2002 World Equestrian Games

History in the Making:
The US 'Reins' in First WEG Reining Event

NRHA reining pattern five was used for the first round, which counted as a qualifier for both the team and individual medal finals. Team USA posted all the day's top scores to take an easy lead in the team competition, with a three run total of 661.5 points. Tom McCutcheon and Conquistador Whiz had a strong round for the day's high score of 222 points. Behind McCutcheon were two of his teammates, Shawn Flarida on San Jo Freckles with 220, and older brother Scott McCutcheon, with a score of 219.5 on Inwhizable.

The 'throwaway score' of the US team was that of Craig Schmersal and Tidal Wave Jack; it was the same as the highest score of second placed Canada, which gave a good indication of the strength of the American team. Canada had consistent, if unexciting rounds, and pulled off a second place finish with a total of 641.5. Italy, the nation favoured to finish the best of the European entries, was right behind Canada with 638.5. Just five teams went into the final team and individual championship. Joining the top three teams in the final were Team Germany and Team Great Britain, who finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

The top five scoring riders from the teams that didn't make the final, and from those countries represented only by individuals, were also qualified for the individual final: Austria's Rudi Kronsteiner and Jacs on Top; Alain J. Calbrix of France with Cash Enterprise; Frank Perret, also of France and the mare Boogies Uptown Girl; Alexandre Lhamos Ramos and Pocodo Andy from Brazil; and Jolande Van der Christi, one of the few female competitors and the only representative for the Netherlands, also advanced with Whiz N Mist.