An early start for the vet check which all our horses flew through and then it was time for our reserve rider, Caroline Powell, to start packing up and deciding whether she will take Greenacres Special Cavalier (Cavy) to Burghley or Fairhill. It is the worst role at the Games but Caroline has been an amazing support for the team and great fun as well.
Showjumping day is Falco’s favourite day and he was keen to get the ball rolling in the morning. Hiarado (Jools) is a great show jumper as well and in the 2 years that Jonelle has had her has not had a rail down so Jonelle was pretty confident as she warmed up in the hot sunshine that had finally come to Paris.
I don’t think Jonelle will look back on Paris with much enthusiasm. It really wasn’t her time and somewhat inexplicably Jools rolled three poles and added another 12 faults to her score. It is hard to pinpoint the why’s or what’s, maybe she was a little tired after yesterday, maybe she was mentally a bit done in after such a big week, who knows. Jonelle was gutted but Jools is fine and will have a break before she comes back for an Autumn 5 star.
Clarke and Menlo Park (Jacko) just dropped one rail which is unusual for that combination but they did make it into the top 25 to jump off for the individual title.
Time to shine for Falco and he did not disappoint! The huge stadium was filled to capacity and he simply revelled in his chance to show the world his spectacular technique. And he did it not once but twice, jumping his second round of the day with as much verve as the first, giving Tim a fabulous ride and deservedly ending up in the top 6 and having loved every minute of his Games.
We packed up the stables and the tack room with the sounds of the crowds going wild in the main arena for the medal ceremony somewhat annoyingly ringing in our ears. Whilst we are delighted for the unbelievable British team of Tom, Laura and Ros who throughly deserve their Gold with magical performances it is an odd format with three to a team. It really leaves no room for error and a team medal was much more telling of performance with four to a team and three scores counting.
However, all four horses left the venue sound and fit and of course that is the main thing. However, a medal was what we aimed for and it is going to be a long four years before we get another chance which ever way we try and make it sound ok!