Show Jumping Team Gold!!!!

I am dancing for joy right now! Our American Show Jumping team has done it! They showed the world, and they won the gold!

Germany is usually the powerhouse in this arena, and they came in as the clear favorites. As fate would have it, they had a terrible time. The horses weren't jumping clear, the team captain's horse refused, and they just struggled. Not what was expected, and certainly not what they wanted after last Olympics.

You see, in Athens the Germans won the gold. The U.S. took the silver. Shortly after the Games concluded, a German horse came up positive on a drug test after a prescription liniment had been used, but too close to competition(note to self: never use Surpass if within 6 weeks of competition). Therefore, the gold was stripped away and given to our team. While it was great, it was also bittersweet.

This year our team had something to prove. They wanted the world to know we deserved the win, that we truly have fantastic animals and great riders. Guess what? Our team showed it!

It wasn't easy. The Canadian team was hot on our heels. In fact, a jump off took place because the two teams were dead even in points! Both teams knew they had to be fast, and they had to be clean. Neither team disappointed.

McClain & Sapphire
Laura & Cedric
Will & Carlsson vom Dach

Beezie & Authentic
Unfortunately for our great neighbors to the North, they only had 3 horses on their team. The 4th was injured before competition and withdrew. Our team had all 4 horses. That meant we could drop a score if needed. Canada needed all three scores. Their third rider, Jill Henselwood and Special Ed, dropped a rail. Our third rider, Will Simpson, went clear, leaving our anchor rider, Beezie Madden, with no need to do her round. The medals had been decided!

Let me say that I am also thrilled for Canada. This is their first medal EVER in this event! It is especially poignant since Ian Miller finally received the Olympic Medal he has deserved for oh-so-long. He's been a favorite of mine since I was a young girl, back in the days of Big Ben. So, while I celebrate with my American team, I am also very, very happy for the Canadians.

Sweden took the bronze. Bravo Zulu for their efforts, as well! Another team receiving their first ever medal in this event!

But a huge congratulations is in order for McClain Ward and Sapphire, Laura Kraut and the incredible green bean who grew up during this competition, Cedric, Olympic rookie Will Simpson and Carlsson vom Dach, and my all-time favorite Beezie Madden with the beautiful Authentic! You guys rock!

left to right:

McClain Ward, Beezie Madden, Laura Kraut, Will Simpson

Oh, and as a side-note: Beezie had a bat land on her the other night after a schooling ride. As ooged out as she was by it, she was also assured that bats are considered good luck in Chinese lore. I think it's safe to say it was proven true!