The beauty of the show jumping competition was...

not limited to the powerful display of athleticism on the part of both horse and rider. The commentators were kind to the horses and riders, regardless of which country they represented. It was Team USA's competition from start to finish, but that did not stop the commentators from giving respect to other countries. According to American Gold,  they "were properly awed by the American squad's unprecedented performance, but they were equally generous in commiserating over less successful rounds by other riders." I have watched many Olympic sports over the years and I have yet to see as much love given to all of the athletes.

I recall watching a replay of the individual show jumping competition and seeing how Bill Steinkraus and Chris Schenkel were taken with Swiss rider Heidi Robbiani and her beautiful mare Jessica V. They were just head over heels for the duo that went on to win the bronze medal. It was a great day for America, but it was also a triumph for Switzerland. The below photo of Robbiani and Jessica has been republished with permission from The Chronicle of the Horse, www.chronofhorse.com.