Eventing – we have lift off!
We can now officially say that Olympic equestrian competition is underway in Rio de Janeiro.
Today was the horse inspection for Eventing, and Canada passed with flying colours!
Colleen Loach & Qorry Blue d’Agrouges
Rebecca Howard & Riddle Master
Jessica Phoenix & A Little Romance with groom Sandra Andresen
Colleen Loach & Qorry Blue D’Argouges
Tomorrow will be Day 1 of Eventing Dressage.
Riding Times
Dressage competition will kick off at 10:00am local time (9:00am EST) and Jessica Phoenix has the unenviable job of being very first horse/rider into the ring.
Saturday August 6
10:00am – Jessica Phoenix & A Little Romance
1:30pm – Kathryn Robinson & Let it Bee
Sunday August 7
10:16am – Colleen Loach & Qorry Blue d’Argouges
1:54pm – Rebecca Howard & Riddle Master
Cross Country
Yesterday was also the first opportunity for riders to walk the cross-country course. Aside from being visually gorgeous, with lots of “Brazilian” finishing touches, it looks like the kind of course that the top riders will make it look easy while still presenting enough questions so that it’s not strictly a “dressage show”.
Canada’s Eventing Team ready for action!
Walk the Cross Country Course!
Take a virtual course walk of the Olympic cross-country track with Horse and Hound. Just click on the picture below.
Flag Raising Ceremony
The flag raising ceremony held at the Olympic Village is also a very special moment, and in many ways signifies the official kick-off to the Olympics.
It’s a way to formally announce to the other countries that Canada is officially here, and ready to take on the world.
Canadian athletes congregate outside the Canada building in the Village, and are treated to an inspirational team pep talk by Chef de Mission Curt Harnett.
I will admit that it does feel a little bit like being at camp again, with everyone dressed in the same casual camp clothes and an excited “Let’s Go Canada!” atmosphere.
After the pep talk, you then walk to where all the international flags are raised and are treated to official welcome performances from the host country.
For many athletes, this is their first and sometimes only opportunity (spending on their competition schedule) to meet others from their “tribe” who are competing in different sports.
Canada Olympic House Unveiled!
Canada Olympic House (COH) is the home-away-from-home for Canada’s athletes. It serves as a fantastic meeting place for friends & family to relax with their athletes.
Given that moms/dads/husbands/wives/partners and supporters typically do not have official accreditation, they are limited as to where they can meet up with their Olympic athlete.
COH provides them with a very comfortable (as you can see!) and safe location where they can catch up and give that all important moral support.
COH is also the location where athlete achievements are celebrated!
Until next time, it’s time to catch up on zzzz’s and be ready for the Olympic stage!
(photo courtesy of Qorry’s groom extraordinaire Janie Lussier – Facebook)
Following Canada's Equestrian Team 