Another vote here for Rich, McLain, Beezie, and Reed!
Hopefully GM agrees with us, even though my gut tells me otherwise. They all have earned it IMO
Dream Team:
Fellers/Flexible
Beezie/Via Volo
Mclain/Antares
Reed/Cylana
Alt:
Charlie/Chill RZ
Reed/Mika
[QUOTE=Tha Ridge;6381839]
Could Reed be on the team with Cylana and an alternate with Mika? If so, I like the idea of that. She’s definitely riding both horses well enough to warrant a spot!
I agree with your lists complete though. :yes:[/QUOTE]
I believe that can be done, but don’t quote me on it! If so, I think that would definitely be a great option 
Yes, but those young girls in other sports are mostly competing against other girls who are in the same age range. Not against people with 20-40 more years of experience at that level in an incredible pressure-cooker situation, especially when you add in the team factor. Jumper riders who are juniors just don’t have many opportunities to compete in a team format in this country.
It will be interesting to see the short list, that’s for sure. I’m glad I don’t have to make that decision! :lol:
[QUOTE=MHM;6381858]
Yes, but those young girls in other sports are mostly competing against other girls who are in the same age range. Not against people with 20-40 more years of experience at that level in an incredible pressure-cooker situation, especially when you add in the team factor.[/QUOTE]
Do you seriously think that Reed has shown that she can’t handle pressure? She seems to have more clear rounds the higher the stakes.
I didn’t say anything about Reed at all.
I pointed out that a previous poster’s comparison to other young girls at the Olympics didn’t have much bearing on equestrian sports, since the young girls in the other sports are likely to have competitors around the same age. Apples and oranges.
And I believe Reed herself said in at least one interview that she felt no pressure at all early on, since she had very modest expectations, and just entered the trials for the experience. That was, what, less than three months ago? Late March?
She’s ridden extremely well, no question about it.
[QUOTE=MHM;6381879]
I pointed out that a previous poster’s comparison to other young girls at the Olympics didn’t have much bearing on equestrian sports, since the young girls in the other sports are likely to have competitors around the same age. Apples and oranges.[/QUOTE]
What I meant by my post is that people who are Reed’s age or younger have already proven that athletes chosen to compete at a younger age can handle the pressure well. In a sport like gymnastics 2-3 years more experience is the equivalent of 20-40 in the riding world because you are considered “too old” at a much, much earlier age. I was just trying to make a connection to another Olympic sport. It made sense to me at least.
So gymnast years are like dog years? But more so?
I’m not convinced.
I don’t think any 17 year old gymnast would have to compete against somebody who has already been to the Olympics nine times, like Ian Millar.
[QUOTE=MHM;6381882]
So gymnast years are like dog years? But more so?
I’m not convinced. :)[/QUOTE]
As an elite gymnast (the ones who are at the competition level as those competing in the Olympics), the average age of those competing is 15-16 y/o. The average age of retirement for an elite gymnast is now 19 y/o. Shawn Johnson just retired earlier this month and she is only 20. They have a much smaller time frame to be so successful, therefore IMO I believe that one or or two more years of experience at the elite would be an extreme advantage like you mentioned the riders with 20-40 more years experience have compared to Reed.
Again, not trying to start some huge debate. The connection made sense to me, didn’t expect it to make sense to everyone who read it.
I do not think that it will be her decision…
It doesn’t seem to make sense to have an alternate that is the second horse of someone already on the team. I suppose that the inability of the horse to go is more probable, but what if there were an injury to the rider? Then there would be another horse there and ready, but no one to ride it.
For the short list today, they can choose up to 12 horse/rider combinations (which are ranked), as well as 3 alternate horses. My guess:
Horse/Rider
- Rich
- Reed/Cylana
- Beezie/Via Volo
- Mclain
- Kent
- Margie
- Charlie
- Mario/Cella
- Laura Kraut/Cedric
- Lucy
- Katie
- Christine
Alternate horses:
- Reed/Mika
- Beezie/Simon
- Mario/Urico
Some of this is my wishful thinking as I love Lucy and feel like she’s ridden really well during the whole process
[QUOTE=Madeline;6381957]
I do not think that it will be her decision…[/QUOTE]
Its not, the selection committee will rank them (assuming Reed and both horses are on the short list.) I’m saying that it will be a tough choice no matter who makes the call.
My team:
Fellers/Flexible
Kessler/Mika
Madden/Via Volo
Ward/Antares F
I chose Fellers because he’s been awesome lately, Madden for obvious reasons, and Ward because he’s got so much experience and Antares F is an awesome horse. He’s not Sapphire but I think he can make it close.
I am not sure which horse Reed has a better shot on. She always seems to talk about Cylana, but the selectors seem to prefer Mika. I don’t know which is better, but I think either of them would be a solid part of the US team!
[QUOTE=ammye;6382077]
For the short list today, they can choose up to 12 horse/rider combinations (which are ranked), as well as 3 alternate horses. My guess:
Horse/Rider
- Rich
- Reed/Cylana
- Beezie/Via Volo
- Mclain
- Kent
- Margie
- Charlie
- Mario/Cella
- Laura Kraut/Cedric
- Lucy
- Katie
- Christine
Alternate horses:
- Reed/Mika
- Beezie/Simon
- Mario/Urico
Some of this is my wishful thinking as I love Lucy and feel like she’s ridden really well during the whole process :)[/QUOTE]
I was thinking about Lucy yesterday when I looked back at all the results. She has been consistent, but yet completely unnoticed by most, so while it may be wishful thinking, I do agree with you. Christine didn’t show in the class yesterday, I believe, so I don’t think she’ll be on there. I would put Charlie ahead of Margie at this point and I don’t think Cedric should be on the list.
Excited to find out soon! This is our version of fantasy football. :lol:
How much do y’all reckon the selectors are stressing about which ones might sue if they don’t make the cut? 
(Some of you are too young to remember that segment in our ongoing saga of charming conduct by prospective Olympians.)
I believe that the selectors can name her to the short list with “either Cylana or Mica”. Both can go to Europe and the final decision can be made after that.
[QUOTE=Lord Helpus;6382237]
I believe that the selectors can name her to the short list with “either Cylana or Mica”. Both can go to Europe and the final decision can be made after that.[/QUOTE]
This will probably be what happens if possible. Especially given what she’s said about Mika being incredibly sensitive. Will be nice to get him over there and see how he comes off the plane.
[QUOTE=War Admiral;6382220]
How much do y’all reckon the selectors are stressing about which ones might sue if they don’t make the cut?
(Some of you are too young to remember that segment in our ongoing saga of charming conduct by prospective Olympians.)[/QUOTE]
Just one more thing to factor into the decision, I’m sorry to say. :rolleyes:
I keep checking the USEF site to see if the list is up yet. Tick, tock… :lol:
With the same kind of thinking, Beezie could bring Via Volo and Simon.
