By Tristan Aird | The News Tribune

Gina Miles had her lifelong Olympic dreams squarely in front of she and her horse, McKinlaigh.

But shortly before selection the U.S. equestrian eventing team for the 2004 Athens Games, the Creston, Calif., rider's horse developed respiratory problems that prevented it from competing.

An Olympic dream had become an untimely nightmare.

Now, four years later, it appears Miles and McKinlaigh will at long last get their chance.

"I'm a little guarded, still," Miles said, "because like any athlete, there is a chance of something coming up (with McKinlaigh) in the last few weeks of training. We stay just a little bit guarded and take watch over the horses carefully."

Miles, 34, was one of five chosen to the U.S. team July 14. She is currently in England training.

Read the complete story at sanluisobispo.com.