Shining Bright in Rio (Horsing Around - Ranch & Coast October 2016)

Southern California was brilliantly represented at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Lucy Davis, at 23, was the youngest member of the United States Show Jumping Team and hails from Los Angeles. San Diego-based Eduardo Menezes wore the green of his native Brazil equestrian team. Robert Ridland, the US Chef d' Equipe, who compiled the US show jumping team, lives in San Juan Capistrano.

Davis and teammate Kent Farrington, both first-time Olympians, were joined by veterans Beezie Madden and McLain Ward, both of whom were competing in their fourth Olympic games. The foursome had successfully combined their talents before winning the bronze medal in the 2012 World Equestrian Games.

Team USA began the final day of show jumping ina four-way tie for first place with the Netherlands, Germany, and Menezes' Team Brazil - all tough competitors. Sadly, Madden's talented and reliable horse, Cortez C, had previously sustained a tendon injury, forcing the pair to withdraw from the final round.

Olympic rules allow every team to drop one score so that only the top three scores are tallied. Unfortunately, with Madden out for the final and decisive round Team USA didn't have that luxury. Every one of the remaining three team members scores would be crucial, adding to the pressure for a near-perfect ride.

In the end, they gathered themselves and rode with poise and precision to the silver medal. It was the first time ever that a team has been able to medal with just three rider in the final round. Menezes and Team Brazil ended up in fifth place. Our hearts were rising and falling with every hoofbeat - and they all filled us with pride.