Darren Chiacchia of Buffalo, New York, finished fourth as an individual for the United States Equestrian Team riding Better I Do It at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Photo by Cealy Tetley, www.tetleyphoto.com

July 25, 2007 – Buffalo, New York – Equestrian athlete Darren Chiacchia of Buffalo, New York, ended his 2007 Pan American Games bid in fourth place individually.

Chiacchia was the defending champion heading into the Pan American Games held July 12 to 29 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Following the first of three phases comprising the eventing competition, Chiacchia was ranked fourth among the field of 27 individual competitors with a penalty point score of 49.40 for his dressage test. A strong performance in cross-country, which saw Chiacchia incur no jumping penalties and only .80 time penalties, moved him up the leader board to third position with a two-day score of 50.20. In the final phase of show jumping, Chiacchia picked up 16 penalty points to finish in fourth place with a total score of 66.20. His partner for all three phases was Better I Do It, a 14-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding owned by Adrienne Iorio.

"On the surface, it might seem like a disappointment because we did not win a medal, and as a competitor I am always thinking about how I could have done things differently to save a point here or a point there, but if you look at the whole picture, I am very pleased with our result," said Chiacchia who had originally been listed as an alternate and only learned hours before departing for Rio de Janeiro that he would be competing. "Truth be told, we didn't have a stellar spring season and were probably one of the last combinations to be put on the list as alternates. We worked our way up to not only being picked for the U.S. squad, which was considered the team to beat in Rio, but to having a strong performance. Looking back, it is easy to feel good about the final result."

The United States dominated the eventing competition by taking the top four spots in the individual standings as well as the team gold medal. Karen O'Connor claimed the gold medal riding Theodore O'Connor, two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton won silver riding Truluck, and Gina Miles, who Chiacchia occasionally helps with her training, took the bronze riding McKinlaigh.

"It is an incredible honor to be a part of the American team," said Chiacchia, 41, who has also represented the United States at the Olympic Games and World Championships. "To be out there competing with my peers, all of whom did such an amazing job, is an incredible feeling. Karen was amazing, Phillip was the consummate professional, and Gina, who was the underdog after the first day, came back to win a medal. Despite the booing from the crowd, our riders maintained ultimate professionalism and poise, and everyone went out there and rode like the pros that they are. I am so proud of all of them, and I am so proud to be a part of the team not just in our sport, but the entire U.S. delegation competing at the Pan American Games."

Chiacchia is also heartened by the development of his mount, Better I Do It. Having ridden Windfall 2 to the Individual Pan Am Gold Medal in 2003 as well as a Team Bronze Medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Chiacchia was riding Better I Do It for the first time in major games competition. The pair has been partnered together for a year and a half, and has steadily been building the all-important bond of trust between horse and rider.

"It is a young partnership and the horse needed time to develop a relationship with a rider," explained Chiacchia of his mount, who is affectionately known as 'Gus' around the barn. "I know there is more in there, and we have yet to see him competing at his full potential. Every time he goes down the centerline, he shaves a few more points off. Our show jumping performance was a disappointment, but even though he was tired and not quite himself, he went in there and gave it a great effort."

Behind every horse and rider combination competing at the international level is a team of dedicated support personnel.

"It starts with Jim Wolf and Sarah Ike from the USEF, and of course, 'The Captain', Mark Phillips, at the helm," said Chiacchia in recognition of the efforts of the United States Equestrian Federation staff and team coach. "My groom, Cristin Stoop, who was there with me in Rio, plays an insurmountable role in my success. I must not forget all of my staff at home that keep the farm and all of the other horses going. I am also thankful for the support and understanding of my students and owners who are patient when I have to be away for weeks at a time. Most importantly, I want to thank the owner, Adrienne Iorio, who was unable to be there. She has been a terrific owner and supporter. I am very, very lucky."

Chiacchia also enjoys the support of several sponsors including Purina, Merial (UlcerGuard), Charles Owen, Antares, County Saddlery, EquiFit, Inc. and Tally Ho.

Chiacchia, who owns Independence Farm, divides the year between his training facilities in Ocala, FL, and Springville, NY, just outside of Buffalo. In addition to operating one of the country’s top eventing breeding, training and sales barns, Chiacchia is committed to the improvement of the sport and volunteers his expertise on several committees of the United States Eventing Association. As an instructor, Chaicchia has been extremely successful and has coached several talented junior and young riders to numerous victories.