Feel for Liz Halliday not getting on, she really deserves to go.
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As the ātravelling reserveā, she goes in case she is needed as three horses must finish for the team to complete. The hardest job in the team. All the preparation, the work and excitement to then not participate if everything goes according to plan.
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Iāve always said that I am not a fan of the direct reserve idea. Basically you are saying this rider is going no matter what.
I think they should have had grace taylor there. She is just across the Channel in England.
Overall, I think it is the best team the US has put together in a long time.
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Canāt wait to see what this team does! Caroline definitely worked hard for that last spot, and itās cool to see that results can still put you on a three man team. Gives a little hope to that future kid that finds the diamond in the rough and can only afford to campaign one horse.
This three person team format really makes things interesting - any small hit of bad luck during the competition could put a favorite out of the running. It could truly be anyoneās to win, and I think any of our three could take a crack at it.
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Does the traveling reserve win a medal as well if the team places top 3? I am trying to remember, but I donāt remember. I think they should since they are prepared to jump in at any moment. But how I think it should be is not always how it is.
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The [Defender] [#USAEventing] Team will be representing at [CHIO Aachen] with the following athletes:
James Alliston (San Ramon, Calif.) and Karma (Escudo II x Lavita) owned by Alliston Equestrian and Ric Plummer // Groom: Sophie Hulme
Jennie Brannigan (West Grove, Pa.) and FE Lifestyle (Leo von Faelz x Bradenburger) owned by Nina and Timothy Gardner // Groom: Alexa Lapp and Isabel Turner
Elisabeth Halliday (Lexington, Ky.) and Miks Master C (Mighty Magic x Flyinge Quite Easy 958) owned by Ocala Horse Properties and Deborah Palmer // Groom: Jordan Crabo
Alyssa Phillips (Ft. Worth, Texas) and Oskar (Coriando x Marlo) owned by Julie and Alyssa Phillips // Groom: Addi Mommsen
The following combination has been selected to compete as individuals:
Elisabeth Halliday (Lexington, Ky.) and Shanroe Cooley (Dallas x Condios) owned by Ocala Horse Properties // Groom: Jordan Crabo
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no, that is why they only have 3 team members. they didnāt want to give a medal to the discarded score!
maybe that will take the sting out a bit for Liz. two horses get to compete at Aachen!
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I was going to ask how direct reserve vs traveling reserve works. So basically, if the mounts Will or Boyd were named with canāt go, then the riders still go with their second mount? But if Will or Boyd themself canāt go, then the traveling reserve steps in?
Do the direct reserves travel? Or is it - once theyāre at the venue, should anything happen to a horse only the traveling reserve can step in?
The direct reserve travels with the team to Paris and stays on site. The idea is they can be subbed in for any phase (for a penalty) if something happens to any of the riders or their horses.
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Well, I think it speaks well of them that they have two horses each, and I think Will might have another one or two hanging around, but they are well established with miles of experience. Caroline is getting a chance, and it is deserved. But with only 3 allowed, you have to choose. Why would you not pick those two, and with the reults at Kentucky, it would be crazy not to. And even though Commando placed higher than Federman, Federman has a lot more experience. If something should happen to Federman, I think Commando would be great, but at this point, Federman is the one to trust.
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Just curious who/what you are referring to here? Maybe Iām confused!
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Sure, not disagreeing there! Just was asking how it the direct vs traveling reserve works since I didnāt know.
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In this case, I think thatās exatly what the selectors wanted to say i.e. both Will and Boyd have two Olympic caliber horses right now.
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Basically if Will or Boydās first horse is injured in the lead up to the games, their second horse will be subbed in. Their second string horses wonāt actually travel to Paris, just the 4 that have been named. Liz can be subbed in up to the start of dressage without penalty, but if sheās subbed in after the competition starts, itās some obscene amount of penalties that takes the team out of medal contention.
If Carolineās horse is injured in the lead up to the games, Liz moves on to the starting team. If Lizās horse is injured in the lead up to the games, Sydney goes as the traveling reserve.
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Does anyone know the story on the required event at Stable View before the Olympics?
Do they have to prove that the horses are fit and ready before they can get on the plane? It seems like these riders should know by the time they get to this level.
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Agree with your entire post but a clarification on this. If she is subbed in between the phases (ex. a team horse completes cross country well but then cannot show jump), it is āonlyā 20 penalty points. Obviously not ideal, but basically a cross country refusal without the time penalties. Are they likely to get gold with that? No, but honestly under three to a team I think if they were sitting in a strong enough position itās theoretically possible to secure a lesser team medal with the substitution penalties. Certainly Team GB at Tokyo could have afforded them and still medaled.
If a team member cannot complete a phase they started, that is an obscene number of penalties that I think would remove any team from medal contention.
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More details on the selection process:
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And a further clarification on the clarification, I think the substitution between phases is only allowed with doctor or vet verification - except in the case of elimination at the second horse inspection or a horse fall.
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I think itās more about providing a final prep run timed to coincide with the fitness/prep for Paris, and just getting all the riders in one place for a show with the team officials on site, and then they can all travel on to Paris together from there. They did the same thing before the Pan Ams last year too. There was no proving anything, the team was set, it was just a last practice run.
Bobby Costello mentioned on a podcast a while back that he also wanted to do an unrecognized combined training at some point so everyone could ride the Olympic dressage test, but I have no idea if thatās actually happening.
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