“The time has come,” the Walrus said,
“To talk of many things:
Of shoes—and ships—and sealing wax—
Of cabbages—and kings—
And why the sea is boiling hot—
And whether pigs have wings.” - Lewis Carroll

That is exactly how I feel when asked to name the medal winners in the Three Day Event, at the Athens Olympic Games! Let's talk about something else.

Actually, there is, or used to be, a shop in Palm Beach called Cabbages and Kings. It was a treat to browse - - - ; but, that's not the point of this article. So here we go!

I will not climb out on that limb and I will not get out that saw! That's why the competition is being held at the Markopoulo Equestrian Center - to decide those Medal placings for 2004, and for posterity. What I will do is try to point out some of the truly World Class competitors and mention their most recent successes, as well as their most renowned successes. These super stars of Eventing are listed in alphabetical order by last name.

Phillip Dutton (AUS) and Nova Top, 2nd at the Rolex-Kenyucky CCI****, 2004. Phillip will be aiming for his third consecutive Olympic Team Gold Medal.

William Fox-Pitt (GBR) and Tamarillo, the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton CCI**** winners, in 2004. Athens is William's second Olympic Games.

Pippa Funnell (GBR) and Primmore's Pride, the winners at Rolex-Kentucky and Burghley, in 2003. Pippa won the Rolex Grand Slam, in 2003.

Andrew Hoy (AUS) and Mr Pracatan, 1st, CIC-W*** Luhmuhlen (GER). Athens will be Andrew's sixth Olympic Games. He'll be aiming for his third consecutive Olympic Team Gold Medal. (Andrew Hoy is pictured at the right at a Press Conference at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton CCI****, this spring.)

Andrew Nicholson (NZL) and Fenicio, second at the inaugural FEI World Cup of Eventing, in Pau, France, in 2003. Athens will be Andrew's fifth Olympic Games. (Andrew Nicholson is pictured at the left below at a Press Conference at the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton CCI****, this spring.)

Blyth Tait (NZL) and Ready Teddy, winners of the Punchestown CCI***, in Ireland this spring. Blyth and Ready Teddy were the Olympic Individual Gold Medalists at the Atlanta Olympics, in 1996 as well as the Individual Gold Medalists at the WEG at Pratoni del Vivaro, Italy, in 1998.

Kim Severson (USA) and Winsome Adante, winners, for the second time, of the Rolex-Kentucky CCI****, in 2004. Kim and Winsome Adante were members of the Gold Medal Team at the WEG, Jerez, Spain, 2002.

Jean Teulere (FRA) and Espoire de la Mare, the reigning World Champions.

Nicholas Touzaint (FRA) and Galan de Sauvagere, the reigning European Champions, Punchestown, 2003.

John Williams (USA) and Carrick, second in the Bayer Modified Competition at Lexington, 2004. John and Carrick were members of the Gold Medal Team at the WEG, Jerez, Spain, 2002.

There you are - 10 eventers for the ages!

The following are two pairs who are on the bubble, as we say when examining teams for inclusion in The Big Dance (the NCAA Mens' Basketball Tournament).

Piia Pantsu (FIN) and Karuso, winners at the Fontainebleau CIC***, this spring. Individual Bronze Medalist at the WEG, Spain, 2002. (8/13/04: Sadly, Karuso had to be withdrawn due to an injury incurred in shipping to Athens.)

Linda Algotsson (SWE) and Robin des Bois, winners of the FEI's Inaugural Eventing World Cup CIC***, Pau, France, 2003.

Twelve competitors - That's All Folks! The IOC may have guts enough to schedule the Opening Ceremonies of the Athens Olympic Games for Friday, the 13th! Not this intrepid prognositcator! - not because it might bring me bad luck; but, because it might cause the Eventing Gods to frown on the great athletes, both equine and human, named above.

You can be assured that the ultimate result will depend on athleticism, preparation, experience, skill and guts; but, most of all, it will depend upon the whims of the Eventing Gods on the day.

Cora C. Cushny, Editor