Before the 1982 World Championships, the American equestrian team went to Hickstead….as a warm-up for the event….when Joe Fargis had a fall that broke his leg….and he was sidelined for much of the rest of the year….but by fall 1982, Fargis was competing again….while riding the mare Touch of Class….while winning classes at Pennsylvania National, Washington International and the National Horse Show. In 1983, Fargis was part of the United States Equestrian Team’s Nation’s Cup team with wins at Calgary and Rome….and in 1984, Fargis and Touch Of Class won the Grand Prix of Tampa….and were selected for the Olympic team.
Before the Olympics, Fargis went with the American team to Europe….where they won the Nation’s Cup at Aachen…..then Fargis competed in showjumping at the 1984 Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles. There he won individual and team gold medals with the American-bred Thoroughbred mare Touch of Class….as the pair set an Olympic record as they faulted only a single time throughout the entire competition….while jumping clear over 90 of 91 obstacles…..and as seen in this video herewith…..Fargis and Touch of Class are featured in highlights of their gold medal ride…..as the All American Olympic Band plays the Star Spangled Banner…..while the USA flag is being raised.
