The Olympics are well under way with the eventing riders having completed the cross-country phase yesterday at the Beas River venue in Hong Kong, China. Britain’s Mike Etherington Smith was the course designer. Wow, it was reported that not one horse achieved the optimum time. Unfortunately the US dropped from 3rd place after the dressage phase over the weekend to 7th after some unfortunate mistakes on the course today. I really feel badly for Amy Tryon whose ride, Poggio, ejected her out of the saddle after he stumbled over fence 10. With the new FEI rule (fall of rider is cause for elimination) Amy has been disqualified. Veteran rider, Karen O’Connor had a run-out on rookie horse Mandiba. Becky Holder on Courageous Comet also had a run-out. PA based, Phillip Dutton, in 14th position, had a clean round but racked up some time penalties despite taking a few risks since by the time it was his turn the US had dropped out of contention fpr a team medal . It’s still possible for our country to glean an individual medal in this event though thanks to Phillip's good result and Gina Miles who had the best ride of our team and is sitting in 5th position. GO GINA & 17.3 hand McKinlaigh! We’ll be holding our breath 
and saying our prayers tonight during the show jumping phase starting at 7:15pm Tuesday evening (Hong Kong time). Germany is in first place followed by eventing giants; Australia and Great Britain. You can catch this phase scheduled to air on the Oxygen channel 6:00-8:00pm.
The good news for the eventing sport is that there were thankfully no serious incidents during this phase for both either horse or rider! The weather even cooperated. It was over cast and only in the low 80s. Anticipation of soaring high temperatures and humidity caused concerns but happily did not occur.
Cheers,
Cindy