Olympic Experiences: British Dressage Rider Reveals Pre-Games Surgery

They say that competing in the international arena builds character. And sometimes, it turns out, your strength of character can prepare you for the international arena.

To prove that point, after yesterday's individual dressage freestyle, the press was silent when they heard a touching story that none had imagined was transpiring over the past few weeks at the Hong Kong equestrian encampment.

Emma Hindle of the British dressage team revealed last night that her Olympic appearance was little short of miraculous.

"Two weeks before I came here I had an operation for a tumor," she explained to the stunned assembled press. "I could only ride in walk when I arrived in Hong Kong and Lancet was brilliant! Usually he's difficult when you are getting on and off him, but he seemed to know I wasn't well and he just stood there for me for a change."

Emma, who lives and trains in Germany, only discovered the presence of two ovarian cysts during a team check-up and was advised to undergo surgery right away, Olympics or no Olympics. But, she shared, with extraordinary support from the British team she still made her Olympic appearance.

"I had lots of help with my horse. People kept saying 'we believe in you, you can do it'. But it took a huge effort from the team and a lot of physiotherapy and work in the gym to get me going again," Hindle pointed out.

"Everyone was so positive and so kind, I'm really proud of my horse and proud of my friends. When you are sick you find out who your real friends are, and many of my rivals turned into my best friends," she said.

One of her greatest supporters was Princess Nathalie Zu Sayn-Wittgenstein who, last Saturday, helped Denmark to team bronze. "She rode Lancet every day (for me). She lives four hours away from me and she's a really good friend," the rider pointed out, and one of Emma's other great supports was her Irish groom, Niamh Meehan, who stayed with her at the hospital and who was there when the rider was informed that she had been selected for the British team.

Emma ended up finishing seventh in the individual and was also the highest scoring British rider in the team dressage competition.

British team leader Will O'Connell confided that the initial tumor was 8 centimeters long. "During a routine pre-selection medical, it was suggested she went for further tests," he said. "They found a tumor in her ladies region which measured about eight centimetres. The Monday after Rotterdam she went in for an operation to remove said tumor and with the help of family, friends and the support staff set about getting ready in just a matter of weeks for the Games. Some six weeks to the day, she cantered up the centerline here.

"Emma’s achievement is what being an Olympian is all about – conquering adversity to produce a series of personal bests is an inspiration to any athlete. She has been quick to praise her back up team and the doctor Peter Whitehead and Physio Andy Thomas for the work they have done to make her recovery a fast one but also to her family and friends for their help and support."

Thanks to the FEI and Will O'Connell of Team GBR for help with this report.

Aussie Hero Hayley Saddles Up at the Last Minute for the Ride of Her Life

Australian dressage rider Hayley Beresford's Olympic performances have had people from many countries cheering for her! (Equestrian Federation of Australia photo)

If you're looking for a hero among the dressage princes and princesses assembled in Hong Kong, here's one you can look up to.

Opening the action today was Australia's Hayley Beresford who, long before she ever arrived in Hong Kong this summer, had already climbed a mountain of Olympic proportions. The 30-year old rider was diagnosed with breast cancer three years ago but, with typical toughness and determination, she hardly missed a day in the saddle throughout the intensive treatment that saw her win her battle back to good health.

Hayley came to Hong Kong with her 11-year old Brazilian-bred Lusitano stallion Relampago do Retiro. As if that Brazil-Portugal-Australia connection isn't international enough, consider this: Hayley lives in Germany, where she trains with the current gold medal leader, Isabell Werth.

Asked if she had advice for struggling amateur riders at home, Hayley quipped, "You have to go through the ups and downs and believe in yourself …or go home!"

Hayley had missed today's Grand Prix Special qualifier by one place, but when Hunter Douglas Sunrise became lame, the Dutch team withdrew him, so one place opened up...and Hayley passaged through on very short notice.

She is now in 19th place, improving on her position from the team competition, although not good enough for her to advance to the freestyle on Tuesday.

No one cheering for her in Australia, Portugal, Brazil and Germany feels the least bit disappointed. This rider had something for everyone, on many levels.

Cheer for Hiroshi? Everyone Will!

In a few hours, one of the equestrian games' best stories will trot into the main arena and the stands will erupt in cheers.

Hoketsu Hiroshi, the 67-year-old dressage rider from Japan, will be making his Olympic comeback 44 years after his first participation in the Olympics in Tokyo back in 1964. Previously a competitor in show jumping, Hoketsu now trains and competes in dressage. The Japanese rider won five national championships between 1988 and 1992 and qualified for the Olympics in Seoul before having to drop out when his horse failed the quarantine exam.

But let's hear it for second chances. If a German dentist can win the gold medal in eventing, how about a retired Japanese pharmaceutical company director medalling in dressage?

A source of inspiration for retirees (and anyone who is young at heart), Hoketsu will have to look to London and beyond if he wants to pass the record for oldest Olympian -- Oscar Swahn competed in the 1920 Olympics in Belgium at the age of 72.

Arena Screen May Be Daunting Object for Horses in Dressage

It's too hot to train outside, but Anky van Grunsven is doing it anyway. The Dutch diva of dressage writes home that she is pleased that her horse and the other Dutch dressage horses have not shied at the huge video screen. But she knows that it is important to get her horse accustomed to the thing.

"I.P.S Salinero did not look at all at the big screen," Anky writes enthusiastically to her fans. "The main arena is quite impressive, especially while the big screen is turned on but all Dutch horses were brave and trained very well."

Anky is no shrinking violet. Even in the face of a typhoon, she schooled outside last night, as the storm subsided. "I rode in the rain but I had a lot of space as the other riders trained inside!" Anky wrote.

The Dutch horses were among the first to arrive, and the other horses may still be getting used to the heat in Hong Kong. "Inside" means the huge indoor arena that is designed just for schooling and pre-event warmup. It is massive...and air-conditioned.

Misting stations have been set up around the stable area so the horses can cool off as needed.

Eventers will begin dressage competition in the big outdoor arena, with the screen, on Saturday.