Now that the dust has settled on Olympic Eventing for another four years, I believe this is an important question. We discussed when DOC was made whatever his title is. Many definitely wanted Karen out of contention for Team consideration. I felt that David would probably bend over backward not to show favoritism but, if, Karen had a horse capable of helping the US, then she should be put on the Team.
Face it, Karen is our most experienced and decorated active rider. Her results in London were by far the best for the US Team. She finished top ten after the second round of show jumping. Yes, her horse had previous Olympic experience but when I first saw her on Mr. Medicott, I thought there was no way in (fill in the blank) that she would be ready in time for London.
First, she received this horse in December? She couldn’t start hard work right away because I assume he had to go through some acclimation process.
Second, I thought MM appeared to be a “man’s” horse. (Feminists kindly forget the diatribes because I are a women). Even if she could eventually grow into him, he was strong, quirky and independent.
Third, this pair is just starting to get good together. She can definitely improve on his dressage which certainly wasn’t terrible two days ago. She can also cut out the time faults as the two become more in sync and the course in London was probably not his favorite cup of tea.
Karen also has a lovely mare in Veronica as a backup. Mandiba seems to be on track to finally reach the potential he showed before Beijing and there are also probably other future stars in Karen’s barn that are unknown to me at this time.
Look at Karen’s performance today. The pressure had to be immense with Boyd out and she delivered, not once, but twice. After Phillip’s problems, she was the one shining light on this team.
Look at her previous record: Three Olympic Teams, 2 with medals, several WEG Teams, at least one with a medal and on a European Team. Note: Forgive me, Karen, if I have forgotten anything as most is from memory.
Karen has probably ridden successfully almost every important course in the world. She was Jim Wofford’s choice to take over his string of horse when he retired and at a time when women were not as prevalent as they are today.
Now you please tell me why Karen should not continue as a mainstay on the US Team just because David will be involved in Team selection? Does the US Team not need her right now? If I were a young up-and-coming rider on the US Team, I know I would feel better knowing that Karen had my back and that I had her wealth of knowledge to draw from.
Would GBR leave Mary King home if her husband magically appeared on the GBR selection committee? You get the picture.
Unsling the arrows.
