Americans’ Chances at Gold Are Slim

The United States fell into second place in cross-country endurance, part of the equestrian three-day event at Conyers, Ga.

The Americans may have lost their shot at the gold medal when Jill Henneberg crashed into the bridge between two ponds at fence 13 on Nirvana II and retired from the course.

The United States has 244.6 penalty points to 183.6 for Australia, and chances to overtake the Australians are slight.

Also Tuesday, American David O’Connor was in second place in the dressage competition. O’Connor scored 37.6 penalty points on Custom Made to trail only British rider Mary King, who scored 31.6 on King William. Half the field is set to ride today.

Before Henneberg’s ride in the cross-country endurance, Karen O’Connor had a refusal at fence 13 aboard Biko and advised her teammates to take a slower, easier option.

While a gold medal may be out of reach, the U.S. team can win the silver by holding off New Zealand (255.8 penalties) and France (268.4).