WEG showjumping update day 1 - the name on everyones lips - - TopicsExpress



          

WEG showjumping update day 1 - the name on everyones lips - Bertram Allen from Ireland! The 19 year old blazed around the tough enough opening track early on in the draw to hold onto the lead from 153 starters! This kid was amazing and smooth, so good on him for such a great ride on opening day!!! There was quite a bit of carnage on the Table C course, mostly early on but it did continue throughout the day. Insude the stadium would gave been very impressive for the horses and riders, so those that were new to it (atmosphere) stood out! Some had the first down (including our own Jamie Kermond, his only unlucky rail) which was an inviting oxer but away from the in-gate. The roll back to 2 saw some fantastic short turns and riding but also claimed a few with chips. 5 strides down to the large oxer with hedges inside it took its toll on a few who were too hesitant to it, 7 strides to another oxer which didnt pose too many problems except for one that ended up in the dirt. Sweeping right bend to a large grey wall that caused at least half of the carnage for day 1. Pius Switzers horse jumped to the side of it the first time, there was one that would not go anywhere near it and the lovely chestnut For Pleasure gelding Baron of Lucy Davis of USA ploughed through it with a bit of miscommunication - it was the fence to watch!!!! Roll back right to an oxer that was angled back on itself just enough to cause problems for those who rushed the corner and ended up too far away. This fence also caused some trouble with some stops as the boom that the video was on kept going up and down directly behind this fence as the horses approached - would be very distracting for horses not used to that kind of thing! Left sweeping bend to the open water, not too much trouble here, of course a few in it or on the line (still get faults for this) and mostly due to galloping at it too early and thus taking off too far away. Then 8,9 or 10 strides down to an option double of verticals - the faster option was a double of lacquered planks that would have seemed quite solid to the horse as it approached - this was the other main site of carnage on course. At least 2 or 3 riders hit the turf here and plenty had the planks down as it looked tight (of course it is after the water). Only one rider attempted the long route and his horse was not keen on that and quickly turfed him into the giant apple wing that went with that jump. Then right turn back to a vertical again angled just enough off the wall to keep them honest (which Doda de Mirandas horse was not, dumping him there very surprisingly). 7 or 8 strides to another double, no worries here, then roll back left to a big oxer. Most got this easily but a few landed on the back rail with a not good enough turn back to it. Bending line in 7,8 or 9 strides to a vertical. Again not too much trouble just flatness for a few. Final rollback on the left to a double, mostly not a problem (although JPR from Aus got a bit close, horse jumped up and down on back rail of first element to stop at the second), then 6 strides on a slight curve to the last the Rolex oxer. One horse almost swam through it and just about dislodged his rider but all good in the end. The Aussies had some super rounds and will be well placed for tomorrow (Kermo just 1 down, both Amy and Edwina clear and JPR 2 down plus a stop). Taizo Sugitani from Japan (our friend) had an awesome clear also. Was fabulous to watch riders from 56 nations competing, another big day tomorrow :) here is a couple pics of Bertram the wonder kid and Beezie Madden (she finished in a super fast 4th PS- yes everything you have heard about how bad the stadium is is absolutely true!!!! No backs on the chairs, barely any food vendors, a long way to the village (for shopping, food, etc), and yes the toilets ARE just holes in the ground that you have to squat over. They also kick you out at lunchtime and make you wait outside the stadium. Lexington was so much better!!!!!!! Watching on tv is a far more comfortable option! But we are very excited to be here and watch it all in the flesh!!!!
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:36:34 +0000

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