That is the opinion of the entire team based not on wishful thinking but on performances over the last few years and the fact that barring a total disaster at the Pan Arab Games and the final qualifying round, their place at the Olympics is secure.

"The difference in competitiveness between the top and bottom of the qualifying group is so small these days that on the day of the competition anyone could win," said Peeter Aitken the team stable manager. Responsible for just about everything that happens in the team's life other than actual coaching, he is a compact gritty character not given to exaggeration and having been professionally involved with horse management for more years than he cares to admit to, has the experience to know whereof he speaks.

Rider Kamal Bahamdan on the sharp end of the team that the public will see echoed Aitken's opinion and felt that Saudi Equestrian had served their apprenticeship in competition and were now at the stage to mount a serious challenge. "When you put a new team together, and by team I mean the entire support structure that includes everyone, coaches, grooms, vets, blacksmiths, transport, you need the right mix and chemistry. We have that early on in the journey to the games." "This is a critical time as we approach the Olympic year," said Ramzy Al Duhaimi.

"All the other teams have been preparing for four years and every team has problems on the way, but this is part of the sport." He observed that the Saudi team has built both reputation and respect in the show jumping world. "This was quite an achievement, but we sill have a lot to give."

Winning or losing on the event day can depend on something out of team control such as a horse or rider going sick and giving less that 100 percent, to a single loose nail in a shoe or a piece of harness breaking unexpectedly. "We plan everything we can but sometimes situations arise we cannot control. Then we have to handle it and come out of it as best we can." Ramzy expressed a quiet but solid confidence about the Olympics.

"We have a good team, we're optimistic and committed to do our best. I think we have a very good chance." At the team's Belgian base at Haras de Wisbecq the atmosphere is intense and professional. Daily training takes place in one of the facilities large indoor arenas. It is not a romantic charging existence but lonely, cold and repetitive as man and horse work together for hours each day honing their skills to the perfection needed even to compete in the games, let alone win. These echoing cold arenas are a long way in distance and style from the glory of the Olympic arena; they are workshops to develop perfect performance and manned by utterly committed professionals.

"You simply cannot afford to have any bad apples in the barrel," Aitken observed. "The team here, and I mean everyone, is hand picked and has proved their worth and right to be here by what they do."

The key question remains; will the Saudi Equestrian Team bring home a medal? "The have the ability, the horses and the guts to make it happen. Like every other team they need a little luck that everything comes together perfectly on the day," said Aitken.