Americans out-jump Sweden for equestrian silver

By ANN GREEN

Gannett News Service

MARKOPOULO, Greece - Germany breezed to equestrian gold in the team jumping competition Tuesday night, leaving the United States to out-duel Sweden in a jump-off for the silver medal.

Americans Chris Kappler, McLain Ward, Peter Wylde and Beezie Madden bowed as silver medals were hung around their necks and adjusted the wreaths placed on their heads.

Madden, whose last clear round propelled her team into the tie with Sweden to bring on the jump-off, was flawless through two qualifiers.

She said she didn't know the gravity of the situation and what rested on the ride she was about to make on the appropriately named Authentic until she reached the gate to head out on the course.

``So I didn't have a lot of time to worry about it,'' she said.

Germany keeps successfully defending the gold in this event. The Germans swept to their third gold in a row in team jumping, with Ludgar Beerbaum on all three teams.

``I think we were hoping to face Germany for the gold medal,'' said Ward of Brewster, N.Y., when asked what he felt when he learned the Americans would have to face Sweden for second place. ``Our team carried us along for the first part, and we were able to contribute to the team at the end (in the jump-off).''

Five years ago, Ward became the youngest rider to pass the $1 million mark in grand prix earnings. He is now 28.

He was aboard Sapphire on Tuesday night. The 9-year-old Belgian Warmblood mare has relatively little experience in international competition. But Ward found her to be relaxed and adapting to the course.

Kappler, 37, of Pittstown, N.J., was aboard Royal Kaliber, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion.

He talked about the bond the teammates and their horses have forged through the summer.

``We've been over here since June. The four of us have worked a long time for this,'' he said.

Kappler was gold medalist at the 2003 Pan Am Games and was named equestrian of the year by the U.S. Equestrian Federation.

With more than 30 career grand prix victories in Europe and North America and based on his stellar record aboard Royal Kaliber, he didn't have to compete in Olympic selection trials.

The U.S. equestrians have a good shot at medaling again this week in individual dressage and individual jumping. Tuesday's round served as the third qualifier for the individual jumping final set for Friday.

Results of the individual third qualifier show Madden's rank as No. 1 heading into Friday, Kappler tied for fifth, Ward tied for 21st and Wylde tied for 37.