I didn’t know all that about Laine’s first name - I thought everyone was pronouncing the ending ‘e’ and that’s how I always read it. :winkgrin: It’s a pretty name, either way.
[QUOTE=McGurk;8303718]
I just watched Laine and Anthony Patch’s go and I thought it looked like exactly what it was - an ambitious rider without previous experience at this level gaining experience on a nice horse that she trusts. Seemed to be a very credible effort.
He finished looking fit and game, so clearly conditioning was not an issue.
It also looked like she choose some of the long routes and wasn’t worried about time, which was a good choice.
I thought that at the first refusal he looked genuinely confused, like he didn’t understand the question. He was looking for the next jumping effort but didn’t think the boat was it. Once he understood WHAT the question he was; he was fine. I was no idea how you would even set up a schooling question that would mimic that, no ideas how you would prepare for it.
I understand that a lot of folks just don’t.like.Laine. and that’s fine. I just don’t see how you can look at that xc trip and conclude that she shouldn’t have been there or it was a bad decision to compete.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=snoopy;8303832]I agree.
This was one of the nicest rounds I think I have ever seen her ride. She put on her big girl pants, rode sensibly and learnt a lot today. So far, after two phases, she has put in a credible performance. Yes, she had two stops. This isn’t a championships and they seemed genuine. Regardless of where she finishes at the end, this girl just showed the world that she has grown up and is very capable of making the right decisions on what is arguably the most difficult four star course in the world.
Well done to you Lainey.[/QUOTE]
Just watched her round, and I agree with both the above. She and Al take care of each other, first and foremost. I love the partnership they have.
Based on this round and past competitions as well, Laine is another one I would like to see well-mounted on more 4* horses. She could do this country a lot of credit. It is time for the US team to move forward and I think Laine would do well for us.
But I think Al is no longer the one for this level, though. It would be interesting to hear Laine’s take on Al’s Burghley. I thought she rode him very effectively, did what needed to be done, but hopefully recognized that he wasn’t quite as quick on his feet as he once was … and he knows it. A great jumper starting to have some second thoughts now and again.
The first water stop - yes, there was a hole or something. It looked to me like he lost his focus and line for an instant and just didn’t get it back together in time, against the water pulling on his legs. She handled it just right.
The Trout Hatchery was simple quickness not being quick enough.
The longer lines were the right plan for them. I am glad Laine had this trip and was clearly very well coached for the effort. 
