So how much of the plan for success can be put down to the structure Eric dV put in place and do you reckon it will continue? It was a solid performance from the USA all around including Ariel as an individual who I think did what she said she would do and finished on her dressage.
While it was her first championship team moment, she’s been supported to big 5* and I think was at Aachen? She’s been on the training lists, grant recipient for overseas travel etc and has taken the support she was offered and made her success with it.
Likewise Tamie, I know others though she should be on the team sooner but I wasn’t quite so convinced until more recently (as in about 2020, was a tough call with only having 3 team slots at the Olympics in 21) but she has put the work in and its paid off. I actually feel like Boyd has made good decisions with Thomas, not the strongest showjumper but he can get to the last day near the top of the leaderboard which puts him in with a chance and he does what we all want which is deliver a competitive xc round. That was a hella tough sjing course and quite a few horses dropped more rails than normal so I’m not holding that round against them!
And Lauren wasn’t too far off the time xc, not sure how true it is but I feel like in the past she’s often been quite slow and gets enough time faults to do her right out of the running though this might be the difference between the 4* and 5* xc
I think all five did great. We have a lot to be proud of. Was Erik D onside at Patroni? I am pretty sure I saw him in pics. I was wondering how he was there?
I read that he was onsite still coaching some of the US riders (not sure which…Tami I think)
I think ED is still working with Tami, Boyd, and Ariel.
Sounded like his voice cheering boyd after the slide
I’m catching up on the footage after the fact. I do plan to cancel my trial, so hopefully won’t be paying to watch this.
I do think that Lucinda’s commentary is a bit annoying. I am laughing at how she’s constantly roasting the video coverage. Honestly it doesn’t seem as bad as how she’s described it, but it is frustrating they didn’t show any of the problems on course so far (I’m fairly early in the coverage still)
I’ll report back later in case there’s anyone else on the fence about paying
They’ve been riding with Peter Wylde and Richard Pickens, and Tamie also rides with Susie Hutchinson.
But I’m sure they’d love your advice that keeping their hands up would have kept the rails up on a horse who is tired from XC the day before. 
ClipMy Horse coverage…I wish they had used “picture in picture” so we could see more of the rides….I am assuming the video is taken by guys…or the director is a guy….so many pictures of pretty girls…a waste of coverage since we are paying for a competition.
I really wish the male riders would keep their helmets on during awards ceremonies and victory gallops. Screw tradition - they don’t have to take them off, no one is offended if they don’t, and no one lost points when they were finally required for dressage. I don’t get it. 
Let’s all celebrate a World Championship that provided truly excellent sport, where the cream came to the top and many nations had a chance to reach a podium position. Well done Germany on their first team medal in twenty years. Well done Yas Ingham for an individual gold on her first senior championship. So strong was the competition that less than one penalty separated the teams second to fourth which is fantastic performance after multiple days of competition.
I love her horse - he’s so leggy and athletic! What a great pair, let’s hope we see more of them in the future.
That was hands down the most serious eventing showjumping course I’ve ever seen.
I’m actually fairly relieved for Boyd and Thomas that this weekend likely releases them from future team obligations. Championship showjumping courses are never going to suite him and I’m glad the team has proven strong enough that he can hopefully make a couple of runs at Burghley before he retires.
What stood out to me this weekend for team USA was how strong the partnerships between horse and rider across all five pairs was and is. It makes such a huge difference when you know all 5 horses are going to fight for their riders and I think that just compounds in so many positive, intangible ways that are clear in hindsight when things go right.
It was a super championship across the board. Falco, Lordship’s Graffalo… wow. Banzai du Loir… wow, wow, wow.
I believe he was there as a personal coach?
BUGS record:
Luhmuhlen 5* - 4th, clear XC with 5.2 time
Maryland 5* - 12th, clear XC no time (cheeky dressage test)
Kentucky 5* - 16th, clear XC with 5.2 time
Burghley 2019 - 9th - clear XC with 26 time
Kentucky 2019 - 9th - clear XC with 8.4 time
Also has a 18 run clear XC streak currently.
Sorry had to share this because Bug is always seen as the bad pick but he’s actually a fabulous anchor horse imo. Totally underrated and amazingly consistent at 5*. Seems to be getting quicker too!
Worth the watch
This horse is just spectacular, all 3 phases, but a complete class of his own in show jump…my goodness!
Oh yes - what a lovely round! 
This horse has a canter to die for - which helps!, but Wowee. Spectacular is the word! I love how she talked him through the round: “Whoa”, and “up!” Such an inspirational partnership, and he certainly is allergic to wood.
(I always talk to my horse and it definitely helps her - unfortunately, verboten in the dressage ring, LOL!)
I love the ticker tape on top during the round “This pair hasn’t had a rail down in the showjumping phase in their last SIX appearances.”
Beautiful round.
With Vermiculus, exception of Luhmulen, you know you are going to get rails in stadium. The horse is already 15 years old.
An interesting though on the human competitors based on their overseas international compeititions. We could send to Paris in 2024, Grald (current age 34), Smith (46), Coleman (39) and Dorr(24). All have proven that they can travel and be successful in big overseas competitions.
Hopefully we have put to rest the "Phillip, Boyd and someone else " team selection process. I’m not knocking either guy by the way.
I don’t see them leaving EHS off many team lists in the future, with her string…
