EQUESTRIAN SPORT: Just less than 24 hours after his ordeal at the gate when completing his trail ride obstacle course, Dutch rider, Erris Van Ginkel, was back in action in the equitation events at Kill yesterday.
His mount, Guinness, was showing interest in the proceedings and the pair moved well. It was becoming obvious why he was disappointed coming fourth place on Monday - he is a good rider and knows he can do well.
He and five other riders took their horses though their paces for the judges. Although the sun was continuing to shine outside, a large crowd had gathered inside the magnificent arena. A couple of US visitors decided, "it's probably hotter here than at home." They were whispering as most onlookers, conscious of the fact that there were six riders to watch, were peering intently at the action in the main arena.
In the equitation event, the rider rather than the horse is under scrutiny. Dutch team coach, Marienet de Jong looks anxious. She has six riders.
Steffi Kuster who is 17 had already won a bronze medal in her division. Her mother is delighted and waves to her daughter who is still wearing her smart black jacket, not bothered by the heat.
Erris Van Ginkel joins his team. Everything has gone well, although equitation is not his favourite event. "I prefer dressage, mine is on Friday." What does he make of his mount? "Guinness is a happy horse."
Erris is 40 , tall and strongly built, and has been riding for 15 years. Why riding? "I love horses." Keen to do well, he does get nervous and is emotional. He has a lesson once a week, and works at a stable. "I don't have a horse, they are too expensive," he says looking at his father.
We are wondering when the results will be announced. Van Ginkel senior is very relaxed, "the main thing is in the Games message, winning is not as important as taking part." Of course he is right but it is exciting to see his son taking a bronze medal in a strong completion won by Paolo Carnali of Italy.
One of Ireland's heroes, Dessie Gonoude (19), from Tullamore Co Offaly, is meeting well wishers, exhibiting the gold medal he won in his trail riding event on Monday.
Yesterday went less well. "I only came fifth" he says, pointing to his pink ribbon. Equitation is not his favourite event. "He loves the dressage" says Lorraine Dormer. She and Dessie are very close. "He has been coming to me for the past three years for respite care."
Dessie began riding about the same time. "He has lessons once a week and loves it. He also loves the horse he is riding this week, a little white pony called Bono. They're great with each other. I'd love to buy that horse for him."
Pointing to Dessie's fan club, she adds, "we're talking about starting a fund, I'll have to find the owner first." With more than 20 years experience in the area of special needs, Lorraine Dormer says, "when the Games are over, we can't have all of this interest going away. I don't want us to have to go back cap in hand and have a cake sale every time we try to improve life for people like Dessie. It's shameful the lack of services. We need the media to keep the focus on this."
The media is trying. But, for example, security at Kill is tight. A media pass only secures access to the main public viewing section. If you want to go elsewhere; look behind the scenes, visit the stable area, talk to a delegation member or coach about the competition or a specific athlete, it is difficult - you must be accompanied by a volunteer. It makes the privilege of reporting on this wonderful event far more self conscious than it should be.