While we take a brief break from three-day events here in the US, we have a great team of riders representing us over in France at the Saumur CCI***. Hannah Sue Burnett was kind enough to send us a postcard from Saumur, as horses and riders get settled for the coming weekend. Many thanks to Hannah for writing, and thank you for reading. Go Team USA!
Hannah Sue Burnett and Harbour Pilot, photo by Diana Rowland
From Hannah:
Bonjour Eventing Nation!!
All the horses and riders are finally here in Saumur, France! Will Faudree, Dr Johns and I arrived on Sunday and met up with all of the grooms and Joanie Morris at the most beautiful layover farm. The nicest man and his 20 donkeys hosted our horses in Fluerry fromSaturday-Monday morning. Sunday night a baby donkey was born while we were there doing lates! It was incredible. All the horses were very settled in…except my William! He let us know that he prefers to be stabled separately from donkeys.
Everyone shipped to Saumur Monday morning and had a hack around the venue that afternoon. It is absolutely beautiful here and everyone is friendly and helpful. There are a couple of castles in town and a very scenic river right next to our hotel.
The “Will and Hannah take on France” trip started Monday morning when we drove to Saumur without any adult supervision. After stopping for gas and snacks on the way I was so proud and told Will that we tricked the cashier and she totally couldn’t tell we were American because we were so smooth and said bonjour and merci. Then he pointed out that I was wearing my jacket with American flags all over it!!!
We’ve now been joined by the rest of our team despite a lost bag and cancelled flight. Marilyn, David, Buck, Caroline Martin and Karen all arrived in the last day. The horses are working in well and everyone is getting along great. We can’t wait until all of the owners and family get here in the next couple of days.
We have the jog tomorrow afternoon and then find out what days we do dressage.
A huge thanks to the owners, grooms, family/friends and sponsors who make this happen for us and to Joanie Morris who had the difficult job of dealing with the riders and details (aka herding cats!)
Thanks for everyone at home for your support and texts/emails/calls!!
Until next time I’ll be practicing my French!
Au Revoir!!
HSB
