PanAms

[Madison]

@Jealoushe

Wondering if he just wasnt square the other judges couldnt see? Although a 5 is harsh. I have heard judges at C before say all they can see is if the horse is straight and looks ready for the test.

The halt was scored similarly so it could be. But still, definitely harsh.

[RainWeasley]

@Jealoushe

I can agree with this but I always take EN as less than a serious media outlet (sorry EN)

Ditto.

[Madison]

@Jealoushe

I can agree with this but I always take EN as less than a serious media outlet (sorry EN)

Agreed, I always view it as a mix of fun/humorous commentary and reporting. And while I can see why it could strike some people as uncalled for or disrespectful, I also felt like the running commentary was pretty clearly written in a tongue-in-cheek style today. It may have been unnecessary to point out, but it also happens to be somewhat accurate, given that the bottom 12 out of 28 who have gone so far are bunched within about 6 points of each other, while the top 16 are spread over a 17 or 18 point range.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@Jealoushe

Wow Brazilian Marcelo Tosi into 2nd with a 26!

He’s probably the strongest Brazilian there (and one of the strongest competitors)…that is a very nice young horse. He trains in England with it and I believe it has won a 3*L in good company.

[JenJ]

@IFG

Maybe I am alone, but I found the EN comments rude and elitist. It is one thing for folks to make comments on a chat board like this, but EN purports to be media coverage of the event. These are riders who are doing their best to represent their countries. They are proud to be there, and EN mocking them is just plain inappropriate.

l feel the same way.
When North American riders do poorly in Europe/England, the commentators are kind … “that was a difficult ride” not … “ha ha, that was awful, lets see if anyone can do even worse”

and the N.A. riders have so much more experience. I doubt any of the other riders, other than perhaps the Brazilians have completed multiple 4* events, let alone a 5*.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@JenJ

l feel the same way.
When North American riders do poorly in Europe/England, the commentators are kind … “that was a difficult ride” not … “ha ha, that was awful, lets see if anyone can do even worse”

and the N.A. riders have so much more experience. I doubt any of the other riders, other than perhaps the Brazilians have completed multiple 4* events, let alone a 5*.

Totally depends who you are listening too…I heard PLEANTY that we’re NOT kind at all. I thought the EN was pretty funny personally. And there are many riders there who are very experienced. Absolutely those who are not too…but several of those riders train here in the US and others in England. And several have more experience on teams than the US riders.

Just looking at the XC track…this is not going to be a dressage show.

[Ca_dreamin]

@IFG

Maybe I am alone, but I found the EN comments rude and elitist. It is one thing for folks to make comments on a chat board like this, but EN purports to be media coverage of the event. These are riders who are doing their best to represent their countries. They are proud to be there, and EN mocking them is just plain inappropriate.

Agree completely. This is the Pan American Games. EN is read by many. In an era when the reputation of the U.S. is once again as “the ugly Americans” throughout the world, all media should be extremely sensitive to the perception created by snark, no matter how “funny.” The purpose of these Games, as well as the Olympics, is to create goodwill in an atmosphere of sportsmanship. Suggest people read the athletes’ pledge, particularly reporters, and consider supporting the values therein.

[Jealoushe]

I thought the course looked easy, but hard to tell without seeing the terrain. From what I heard on the Equiratings podcast, the course loops back and forth a few times, so horses who can sprint and turn are what will be needed.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@Ca dreamin

Agree completely. This is the Pan American games. EN is read by many. In an era when the reputation of the U.S. is once again as “the ugly Americans” throughout the world, all media should be extremely sensitive to the perception created by snark, no matter how “funny.” The purpose of these games, as well as the Olympics, is to create goodwill in an atmosphere of sportsmanship. You may want to read the athletes pledge. Perhaps the spectators and media should take a pledge also.

what…sportsmanship is not throwing a fit. Slapping or jerking on your horse as you walk out of the ring. Sportsmanship does NOT apply to spectators or media…Never has. And in most sports…the media is far far far more cruel.

