This story was written in two parts, before traveling and then finished while in Tallahassee.
Before Traveling
Later today marks the start of a journey from the Hunter Valley, in NSW Australia to Tallahassee Florida. I am excited, and for lots of reasons. Last year I was lucky enough to come to Red Hills as part of the FEI’s Global Education Program for Eventing Officials, big title but also big goals. The whole basis of the program is to share the wealth of experience around the globe for Eventing Officials.
I got lucky and came to Red Hills, I had an amazing time on my first ever trip to the USA, shopped like a madman, including a visit to Walmart at 4am (I couldn’t sleep).
By the way I do not recommend driving on the wrong side of the road with 3 hours sleep in 50 plus hours, it is a scary experience.
Red Hills is a great event and my thoughts on the team at Red Hills are already well documented, I love them and their event. But this is only part of the reason I am excited.
I love traveling and enjoy flying, I am also an airport tragic and will happily hang out in an airport for 3 or more hours. Although this is made significantly easier today with my trusty netbook, loaded with movies and music, stories to write for EN, my BlackBerry for tweeting and always a good book. Strangely unlike most people who find LAX a place to be avoided at all costs. I love it and am only sorry that I fly in at 8am so will not be able to walk down to In-N-Out Burger between flights as they don’t open til 10.30am, BUGGER.
Much of the EN Team will be at Red Hills, so I am looking forward to meeting with the team from Corporate, getting outfitted in my EN corporate uniform, checking out the coffee and donuts in the EN Mobile Corporate Communication Center (ENMCCC) and most of all meeting the Team face to face. Coren is riding in the 2 Star, Samantha is making the long drive down from Lexington and John will be teleported to Tally in the ENMCCC. I am sure there are other members of the EN team that will also be here.
Of course EN Sponsors ECOGOLD and Point Two will be there. Unfortunately I have confirmed that ECOGOLD will not be bringing their axe along, I did ask. I have been assured that instead they will be bringing along lots of M&Ms, so be sure to pop by the ECOGOLD trade stand and ask for some M&Ms. I am also looking forward to stopping by the Point Two stand and getting blown up, so keep an eye out for me ESJ getting blown up at the trade stands.
There are also some awesome sausages to be had from the guys at Bradley’s Country Store, be sure to find them early, they are very yummy!! Speaking of yummy, I have a huge pile of Tim Tams in my suitcase, assuming they are not confiscated by the TSA (I can confirm they were not confiscated), make sure you ask for one when you meet me over the weekend, I will try and make sure I have some close by. Don’t know what a Tim Tam is, it is two chocolate cookie, with chocolate cream covered in chocolate. I even have some double coated which have even more chocolate.
A couple of days ago, I was glued to my computer screen as I watched the live blogs detailing the launch of the iPad 2. I am a bit of a technology nerd, but have held off on the iPad til now. However, the iPad 2 changes everything for me and they are getting released on Friday (Dressage day). There is one big problem, the closest Apple store is in Jacksonville, way too far away, the good news is both Best Buy and Walmart are aparently going to carry them from day 1, so maybe I will get one. Fingers crossed.
Oh and I nearly forgot, one other big reason to be excited about Red Hills, the horses and riders. Many of North America’s best will be competing on their top mounts.
Starting with the Canucks, we will see Kyle Carter on Madison Park return with Jessica Phoenix on Exploring, Selena O’Hanlon on Colombo and that is just in the 3 Star.
Team USA in the 3 Star, leads with Jennie Brannigan in the 3 Star, given her broken collar bone, I wonder if we will see Phillip pick up the ride on Cambalda? Hannah Burnett with St Barts and defending champion Mara Dean (now DePuy) will return.
Fresh from his PRO Derby Cross win last weekend, Buck has both Ballynoecastle RM & Absolute Liberty, Phillip on William Penn & Isabell II, USA Chef/TA Shortlister Leslie Law on Rehy Lux, Boyd on Neville, Karen on both Mandiba and Quintus 54 and Alison Springer with Arthur & Destination Known.
This isn’t the complete 3 Star list but as you can see it will be a real fight for the $10,000 cash and the Mercedes.
After Arriving
I have now arrived in Tallahassee, I had some Bang Bang Shrimp for dinner last night, it was just as good as I remember. We are planning later in the week to head out to Bradley’s Country Store for a sausage on the premises, fantastic.
Today, is a beautiful Florida spring day, the sun is shining and the air is fresh. I have to thank Red Hills sponsors for my ride this week Proctor Acura. The MDX is a nice ride and not as big as the pick-up truck I had last year, although I am sure it isn’t as sweet as the ENMCCC.
This morning I have walked the 3 Star course and it warms ESJ’s heart to see all four frangible devices in one course. Yes, Course Designer Hugh Lochore has incorporated the ProLog, Frangible Pin, Reverse Frangible Pin and the Mim NewEra Clip. All are placed in different fence types that best demonstrate the properties of that device.
Well team, time for me to sign off, more XC courses to walk. I hope to see you all later this weekend.
Enjoy the ride.
ESJ
