FEW situations could command such a fine balance of excitement and disappointment as the alternate spot at an Olympics. Paris will be the second Games featuring teams of three in the equestrian disciplines. All scores now count and the travelling alternate combination can be called upon throughout the Games to sub in for one of their compatriots.
It’s a unique situation, requiring the utmost sportsmanlike behaviour from riders and their entire support team. Getting it right is critical for the impact on the wider team and individual performance. Yet when someone has strived so hard and got so close – knowing that their dream of competing will only be at the cost of one of their team-mates – what does it take to master the mindset, and why is it so important to do so?
“THE format of having three active combinations is here to stay, so we have to look at the positives not the negatives,” says British Equestrian technical director and eventing performance manager Dickie Waygood.
“Whichever way you look at it, whether that’s the athlete, the groom, owners and connections, it’s an awkward place to be in, because part of their mindset will be that they want the team to do really well. And then the other part is they will want to be part of that team.
“It’s a very tough place to be in, especially when we know that every waking hour and every dream for most of those athletes is winning a gold medal at the Olympic Games.”
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Denne historien er fra May 23, 2024-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
