your teammates.Cross Country Since this pair got together, they havent had a single cross country jumping penalty, not even a flag. In fact, this gelding has only ever had one 20 in ten years. Seriously, hes a true eventers eventer. They were just one second over the time in Tokyo, and added 8 penalties at the World Championships in Pratoni. and just a few more at the Europeans last season, 15.6. There is some variation on how quick this pair seem to go, from very, to moderate. Well have to wait and see what plays out in Paris.________________________________________________________________________________ Caroline Pamukcu and HSH BlakePhoto by Sally Spickard.HSH Blake comes here in hot hot hot form He won the 4*-L in Tryon last time out, where he finished on his dressage. He was clear inside the time on his way to winning individual gold at the Pan-Ams in Santiago last season and clear inside the time at the Young Horse World Championships in 2022. This guy sure knows how to step it up when things get serious.Form, Facts & Stats: HSH Blake lost a shoe in the 4*-S at Kentucky and still pulled off a fast clear for fifth place.Cross Country In 22 FEI competitions, this pair have never had a cross country jumping penalty not a single one. Totally clear, all the way. And theyre quick too. Since the start of the 2023 season, they have five clears inside the time on their record, and when the did have time penalties, they were very much in single figures. This is an exciting prospect for Team USA. Eyes on ________________________________________________________________________________ Malgorzata Korycka and Canvalencia Photo by Tilly Berendt.This pair have plenty of 4* experience, with twenty-one runs at the level since 2019. It must feel good to be setting off on your Olympic debut with so much practice under your belt.Form, Facts & Stats:Malgorzatas championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Malgirzata and Canvalencia were third at the 4*-L Olympic qualifier in Poland last season.Cross Country This combinations cross country record isnt without its blips. They had an 11 for breaking a frangible device on their most recent run, one of two theyve had this season. They also have the odd 20 on their record. They jumped a steady clear at the World Championships in Pratoni in 2022, where they added 32.4 time penalties. More recently theyve been quicker, with time penalties ranging from 6.4 to 18.________________________________________________________________________________ Sofia Sjborg and Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Z View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sofia Sjoborg Eventing (@sofia_sjoborg_eventing)This pair arent here to win the dressage, theyre here to show their jumping mettle with the probability of a clear, and possibly quick, round in the cross country. Form, Facts & Stats:Sofias championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Team) Bryjamolga van het Marienshof Zs name in the barn is Belle.Cross Country This pair havent had a problem out on the cross country since 2021. They jumped clear at the European Championships last season and at the World Championships in Pratoni; they added 10.4 time at the Europeans, finishing up in thirteenth place; at the Worlds they added 14.8. In their three 4*-S runs this season, theyve made the time once and added just a smidge at the other two events; they were also clear inside the time in the 4*-S at Luhmhlen last season.________________________________________________________________________________ Tom McEwen and JL DublinPhoto by Tilly Berendt.Dubs finished on his dressage when he became European Champion with Nicola Wilson in 2021, with an incredible finishing score of 20.9. Toms not quite reached those levels with the gelding since taking over the ride in 2022, but its coming, thats for sure. Theyve been second at Kentucky 5* twice and third at Pau. Tom knows what its like to win both a team and individual medal at a Games, and theres no doubt hell be hankering for the same for Dubs, and Nicola, who he always credits for producing Dubs so beautifully.Form, Facts & Stats:Toms championships experience: Team & Individual Tokyo 2020 Team Tryon 2018; 12th individually3 Tom is currently World No. 3 Tom has been incredibly busy lately he got married last year and is expecting a mini McEwen this year!Cross Country Since having an unlucky, and surprise, rider tumble at the European Championships last season, this pair have finished either first, second or third in each of the events theyve done not a bad comeback at all. They had a 20 in the 4*-S at Aachen last year, but really, that should be put down to the pair learning one anothers ways in the early stages of their relationship. In their last five FEI competitions theyve jumped clear on cross country day, with time penalties kept well and truly within single figures, and that includes two 5*s. ________________________________________________________________________________ Carlos Parro and SafiraPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This pair have been together since 2018, but Carlos has taken his time with the mare, only stepping her up to 4* last season. And what a season they had a team bronze medal from the Pan-Ams in Santiago must have them feeling good as they set out on their Olympic journey in Paris.Form, Facts & Stats:Carlos championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Rio 2016 (Team); 18th individually Sydney 2000 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Aachen 2006 (Ind.) Rome 1998 (Team) Carlos is part owner of this mare, along with John and Juliet Chambers of Springfield Stud, who bred her by their homebred stallion.Cross Country In 18 FEI competitions, theres just one rider fall is this horses list of clear cross country jumping rounds, and Carlos wasnt in the irons that day. This pair were clear inside the time at the Pan-Ams last season, where they won team bronze, and they added just 2.4 time penalties in the 4*-L at Sopot, Poland, in their most recent run. They had 23.3 time in the 4*-S at Strzegom earlier this year, and as the Olympic course is a bit longer than a short-format, but not as long as a long-format, we can perhaps expect somewhere in between for this combination.________________________________________________________________________________ Jonelle Price and HiaradoPhoto by Tilly Berendt.Known as one of the fastest women on the eventing circuit, Jonelle sure doesnt hang about when shes galloping across the country. Hiarado wouldnt be one of the faster horses that Jonelles piloted, but shes proving to be very consistent in delivering clear rounds that are there or there abouts.Form, Facts & Stats:Jonelles championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team); 11th individually Rio 2016 (Team); 17th individually Team London 2012 Team Pratoni 2022; 10th individually Tryon 2018 (Team); 19th individually Caen 2014 (Ind.); 4th8 Jonelle is currently World No. 8 In 2022, Jonelle and her husband Tim were the first married couple to be World No.1 and 2. Cross Country This pair have one 20 on their card in eight FEI runs, which came at their second event together. They were clear with 12 time on the mares 5* debut at Pau last year and head to Paris with two clear rounds at 4*-S this season, one with 7.2 time and the other with 14. Their best result came at Kilguilkey House in Ireland, when they were second in the 4*-L last season, where they added just one second of cross country time to their dressage score to finish on 31.4.________________________________________________________________________________ Ryuzo Kitajima and CekatinkaForm, Facts & Stats:This pair are coming to Paris in hot form, off the back of a second place in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk this season and a win in the 4*-S at the Spring Tour in Portugal. Thats gotta have you feeling good as you set out onto an Olympic cross country course. Form, Facts & Stats:Ryuzos championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Rio 2016 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Tryon 2018 (Team) Ryuzos based in the UK with Angela Tucker.Cross Country They were clear inside the time in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk and jumped clear with 10 time penalties at the World Championships in Pratoni, before unfortunately withdrawing before the final horse inspection. This horses cross country jumping record is something to behold in 32 FEI competitions there are zero jumping penalties on his card zero. Thats with four different riders. The only blips on his incredible record are two rider falls, both Paris Olympian Ros Canter, way, way back in the day. ________________________________________________________________________________ Pietro Sandei and Rubis de Prere View this post on InstagramA post shared by Pietro Sandei (@pietro_sandei)They may have had a slightly circuitous route to lining up as part of the Italian team, via the traveling reserve slot, but Pietro and Rubis are ready to add an Olympics to their card, which already contains a European Championships, multiple Nations Cup appearances and two 5*s. Pietro has stepped up to the plate following the elimination of Emiliano Portales following his dressage test.Form, Facts & Stats:Pietros championships experience: Tryon 2018 (Team) This combination have been together since 2011 and Pietro has brought Rubis right through the levels, all the way up to 5*.Cross Country This pair jumped clear round the the 5* at Luhmhlen last month, adding 11.2 time penalties and finishing in the top-10. They were clear inside the time in the 4*-S at Pratoni the previous month, which they won. They finished up last season with another 4*-S win, so Pietros got to be feeling confident as he sets off out of the start box in Paris.