Between the stage diving dancers, supermodel Gisele’s strut down the world’s longest catwalk, and a moving dedication to Mother Earth, there was much to applaude and enterain in last night’s Opening Ceremonies for Rio Olympics. These are the equestrian highlights. Also known as The Important Parts.

1. When Rodrigo Pessoa waved a torch around.

Technically, this isn’t an Opening Ceremonies moment. It is show jumping legend, Rodrigo Pessoa. Running. WITH THE TORCH. Alongside an enthusiastic camera man, who’s Olympic spirit clearly makes up for any lack of filming he’s doing.

It’s also the sum total of Pessoa’s official participation in the Rio Games. In an unexpected twist, the 2004 Olympic individual gold medalist was not named to the Brazilian team. You can read his feelings on that en francais at Stud for Life. And chef d’equipe George Morris’s rebuttal at Noelle Floyd.

2. When Michael Phelps was all “Hell, yeah, I wanna hang with some equestrians.”

Because who doesn’t want cozy up next to Steffen Peters?

3. When dressage represented for Team USA.

If you’re not already following Robert Dover on Facebook, you should get on that STAT. The US dressage chef d’equipe is posting live updates from Rio on the regular, complete with flashback moments from his own storied career. It’s magical.

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4. When Team Canada came out looking like hip hop stars.

Dressage rider Megan Lane posted this behind-the-scenes shot so we can all embrace the rock star within. Team Canada is cool like that.

5. When Jeroen Dubbeldam bore the Dutch flag.

Trust the Netherlands to tap an equestrian to lead their team into the Games. 2000 Olympic gold medalist Jeroen Dubbeldam did equestrians everywhere proud with his expert flag waving skills.

Double Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden was in the running for Team USA’s flag bearer honors. Alas, it went to swim champion Michael Phelps. Womp, womp.

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