For the first time in the history of eventing sport, all five American riders jumped double clear in their show jumping rounds of the team competition, as well as jumping five double clears the day prior on cross country, winning team gold on their dressage scores. The mounts of Buck Davidson, Michael Pollard, Hannah Burnett, Shannon Lilley and Lynn Symansky all passed the morning jog and advanced to show jumping. Led by Buck, they all jumped clear and within the time to retain their stronghold on the Team Gold Medal. It is safe to say that their performance was a feat that has never been accomplished before in the sport of eventing. The United States Equestrian Federation quoted Chef d’Equipe Mark Phillips as saying that, “Five people finishing on their dressage score – that’s never been done before in the history of our sport. I would like to give a really special congratulations to my team.” Canada held onto their 2nd placed position to secure Team Silver medal, and Brazil captured the Team Bronze. In the individual competition, which followed the team rounds about an hour later in the Olympic format (only the top three from each team were allowed to show jump for individual honors,) Buck Davidson led the U.S
Read more at the source: Eventers Make History At Pan American Games
Article excerpt posted on Sidelinesnews.com from What’s Happenin’.
