Diary from Athens - It Was Beginning to Look Like a German Medal Sweep

Jan Mansfield

I was just about to write about an impending sweep of equestrian medals by the Germans when I received an e-mail about the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling to overturn the Appeal Committee’s decision made in the eventing debacle Wednesday.  Now Germany has to give up the Team Gold it was awarded and Bettina Hoy has to surrender the Individual Gold.  Although I am no expert in these things I believe this ruling has huge ramifications for the sport, if an appeal committee is judged not to have jurisdiction to hear an appeal (which is how I read the CAS ruling).  However, I’m sure in the coming days more informed minds than mine will analyze this turn of events.

Today we saw what determination and a plan can do.  Spain won the Team Silver medal, it’s first Olympic dressage medal ever and only its third Olympic equestrian medal (they won a jumping gold in 1928 and a jumping silver in 1948).  Their trainer, Jean Bemelmans, who has worked with Spain since that country’s first Olympic appearance in 1996, said all four members of the team had the ride of their lives.

Canada’s team finished in ninth place, up one spot from its world ranking of tenth.  No one was really disappointed with the result, but the recurring message was that if Canada is going to be a player on the world stage, their riders and horses must get more exposure in Europe.  Canadian FEI “O” judge Elizabeth McMullen, who is here as a member of the dressage appeal committee, pointed out that the Spanish team has methodically built their reputation in the dressage world, has worked really hard with good training and coaching, has made a plan and stuck with it, and importantly, has spent a lot of time in Europe.

The consensus of the riders and everyone associated with the team seems to be that, if Canada is going to be a player in the international world of dressage the riders and horses are going to have to go to Europe more, to be seen by the judges there, to compete against the best and get some more international scores.  “They need to hear Canada, Canada, Canada a little bit more often.  You don’t hear it,” said McMullen.

McMullen sat in on the press conference at the end of today’s competition and where the five dressage judges took questions from the media, several of which centered on perceived or real disparities in the scoring.  McMullen told me that they realize there is a problem, and they are holding numerous meetings to try to come up with a better scoring system.  She echoed Belgian judge Mariette Withages’ call for the media to help educate the general public about the sport.

When I asked her (while admitting my naivete) whether the judges shouldn’t be judging the performance on what they saw in the ring during that particular performance, rather than on the reputation of the rider and horse, she answered, “Absolutely.”  When I asked her if she thinks that happens, she said she thinks judges try to make that happen, and when she is judging she tries to make that happen.

American Robert Dover did not think that happened with the judges today.  Although he was satisfied with his score of 71.625% with Kennedy, he felt that teammate Debbie McDonald and Brentina should have received more than the 73.375% they got for “the ride of her life.”  McDonald obviously felt the same way.  She also made a good point today when she was talking to the press after her ride.  Although a mark in the mid 70’s is a very good mark in dressage, she said other sports don’t understand that because they expect 80’s or 90’s as a good score.  She said when people outside dressage see these marks they think the performances must not be very good.  The American team won its fourth consecutive team bronze medal in dressage. 

Canadian Chef d’equipe Gwynne Rooke was happy with her team’s result, considering that this is the Olympics and considering what Canada has to work with as far as horsepower and worldwide experience goes.  As for the complaints about the marks received by some riders, she summed it up saying, “If you don’t like subjective jumping, go and jump your horse.”  And now that competition is over for the Canadian dressage riders she said they will take the opportunity to enjoy the full Olympic experience by having a look around and taking in the action of some other sports, but they will have a good night’s sleep first of all.

Cindy Ishoy, who ended as the top scoring Canadian, said she couldn’t be happier with every part of Proton’s performance, noting that this is only the ninth grand prix he has ever done in his life.  She said the extended walk he did couldn’t get much better. 

Belinda Trussell had been looking for a score of at least 67.000% for her ride with Royan II but said she couldn’t be disappointed with the 66.000% she got because Royan handled the atmosphere really well.  She said her first experience at an Olympics has been amazing and she has loved every minute of it, especially the team feeling and the support she has gotten from other country’s athletes.  “It’s a world feeling which is really nice.  You can feel the humanity.”

As for the predicted and almost foregone conclusion that Germany’s Ulla Salzgeber and Rusty will win the individual Gold Medal, they certainly put in that kind of performance today, and their incredible mark of 78.292 reflected that.

An observation:  One of the most enjoyable aspects of watching the dressage live here in Athens has been the music that is played at the dressage arena.  While the tests are being ridden there is a subtle background of classical and tasteful modern music played.  But during the breaks, which come every five riders, the sound system is turned up.  Today we were treated to a wonderful aria by Pavarotti during one of the breaks.  It certainly does set the mood for the elegance of the riders and horses.  And the victory gallop (or, to be accurate, the “victory” passage/extended canter/half pass, etc.) with the Olympic medallists, was wonderful to experience.

The second qualifier in dressage, the Grand Prix Special, goes Wednesday while show jumping starts tomorrow.  From what I could see being built in the jumping arena today, it promises to be visually very pleasing.

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Equestrian journalist Jan Mansfield is attending the Olympics under accreditation from Gaitpost Magazine.  Known for her ability to find interesting behind-the-scenes stories, Jan brings extensive knowledge and insight into covering the equestrian events. Jan will also be sending stories and photos from other venues in Athens as she works on her assignments with various mainstream publications. Jan can be reached at januscom@shaw.ca