Equestrian News

French Jumpers Looking for Glory

Jumping is the Equestrian discipline that most spectators find most appealing. Whatever the format of competition, the goal is always a clear round with no rails down. 75 competitors from 27 NOC's are competing.

Eventing Appeal to go to CAS

The FEI today received the statement of appeal submitted to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by the National Olympic Committees of France, Great Britain and the USA against the FEI, the National Olympic Committee of Germany and the individual riders of the German Eventing Team. The hearing with the CAS is taking place this afternoon and the official decision will be published as soon as available.

Leslie Reid Leads Canada Into Olympic Dressage

Leslie Reid of Langley BC rode Deryol Andrews’ ten year old Dutch gelding Mark to a fifteenth place finish in the first day of team competition today at the Olympic Games. Reid was the first to go for Canada, and was the thirteenth competitor in the two day team contest.

NEWSFLASH!

NEWSFLASH!
Athens, 1:00pm EEST- - - Leslie Reid of Langley, BC and the 10-year-old Mark made their Olympic debut today at Markopoulo Equestrian Centre and were rewarded with a score of 66.083. Later she said although Mark was very aware of his impressive surroundings resulting in tightness, he absolutely tried to do his best to be obedient. “I’m glad I got to go up the centre line! she said. Christilot Boylen, who is coaching Reid here as well as Belinda Trussell, noted “It’s a big step up to the big tour.” Ashley Holzer and Imperioso, last of the Canadians to go on this first day of dressage competition, received a conservative score of 64.750 for a conservative ride, a result that clearly disappointed her. Rafael Soto (ESP) and Invasor had the day's top score of 72.792. More later . . .

CANADIAN EQUESTRIAN TEAM LEADER REACTS TO NEGATIVE NATIONAL POST EDITORIAL

Special Story: Canadian Equestrian Team Leader Mike Gallagher has taken issue with a recent column in Canada’s National Post newspaper by columnist Barbara Kay which questions the Canadian Olympic Committee’s funding to equestrian sports at the Olympics and the relevance of equestrian sport in Canada.

Diary from Athens - The Acropolis Will Have To Wait!

I had today’s diary submission all written – riveting editorial about life in the media village, security, etc., which I was going to e-mail in to Kerri McGregor at EquestrianConnection.com and then go off and see some of the sites on a rare slow day at Markopoulo Equestrian Centre. And then yesterday happened!

France, Great Britain & USA to Appeal Decision

According to a report by the BBC, an appeal by France, Great Britain & USA will be heard by the Court of Arbritration for Sport (CAS) on Thurday August 19, 2004. The 3 countries are appealing the Eventing Appeal Committee's decision to overturn the Ground Jury's ruling which awarded time penalties to Germany's Bettina Hoy. The Eventing Appeal Committee's decision to remove these penalties resulted in Hoy winning individual Gold while Germany won team Gold. "All parties have agreed to jointly pursue all available avenues of appeal and if necessary take this matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport," the teams said in a joint statement. Lawyers for all 3 countries are current preparing a case which may be lodged over the coming days. The FEI have been contacted regarding avenues of appeal.