After the years, the months, the weeks and the days, the wait is finally over. A week into the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) and the jumping program has begun.

Luckily, being scheduled later in the WEG program, we have missed the impact that hurricane Florence had on some of the earlier events. While the storm has indeed had an impact on the Games, we would like to start by acknowledging the devastating effect this storm has had on local communities and would like to extend our condolences to all affected.

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The day 1 jumping competition will be held under clear skies with a massive 124 combinations, representing 49 countries, filling the start list. Today’s competition is a speed round, where competitors are rewarded by completing the course in the fastest time. However, each penalty incurred adds an extra second to their raw time. The winner today starts on zero tomorrow and the remaining combinations have a coefficient added to their score depending on their placing.

Prior to this class, Australian Jumping’s Seumas Marwood walked the course with the Australian team and gives us his insight into this first track. Australia’s Chef D’Equipe, Todd Hinde, also shares some strategy on how the team will handle this round of competition. Unfortunately video was not permitted, but we hope you enjoy this audio.

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Seumas Marwood
Australian Jumping
Freelance Reporter