Two fences have been removed from the cross-country course at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in deference to the conditions.
Fence 20 (La Bolee Des Vignettes — an apple cart, pictured below) and fence 23 (Le Hibou Du Lion, an owl hole, pictured top), have both been taken out of Pierre Michelet’s track. It is expected that the route will be altered and the distance and 11min 30sec optimum time shortened by these changes.
All the riders have mentioned the soft ground when asked about the course and combined with the long track, big fences and hilly terrain, it is expected to be a taxing test.
The weather has been dry and sunny today (Friday 29 August) at Haras du Pin, although some riders are concerned these conditions will actually leave the going more sticky and tiring.
“I don’t think sun at this stage will help — it’ll do nothing but become tacky,” said Oliver Townend this morning.
But Tina Cook said she thinks the terrain looks like it will drain well. “I hope it rides well and the rain stays away,” she said.
Paul Tapner said he was in favour of the changes: “I thought the fitness requirement of the course was too much. If there are not so many tired horses finishing tomorrow that can only be a good thing and it won’t really affect the competition.”
End of day dressage update and more reaction to the course changes
Stay up to date with the latest news from Haras du Pin on HorseandHound.co.uk and don’t miss our full eventing report in Horse & Hound magazine, on sale Thursday 4 September
WEG eventing news and reports
Walk the WEG cross-country course [PICS]
Photos of all the cross-country fences on the 2014 WEG track, plus analysis from H&H's eventing editor in Haras du
WEG: 10 photos of the mud at Haras du Pin [PICS]
We know you all want to see it, so here you go — check out the WEG mud
Behind the scenes at WEG eventing venue [PICS]
Check out the training areas, veterinary clinic and more at Haras du Pin, venue for the eventing dressage and cross-country
WEG eventing: Oliver Townend and Tina Cook disappointed with dressage tests
Both British horses who performed this morning in the WEG eventing dressage showed their inexperience, while New Zealand's Jock Paget
WEG eventing: William Fox-Pitt leads after first day of dressage
Britain's William Fox-Pitt heads the field individually after Thursday's eventing dressage, while Germans hold second and third
WEG eventing: disappointing mark for Zara Phillips, first British team member
Britain doesn't get off to the best start in the eventing dressage, while defending champion Michael Jung takes an early