________________________________________________________________________________ Janneke Boonzaaijer and Champ de Tailleur[caption id="attachment_378376" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo by Tilly Berendt.This combination really did run into some eventing bad luck on their Olympic debut in Tokyo, having a 20, an 11 for activating a frangible device, and then being eliminated for missing a fence. But Jennekes a gutsy competitor and will be back to show the world just how things usually work out for her and her long-time partner, seventeen-year-old Champ. Form, Facts & Stats:Jannekes championships experience: Tokyo 2010 (Ind.) As well as being an Olympic eventer, Janneke has a degree in Sports Marketing.Cross Country Since Tokyo, theres nary a cross country jumping penalty on this pairs record; in fact, since this pair got together way back at the beginning of the 2018 season, theyve only had jumping penalties on four occasions. They added 19.2 time at the European Championships, but thats the most theyve had in quite a long while. It does tend to vary between events, and swings back and to between low-single figures and low-teens, but theres no difference between long- and short-format events, on the whole.________________________________________________________________________________ Karim Laghouag and Triton FontainePhoto by Tilly Berendt.With five Europeans, two Worlds and two Olympics in his locker, its safe to say that Karim knows a thing or two about representing France. And now hes in Paris, competing under the French flag at a home Games. Listen out for the cheers as he makes his way round the course; hes in for one heck of a ride today, whatever the outcome, but based on this pairs form, theyre on track for a big one. Form, Facts & Stats:Karims championships experience: Team Tokyo 2020; 12th individually Team Rio 2016 Lexington 2010 (Ind.) Aachen 2006 (Ind.) 10th This pair have been runners-up at Pau 5*, where they added just 0.4 show jumping time to their dressage score.Cross Country You have to go back to 2022 to find a cross country jumping penalty on this combinations record. They were clear inside the time at Pau 5*, where they were runners-up, and clear inside the time at Tokyo. Theyve had just a smidge of time at each of their two 4*-S runs this season, were talking 1.2 and 3.2 penalties. They did add 16.4 at the 4*-L European Championships last year, but thats the most time added by quite a bit across all the competitions theyve done. Clear inside the time coming up for them in Paris? Maybe so.________________________________________________________________________________ Karin Donckers and Liepheimer Vant VerahofPhoto by Tilly Berendt.Karins championships experience speaks for itself; shes a total stalwart of Belgian eventing and has been a superb representative over her long career, taking on her first international event in 1988. That was around the time I started following eventing, so I literally dont know an eventing without Karin being an eventer. This combination are coming in hot for a clear round, with nil points added for jumping penalties across their 28 FEI competitions together Form, Facts & Stats:Karins championships experience: Rio 2016 (Ind.) London 2012 (Team); 15th individually Beijing 2008 (Ind.); 9th Athens 2004 (Team); 16th individually Sydney 2000 (Team); 9th individually Barcelona 1992 (Team); 8th individually Pratoni 2022 (Team) Tryon 2018 (Team); 17th individually Caen 2014 (Team); 5th individually Lexington 2010 (Team); 4th individually Aachen 2006 (Team); 13th individually Jerez de la Frontera 2002 (Ind.); 19th Rome 1998 (Ind.) Den Haag 1994 (Ind.) Liepheimer Vant Verahof is the only stallion in the field.Cross Country In 28 FEI competitions, theres nary a cross country jumping penalty on this combinations card. They do add a handful of time, which, interestingly, doesnt alter much between long- and short-format competitions. In their two FEI runs this season, both 4*-S, they added 8.4 and 8.8. In the 4*-L at Boekelo last year they kept it to 6. ________________________________________________________________________________INDIVIDUAL RIDERS________________________________________________________________________________ Carlos Diaz Fernandez and Taraje CP 21.10Photo by Tilly Berendt.Carlos is making his Olympic debut with his World Championships ride, Taraje. Theyre in Paris off the back of some decent recent form, with a win, a sixth place, and two thirds coming in their last four FEI events. Form, Facts & Stats:Carlos championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Team) Tryon 2018 (Team) Caen 2014 (Team)Form, Facts & Stats: Carlos has represented Spain at three World Championships and four European Championships.Cross Country This combination were clear inside the time at the 4*-L in Romania last fall, which set them up for the win. In 26 FEI competitions, theres just one cross country jumping penalty on their record, which came way back in their first ever event in 2019. Theres also a fall on their card, which came at the World Championships in Pratoni. Other than that, their clear cross country jumping rate is really excellent. Theyre fairly quick too. They added just 6.8 time in their most recent run in the 4*-S Nations Cup leg in Montelibretti on their way to third place, and 4 time penalties in the 4*-L at the same venue last fall. Apart from one short-format competition, time penalties have been firmly in single figures since 2021.________________________________________________________________________________ Balsz Kaizinger and Herr Cooles ClassicoPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This pair are, for sure, here for the cross country (arent we all?) and well likely see them climb the leaderboard after todays competition, all being well. Form, Facts & Stats:Balszs championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Balsz is the first Hungarian eventer at an Olympics since 1996.Cross Country In 14 FEI runs together, this combination have had cross country jumping penalties on just one occasion, and one 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device. Theyve jumped clear at both 4*-L and 4*-S, although they dont have a ton of 4* experience, having stepped up to the level just last season. They incurred just 4.8 time penalties in the 4*-L at Sopot, in Poland, this season, but that was pretty quick for them; they added 17.6 in the 4*-S at Luhmhlen last month. ________________________________________________________________________________ Miroslav Trunda and Shutterflyke Photo by Tilly Berendt.Miroslav and Shutterflyke are making their second Olympic appearance in Paris, making this the third time theyve been on the world stage under the Czech flag, having also contested the World Championships in Pratoni in 2022. They havent had a cross country clear jumping round at a championships, yet, despite having plenty in other competitions. Will today put that right?Form, Facts & Stats:Miroslavs championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Miroslav is one of a few riders in Paris who have full-time jobs outside their eventing career. In Miroslavs case, hes an equine veterinarian, specializing in soundness problems.Cross Country This pair had a 20 at Tokyo and at the World Championships in Pratoni, but these seem to be unfortunate blips in an otherwise pretty clear record. Theyve jumped clear at both 4*-L and 4*-S recently. In terms of time, they obviously added a fair bit in their two championships appearances due to those 20s, but generally theyre around the mid-teens. They can be quicker, well just have to wait and see where they land in Paris.