more stories from the Gulf

[Teddy Lancaster <Teddy@runningbear.com>]

Another interesting pre-ride prediction:


> US faces biggest challenge
>
>                  From M. Satyanarayan
>                  in Compiegne, France
>                  The US which has won every individual gold medal
>                  since 1986 will face the biggest challenge to it's
>                  supremacy today. Even as reigning world champion
>                  Valerie Kanavy bids to keep the individual gold
>                  within the family and the United States, the other six
>                  members of the team do not seem to be in the right
>                  frame of mind.
>
>                  Larry Kanavy, husband and father of two world
> champions, told Gulf News that team selections were hit by the East
> Coast-West Coast row resulting in a very mediocre US squad being
> present in Compiegne.
>
> "Instead of sending the best horses and riders in the USA, the US
> Equestrian Team has tried to give representation to various parts of the
> US which has affected the team's morale," said Larry Kanavy whose wife
> Valerie is a two time champion while daughter Danielle won the world
> crown in 1996.
>
> "In the Pan American Championships and other major competitions riders
> and horses from the East Coast have performed much better than those
> from the West. In fact, the East Coast team beat the West Coast team by
> more than four hours. But in this US squad there are more horses from the
> West Coast in the team!
>
> Commenting on Valerie's chances, Larry said she was the best rider in the
> world today. "Given a good horse there is no reason why she cannot win
> again." Despite the problems, the US team, which had found the going
> tough in the pre-ride, have camped here since the last three weeks. And
> for Valerie Kanavy there are many reasons for finishing on top again.
>
> Firstly, she will be hoping to win for the fourth time for the Kanavy family.
> She will also be bidding to equal fellow American Becky Hart's three
> world titles. While also leading the other US riders in trying to retain the
> gold medal in the US, she will also be looking to ensure that it is a woman
> for the 8th successive time to reign supreme.
>
>
--
Teddy Lancaster

IMPORTANT NOTICE!!!  We will be away from August 11 through September 1
at the World Endurance Championships In Compiegne, France.

1348 Township Road 256
Kitts Hill, OH 45645 USA
1-800-533-2327, FAX: 740-533-0337