The Jog

The horse inspection and jog is always a tense time. Everyone from the competitors, the grooms, the owners to the vets and Chefs d’Equipe are on edge until the horse gets the all clear. Even if your horse has never taken a lame step in his life, you still worry. Everyone starts early on jog day to be sure that everything is just right.
This morning was the jog and horse inspection for the Reining horses. A total of 75 horses were presented today, a few were rechecked but only three were rejected. The teams jogged in alphabetical order and as such, the US team jogged last. Many of the horses were fresh and playful. There were a couple of rearing and bucking displays but for the most part, they all behaved well.
The media was out in full force and the whispers of “Oh, there’s Anky (van Grunsven), look it’s Tim (McQuay), that’s Tom (McCutcheon)!” or “They (the horses) are so small and pretty!” I especially enjoyed my jumper friends looking so astonished to see how compact and athletic the Reiners are. I found that many people were surprised at how many stallions were there, 42 out of 74, and how well they interacted with each other. Very different from the huge warmbloods that we are used to, that’s for sure.
Everyone on Team USA passed with flying colors and the horses looked great. Now everyone will be able to relax and enjoy the day before the opening ceremonies Saturday evening. The clothes have been delivered to the riders and grooms for the opening ceremonies and everyone is very excited.
Chef d’Equipe Jeff Petska was interviewed by Jennifer Wood, on behalf of USEF about how he felt the jog went and how he is feeling going into the competition. It was a fun interview and will be released in the upcoming press release.