Cool and raining this morning in Versailles which seems pretty much on par for the summer of 2024, a few days of sunshine before the clouds gather again. But nothing could dampen the team spirits when you have four very fit and healthy horses heading down for the first horse inspection and the reality of the competition actually getting underway.
Our horses looked magnificent even without the sunshine and Clarke Johnstone and Menlo Park (Jacko), Jonelle with Hiarado (Jools) and Tim with Falco all jogged without any drama. Our team reserve, Caroline Powell and Greenacres Special Cavalier (Cavy) also showed the ground jury she was more than ready if called up and before we knew it, it was over! A few team photos followed, firstly a brief one with the horses and then with the wider team at the Kiss and Cry in the main arena.
Gareth Hughes is on site to help the riders prepare and they all had good sessions with him today as well as another session inside the main arena for familiarisation. You can feel the tension building across the whole site and it does create a totally unique atmosphere for sure!
Whilst it stopped raining for the majority of the day it came in again as the guys headed off course walking at 5pm. There is plenty more forecast for tomorrow as well before the sun is supposed to return for cross country and showjumping on Sunday and Monday.
Team order has been set out and it is Jonelle who reprises her roll as pathfinder, Clarke at no.2 and Tim, as he often is, bringing up the rear.
Times (CET) for dressage are Jonelle 10.45, Clark at 14.39 and Tim at 17.33.
Schedule and results: https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/27-july
