Smiles and beverages are keys to success. Just ask Team Express and NLE.
It’s been a picture perfect California weekend at Copper Meadows, a fitting wrap up for Area VI’s last FEI event of the spring season. But it isn’t the ribbons that brings everyone out, weekend after weekend, long drive after long drive.
From hooting and hollering support (clapping is for some other sport, like golf), to helping move a whole show jump arena, eventing creates a community and family that just isn’t replicable. As eventers, we sometimes have our own language – and make up our own words. Of course, that tight-knit bond is all about showing the love — sometimes in special ways. Scroll down for a quick look at what we call normal.
Eventers show love with pet names: “So proud of the little bugger!” — Gina Economou, referring to Exclusive (aka Linus) getting around the big Training course.
Isabella Kelley perfectly times her photo to catch Hawley Bennett-Awad and Bodark in the 2*!
A quote that puts things into perspective:
“We went out to walk the course and quickly decided it was the lower level Olympics, complete with ditch walls and everything!” — Amanda Blake, currently sitting in third with her own Tahoe’s Prize DF in the Senior Novice division.
While Dempsey’s a cutie, sorry Tamie, Lainey is still reigning selfie queen!
On how winning really only feeds the addiction:
“As for the prize money, it’ll be going towards their CCI2* entries for Rebecca Farm!” — CIC2* winner Amber Levine, who took home first and fourth with Guiness St James’ and Carry On.
Robert Schwartz, Mackenna Shea and Avery Klunick. Bonding at events takes many forms!
One quote taken completely out of context by the reporter:
“Also, it wasn’t small!” — Megan Traynham (actually referring to the feel of the new cross country course, sixth place with Lord Lombardi in the CIC1*).
What is a horse show without dogs? Dragonfire Farm’s Dylan and Monte guard the ranger.
The weekend’s best advice on how to travel in style:
“Motel necessities: Diffuser and white noise!” — Jennifer McFall
Lauren Billys and Marseille look like they just stepped out of a catalog, but no, they just finished a 2*!
And finally, quite possibly the best quote from an Advanced division winner, ever:
“I can’t even believe I entered this division!” — Sarah Braun, upon finding out she won the Advanced with her own Perfect Intentions. Sarah had quite the weekend, ending in third on Dr. Korin Potenza and Dr. Nick Huggon’s Crowning Event in the CIC1*. This was Talan’s move up as well!
Plus, enjoy some FEI Cross Country coverage thanks to Ride On Video and Frankie Thieriot Stutes!
See you in September, Copper! Go #copperstrong!
Copper Meadows: [Website] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]
