Notes From Rio - Kate Poulin-Neff - Sunday, July 15, 2007

Zuel has been going super here. He feels better then Gladstone so I know the training I am doing is right. My father and Klaus warmed me up yesterday before the test. We had a super warmup. Zuel was very relaxed and so was I before entering the main arena.

I was very happy with my test except for two rider errors. He stuck in the first walk pirr. and changed early in the extended canter. But overall the test was clean and fluid. Once in the arena I was a little nervous and Zuel keep tring to spook from the ring stewards at the far end. There was a big difference in two judges scores, 63%-68%. And during our press conference Mariette was asked about the score difference.

At the medal ceremony we rode in after Canada followed by Brazil. Our horses were given a beautiful single ribbon that was green, yellow and bright blue. In the center of the ribbon is a medal emblem with the Rio 2007 logo. Our medals have a green, yellow and blue ribbon with the same Rio 2007 logo for the medal. They are very beautiful. We were also given native flowers of brasil!! Our national anthem was played and then we have a victory gallop. The victory gallop was uneventful.

We have a wonderful reception by everyone in the group especially BRASIL!!! Brasil won the bronze medal after losing two of their main riders. The last ride yesterday was there alternate rider who was only 15 years old!!! And she had the best score for the team!

After many photo sessions we left the show to go back to the hotel. Everyone went out to dinner to celebrate our Gold Medal win. It was a great day for America. What an honor it has been to represent the USA.

Take care

Kate

Photo courtesy: Cealy Tetley