Article updated at 10:07 a.m. EST with comments from Marcus Orlob
July 30, 2024—It was a tough start to the Grand Prix Test for the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team. Marcus Orlob and Jane were the first combination to head down the centerline for the U.S. Problems arose as the pair entered the ring as the previous combination was exiting. Jane became overwhelmed by the atmosphere in the stadium, demonstrated by backing, spinning and half-rearing. Orlob calmed the mare, and they proceeded to enter the dressage arena shortly after entering the stadium.
Things appeared to have settled for the Orlob and Jane as they made their Olympic debut with a solid start to their test. However, the judge at C, Susanne Baarup of Denmark, rang the bell right after their second canter pirouette and eliminated them for blood on the inside of the horse’s right hind fetlock.
Marcus Orlob Comments
“I’m sad and disappointed with the events of today,” Orlob said on his official Instagram page. “Jane nicked her hind fetlock entering the ring and we were rung out for blood when the judges noticed it during our test. We respect the rules, and know that as a sport right now, the world is watching, and the welfare must always come first. Jane felt absolutely incredible and was right with me, relaxing into the test with every step.
“Jane is back in the stabling now and wondering why we didn’t get to finish the test and I’m honestly just as disappointed for her because she always tries so hard and loves her job,” Orlob continued. “I will be cheering on my teammates for the rest of the week and hope we get to see them in the Freestyle.
“Not the way I wanted my first Olympics to go but grateful that it’s not something more serious and Jane will be perfectly fine,” Orlob added.
Read More
- For the Olympic Dressage Grand Prix Start List, click here.
- For more on our coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics, click here.
– With reporting from Jennifer O. Bryant
