Equestrian Medal Contenders

After coming out of eight years retirement following the 2000 Syndey Olympics, Mark Todd garnered a lot of attention. He's won two golds, a silver and 2 bronze medals and 2 golds and a silver at the World Equestrian Games. The eventing community was excited to see if his participation would put New Zealand in line for a team medal. With Todd and Gandalf as inspiration, it was hoped that the team would be on the podium.

Life long experience with horses combined with hard work and a generous horse have contributed to Madden's show jumping success. Madden's show records are impressive. She's the worlds most successful female show jumper. Madden and 14-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding Authentic brought home a bronze medal.

Peters is a three time Olympian whose accomplishments include a bronze team medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Last time he rode Floriano, a pairing that was a formidable presence on the international dressage circuit. This time he rode Raval, a ten year old Dutch Warmblood gelding who has impressed the judges in freestyle events.

Anky van Grunsven, who rode riding Salinero, is a member of the same Dutch team that took home team gold at the 2007 European Championships in Turin, Italy. She has been a top competitor for Holland for several years now, despite in 2006 being accused and cleared of allegations of using 'rollkur', a controversial training method that makes horses hyper-bend their necks. This was van Grunsven's sixth Olympics and rumored to be her last. She's already brought home six medals that include gold. She brought home a team silver and individual gold from the 2008 Olympics.