What a day. So after bucket-loads of rain, today cleared beautifully for the finale of the eventing. While the skies turned blue, it was also very muggy and everyone got their farmer arms well branded.

But the big news of the day was New Zealand snagging a team eventing spot for the Tokyo Olympic Games – just. It was touch and go for a while and seriously heart-stopping but our wonderful team came through.

Tim Price felt a silver medal slip through his fingers as an uncharacteristic rail hit the sand and all of our remaining riders felt the pain of extra faults but they all pulled up with a smile and a kind word.

The Kiwi jumpers were ring side to watch the eventers go and cheer them on. The jumpers had their first horse inspection and were by far the smartest on the block. The boys looking resplendant in their red ties and Sam McIntosh making a stand in her blue scarf – both having had the option of either.

It’s a big ship out tomorrow for the eventers with the horses out first thing and the riders following in the evening.

There’s a new shipment of new fans coming in too and everyone is gearing up for a week of jumping. They’re all amped and ready for action – they’re in a good head space and looking forward to the competition getting underway.

By Diana Dobson, NZ team media liaison

Photos by Libby Law Photography