________________________________________________________________________________ Ronald Zabala Goetschel and Forever Young WundermaskePhoto by Leslie Threlkeld.Ronald is a self-confessed horse nut (arent we all round here?!) and has come to Paris with his veteran eventer, who is 21-years-old, yet Forever Young. Despite that, hes not actually a full-time eventer, instead spending his days heading up several businesses and finding time to, you know, qualify for the Olympics outside of office hours. Theres nothing like having an experienced old pal beside you as you set out of the start box on cross country day, and Ronalds guy has got 50 FEI competitions under his cinch as he makes his Olympic debut.Form, Facts & Stats:Ronalds championships experience: London 2012 (Ind.) Tryon 2018 (Ind.) At 21, Wundermaske is the oldest horse in the competition by two years.Cross Country This pair have had a bit of a spate of eliminations and withdrawals recently, with just one completion in five starts this season. He was pretty consistently clear cross country jumping last season though, and he went clear in his most recent run in the 4*-S Nations Cup event in Avenches last month. Realistically, we can expect time penalties in the high-20s, at least.________________________________________________________________________________ Veera Manninen and Sir Greg View this post on InstagramA post shared by Veera Manninen (@veera_m_eventing)Theres nothing quite like taking to a cross country course with a long-time partner, and Veeras in that enviable position as she makes her Olympic debut. Together since Juniors, Veeras brought Sir Greg right up through the levels and its safe to say that this pair know each other inside out, a real advantage when it comes to their biggest test yet.Form, Facts & Stats: Veeras just 24 but her and Sir Greg have been going eventing together for almost a decade.Cross Country This pair consistently pull out clear cross country jumping rounds, with just three occasions when theyve incurred a 20 and one elimination in 29 FEI competitions. They were clear inside the time in the 4*-S at Sopot, Poland, last season on their way to fourth place, but generally they do tend to pick up time. It was 12.8 penalties in their most recent run in the 4*-S Nations Cup event in Strzegom, where they finished sixth, and 16 in the run before that. ________________________________________________________________________________ Peter T. Flarup and FascinationPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This pair have been on a run of very hot form over the last season, with 8 FEI runs and results in the top-8 in all of them. They honed their skills going arena eventing over the winter and come to Paris on a streak of 8 cross country clear jumping rounds. If youre into numbers games, check out all those eights.Form, Facts & Stats:Peters championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Ind.) Beijing 2008 (Ind.) Caen 2014 (Ind.) Lexington 2010 (Ind.) Aachen 2006 (Team) Rome 1998 (Team) Fascination is known as Cooper in the barn.Cross Country This combination havent had a cross country jumping penalty since 2022, and that includes at both long- and short-format events and arena eventing. They had 14 time penalties in their most recent run, the 4*-S Nations Cup event in Strzegom, but they can be quite a bit quicker than that, and added just 2.8 in the 4*-L at the same venue last season. They did have 40 jumping penalties in Tokyo, and added 27.2 time, and they retired after 20 jumping and 11 for breaking a frangible device on their 5* debut at Luhmhlen in 2022. But more recent form suggests that theyve put all that behind them and will be going for the clear in Paris.________________________________________________________________________________ Esteban Benitez Valle and Utrera AA 35 1Estebans here as an individual after a Herculean effort by Spain to have a team in Paris that, sadly, didnt quite come together in the end. But its great that there are two Spanish representatives, and although hes making his Olympic debut, Esteban has European and World Championships experience on his side. Form, Facts & Stats:Estebans championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Team) Estebans World Championships horse is now going eventing for fun, doing 1*s with Estebans girlfriend.Cross Country This pair only have one cross country jumping penalty on their card from 23 FEI competitions. That came in the 4*-S Nations Cup leg in Arville last season. Theyre pretty speedy to boot; they went clear inside the time in the 4*-S at Kronenberg last year, where they finished third, and added just 4.8 in the 4*-L at Strzegom a little later in the year. We only have that one long-format run to go off, although theyve been quick enough to pick up just 2.8 time penalties in the 4*-S Nations Cup event at Montelibretti this year.________________________________________________________________________________SECOND TEAM ROTATION________________________________________________________________________________ Christoph Wahler and Carjatan SPhoto by Shelby Allen.Christoph and Carjatan S played a huge part in Germanys team gold medal at the World Championships in Pratoni and will no doubt be aiming for more of the same as they take to the course by the Grand Canal. This really is an exciting horse to watch hes striking, gutsy and classy, a real eventers eventer. Eyes on Form, Facts & Stats:Christophs championships experience: Team Pratoni 2022 Christoph doesnt just have a senior medal in his bling cabinet, he also has a bunch of Junior and Young Rider medals too.Cross Country In 48 FEI competitions this pair have had problems out on cross country on just six occasions. They activated two frangible devices in the 4*-S at Marbach this season, but before that were going back to 2021 to find cross country penalties a rider tumble at the Nations Cup event in Arville. They jumped clear at the European Championships last season, adding 13.2 time and finishing 4th; were clear at the World Championships in Pratoni, where they incurred 9.6 time penalties; jumped clear at Badminton in 2022, where they had just 3.6 time, and were clear inside the time at Luhmhlen on their way to second place in the 5* in 2021. They looked to be producing a very classy round in their final run prior to Paris, the 4*-S at Aachen, before pulling up on German team orders. Saving the very best for when it matters most, it seems. Shrewd.________________________________________________________________________________ Kevin McNab and Don QuidamPhoto by Shelby Allen.Here with his Tokyo Olympics and Pratoni World Championships mount, Kevin took team silver at the last Games, with a clear and quick round on cross country day contributing to their success. Hell be hoping for more of the same as he takes his turn in Paris.Form, Facts & Stats:Kevins championships experience: Team Tokyo 2020; 14th individually Pratoni 2022 (Team) This pair suffered a tack malfunction at the World Championships, where a broken cheek piece resulted in 20 penalties and a slew of time faults. Cross Country This pair had that 20 out on course at the World Championships in Pratoni, but were clear and quick in Tokyo, adding just 2.8 time faults and finishing 14th individually, an expensive second round of show jumping dropping them down the order. He very nearly finished on his dressage at his most recent complete run in the 4*-S at Marbach, where he was two seconds over the time to add 0.8 to his dressage of 33.9. Since Kevin took on the ride in 2018, hes had 16 clear cross country rounds from 21 competitions. This guys got 5* form as well he jumped clear inside the time at Kentucky in 2021 on his way to sixth place.________________________________________________________________________________ Karl Sleazak and Hot Bobo View this post on InstagramA post shared by Team Slezak Eventing (@teamslezakeventing)Hot Bobo already has a gold medal to her name, after triumphing with the Canadian team at the Pan-Ams in Santiago, and Karl will be itching to add another, this time of the Olympic variety. Incredibly, Karl had planned to sell Hot Bobo on, but she was so spooky it was tough to find a buyer and now, well, Karl must be very, very pleased about that. Form, Facts & Stats:Karls championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Team) Hot Bobo was actually an impulse buy when Karls hand slipped at the Monart Sale seven years ago.Cross Country Hot Bobo sizzles on the cross country on her day. This pair were clear inside the time at the Pan-Ams in Santiago last season, on their way to winning team gold and coming fourth individually, and they won the 4*-S at Kentucky after finishing on their dressage score. Time penalties can rack up into double figures, but thats at short-format competitions, at every long-format event theyve done, theyve either been clear inside the time or just a couple of seconds or so over. There are a couple of jumping penalties on their record; in 15 FEI competitions, theyve had jumping penalties on four occasions a 20 in a 4*-S this year and 60 in their season opener, the 4*-S at TerraNova, as well a 20 in the same event last year. The other ones way back in her first everf FEI run. So a clear round isnt a given, but is likely. When shes hot, shes hot. Is she hot for Paris?