But when you look at the competition…at a international event…getting in the 40s sucks and isn’t competitive. And every one of those riders knows it. Individual riders may be pleased as that is where they are and best out of their horse…others I’m sure are not happy. But most can and will laugh it off. They also KNOW…that it is just one phase. You have to complete to be competitive. So regardless of the dressage score…its going to matter whether they can jump all the jumps, not add a lot to their dressage score and finish on a number score. THAT is this sport. And the top riders at the Olympics will be competing at a much MUCH higher and tougher level…and you can bet that there will be more close scores in the low 20s and ones that have a good shot at finishing on that score.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@Jealoushe

I thought the course looked easy, but hard to tell without seeing the terrain. From what I heard on the Equiratings podcast, the course loops back and forth a few times, so horses who can sprint and turn are what will be needed.

It depends on what you are sitting on. Remember this is an intermediate level event…not a 5*. Several of these horses are far more experienced for this level so it better be easy for them (and they will finish on their dressage—although dropping down a level doesn’t always make it easier)…but for others…this will be a big course. Twisty like that can be very hard to make time. I just predict more time penalties.

[Ca_dreamin]

I have no words…

[Jealoushe]

I really think time will be biggest factor, but again its hard to determine the course through the photos. I also think SJ will come into play, I know we have 2 really super showjumpers on the Canadian team.

[Ca_dreamin]

@bornfreenowexpensive

what…sportsmanship is not throwing a fit. Slapping or jerking on your horse as you walk out of the ring. Sportsmanship does NOT apply to spectators or media…Never has. And in most sports…the media is far far far more cruel.

But when you look at the competition…at a international event…getting in the 40s sucks and isn’t competitive. And every one of those riders knows it. Individual riders may be pleased as that is where they are and best out of their horse…others I’m sure are not happy. But most can and will laugh it off. They also KNOW…that it is just one phase. You have to complete to be competitive. So regardless of the dressage score…its going to matter whether they can jump all the jumps, not add a lot to their dressage score and finish on a number score. THAT is this sport. And the top riders at the Olympics will be competing at a much MUCH higher and tougher level…and you can bet that there will be more close scores in the low 20s and ones that have a good shot at finishing on that score.

You sound unaware of the reasons for the Games. Have you ever read the athletes’ pledge? I will look for it and post it. It is worth thinking about.

[punchy]

EN has edited the posts to remove the more offensive comments. It agreed, apparently, that they were in poor taste.　

The XC course looks very very busy. Not just the jump decorations (which are so cool) but the backdrops behind them on approach makes it looks like you’re often jumping straight into a wall/building/scaffold-thing. It looks mentally exhausting. Flag hunters are going to have their work cut out for them.

[cwu2402]

The cross country course is not easy at all. Highly technical, twisty, turny. Lots of weird angles and lines. It will definitely be a test and will shake the leaderboard.

[bornfreenowexpensive]

@Ca dreamin

You sound unaware of the reasons for the Games. Have you ever read the athletes’ pledge? I will look for it and post it. It is worth thinking about.

I’ve read it…it is for ATHLETES…not spectators and not media. And guess what…I’ve signed it before because it also applies to owners of horses. But again…it doesn’t apply to media and certainly not to spectators. And I would expect athletes and their support teams to be supportive of other teams and other participants. But having met many of those there…most of the comments on EN would not have offended them.

[Larksmom]

Looking at to map from above showing the track, it looks terribly twisty. I am really wondering about the jump up out of the first water. It looks to me like they are hoping for a circle around to the left? but that would leave an impossible approach. Boyd said it reminded him of Pau, which doubles back and forth a lot.

[Jealoushe]

This is going to be a terribly intense event between Canada US and Brazil, I hope everyone has their best running shoes on their horses to go fast and clean and springs in for Sunday.

[Jealoushe]

Us is 1/2/7/9 and Canada is 4/5/6/12. Tammies score really helped USA take the lead for the team so far.

[Ca_dreamin]

@bornfreenowexpensive

I’ve read it…it is for ATHLETES…not spectators and not media. And guess what…I’ve signed it before because it also applies to owners of horses. But again…it doesn’t apply to media and certainly not to spectators.

Of course it is for athletes. But values are often subscribed to voluntarily, and that was my point. I did find something interesting about a curriculum for “Olympic Values Education.”

“These teaching materials focus on the five pillars of educational values: Joy of Effort, Fair Play, Respect for Others; pursuit of excellence; and balance between body, will and mind. The materials cover approaches to communicating and learning these educational values of Olympians.”