The final observation event for selection of the U.S. FEI World Equestrian Games show jumping team wrapped up Sunday afternoon Aug. 12 in Dublin. So now I can make an educated guess about the only WEG contingent in the Olympic disciplines that hasn’t been named.
It’s necessary to note that “nominated entries,” which offer some leeway, must be sent to the FEI by Monday, Aug. 13, but definite entries for the squad of five don’t have to be in until Sept. 10 (show jumping is the last of the Olympic disciplines to compete at Tryon). While there needs to be a minimum of five entries on the “nominated” list, there can be more, and why not take advantage of the leeway?
That being said and all horses and riders remaining healthy at WEG time, figure on a spot for Long Valley’s Devin Ryan, who was ninth on Eddie Blue in the Longines Dublin grand prix with one time penalty in the first round.
Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue. (Photo©2018 by Nancy Jaffer)
He should be joining McLain Ward and Beezie Madden, who would be the team’s pillars. I’m thinking Laura Kraut will get a berth after a redeeming double-clear in the Dublin Nations’ Cup on Zeremonie. And selecting Adrienne Sternlicht as reserve with Cristalline makes sense after she finished fourth in the Dublin G.P. with a rail and the fastest time. Coach Robert Ridland always likes to pick an up-and-coming less-experienced rider to his squads (a la Lucy Davis in the 2014 WEG and 2016 Olympics) so they can gain mileage. Even so, vastly experienced Margie Engle and Royce likely will find themselves among the nominated entries.
You know how it is with horses–if something can go wrong, it just might, so no one should think they’re a sure thing until the final deadline for team substitutions an hour before the first competition. I’m just throwing this out there for speculation.