I readily admit I am an Olympic junkie. I used to watch most of the events just hoping for a few moments of equestrian coverage on the major network. Once I discovered the joy of DirectTV dish sports, I have been in hog heaven. They cover a good deal of equine sports weekly but have dedicated a good deal of time to the "orphan" Olympic sports, including the equestrian events.I was watching the dressage portion of the three day eventing venue this morning, and out of the corner of my eye I thought I saw a spotted appy butt. Upon closer examination it turns out to be a gray horse, Chico, being ridden the Chinese rider Hua Tian. The horse had the stars of the Chinese flag painted on his rump! (see the AP photo above)
The other thing I love about equestrian events is that there is room for everyone. There are two riders in their 60's (the oldest is 67, and the other at 60 is in his first Olympics riding for the Aussies!) and Mark Todd is back riding a horse called Gandalf. And Hua Tian is the first equine competitor for China, ever, and the youngest rider, at 18. And Jamaica (remember the bob sled team of Cool Runnings?) has its first equestrian entry ever as well. Cheryl
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