A Quest for GOLD: WEG 2018

Tryon, North Carolina

The years, months, weeks and hours planning and training for this event are immense, but what made it all worthwhile was the culmination of bringing together some of the most talented and experienced equestrians and their equine athletes from around the world in a quest for the top of the podium and the admiration from their country’s fans. The Tech Equestrian had the opportunity and pleasure of experiencing these moments to cheer on the USA team and watch in amazement how each horse and rider team executed technical courses and some of the biggest jumps known to the sport at 1.65m in height.

Here are some images from the Friday final round and jump-off from the Team Competition dedicated to the USA team (all photos taken by: The Tech Equestrian):

The Princess of WEG: Adrienne Sternlicht

Adrienne and her beloved mare Cristalline fly over the final fence in the final round of jumping competition on Friday.

Adrienne soon became the darling of the ring the minute she started competing at WEG. Her passion and desire to be the best on the world stage while demonstrating her love and admiration for her mare was heartwarming and brought the human element to a very serious and intense competition. The crowd was captivated by her determination and the connection she had with Cristalline as they jumped consistently with few errors over each course to help clinch the team gold for the US.

Adrienne had no shortage of hugs for her mare especially after winning the coveted gold.

Eddie Blue lives up to his namesake

Grace under pressure demonstrated by Devin Ryan and Eddie Blue clearing the Tryon 2018 jump.

Devin and Eddie Blue have had a very successful and eventful year showing at top events in the US and in Europe and the experience paid off as they delivered clear rounds in the final round and the jump-off at the World Equestrian Games.

This stunning pair were focused on performing their best for the US team.

Laura Kraut and Zeremonie Catapult to Greatness

Making it look easy - Laura and Zeremonie take to the air with plenty of room to spare.

Laura is no stranger to top-level, world-class competitions and demonstrated her ability to get the job done throughout the week. This dynamic duo were clear in both rounds on Friday to help secure the top spot for the US. In an interview after the historic win, Kraut said, “This is right up there with everything I have achieved in my career. The team spirit has been amazing and I so can’t believe it.”

Many pats and praise for her superstar mare Zeremonie.

The King of Cool: McLain Ward

McLain and Clinta in the jump-off round put in a winning performance by delivering a fault-free and best time score.

If there was ever a horse and rider team that you’d want as your anchor - it would be McLain Ward and Clinta who have such a partnership that handling the last to go with enormous pressure to deliver seems to be where they thrive the most!

Last to go but first in flight - McLain and Clinta come in for a landing.

The award ceremony was very special for the US team winning on home turf to a jubilant crowd and filling the record books with an historic win - the first team gold in 32 years for the US - and underscore the meaning of ‘bringing it home!’

McLain raises his helmet in glory as he smiles down to US Chef d’Equips Robert Ridland.

Team USA in step as they greet the crowd.