Eventing First Horse Inspection

The Olympic Eventing got underway with the first horse inspection at Deodoro Olympic Park in Rio de Janeiro (BRA) yesterday. A total of 84 horses, including reserves, were trotted up in front of the Ground Jury.

The Australian Team of Shane Rose (CP Qualified), Stuart Tinney (Pluto Mio), Chris Burton (Santano II), Sam Griffiths (Paulank Brockaugh) and reserve Sammi Birch (Hunter Valley II) have passed fit to compete so were all the other horses presented were passed fit to compete.

Buoyant

There was a buoyant mood around the arena, with riders singing the praises of the facilities at Deodoro which British team-member, Pippa Funnell, described as “fantastic”. She said “we didn’t know what to expect when we came here, but so far it’s just unbelievable! It’s really super for the horses, the stables are so spacious and so cool, they are really happy because where they are living is so quiet, and there’s no noise or fuss. They’re loving it!”

Dressage is first up tomorrow and first into the ring at 10.00 local time will be America’s Jessica Phoenix with A Little Romance, who will be followed by Frenchman Astier Nicolas (Piaf de B’Neville) and then Ireland’s Padraig McCarthy (Simon Porloe). A total of 33 horse/rider combinations will take their turn tomorrow, and the remaining 32 will do their tests on Sunday.

Check out the Startlist and times for the Australian Team HERE.

Cross-country

However riders are already thinking ahead to Monday’s cross-country challenge. Course designer, Pierre Michelet (FRA), has given them plenty to think about, particularly through his clever use of the terrain at the Brazilian army sports venue at Deodoro where the 2007 Pan-American Games were staged. “It’s quite tricky and big enough” said Funnell who will partner  the home-bred Billy the Biz. “He (Michelet) has used the hills a lot, and this is definitely an Olympic track. The competition definitely won’t be a dressage test!”

Full startlist for Eventing Dressage here 

FEI Media Team