United States Eventing Association

USEA Board of Governors member Morley Thompson is on the ground in Lima, Peru at the 2019 Pan American Games and will be sharing his thoughts from the spectator's seat!

What a thrill today to hear our national anthem twice and to see American flags hoisted three times!

Our team turned in four double clear rounds (there were only eight all day) showing style and class. Tamie Smith had the spectators around me talking about her smooth, steady seat and hands. Doug Payne showed his jumper experience having a round that was 3 seconds faster than anyone else all day. Boyd Martin and Lynn Symansky both showed themselves to be the seasoned international stars that they are.

Reflecting on yesterday: I heard that when FEI officials arrived at the venue they made the crew modify almost every jump on the course, toning down the difficulty. Imagine what the fallout would have been from the original course!

It was a thrill to be here for this triumphant experience with all of our team, both human and equine, demonstrating their great skill. It's exactly 12 months until the Tokyo Olympics and Chef d'Equipe Erik Duvander and all our riders now have a great opportunity but also an intense period ahead of them. Go USA!