The chicken and the rooster decorating the coop at Fence 15 on the CIC***. The action started well before the action started officially at 9am this morning – fence judges and volunteers were being briefed on site by 7am, the commentators – a crack team of the golden voices of Rolex Nigel Casserly and the London 2012 Eventing Olympics John Kyle were testing testing at about the same time, and riders were walking courses even before then. Of course, I was out and about too, and it was only this morning, seeing all the riders walking all the different courses that I fully appreciated a) the enormity of the organisation and huge effort that goes into putting on an event of this scale – bravo to everyone who helps make it happen, every tiny cog in the wheel is vital, it boggles my mind thinking about it, and b) seeing how many times the courses cross each other and intertwine – no wonder the riders were getting a last minute walk in, if they want to save precious seconds they need to know exactly what line they’re taking through those trees before they’ve landed and turned, it’s exciting.
I was lucky enough to bump into Rachel Jurgens walking the CIC*** course; Rachel rides Ziggy, and is a delight. We chatted briefly and then I let her carry on and continue in peace so she could concentrate but she kindly told me a little bit about her horse Ziggy, and how she hopes to ride the new combination, although separate fences at 11 and 12.
Afterwards Rachel told me how much she enjoys eventing, and that this morning the atmosphere in the barns was electric, that special cross country day feeling, the quiet anticipation, excitement, nerves…Many many thanks to Rachel for chatting, wishing everyone safe rides today wherever they’re riding, Go cross country safely and speedily and Go Eventing!
