Peters takes fourth in Olympic individual dressage

U.S. rider Steffen Peters and Valero finished fourth on Tuesday in the Beijing Games equestrian individual dressage competition -- only .305 behind bronze medalist Heike Kemmer and Bonaparte of Germany. First place in the competition staged at the Hong Kong equestrian venue went to Anky van Grunsven and Salinero of the Netherlands, and Isabell Werth and Satchmo of Germany took silver.

"There was a tiny bit of tension in the two-tempis,” Peters told the U.S. Equestrian Federation after scoring 76.5% in the freestyle (for a final score of 74.150).“I had to risk it, so fourth place at the Olympic Games is not so bad. My horse lived up to my expectations 100%.”

“Sometimes you have dreams,” the San Diego resident said. “Today felt like a dream and I felt like I was in charge of it; it just wasn’t quite enough for the bronze. You have to go for it, but you also have to be realistic.”

Peters, who also competed in the 1996 Atlanta Games, rode to the music of Talking Heads and the Rolling Stones.

U.S. rider Courtney King-Dye and Mythilus finished 13th with a score of 70.175.

“I was really happy,” King-Dye told the USEF.“I had a mistake in both the twos and the ones which were very expensive. I took some chances and had some mistakes. It was a new kur but I think it is a great one for the future. I did the best I could and he was the best he could be on the day.”

“I loved coming here,” she said. “The team unity, being part of this team was a fantastic experience. I learned so much as an athlete.”

-- Greg Johnson

Photo: Steffen Peters and Ravel perform during the individual dressage competition at the Beijing Games equestrian venue in Hong Kong on Tuesday. Credit: Susan Walsh / Associated Press

Comments

[Ann]

I am sooooo angry at NBC they did a horrible job of covering dressage individuals. we got to see 2 seconds of Peters Kur. And now we can't even see it online. This is not good coverage at all.!!! I wanted to see this freestyle.