Competition at Bromont is getting started today with the CCI1* and CCI2* competition. Bromont is beautifully situated situated within the green Canadian mountains, and I have been throughly impressed with the event so far. Event officials were working hard Wednesday afternoon to complete some improvements for the competition, such as the installation of new footing in a couple of arenas, but everything is coming together beautifully.
Thursday: CCI* and CCI2* dressage
Friday: CCI3* and OT dressage
Link: Dressage ride times
The weather today is overcast with a slight chance of showers expected throughout the afternoon. The footing on the XC course is a little soggy from some rain overnight, but the soil is a wonderful sand and dirt mix that should drain well and hold up superbly for the XC. Some rain is expected for the weekend.
In the riders meeting on Wednesday, the officials emphasized safety of the horse and rider. They encouraged the riders to ask a lot of questions, especially about the new FEI doping regulations. The issue of pulling unsafe riders off the course came up and the officials said that they didn’t want to have to pull anyone from the course but that the riders needed to be especially aware of how the many hills on the course would affect their horses.
I can see why Bromont is so well liked by the riders. All of the important things for the horses, such as the footing, courses, and warm up areas are fantastic. The event staff is extremely helpful and responds quickly to issues (like broken RV electrical hookups). The officials seem well in control of everything. Sure, the facilities are undergoing some improvements, and the barns leave a bit to be desired, but I’ll gladly drive the extra few hours to assure my horses good footing and a great course.
One thing to keep an eye on is that the application of the new doping regulations seem to be different at different competitions so far this year. Rolex was extremely strict (stewards counted needles), but other events this year have been looser and didn’t require stewards to watch every application of medication. I get the sense that we are moving in a positive direction, and certainly everyone is thinking more about the doping issue these days, but there are still a lot of question marks with the doping rules.
Finally, keep in mind that Sweepea Dean, Northern Spy, Tipperary Liadhnan, and Cruise Lion have all applied for the US WEG team. All four of these horses still need qualifying scores to achieve their certificate of capability. Right now there are only 7 riders on the short list and, with the way things go with horse soundness, if you have applied and are qualified anything can happen.
It’s a privilege to be here in Canada and to be able to tell so many wonderful readers about Bromont. Here’s to a fun, safe, and confidence building event for all the competitors! Much more from Bromont throughout the day.
Go eventing.