________________________________________________________________________________ Susie Berry and Wellfields Lincoln View this post on InstagramA post shared by Susie Berry (@susielberry)Susies making her Olympic debut for Ireland but she knows a thing or two about being on the team, having represented Ireland at every stage of her career, from Ponies to Young Riders through to Seniors. Shes been on the path to success for some time, having been in the first cohort of riders selected for the Wesko Foundation program, where she was mentored by none other than every horsegirls eventing hero, Pippa Funnell. So it may be her first time, but she sure is well-prepared.Form, Facts & Stats:Susies championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Team) Wellfields Lincoln is known as Slinky to his friends.Cross Country This pair have been prone to the odd 20 in the cross country phase, but theyre on a streak of four clear rounds coming into Paris, their longest streak yet. Theyve had three FEI runs so far this season, showing a speedier turn of foot at short-format than long-format. They had 7.6 and 3.6 time penalties in their two short-format runs, and added 20 in the 4*-L at Kronenberg, which was still good enough for fourth place.________________________________________________________________________________ Robin Godel and Grandeur de Lully CH Photo by Tilly Berendt.Robin and Grandeur are here on hot form, having won their two most recent runs Theyve been together since 2015 and theres no denying the power of a long-term partnership when it comes to going cross country, particularly at the Olympics.Form, Facts & Stats:Robins championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Pratoni 2022 (Team); 15th individually Tryon 2018 (Team) Robin says the most influential person in his career is his mom.Cross Country This pair jumped clear at the World Championships at Tryon and Pratoni, and also pulled clear rounds out of the bag at all three of their European Championships appearances. In 44 FEI competitions, they have just one non-completion which came waaaaay back in 2017. Theres a 20 on their card from 2021 and then you have to travel back in time to 2016 to find another one. This combination really are clear round machines. They do add time, most of the time. It was 7.2 penalties at Tryon and 20.4 at the Europeans last season. In their two 4*-S runs this season theyve kept time faults to single figures though.________________________________________________________________________________ Elisabeth Halliday and NutcrackerPhoto by Sally Spickard.Liz hasnt had a lot of time to get her head around the fact that shell be leaving the start box on cross country day, but boy, I best shes so ready for it. This pair have had eight top-9 finishes since stepping up to 4* and jumped clear round Kentucky 5* in the spring.Form, Facts & Stats: Speed demon Liz isnt just quick on cross country, shes also competed in motor racing, including the 24 hour race in Le Mans.Cross Country In 21 FEI competitions, this pair have just one non-completion, two 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device, and no other jumping penalties. Thats nine clear jumping rounds, including one at Kentucky 5*, where they finished eighth. They havent always been super speedy, Nutcrackers just a ten-year-old, but just 6.4 time penalties in your first 5* aint half bad. They added 9.6 in the 4*-L at Galway Downs on their way to the win last fall, and just 3.6 in the 4*-L at Tryon a little earlier in the year, which they also won. ________________________________________________________________________________ Jan Kaminski and JardPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This duo jumped clear round Tokyo but had a 20 in Pratoni. Janll be channeling those Tokyo vibes as he heads out of the start box in Paris.Form, Facts & Stats:Jans championships experience: Tokyo 2010 (Team) Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Jan and Jard (say it fast, its fun) won the 4*-L at Baborowko in Poland last season, which gave them their Paris chance.Cross Country Theyve had a bit of a mixed bag of results thus far this season, with falls in two of their five FEI runs; they jumped clear in the other three events though. They were clear cross country jumping at Tokyo, adding 12.8 time penalties, but had a 20 at the World Championships in Pratoni, and 25.2 time, and ended up withdrawing before the final horse inspection. ________________________________________________________________________________ Frida Andersn and Box Leo Photo by Tilly Berendt.This pair have finished in the top-25 in all of their FEI starts together and have just one cross country jumping penalty on their record. They can be relatively quick too, although not often inside the time. Will they manage it in Paris?Form, Facts & Stats:Fridas championships experience: Rio (Team) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Frida and Box Leo jumped clear with just two time penalties at the World Championships in Pratoni, finishing 17th individually and best of the Swedes.Cross Country This pair are incredibly consistent on cross country day. They were clear with 14.4 time at the European Championships last season and were just five seconds over the time at the World Championships at Pratoni. They havent had a jumping penalty since 2022, and then theres just the one on their record. All those clears include long- and short-format events and time penalties are generally kept well in single figures. They made the time in the 4*-S at Sopot in Poland this season, on the way to third place.________________________________________________________________________________ Laura Collett and London 52Photo by Tilly Berendt.Three-time 5* winners with an Olympic team gold medal in their bling cabinet, this pair know what its like to come to a Games and deliver the goods. This horse has been such a dream for Laura, and Ive no doubt shes in no hurry to wake up. Hes finished on his dressage in two 5*s and added just one second of show jumping time in the third; hes contested three 5*s and won them all. Hes not infallible, but hes a darned good eventer who deserves all the glory thats been bestowed on him thus far in his career, and more besides.Form, Facts & Stats:Lauras championships experience: Team Tokyo 2020 Pratoni 2022 (Team) Laura has limited vision in one eye due to a serious fall in 2013 thats why she wears goggles when shes going cross country.Cross Country A random 20 penalties stands out on this pairs record, because, well, they dont have a 20 very often. It came at Pratoni and happened as the result of a drive-by at the skinny after the slide. They werent the only ones to pick up penalties there that day. Another unfortunate event was a 15 for going the wrong side of a flag at the European Championships, putting them out of contention when theyd been sitting on a dressage score of 22.4. But why do we notice these blips? Because there are so very few blips in their form. In their 16 FEI runs since 2020, they are the only cross country jumping penalties on their card; in 32 completions theyve been clear inside the time at fifteen events, including at 5*s and the Tokyo Olympics. Thats a heck of a stat right there almost half the time at the competitions theyve completed theyre clear inside the time (sorry EquiRatings). ________________________________________________________________________________ Rafael Mamprim Losano and WithingtonThey may be a new combination, with Rafael having taken over the ride on Withington from Britains Sam Ecroyd just last year, but theyve already got a team bronze medal in their trophy cabinet that came at the Pan-Ams in Santiago in the fall, after they delivered a clear inside the time on cross country day.Form, Facts & Stats:Rafaels championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Rafael was just 24 when he competed in Tokyo.Cross Country They had an 11 penalties for activating a frangible device in the 4*-S at Marbach, after posting a PB in the dressage. Before that though, the gelding was on a streak of ten clear cross country rounds. They were clear inside the time at the Pan-Ams in Santiago on their way to team bronze, where they were 9th individually, at 4* though, were looking at double figures in terms of time penalties. They added 18 in the 4*-L at Montelibretti this season and 17.2 in the 4*-S at Marbach.________________________________________________________________________________ Clarke Johnstone and Menlo ParkPhoto by Eventing Nation.UK-based Kiwi, Clarke, knows just what its like to take a medal home from a championships, having won team bronze at Pratoni. This pair have only had cross country jumping penalties once since teaming up in 2021 and have proved that theyre capable of finishing on their dressage. Will they pull off this elusive feat in Paris?Form, Facts & Stats:Clarkes championships experience: Rio 2016 (Team); 6th individually Team Pratoni 2022 Lexington 2020 (Team) Clarke was the highest-placed Kiwi at the Rio Olympics.Cross Country They had a 20 at the World Championships in Pratoni, as well as 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device. But theyre the only cross country jumping penalties theyve had in twelve FEI runs together. They finished on their dressage in the 4*-L at Kilguilkey House in Ireland last season, securing the win. More often than not, they do add time however, but it only ever converts to penalties in the single figures.