Canadian Eventing Team gallops up three spots to 11th place going into show jumping.
July 28, 2024, Paris, FRA –The sun shone down on the picturesque and historic grounds of the Chateau de Versailles to ensure perfect conditions would create the much-anticipated backdrop for Paris 2024’s day two of equestrian competition. The patriotic and thoughtfully designed cross-country course laid out by French designer Pierre Le Goupil provided plenty of questions to test the fitness and bravery of the 64 combinations that took to the track.
With an optimum time of 9 min 2 secs, it also provided plenty of excitement and entertainment for the tens of thousands of spectators assembled throughout the Olympic-level course to cheer on athletes and their countries.
Canada’s team of three all successfully navigated the 45 jumping efforts over the 5,149m course gaining several places on the leaderboard and landing in eleventh going into the third and final day of eventing competition.
Mike Winter and El Mundo
Photo Credit: Cara Grimshaw
With the team focused on a top-eight result, they aimed to be strategic and fast to try to make the time and jump clear. Chef d’Equipe Rebecca Howard welcomed the collective efforts of the group even with some small challenges.
“I couldn’t be more proud of this group of horses and riders. Mike had a tough job going so early in the day, but he stood up to the challenge and provided us with a really solid foundation of information about how the course was riding,” Howard shared. “Karl and Bobo had a standout performance, jumping clear with just a little time on the clock.”
“We’re obviously disappointed in the 20 penalties picked up by our third combination but we see so much potential in their partnership,” Howard continued. “After an early mistake, the rest of the round was spot on and highlighted the mare’s class and talent. We are looking forward to seeing her jump tomorrow.
On the whole, we recognize that a solid cross-country day for Canada at the Olympics is another big step towards where we want our results to be in the future.”
Mike Winter and El Mundo
Photo Credit: Cara Grimshaw
Trailblazers Mike Winter of Toronto, ON and El Mundo (Numero Uno x Calvaro F.C.) had no jumping faults but came in over time to add 14.4 points to their dressage score. The two-time Olympian is a seasoned competitor and was selected to be the lead-off rider with the plan to deliver a confident round and set the tone for the remaining two.
“It was incredible and I’m really happy with him (El Mundo). The crowds were intense at the beginning, loud and in large volumes. But he was great. I tried to be a good caretaker of my position of going first, and of my horse’s well-being and give him the best possible ride I could and bring him home safely with a score that could contribute to the team,” he said.
Always one to consider his horse, he shared his pride for his KWPN gelding ‘Roberto’. “It’s such a privilege to ride these horses here, and he’s just a very special horse. I didn’t do a perfect job, but everywhere I wasn’t, he was more than excellent. I’m just really happy with him.”
Karl Slezak and Hot Bobo
Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley
True to her name, Slezak and his 11-year-old mare Hot Bobo sired by VDL Arkansas blazed across the course. With no jumping faults and a very speedy time, the dynamic duo added just 4.8 to their dressage score and made a solid contribution to the team result.
For their Olympic debut, Slezak was pretty sure it couldn’t have gone better.
“She was phenomenal. She came out the box just on fire and just cruised around, she was just flying. I think it was probably her best round ever! I’m still shaking from the adrenaline, I feel great.” When asked if he learned anything new about Hot Bobo out on the course, he replied, “that she’s the best! She hears the crowds and she runs faster, she just loves it.”
He went on to share his enthusiasm for the spectacular venue of Versailles. “It’s breathtaking. It’s so special. And they have thought of everything. To be able to stand there and look back to the palace you can feel the history, it’s incredible to be here.”
Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS
Photo Credit: Cealy Tetley
The final Canadian pair on course was Jessica Phoenix and Freedom GS (Humble GS x Fidertanz). The less experienced partner at this level for Phoenix, she and Freedom were set in the anchor position to capitalize on the mare’s phenomenal jumping ability and guaranteed speed. Coming out of the first water complex, the pair had a run out at the birch element at 7B. After twenty penalties were added, they made quick work of the remainder of the course and finished with an individual total of 67.80 to bring the team to 158.00 for eleventh place.
“That horse is an amazing horse,” Phoenix shared. “This is definitely the biggest venue that she has ever jumped and with it being her first team experience she started out full of running and full of confidence and then she got into the water, landed it, looked up, and realized just how many people were surrounding the course. To have her come back from that and finish the way she did, I couldn’t be more proud of her.”
Phoenix wasn’t alone with her pride. It abounded on site in Paris and could be felt from afar. The support from owners, supporters and the team behind the team continues to propel the program and the team forward.
In the run up to today’s competition, the Canadian eventing community has been nothing short of extraordinary. Everyone’s enthusiasm, financial and moral support and engagement continues to have a positive impact on the riders and grooms. Horse trials being held in Canada over this weekend planned watch parties and had competitors dressing in red and white to show their pride for Canadian eventing. It is clear that the future remains very bright for the sport.
Hoping to reach their placement goal on day three, the team will be showing up to second horse inspection 7:30am on Monday morning followed by show jumping beginning with the individual qualifier at 11:00am local time.
Let’s Go Eventing, Canada!
