We will be updating this post as the day progresses, so please keep checking back for the latest news. Thanks to Patti B, our live Olympics reporter at Greenwich Park!
12:58 Well, here we are again at Greenwich Park. Weirdly the atmosphere is more subdued and there are quite a few empty seats – they must be for officials, as this is an important day for enthusiasts.
There are 32 riders today: the top seven teams and top 11 individuals from last week, who will be hoping to go forward to the kur on Thursday. The horses are struggling a bit with this more technical test and we are seeing more mistakes and unacceptable tension.
As we are lying in pole position, the Brits won’t be riding until this afternoon – so watch this space. We are bags of nerves here, but we know that Carl and the Ice Queen (Charlotte) are on good form. More later…
13:41 – Here we go.
Five minutes now to our first Brit: Richard Davison from Uttoxeter. At 56, he is our oldest rider and a non-team individual. Suddenly the arena is buzzing and a sea of red, white and blue is appearing. Need to concentrate now…
13:59 – First Brits test.
Bit of a sigh here: Richard’s horse, like many of the horses so far, was tense and spooky. Is it because they are no longer in awe of their surroundings, and so have time to notice things? Who knows – that’s what makes riding so unpredictable. Beginning to feel anxious about our team’s chances later on…
14:11 – Spooking.
Just spotted what is spooking the horses: a new camera at floor level (to show horses’ foot fall) that wasn’t there last week. Unfortunately, Richard’s score will not be high enough for him to have a shot at the Individual medals on Thursday. All that training, dedication and money spent to no avail. Richard will be gutted. He has done so much for our sport.
14:49 – Wow.
Ohhh. Sick with excitement here. Didn’t dare post before, in case I jinxed it, but our most popular rider Carl Hester has just gone and he was brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Inspired riding, to break the 80% barrier. The stand is nearly falling down with clapping. Need to spend a penny, but daren’t go now….
15:32 – Is that a glimmer I see before me?
Laura B and Alf have just ridden a great solid test; I daren’t say anything, but there is definitely a golden glow in the sky. The Ice Queen – Charlotte – with nerves of steel is our next rider. Forgive me if I don’t post straight away, but I could be too busy kissing everyone if she performs to her usual outstanding level!!!
16:00 – Nearly there
Oh my – the Germans have just gone. Come on, Charlotte: an amazing, talented, hard working rider, riding Valegro, who belongs to Carl and Roly Luard. Hang on there….!
16:13 – It’s ours. Gold for GB.
We’ve done it. We’ve done it. It’s taken us 100 years to win a gold medal in dressage, but we’ve done it now. And – we are here!!!!! Two more riders, but the team gold is ours. Much bubbly will be drunk very shortly. Over and out to Parwich.
17:23 – Just cracking open the bubbly now.
Our faces are set in a permanent rictus. Thanks for your supportive comments. Hope the Parwich blog felt part of it. Now on to Thursday and the Individual medals. Would that be too greedy? Much love to everyone at home. Patti B
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