Rachel McDonough prepares Irish Rythm for their Rolex debut! Photo via Chris Talley's FB page.
Imagine that you’re one of the lucky few that have entered Rolex Kentucky CCI4* and are heading to Lexington right now. What would you be doing in your last few precious days? How would you be preparing for the biggest event of your career? I would probably be chewing my nails to the quick, stress eating a lot of guacamole and spending the rest of my time staring at every single part of my horse, worrying that there is a hair amiss or a scab that will cost me everything. Oh wait, that’s what I do every day anyway …
In a very cool way, social media enables us to follow along with our favorite pairs in a more intimate way than we see publicly. We get to see goofy pictures of their horses in the barns, and unflattering 5 a.m. show morning selfies. Boyd Martin, who has been sidelined with his bum leg, has been filling up his time by videoing everyone he can and showing us how they are prepping for Rolex.
Most all of the riders did their very last gallops this weekend before heading to Kentucky, from between the ears views …
“Final gallop! Rox feels great! See you all in a few days.” From Kristin Schmolze’s Facebook page.
To actually getting somebody to snap pictures while you fly by on your gallop set …
“Nina Gardner’s Cambalda had his final jump and gallop (by Cooper and Frolic) before Rolex.” Photo via Jennie Brannigan’s Facebook page.
To having your coach with a bum leg sit by the sidelines and video you as you gallop up the hill one last time …
Some horses and riders are going out for a last minute cross country school …
“Heading out to the cross country field for our final cross country school before the big one!” Photo via Kate Chadderton’s Facebook page.
And some are tweaking some show jumping skills before the big test …
Some horses are enjoying some massage therapy while they ice their legs …
Jennifer McFall’s High Times relaxes after a gallop. Photo via Hawley Bennett’s Instagram.
And others prioritize beauty sleep while they contemplate their inevitable cross country domination …
Gin & Juice having a nap and contemplating her inevitable cross country domination. Photo via Hawley Bennett’s Instagram.
While the most detail oriented horses get their tails dyed so they look impeccable all week!
Anthony Patch’s beautiful bum! All bagged up with tail dye! Photo via Laine Ashker’s Instagram.
No matter how these horses and riders are preparing, they can sleep well tonight knowing that the whole eventing community is awaiting their appearance on Wednesday. I’m excited to see them all wearing their Sunday finest, sparkling and looking fit to kill!
