The cross country equestrian events during the Olympics have proved to be a very wild ride for many of the competitors. In fact, only three riders made it over the course fault-free: UK’s Nicola Wilson and Opposition Buzz, Australia’s Christopher Burton and Holstein Park and Germany’s Ingrid Klimke and Abraxxas.
London Stadium - Site of Olympic equestrian events
Cross country equestrian events during the Olympics have proved to be a very wild ride with only three riders making it over the course fault-free.
Going into the third leg of the cross country event, Germany has a narrow lead, with the difference being a few show jumping penalties. In fact, with a rather narrow lead separating the top four teams, it’s going to be an exciting final day in the stadium today with the climactic third leg in the triathalon of equestrian sport which will also see Sweden and New Zealand give chase to the top of the podium.
Great Britain, Germany and New Zealand each managed to get three individuals in the cumulative top 10. Sweden had two. At 12th, Phillip Dutton and Mystery Whisper managed a strong dressage score to become the USA’s chart topper after cross country. Ranked strictly on the XC test, Boyd Martin and Otis Barbotiere were the top U.S. performers and tied for sixth with minimal time faults.
With 50 points separating fifth-place USA, a peak performance coupled with a run of bad luck by others could boost the team into serious contention. Odds are greater that Phillip Dutton (an Australian by birth, now based in PA) will medal as an individual.
Canadian rider Hawley Bennett-Awad was thrown from her horse and injured during the cross-country portion of an equestrian event at the London Olympics today. She was in stable condition in Royal London Hospital, according to a press attaché and details of her injuries weren't immediately available.
The rider fell at the third fence. The fence incorporates musical notes in its structure and commentators said it had the potential to be distracting to a horse.
Medical staff initially treated Bennett-Awad behind a shield, Hiscox said, leading to some worrisome moments.
Peter Barry of Dunham, Que., also fell from his horse, Kilrodan Abbott, and did not finish, although he wasn't hurt. Bennett-Awad and Barry were among a half-dozen riders who fell from their mounts during the 5.7-kilometre course up and down the hills of Greenwich Park.
The cross-country segment of the three-discipline competition is designed to test the endurance of the horse and rider. With razor-sharp turns, blind two-metre drops and tricky combination jumps, the obstacle course is both thrilling and threatening for riders and horses.
Before the Olympics began, Bennett-Awad told the Vancouver Sun that her horse, Gin and Juice, had a history of bucking and had already sent her to hospital three times.
For riders who make it into the Olympic competitions, the risks they take appear to be part of the glory of participating before the world audience.