The timing was finally right for the U.S. Team to put their strongest team forward for the Nations Cup at CSIO Wellington. The team scored a huge win, with professional performances from all four riders. Sapphire returned with foot-perfect form for McLain Ward, jumping two clear rounds to lead the U.S. effort. The packed house couldn’t get enough and the Team USA cheering section went wild when she touched down over the last fence both times.
Sapphire wasn’t the only one to notch clears for the USA. Margie Engle’s exciting grey gelding, Indigo looked super in his first Nations Cup appearance. He was spectacular in the first round, having grown up considerably in the last year. I had the pleasure of talking to some of his owners last night, (they said they just owned his tail), they were so excited about this horse and the fact that he was jumping on the team. That was before he even went in the ring. Beezie Madden survived nearly getting spun off Coral Reef Via Volo before the first round, George Morris equated the behavior to that of a pony. It was for this reason Via Volo returned to the ring for round two after a four fault effort once they got going in round one. Mario Deslauriers and Urico had the same fence down as Madden at 10a, but George opted for the mare as he felt she needed another round under her belt. In a CSIO4* only three riders from each team return for the second round.
The Canadians, who had won the two previous years, fought hard until the end, but just couldn’t match the clear round efforts of the Americans. Father and son duo Ian and Jonathan Millar were contributors to the effort, and everyone was festive at the press conference, including the three teams that tied for third: Great Britain, Ireland and Australia.
It was a great competition and a great production – as Michael Stone said, “If people don’t want to watch that, then we’ve got nothing for them.” He was right. The competition was great, the jumping was fantastic and the entertainment factor was high. It was a great night to be part the US Show Jumping effort.