________________________________________________________________________________ Yoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton StreetYoshiaki Oiwa and MGH Grafton Street. Photo by Tilly Berendt.Yoshi and MGH Grafton Street contested their first FEI event together this season and have just four runs under their cinch before embarking upon the Olympic Games. Theyve been good ones though.Form, Facts & Stats:Yoshis championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Rio 2016 (Ind.); 20th London 2012 (Team) Beijing 2008 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Tryon 2018 (Team); 20th individually Lexington 2010 (Team) Aachen 2006 (Ind.); 18th Yoshis taken on the ride on MGH Grafton Street from Great Britains Pippa Funnell. Cross Country This new partnership have jumped clear in each of their four runs together this season, at both long- and short-format. Theyve steadily got quicker as theyve gone, starting out with 12.4 time in the 4*-S at Kronenberg in the Netherlands, and finishing up with 3.2 in the 4*-S at Bramham in the UK, taking in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk in Ireland along the way, where they added 4.8 on their way to fourth place.________________________________________________________________________________ Evelina Bertoli and Fidjy des MelezesPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This combination are on a streak of ten cross country clear jumping rounds that includes both long- and short-format, Nations Cup events, and European and World Championship appearances. Will they make it eleven alongside the Grand Canal on their Olympic debut? Time will tell.Form, Facts & Stats:Evelinas championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Caen 2014 (Team)Form, Facts & Stats: Sporty siblings alert Evelinas sister represented Italy in modern pentathlon at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.Cross Country Clear jumping isnt a worry for this pair, in 36 FEI competitions there are just two cross country jumping penalties on their record. Theyve had the odd flag penalty and a broken frangible device, but there are many, many, many more clears on their record than anything else. Time can be their undoing; its fair to say that they wont be the quickest round the course on cross country day. They added 21.2 time penalties at the World Championships in Pratoni and 20.4 at the 4*-L European Championships last season. They have proved they can be quicker over short-format courses though, as they were in the 4*-S at Pratoni del Vivaro this season, where they added 8.8 on the way to third place. ________________________________________________________________________________ Sanne de Jong and Enjoy View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sanne de Jong (@sanne__dejong)This pair have yet to come home clear on cross country day at a championships, so nows the time to put that right. Thats not to say they dont often jump clear, because they absolutely do, t just seems to be the luck on the big days that catches them out and upsets their long record of, otherwise, smart clear rounds. Form, Facts & Stats:Sannes championships experience: Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Sannes mom went eventing with Enjoys dam and granddam. Cross Country This pair are a class act on the cross country and have the results to prove it. Unfortunately, the mistakes come in places youre going to notice them a 20 at last years Europeans, another one at the World Championships in Pratoni, a technical elimination at the Europeans in Avenches. In between though, theyre clear all the way. They wont be the quickest out on course, but are unlikely to be the slowest, with time penalties recently ranging from 6.4 to 15.6 when theyve jumped clear.________________________________________________________________________________ Stphane Landois and Chaman Dumontceau Photo by Tilly Berendt.This pair know what its like to take a team medal home from a championships, having been part of the bronze medal winning French team at the Europeans last season. Hes not just here for himself though, theres three people in this relationship, as Stphane rides in honor and memory of his friend Thas.Form, Facts & Stats: Stphanes sporting motto is: You have to be rigorous and work a lot. Its really the work that pays off.Cross Country Since Stphane began riding this gelding, theyve had 14 FEI completions together, and within those competitions theyve had cross country jumping penalties just once, back in 2020 during their first season as a pair. Going clear inside the time at both long- and short-format competitions isnt outside their reach, and when they do have time penalties they keep them in single figures. ________________________________________________________________________________ Tine Magnus and Dia van het Lichterveld ZPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This combo is one to watch, both now, on cross country day at their Olympic debut, and in the future This is one of the really exciting pairings in eventing right now, with plenty of quick, clear round form. And Tines here as, essentially, an amateur in her real life she works on her familys farm.Form, Facts & Stats: Tine was Belgian national champion in 2022.Cross Country In 26 FEI competitions, this pair have just one rider fall on their entire cross country record. They added 2.4 time penalties on their way to winning the 4*-S at Strzegom and 4 in the 4*-L at Saumur this season. Time faults have stayed in single figures for their last seven FEI runs.________________________________________________________________________________INDIVIDUAL RIDERS________________________________________________________________________________ Sanna Siltakorpi and Bofey CLIckPhoto by Tilly Berendt.Theres nothing quite like a long-time partnership on cross country day, and Sanna and Click have been together for almost a decade. Until their most recent run, they hadnt been placed outside the top-10 in an FEI competition since 2022, so theyll chalk that 19th place in April down to experience, remember that they havent had a jumping penalty since 2015 yes, really and head out of the start box knowing that theyve totally got this. Form, Facts & Stats:Sannas championships experience: Caen 2014 (Ind.) Lexington 2010 (Ind.) Sannas friend has been selling team merchandise to help raise the money needed for Finland to get to Paris, as well as helping to raise awareness of eventing in Finland.Cross Country You have to go all the way back to 2018 to find anything like a problem out on cross country for this pair, and even then it was a retirement without penalties. In 43 FEI competitions they have just a single cross country jumping penalty on their record. Just one. And that came way, way, waaaaay back in 2015. Whats more, theyre pretty speedy too. They were just one second over the time in their most recent 4*-L run, and had 6.4 time penalties at their latest short-format event. This pair may well be ones to watch ________________________________________________________________________________ Alexander Peternell and Figaro des PremicesPhoto by Tilly Berendt.British-based South African rider, Alex, comes to his second Games with relative new kid on the block Norman. They have just 10 FEI competitions in their locker, and nine completions, so todays cross country will very much be an educational opportunity, but what an exciting one!Form, Facts & Stats:Alexanders championships experience: London 2012 (Ind.) Caen 2014 (Ind.) Alexander was the first South African rider to compete at Burghley (2009) and Badminton (2010).Cross Country This combination have only had cross country jumping penalties once in their 10 FEI starts, a 60 in the 4*-S at Bicton this season, which saw them retire out on course. Other than that its been clear all the way for them at this early stage in their career together. Norman is just a nine-year-old so Alexander has been taking things steady thus far, picking up time penalties in the twenties at all of their 4* runs.