Well as I am sure that at home you are all aware of the results so far for our jumping team. They are doing a fantastic job.  Matt was first out and our expectations were high, the course seemed to walk well and jumps were tall,  but inviting.  Matt's horse Watch Me {watchi] had a bad start in the first class, being eliminated after not wanting to travel forward on course . The problem began in the practice ring when the atmosphere and noise from the arena seemed to be causing him to backoff .... he wasnt to keen to leave the security of the practice ring and took a bit of getting down to the arena.  First round was not the beginning we were hoping for.

Second out was Julia on Vedor who did an amazing job to get our first clear round  for Australia....next out was Edwina and little Itot, they are an amazing combination and another smooth clear round.  Last out was James on Lanosso who put in a very professional round. Afterwards we all went back to Ye Olde Rose and Crown.... to celebrate and regroup for day two.

Day Two.
Well as you can imagine we were all quite nervous in our camp, hoping that Matt and Watchi were back to their usual form.  The course was larger and a lot more technical than Day one with a very wide 4.3m water jump and some tough lines...especially the line from the water to the treble.  Weather was less than perfect.  They talk about Melbourne weather....we had sunshine, torrential rain, thunder, high winds (luckily no snow!!!!)  all within one hour.

In the draw we were to follow the Brits!  Can you imagine the noise each time they came into the arena (and left the arena).  The commentator asked that people refrain from too much cheering when the British horses came into the arena and to wait and show their support when they had finished their rounds.  Great for the Brits, but not so much for the riders following them. James was first in and did a fabulous round with one a foot in the water,  Julia next with a great round with just two fences down and then Edwina and Itot with a super clean ... they are a great combination and ambassadors for our sport.

Matt and Watchi were last out and as you can imagine we were all hoping that they were able to regroup over night and show some of their usual form.  Rod Brown and  EA and the team were very supportive
of Matt and Watchi. Matt's game plan was  to keep everything as normal and laid back as he could for Watchi,  no plaits,  quietly trotting him into the ring to have a look around .  Our hearts were in our mouth as he went into the ring.  Watchi was still a little backed off but they did a lovely round to finish with 12 faults.  We were very proud of how they turned things around. shame that they dont get the chance to jump again
today.

The Team did exceptionally well (even though it may not look it on paper).  12 faults - equal on points with Germany, beat the French and Belgian team which is no mean feat!  Australia should be so proud of how the team performed.  We were right there with the Europeans!
The Team spirit has been fantastic.

Just about to head down to the venue for day 3 Teams final and also another day for those competing for their individual medals.  Edwina, James and Julia  will have a lot of Aussie support at the arena today.

I know you will all be sitting up to watch.

Paul Williams reporting for Equestrian Life