A view of the Pyranees mountains from the cross country course
We have arrived in France, settled in at the Domaine de Sers in Pau and already begun our blitz of the grounds. The weather here is positively tropical (I walked the course barefoot earlier today), the setting is beautiful and the horses are fit. Not only is this weekend exciting for the 11 North Americans competing, but it is also a really great insight into the French horse industry for those of us hoping to return to Normandy next year.
The vendor village is already completely set up and highly impressive. It features several saddle makers, various clothing boutiques, the infamous Dubarry tent, many food options — including the most extensive candy selection I have ever laid my eyes upon — and other ways to shop your heart out.
The set up for the competitors is very horse-friendly, featuring an enormous warm-up arena with excellent footing and two full-sized dressage rings. I particularly like this because it is on the backside of the vendor village, and the horses get the chance to be exposed to the hustle and bustle before entering the competition ring. The barns are quaintly adorable and very much nearby to everything.
The cross-country course, while flat as a pancake, expands all over the grounds, looping around the inside of the impressive multi-track training facility at the center. Hopefully we will be getting a little rain over the next few days, because I think that parts of the course would really benefit from some moisture.
Tomorrow brings the first day of dressage competition for the CCI4*, beginning with William Fox-Pitt and Neuf de Coeur at 9:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. EST). The first Canadian will be Peter Barry with Kilrodan Abbott at 11:22 a.m. (5:22 am EST) and the first American will be Clark Montgomery and Universe at 1:20 p.m. (7:20 am EST).
Pau Links: [Website] [Dressage Ride Times]
