Showjumper Jill Terceira bounced back from her chastening opening day experience with two improved rides in Rio yesterday.

Terceira, who came 45th in the first qualifier, climbed to 33rd position with an overall 68.49 total penalties.

Compatriot Patrick Nisbett continued to improve with every ride and currently lies in 24th place ahead of tomorrow's Games finale with 31.99 total penalties.

Terceira said her horse Navantus felt much fresher after his roguish ride on Thursday and was aiming to finish in the top 25.

"It went much better in my two races yesterday," she said.

"Navantus felt much fresher and I had to ride him a bit stronger after his performance earlier in the week. I think the faults were a result of that.

"They weren't necessarily the faults I would normally have picked up but I needed to have a solid performance ¿ especially in my first jump.

"It's unfortunate to have had that first round, but it happens in show jumping.

"Our faults will carry through to the final day, but I hope to try and get into the top half of the results table if possible.

"If I get into the top 25 I will be pleased especially considering the first day. If I can improve each day that will be a win for me."

Fellow Pan-Am debutant Nesbitt described his Rio experience as a "learning curve", but admitted he was satisfied with how his Games were progressing. His final ride was his best yet with just nine penalty points. "My horse Antille 8 was a bit fresh on Thursday and maybe a bit too full of herself ¿ I was a bit disappointed with her," he said.

"But I felt she jumped better today ¿ although you would always like to jump clearer. She can be a bit tight to get to time so I had to move her on a bit.

"It's my first Pan-Am Games so it's a learning curve and it's all about finding out about the whole process and seeing what's needed.

"Everyone has goals and my horse came here jumping well and at this point I just want to improve.It's a very competitive field and a lot of countries are using it as an Olympic qualifier.

"That's our other agenda we want to fulfill. We want to get Bermuda qualified for an individual spot and at the moment that's a real possibility."