________________________________________________________________________________ Alex Hua Tian and Jilsonne van BareelhofPhoto by Tilly Berendt.Alex is an excellent ambassador for equestrianism in China and is very passionate about improving access to horses, and inspiring Chinese riders to follow their dreams, just as he did when he set himself the goal of representing China at his home Olympics in 2008, a dream he realized. He won the Asian Games in Hangzhou last season and comes to Paris for his fourth Olympic appearance.Form, Facts & Stats:Alexs championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Rio 2016 (Ind.); 8th Beijing 2008 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Tryon 2018 (Ind.) Caen 2014 (Ind.) Alex has set up a charity in the Peoples Republic of China connecting kids to riding schools to help more people get into horses. Cross Country You have to go back to 2021 to find a cross country jumping penalty on this pairs card, although they do tend to take things a little steady out on course. They picked up 23.2 time penalties in their latest run in the 4*-S at Bramham, but kept it to 10 at their most recent long-format completion, the 4* in Montelibretti last year.________________________________________________________________________________ Manuel Grave and Carat de BremoyManuel is making his Olympic debut with a late-allocated place, thanks to some changes in the qualification places. Hes got dad/coach/former Olympic eventer Carlos by his side as he takes on Paris with his twelve-year-old gelding.Form, Facts & Stats:Manuels championships experience: Lexington 2010 (Ind.) Manuels dad represented Portugal at the Athens Games in 2004.Cross Country Theyve jumped three clear cross country rounds this season, including both long- and short-format events. They have had their fair share of troubles out on course though, with five eliminations and a retirement after a 20, in 27 FEI competitions, and a further four cross country jumping penalties on their record. They added 6 time penalties in the 4*-L at Kronenberg in their most recent run, and just 2.4 in the 4*-S event at the Spring Tour in Portugal. They were clear inside the time in the 4*-L at Sopot, Poland, last season on their way to eighth place, and clear inside the time in the 4*-L at Montelibretti a little earlier in the year, where they finished ninth.________________________________________________________________________________ Noor Slaoui and Cash In Hand View this post on InstagramA post shared by Noor Slaoui (@noor_slaoui_eventing)Noor is making history for Morocco as she takes to the course in Paris, as the first-ever international eventer from the country. Shes been learning the trade from Aussie eventing stalwart Bill Levett, so she has plenty of experience to draw from as she takes on her first Olympic cross country. Form, Facts & Stats: Noor didnt start eventing until she was 19, after driving past a Horse Trials in the UK, where she was studying at University.Cross Country Since stepping up to 4*, this pair have jumped clear in five out of eight FEI runs. They had 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device in the 4*-S Nations Cup leg at Avenches on their most recent run, but went clear at both long- and short-format events in their two runs prior. Time does tend to clock up for them, particularly at short-format, with 23.6 added in the 4*-S at Ballindenisk this season and 12.8 in the 4*-L at Montelibretti last season.________________________________________________________________________________ Harald Ambros and Vitorio du MontetThe galloping dentist is back at the Games, this time with ex-French horse Vitorio. This is an exciting prospect for Harald, and Austria, who has some great form behind him, including finishing on his dressage score at Pau 5* two years running and earning an eighth and a fifth place finish.Form, Facts & Stats:Haralds championships experience: London 2012 (Ind.) Beijing 2008 (Ind.) Athens 2004 (Team) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Lexington 2010 (Ind.) Aachen 2006 (Team); 19th individually Vitorio partnered up with Harald to represent Austria via Spain and the Czech Republic, after leaving French rider Maxime Livio.Cross Country This horse has proven to be incredibly reliable out on the cross country course. His best rounds have come with Maxime Livio, who rode him for five years, but Haralds been putting in the miles since starting out with him last September and in six FEI runs they havent had a cross country jumping penalty. Most recently, they had 19.2 time penalties in the 4*-L at Baborowko, Poland, where they finished fourth, and 6 in the 4*-S at Sopot, where they were fifth.________________________________________________________________________________ Miroslav Phoda and Ferreolus LatPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This pair have a hattrick of championships experiences in their locker, having represented the Czech Republic at the Tokyo Olympics, the World Championships in Pratoni, and the European Championships in Avenches. The had 11 penalties for a frangible device at Tokyo, and a 20 at Pratoni, but secured a smart clear in Avenches. What will they pull out of the bag in Paris?Form, Facts & Stats:Miroslavs championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Ferreolus Lat is known as Ferda in the barn.Cross Country This combination jumped clear in the 4*-L at Strzegom in Poland in their most recent run, where they finished third. Theyve also jumped clear in a 4*-S event this season. Really, they most often jump clear, those penalties at Tokyo and Pratoni are blips in an otherwise clean record. They added 19.6 time at Tokyo, and 21.2 at the European Championships in Avenches, another long-format competition. They kept it to 6 time penalties in their most recent 4*-S run though, and do tend to have a swifter turn of foot at short-format.________________________________________________________________________________ Nicolas Wettstein and Altier dAurois View this post on InstagramA post shared by Nicolas Wettstein (@wettsteinnico)Nicolas sure is a busy guy, what with being a CEO and Olympic eventer all at once. Hes one of those people who jumps out of bed in the dark to go ride his horses before work, then heads to the gym on the way home from the office. Which is why hes an Olympian and Im definitely not.Form, Facts & Stats:Nicolas championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Ind.) Rio 2016 Pratoni 2022 (Ind.) Tryon 2018 (Ind.) Caen 2014 (Ind.) Nicolas dad is Swiss and his mom is French, but his ex-wife was Ecuadorian, which made him eligible to compete for Ecuador.Cross Country Things arent always plain sailing for this pair out on cross country, but often they are. They had an early 20 in Tokyo and followed that up with another one in a 3*-S competition a few months later. They retired out on course twice last season; after racking up a slew of penalties in a 4*-L in September, and having a 20 and breaking a frangible device in a 4*-S in April. Aside from that though, youre looking back to 2020 to find another cross country jumping penalty on their card, and they jumped clear at the Pan-Ams in Santiago. Time is a funny thing, particularly for this pair. At 4*-L theyve been inside and theyve also had almost 30 time penalties. So, somewhere in between that is where theyll probably be in Paris.________________________________________________________________________________FINAL TEAM ROTATION________________________________________________________________________________ Michael Jung and Chipmunk FRHPhoto by Tilly Berendt.We all know how Tokyo played out. But surely, surely, you cant be that unlucky twice. This horse deserves to totally showcase his talent this time around, and well, there really is no better pilot. Fingers crossed the frangibles behave themselves.Form, Facts & Stats:Michaels championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team); 8th individually Team & Individual Rio 2016 Team & Individual London 2012 Team & Individual Caen 2014 Individual Lexington 2010 Michael is one of only two riders to win the Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, with consecutive Badminton, Burghley and Kentucky victories (the others Britains Pippa Funnell).Cross Country Theyve been clear inside the time at World Championships (Pratoni 2022), European Championships (in 2021) and 5* (Kentucky 2022), but a heartbreaking frangible device scuppered their chances of a gold medal in Tokyo. Michi had an unlucky ducking at the European Championships last season and they had a 20 in a 4*-S run in Strzegom, not to mention that Aachen flag. What Im getting at is that we all know theres the aspect of a little luck on the day needed in eventing, and thus far, Michi and Chip have been on the wrong side of it seemingly more times than they perhaps deserve. But look past that and youll find just two 20s, one flag, one frangible device and one rider fall in 33 FEI competitions together. Youll also find an awful lot of inside the times on their record, notably at Tokyo, Pratoni and Kentucky. ________________________________________________________________________________ Christopher Burton and Shadow ManChris is comin in hot He was clear inside the time at Millstreet, Ireland, on the way to the win in the 4*-S Nations Cup leg in his latest FEI run prior to Paris. Form, Facts & Stats:Chris championships experience: Team Rio 2016; 5th individually London 2012 (Team) Tryon 2018 (Team) Caen 2014 (Team) Lexington 2010 (Ind.) Chris has won Adelaide 