It all augured well for The Fork when I managed to find myself at the event with only a couple of very minor losses of sense of direction, and no speeding tickets. The temperature rose steadily from a chilly 30-something early this morning to “Chamber of Commerce weather” as described by owner Jim Cogdell. Indeed, I couldn’t have ordered anything better.
However, here’s what seems to be consistent when I travel to events: 1. I always bring far too much stuff – warm weather, cold weather, wet weather, arctic weather etc etc 2. Internet issues. Leo and I were very happy to get out of the car and stretch our legs by walking the advanced/3* course, and took lots of photos, which sadly will have to wait until the morning, when I’m hoping the secretary will take pity on me and let me sit in her office for a little while and leech some of her wi-fi.
As in Tallahassee, the hotel internet is SLOOOOW. I was relieved that there was no Starbucks, (I still haven’t had a cup of coffee since Red Hills, it’s Earl Grey tea all the way for me from now on!) and I was even slightly looking forward, with some trepidation to spending my free time this weekend at McDonalds instead, definitely not my usual haunt! Even more intrigued as the car park was heaving, so THIS is where Albermarle congregates at night?! Thwarted again – the lady inside told me they do usually have wi-fi, but just my luck, it’s “messed-up” at the moment. Aaarggh! what to do?
The Fork is beautiful, no wonder so many great horses and riders have passed through it’s paddocks over the years. In fact, Jim Cogdell told me this afternoon that there were 16 Olympians and team members riding here in one weekend once, and that the US team was based at the Fork prior to leaving for the Beijing Olympics in Hong Kong three years ago.
I have a short video interview of him describing the shooting competition that took place this afternoon ( very complicated scoring for a neophyte!) involving local business leaders. Their scores will then be added to teams of riders’, drawn from a hat, and the winners will take home cash prizes certainly not to be sniffed at. Jim also told me a little about the history of the Fork, and why fox- hunting and shooting are so important to him. Again, I hope to get that video up tomorrow morning, along with one of Doug Payne explaining how he hopes to ride the first water complex on Running Order.
After their afternoon’s shooting, some of the 3* riders explained the finer points of eventing to the guests, walking a few of the xc jumps with them. Most of the visitors had no inkling of what goes into making a horse run and jump, or even that they had to go between the red and white flags although they were probably convinced all eventers are insane!, and were clearly impressed, and looked forward to coming back at the weekend to watch their new friends in action. It was a great idea to get people to come out to the Fork and give them an idea of what it’s all about, and see what nice, normal people eventers really are – ha ha ha! In all seriousness, big props to Jim and Bernadette Cogdell for following through on a great idea with such panache, everyone went home fit to burst with what a good time they had.
I hope to bring you lots of photos tomorrow, the aforementioned videos, plus one of a short chat with course builder Travers who we bumped into on the way round. Then there’ll be dressage action, and who knows what else..?! Until then, a curse on all slow connections, but at least the sun is shining, the forecast is fabulous, and I can’t wait to Go Eventing at The Fork!
PS. Is it terrible that I smuggled Leo into the hotel even though it has a strict no pets policy? It also says it has high speed internet access – fiction!
