Changes made to WEG cross-country course

Two fences have been removed from the cross-country course at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in deference to the conditions.

Fence 20 (La Bolee Des Vignettes — an apple cart, pictured below) and fence 23 (Le Hibou Du Lion, an owl hole, pictured top), have both been taken out of Pierre Michelet’s track. It is expected that the route will be altered and the distance and 11min 30sec optimum time shortened by these changes.

All the riders have mentioned the soft ground when asked about the course and combined with the long track, big fences and hilly terrain, it is expected to be a taxing test.

The weather has been dry and sunny today (Friday 29 August) at Haras du Pin, although some riders are concerned these conditions will actually leave the going more sticky and tiring.

“I don’t think sun at this stage will help — it’ll do nothing but become tacky,” said Oliver Townend this morning.

But Tina Cook said she thinks the terrain looks like it will drain well. “I hope it rides well and the rain stays away,” she said.

Paul Tapner said he was in favour of the changes: “I thought the fitness requirement of the course was too much. If there are not so many tired horses finishing tomorrow that can only be a good thing and it won’t really affect the competition.”

End of day dressage update and more reaction to the course changes

Stay up to date with the latest news from Haras du Pin on HorseandHound.co.uk and don’t miss our full eventing report in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 4 September

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Pippa Roome

H&H magazine editor and eventing editor

Pippa is a true eventing geek and has been H&H’s eventing editor since 2005. She has first-hand experience of competing up to British Eventing intermediate and international CCI2*-L level, and has worked in the industry on a top event yard. Pippa enjoys nothing more than immersing herself in the sport at the highest level, reporting from the five-stars and international championships, including the Olympics.