5* twice, as well as taking the Burghley title.Cross Country You have to go all the way back to 2018 to find a cross country jumping penalty on this geldings record, and thats the only one in 33 FEI runs. He made the time on his most recent run, but before that itd been a few years since he last stopped the clock without penalties; although Chris is known as one of the fastest riders in the world, this pair have added between 16.8 and 28.4 in their six FEI competitions together. But those runs were very much a getting to know each other exercise doing what was needed to qualify for the Olympics without risking any mishaps and their blistering run at Millstreet is surely the kind of determination we can expect from them moving forwards. ________________________________________________________________________________ Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS Photo by Shelby Allen.Jessie must be feeling pretty good on cross country day, knowing shes sat on a mare whos never had a jumping penalty out on course. Jessies no stranger to the world stage and will no doubt be fully prepared to use all of her vast experience to steer the relatively inexperienced Freedom GS round the Paris track. Form, Facts & Stats:Jessies championships experience: Rio 2016 (Team) London 2012 (Team) Tryon 2018 (Team) Caen 2014 (Team) 2010 Lexington (Ind.) Freedom GS is Canadian-bred and is the product of four generations of Canadian breeding. Cross Country In 13 FEI runs this mare has no cross country jumping penalties, but has had 11 for activating a frangible device on three occasions. She hasnt been inside the time since 2* and time penalties do tend to vary she added 19.8 on her latest run in the 4*-S at Bromont, and 4.4 in the 4*-S at TerraNova on the way to second place. In her last long-format run, the 4*-L also at TerraNova in November, she added 4 time penalties. ________________________________________________________________________________ Austin OConnor and Colorado BluePhoto by Tilly Berendt.If you love cross country, make sure you watch this guy, because Salty loves it too (and so does Austin). Man, theres nothing better than seeing a true cross country horse do its thang, and thats exactly what you get with this talented, plucky gelding. Hes got scope and power and speed and well lets just says hes the whole package when it comes to cross country day. Enjoy.Form, Facts & Stats:Austins championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team); 13th individually Beijing 2008 (Team) Sydney 2000 (Ind.); 17th Pratoni 2022 (Team); 18th individually Austin drove his own horse lorry to Paris.Cross Country In 28 FEI competitions, this combination have had cross country jumping penalties just twice thats a total of 26 clear rounds. This guy is an eventing machine. He was clear inside the time in Tokyo and just two seconds over at the World Championships in Pratoni. He added just 1.2 time penalties at Maryland 5* on his way to the win. ________________________________________________________________________________ Felix Vogg and Dao de lOceanPhoto by Tilly Berendt.Dao may be making his championships debut in Paris, but Felix has two Olympics, four World Championships, multiple European Championships and a bunch of Nations Cup appearances in his locker, as well as having completed at Badminton, Pau, Kentucky where he was sixth and Luhmhlen which he won on his birthday. Huzzah!Form, Facts & Stats:Felixs championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team); 19th individually Rio 2016 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Team); 14th individually Tryon 2018 (Team) Caen 2014 (Team) Felix and his brother, Ben, both represented Switzerland at the Rio Olympics.Cross Country This pair had a bit of a rocky start to their relationship, picking up plenty of cross country penalties at the beginning of their time together, but practice makes perfect and all that and theyre now on a streak of twelve clear rounds. They were clear inside the time in the 4*-L Nations Cup event at Boekelo last season, where they finished ninth, and added just 6.8 time penalties in the 4*-S at Wiesbaden this year on their way to the win. Felix hasnt pushed for the time on this horse though, so itll be interesting to see what happens if he decides to unleash the beast in Paris.________________________________________________________________________________ Boyd Martin and Fedarman BPhoto by Tilly Berendt.Boyds bling cabinet has a silver from the World Championships, and a team and individual gold from the Pan-Ams in it, and hed very much like to add an Olympic medal to his haul. Hes known to take an ice bath on cross country day and often shows up at events with his guru. Boyd may be a bit of a character and game for a laugh, but put him on that pony and hes one hella fierce competitor.Form, Facts & Stats:Boyds championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team); 20th individually Rio 2016 (Team); 16th individually London 2012 (Team) Team Pratoni 2022 Tryon 2018 (Team) Caen 2014 (Team); 7th individually Lexington 2010 (Team); 10th individually6 Boyd is currently World No. 6 Boyds been named USEA Rider of the Year six times.Cross Country They were clear in the 4*-S at Kentucky this season, and just two seconds over the time, finishing up fourth overall. In 11 FEI runs together theyve had jumping penalties just twice, once in a getting-it-together round right at the start of their journey and an 11 for breaking a frangible device at Pau last fall, where they finished eighth. We all know Boyds a fast rider, and Brunos a pretty quick horse. They were clear inside the time at Luhmhlen on their way to eighth place and were inside the time at Pau, despite that pin. So, long-format clears inside the time check; achingly close to the time at short-format check. What more do you want as you head out onto an Olympic cross country course?________________________________________________________________________________ Robert Powala and Tosca del CastegnoPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This mare stepped up to 4* last season and has gained a fair bit of mileage since then, with eight FEI runs at the level, including two Nations Cup events.Form, Facts & Stats: Robert is based in Italy, a childhood dream of his that came true.Cross Country This combination are on a run of six clear cross country jumping rounds, including both long- and short-format events. In 24 FEI competitions theyve had jumping penalties on five occasions. They tend to go for steady-ish clears, although time penalties recently have come down into single figures sometimes at short-format. In their last long-format run, the 4*-L at Montelibretti last season, they added 15.6 time. ________________________________________________________________________________ Louise Romeike and Caspian 15Photo by Tilly Berendt.This pair have some very hot form across the country Louise has produced this guy through the levels herself, so its safe to say they know each other really well, exactly the kind of relationship you want with your horse as you set out from the start box onto the Olympic cross country course.Form, Facts & Stats:Louises championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Tryon 2018 (Team) Louises father-in-law is none other than 2008 Olympic individual and team gold medalist Hinrich Romeike.Cross Country In 24 FEI runs this pair have never had a cross country jumping penalty, not one or any, zero. And theyre pretty speedy too. They added just 2 time penalties in the 4*-L Nations Cup event at Boekelo last season and were two seconds over the time in the 4*-S at Marbach this season. ________________________________________________________________________________ Ros Canter and Lordships Graffalo View this post on InstagramA post shared by Ros Canter (@ros_canter_eventing)European Champion 5* winner Making his Olympic debut Walter really is living the eventing dream right now. Ros was traveling reserve for Tokyo, a role which she stepped up to heroically, supporting the team to the gold medal, but this time shes not watching from the sidelines on cross country day she gets to ride the wonderful Walter round the Olympic track. Walter, whos never had a cross country jumping penalty. Walter, who very often makes the time. What a lucky woman Ros is! Form, Facts & Stats:Ros championships experience: Team Tokyo 2020 (as traveling reserve) Pratoni 2022 (Team); 4th individually Team & Individual Tryon 20181 Ros is currently World No. 1 Ros is a bit of a smart cookie and has a degree in sports science.Cross Country In 22 FEI competitions, Walter has had cross country jumping penalties a total of zero times. None. Hes been inside the time on nine occasions, and one or two seconds over on a further two. According to my math, thats almost a 50:50 clear inside the time rate, give or take a second or two. This horse is just something else. And really, the times where the penalties have been a few extra can