Ruy Fonseca
The Brazilian World Equestrian Games eventing team has been announced according to Eventing Worldwide:
Guto de Faria & Ritz Carlton: Competed at Sydney Olympics, rides in Brazil
Guega Fofanoff & Ekus TW: Former Pan Am gold medalist, competed at 3 WEGs and 3 Olympics
Jesper Martendall & Land Jimmy - Based in Brazil and short listed for Beijing Olympics
"It's a good mix with experienced riders and some promising young horses. This will be a big step up for them, and we hope they will be in their prime for London 2012. We will then be looking ahead to Rio de Janeiro 2016. [Coach] Nick (Turner) is doing a fantastic job and must be one of British Airways best customers at moment! Next year our goal is the Pan American Games in Mexico (Guadalajara City) where we hope to qualify a Team for London 2012."
I was going to include a funny photo about Brazil, but I was afraid I would get abducted. Seriously, go find a US team member from '07 Rio and ask them how excited they are to go back to Brazil in 2016.
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If you ever want to see an Australian get really excited, just say two words: "Steven Bradbury", winner of Australia's first winter Olympic gold medal.
Now for the Aussie team--as we reported a while ago, the Australian team is being very patient about naming their short list. Camilla, an EN reader who is always very kind to keep us updated on all things eventing 'down under,' has sent us this report on the Aussies WEG prospects. According to Camilla, Heath Ryan summed up the probable short list in this month's The Horse Magazine in Australia. These are his picks and Camilla's information on the riders:
--Team--
Sonja Johnson and Ringwould Jaguar: Despite Jaguar's age, he is still sensational - and fast!
Megan Jones and Kirby Park Irish Jester: Winner of the Kihikihi (NZ) WC qualifier, best placed of the Aussie Silver medal team in Hong Kong.
Paul Tapner and Inonothing: Badminton winners
Sam Griffiths and Happy Times: Great results in the UK, including the Chatsworth WC qualifier
--Individual--
Chris Burton and HP Leilani: winners of the Sydney WC qualifier
Stuart Tinney: on either Vettori (winner of Adelaide 4*) and the gorgeous Panamera.
The final 'hit-out" for the Australian-based eventers will be at the Sydney International 3DE (August 26-28), which will also feature a WEG showcase of all the eight equestrian sports. This won't be a real event for the team horses, rather they'll do the dressage, run a modified XC (probably part of the 3* track) and showjump.
Thanks for the report Camilla and go eventing.
Even though the Aussie selectors have some pretty weird criteria for picking their team, I'd pretty surprised if Heath Ryan's predictions come true, Clayton Fredericks should be on the list. His wife Lucinda probably won't be though.