RIO: Day Two – Eventing Dressage

I even beat the soldiers up this morning. The jet lag has finally kicked in (or could it be just the excitement that it all begins today) and I was up at 03:00am. The whole media village was buzzing with the first day of sport and we sambaed our way to the equestrian stadium with plenty of time to spare, inspired after a joyous opening ceremony. How gorgeous was the flame!

We secured prime position in the stands which was handy seeing they were literally dodging stray bullets down stairs in the media centre. Well, those were the reports (and there was even a photo of the bullet on Facebook so it must be true) and we are in Rio!

A glorious day saw the eventing kick off with Jessica Phoenix from Canada and we didn’t have to wait long until we got a lovely rhythmic test from Frenchman Astier Nicolas aboard Piaf De B’Neville and they remained near the top end of proceedings for most of the day on 42.0. In doing so they added heft to the rumour rumble… WATCH OUT FOR THE FRENCH! At the end of the day they were ominously poised in 4th and everyone was saying this was not going to be a dressage test.

Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh were the first of the Aussies to have a go in the main arena and a good job they did too. There were a couple of sliding stops which could have been smoother but all in all a pleasant go around. 46.3.

Sam Griffiths and Paulank Brockagh

Thanks girl

Sliding stops must have been an Antipodean thing as Tim Price from New Zealand was soon afterward and threw one in as well but not before the first British rider Gemma Tattersall gave us a super rhythmic and smooth test on Quicklook V, spoilt only but a break in the first extended trot. What a shame! Gemma ended up on 47.2 while Tim was on 47.0.

Gemma Tattersall on Quicklook V

We had a short 15 minute break and was that tractor racing we witnessed in the main arena during the arena grading? At least the crowd thought it was (especially that Aussie contingent over in the far left corner. Don’t think we didn’t notice your cries of encouragement!)

Sandra Auffarth aboard Opgun Louvo was the first of the Germans and what a lovely test. They might be eventers but the Deutsch are always reminding us that they are from the world capital of dressage. Swinging, loose and correct for a score of 41.7.

Sandra Auffarth aboard Opgun Louvo

We all knew when the Brazilian rider Marcio Appel was about to enter the arena with the whoops and hollers and claps and whistles. The bouncy little horse seemed unaffected and skipped through the test for a score of 57.2.

The second round of riders from Canada and France were as nice as their first riders. France’s Karim Laghough had Entebbe super loose and flowing along so it was a shame when the final halt turned into one of those southern sliding numbers. They finished on 43.4.

Chris Burton was the next of the Aussies and oh what a test! You could tell as soon as he and Santano II entered the arena that this was something else. Burto is such a lovely, still, soft rider. He just stays out of the horse’s way. The first extended trot received a 9.5 from one of the judges accompanied by oooos and ahhs from the German journos next to us. The combination didn’t put a foot wrong so it was no surprise when they rocketed up into first place on 37.6.

And here for your enjoyment are a whole bunch of photos of Chris and his fancy horse for you to enjoy….

What was a surprise was when William Fox-Pitt pipped them straight afterwards for first on Chilli Morning. The trot was fairly ordinary to be fair, but I have to admit the canter was pretty nice, so perhaps I’m being harsh. 37.0 for the pair to remain on top for the rest of the day.

William Fox-Pitt on Chilli Morning

Sir Mark Todd still has what it takes and he had Leonidas II collected up nicely, but low early marks brought down the final score to 44.0. It was a smooth enough test but just not as flash as the top few. Still, years have taught him to never give a mark away. You can pick the experienced ones.

Mark Todd and Leonidas II

The Kiwi was followed straight afterwards by Mr Perfection himself Michael Jung riding his faithful Sam. This was one of the first combinations to prepare well for their flying changes which allowed smooth, straight movements and no crazy, swinging quarters, but Sam was enjoying them way too much and threw in one unnecessarily in the counter canter. The German duo are mortal after all! The test on the whole was uncharacteristically flat which may explain why Michi’s first horse of choice was the younger Takinou. But he is the master so it’s a bit early to write him off! 40.9 and the Germans finish 1.4 in front of the Aussies at the end of day one. The Brits sneak into third.

Michael Jung riding Sam

Wish me sweet dreams, please…

Rebecca