be explained by planned steady runs and the Badminton mud. Blink and youll miss em, which you wont want to do, as this pair are ones to watch ________________________________________________________________________________ Marcio Carvalho Jorge and Castle Howard CasanovaPhoto by Shannon Brinkman Photography.This combination have just 15 FEI starts behind them, but they brought home a team bronze and individual silver medal from the Pan-Ams last season, so have at least experienced the buzz of a big occasion and stepped up to the plate. Marcio knows his way around an Olympics, or two, so hell be there to guide, relatively young at eleven, Howard round the Paris track. Form, Facts & Stats:Marcios championships experience: Rio 2016 (Team) London 2012 (Team) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Tryon 2018 (Team) Marcios been based in Britain since competing at his home games in Rio.Cross Country They added just a smidge of time in both the cross country and show jumping at the Pan-Ams last season on their way to a silver medal. In 15 FEI competitions theres nary a cross country jumping penalty on their record not one, or any. The only mark on their card is a technical elimination in 2022. And theyre rather swift of foot to boot. They finished on their dressage in the 4*-L at Sopot, Poland last season and were just four seconds over the time in Santiago. In their two 4*-S runs this season, they added 12.4 at Kronenberg and 7.2 at Luhmhlen. ________________________________________________________________________________ Tim Price and FalcoPhoto by Tilly Berendt.Smooth and quick, Tim always makes cross country day look so easy. Seriously, this is one classy rider to watch in all three phases, but especially when hes galloping and jumping it all just looks so effortless. Sit back and enjoy this one Form, Facts & Stats:Tims championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team) Rio 2016 (Team) Team & Individual Pratoni 2022 Tryon 2018 (Team); 8th individually Caen 2014 (Team)9 Tim is currently World No. 9 Tim has achieved the rare feat of completing all seven of the worlds 5*s.Cross Country This pair have had their fair share of problems out on course over the years, most recently in the 4*-S at Bicton in May, where they picked up 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device and retired. They had 40 jumping penalties in the 4*-S at Aachen last year and 20 the year before. It seems they have penalties out on cross country around once a season, and theyve had them this year, so based on those stats, its safe to say theyll pull out a clear in Paris (sorry EquiRatings, for my clunky data analysis). But seriously, they were clear inside the time at Pau 5* and at the World Championships in Pratoni, and when they do add time, its single figures. ________________________________________________________________________________ Kazuma Tomoto and Vinci de la VignePhoto by Tilly Berendt.Kazuma started out in the show jumping ring and didnt ride around a cross country course until 2016. He learned his trade from none other than Mr Eventing himself, William Fox-Pitt, so theres no doubting his pedigree when it comes to classy cross country riding.Form, Facts & Stats:Kazumas championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Team); 4th individually Pratoni 2022 (Team); 8th individually Tryon 2018 (Team) Vinci de la Vigne is known as Vince at home. Cross Country They were bang on the same dressage score in Tokyo and the World Championships in Pratoni, and were very close in the cross country too, with two jumping clears and 1.6 time in Tokyo and 1.2 in Pratoni. Seriously, this is a consistent combination, and consistently excellent too. Theyre not always super quick at short-format events, but get them running and jumping and they really show what cross country ridings all about. They have had a fall this season, which is a blemish on a very clean cross country sheet, but after his stellar performance in Tokyo, where he finished just off the podium individually, hell be yearning to take that extra step in Paris. ________________________________________________________________________________ Giovanni Ugolotti and Swirly TemptressPhoto by Tilly Berendt.This combination has been together from the start, with Giovanni bringing the mare up through the levels from 1*. They have an enviable record across the country, although theyll need to step it up a bit in terms of time if theyre going to catch the clock alongside the Grand Canal.Form, Facts & Stats:Giovannis championships experience: Caen 2014 (Team) At home, Swirly Temptress is known as Swirl, because, why not?Cross Country Apart from two rider falls and a flag penalty, this pairs cross country record is remarkably clean over 28 FEI runs. They do tend to add time, although they finished on their dressage in the 4*-L at Ballindenisk in 2022 on their way to the win, a career-best finishing score and result. They added 18.8 time at the European Championships last season, a long-format competition, and 9.6 in their most recent run, the 4*-S at Luhmhlen.________________________________________________________________________________ Raf Kooremans and Radar LoveThis horse has a remarkably clean score sheet when it comes to cross country jumping, which must have Raf feeling positive as he sets out of the start box at Paris.Form, Facts & Stats:Rafs championships experience: Tryon 2018 (Team) Rafs daughter has competed for the Dutch eventing team at Ponies, Juniors and Young Riders.Cross Country This combination had an 11 penalties for breaking a frangible device in the 4*-S at Bicton, but in their five other runs together, theyve jumped clear. They may not have many runs as a pair under their cinch, but Radar Love has 31 FEI starts on his card, and theres just that one 11 penalties, a 20 back in 2022, and a fall on his record, thats it. Other than that its clear all the way, although it has to be pointed out that there are only a handful of 4* runs on that list. This gelding is a steady clear kind of guy, with time penalties generally racking up into the mid-teens or a bit higher.________________________________________________________________________________ Nicolas Touzaint and Diabolo MenthePhoto by Eventing Nation.Nicolas knows just what its like to take the metalware home from the Olympics, having won team gold in Athens and team bronze in Tokyo. Hell be itching to add to his collection with this talented gelding at his home Games.Form, Facts & Stats:Nicolas championships experience: Team Tokyo 2020; 6th individually London 2012 (Team); 17th individually Beijing 2008 (Ind.) Team Athens 2004 (Ind.) 8th Sydney 2000 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Aachen 2006 (Team) In 2008 Nicolas became the first French rider to win Badminton.Cross Country In 15 FEI competitions this pair have had zero cross country jumping penalties, not a single one. They were clear inside the time at the Nations Cup event at Boekelo last season, finishing on their dressage and taking the win, and at the Young Horse Championships in 2020 they added nothing on cross country day on their way to third place. Theyve had two 4*-S runs this season, incurring 7.2 time in their season opener and 2 in their most recent run. They can be clear and quick at both long- and short-format, and this pair could very well be ones to watch in Paris ________________________________________________________________________________ Lara de Liederkerke-Meier and Origi Photo by Tilly Berendt.Lara had no fewer than five horses qualified for the Olympics. Shes in Paris with ten-year-old gelding, Origi, who was top-10 at the Young Horse World Championships as a seven-year-old. Incidentally, Lara was seven when she got her first pony. She hasnt had a whole lot of Championships luck in the past few years, with a really, really unlucky fall at the first fence in Pratoni and withdrawing after the dressage in Tokyo, but she turned all that around when she became the first Belgian to win a 5* at Luhmhlen last month. Heres to continuing on her most recent trajectory in Paris. Form, Facts & Stats:Laras championships experience: Tokyo 2020 (Ind.) Pratoni 2022 (Team) Tryon 2018 Caen 2014; 18th Individually Lexington 20104 Lara is currently World No. 4 Laras sporting heroes are Swiss tennis player Roger Federer and, of course, eventing magician Michael Jung, who shes competing against in Paris.Cross Country They had an uncharacteristic 20 in their most recent FEI run in the 4*-S at Luhmhlen. In their 25 competitions together, theyve had cross country jumping penalties on just three occasions and one rider fall. They can be quick on their day too. They were clear inside the time in the 4*-L at Montelibretti back in November, the last long-format run theyve had, and one of only three. Theyre no slouches at short-format even with the 20 at Luhmhlen they only added 8.8 time penalties. ________________________________________________________________________________