Unfortunately the weather here today for the trot-up could not have been more uncooperative – a howling wind, rain and temperatures barely in the forties, and so an executive decision was taken to move the jog into the warm up area of the Alltech Arena. I stood for a little while with Dr Laura Werner of title sponsor Hagyards, who’s not only working the event but also competing in the Open Training Division, and I remarked to her that the fibresand would make a nice change for the horses to trot up on, and she told me actually no, soft tissue damage would actually show up more on that surface – shows how much I know!
Carolyn Drover and Highland Park in the Training Three Day
The Training Three Day trotted up first, and I have to say I was impressed by the turnout of all the competitors, although some looked a bit chilly; perhaps they had planned their outfits some time in advance and were loath to change, whereas the Canadians really know how to dress for the cold. The CCI* (also the USEF National One Star Championships) was the last division to trot up and there was a marked difference – the horses definitely looked fitter and the riders looked slightly more nervous, but across the board I was surprised as always at how you see all sorts, shapes and sizes presenting at the vet’s inspection at a three day event, and isn’t that why we love it?
Charlotte Evans and Mail Order Bride for Canada in the CCI*
Once again I found myself juggling two children and a labrador in freezing conditions, not ideal, so I only managed to get a sampling of pictures of today’s competitors. One rider was spun from the Prelim Three Day, Annie McCaughey for Canada with The Hony, but when we left there was some talk about perhaps taking the shoe off and having another look. I’ll let you know the outcome tomorrow. The Ground Jury were kind, patient and helpful with the Training Three day, and if fact all of the competitors, and the whole weekend is very much a learning experience for most of the riders in the Training and Prelim Three Day Event. In fact, I quote Organiser Mary Fike in the Programme, “This year the Area 8 Young Riders Program has really stepped up to the plate. With the guidance of Dorothy Crowell, our own T3D “Den Mother” and Cathy Wieschoff who is going to be “Den Mother #2″, they are helping to coordinate the Three Day Seminars and the members of the YR program will be in the vet box assisting any rider who needs help. What team spirit that is!”
Ian Roberts rides Faolan in the Open Prelim but is also responsible for coaching a number of Canadians in the Three Day divisions. Another fun element of Midsouth (apart from the weather!) is the Team Challenge, not only browsing through the sometimes hilarious names in the programme, Ian rides predictably for Oh Canada, but have a look at some of the other ones, and also in years past I’ve had a lot of fun seeing teams dressed up in corresponding fancy dress headed out to the cross country start box and cursed my uptight British stiff upper lip that would never let myself do the same! I also spotted Becky Holder, fresh off her successful foray at Fairhill coaching a couple of students, including ANOTHER beautiful grey!
Cherie Chauvin and Katchi Kapshi in the Training Three Day
Barbara Allen and Equinox in the Prelim Three Day
Lauren Snider and Route 66 in the Training Three Day
Dr Chris Newton, a rare quiet moment while he waits for his horse
Colleen McKitrick and Rocmaster in the Prelim Three Day
Dan Kreitl and Spartagon
Dashsa Ivandaeva and Autorytet for Canada in the CCI*
Diana Burnett hiding behind a keen Bonner’s Chief II for Canada in the CCI*
Ground Jury Member Robert Stevenson and President of the Ground Jury Jane Hamlin
Julie Henk and Regal Dancer in the Training Three Day
Kari Briggs and Lawman in the CCI*
Kelsey Currie and Co-Pilot for Canada in the Prelim Three Day
Kristy Poindexter and Future Promise in the Training Three Day
Kylie Figueira and Danzig for Canada in the CCI*
Lela Wulf and Gin Creek in the Training Thee Day
Madison Bonamarte and Chevelle in the Training Three Day
Madison Penfound and Orion for Canada in the Training Three Day
Nicolette Merle-Smith and Ganymede in the CCI*
Patrick St Pierre and Santo Domingo in the CCI* for Canada
Robin Walker waits with Rowdy Friend in the CCI*, although it was his other ride in this division, Florenz who was rowdy, rearing and bucking her way down the jog lane. Florenz has a CCI* win already under her belt at the Florida Horse Park this spring, and has won twice here already this year in Kentucky – just a couple of weeks ago at Jump Start in the OP division by a mile and at MayDaze in the Prelim, and she looks a million dollars; it would be hard to bet against her in this class, although….
Horses will be horses, and WIll Coleman has made the trip from Virginia with Ole Man, also in the CCI*, and also looking very fresh and on his toes, both of them, so anything could happen!
Stephanie Davis and Tall Chai Latte (really?) in the CCI*
Susan Jellum and Amazing Grace in the Training Three Day
Christine Duke and Sportsfield One O Two in the CCI*
Apologies to the next few competitors whose names I missed, it’s not at all a case of me getting too big for my boots, I assure you, more a matter of kids pulling at me, the dog and many other distractions, so please excuse me, but I liked the pictures too much not to put them up.
and finally, awards for best hats of the day, without question…
Spongebob!
followed by a close runner-up
Shrek!!
and a highly commended
We are now finally beginning to feel somewhat normal again, although many would question my normal. Thanks for checking in; dressage starts at 8am and although it’s not supposed to be quite as cold tomorrow, I’m not taking any chances, and I’ll be dressing like a canadian! Looking forward to lots more action from Midsouth, hope you are too. Thanks for visiting Eventing Nation, and go Eventing!