When the second team got ready to jump off, Laura discussed strategy. In a Nations' Cup jump-off, you're all still a team. So for the jump-off, "you'd like to have your first rider do a solid, clear but not crazy quick ride. This team has Sophie on a quick horse for it's first ride, so that's good. In the number two spot, Chelsea will try to put in a clear round. Then we'll see where we are and what Jacqueline and Taylor will have to do."
The second team ultimately won the "competition."
Laura ended with a few more words of advice: "What I was trying to teach today is the pressure. You've got to go in and make it happen. You'll have mistakes, but you'll have to deal with them and go forward."
Sandra Oliynyk is the editor of Practical Horseman magazine.
The training session is hosted by Bates Saddles and Equestrian Sport Productions and supported by the U.S. Equestrian Federation. In addition to Bates, supporting organizations include Purina Mills, the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation, the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association, the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, Nutramax (Cosequin ASU), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Practical Horseman.
