At Badminton I thought it was an english thing that found us obsessively discussing the weather, but nothing changes here in Lexington; except for the weather, that is. Very wet, and windy. We’re all hoping for less wet and that the wind will help dry everything out, although at the moment it’s been blowing everything (tents, temporary railings) over as fast as it can be put up.
The ground is definitely very wet, but the actual course, the galloping lanes, are pristine. I bumped into William Fox-Pitt hacking Neuf des Couers about half an hour after he’d arrived in Lexington from England, and he’ll probably get the worst of the footing, as he’s drawn very last to go.
Lots of horses were working in the arenas this morning.
Sinead Halpin and Manoir de Carneville
Will Coleman and Twizzel
Laine Ashker and Anthony Patch
I also saw Jane Atkinson briefly, and she told me she was very much enjoying her volunteer role at Rolex this year, and doesn’t miss being in the Director’s Chair one bit. She also said that the sunken road may be a splash this year, depending on how much water drains out of it by saturday, but if any of the jumps – sunken road, waters, or otherwise, aren’t deemed safe, they’ll be taken out of the competition on saturday morning.
Bettinna Hoy is here until friday helping Michael Pollard, and also a few other riders. She arrived in Atlanta last friday, so missed Badminton, and looks like she’ll miss the nice weather here too once it finally improves,unlucky timing.
This is Diana Burnett on a half brother to her Rolex ride, Manny; they’re both by the same sire, Shigatzi. Indy is a 6 year old, who did his first prelim at the Florida Horse Park a couple of weeks ago, and is on his way home to Canada with Diana via Kentucky. He’s a nicely put together horse, big scopey chest, and strong hind end, which I saw him putting to good use in a bit of a rodeo session later, Diana did very well to stay on! The wind was certainly playing havoc with people’s schooling sessions so others decided just to hack.
Tiana Coudray and Ringwood Magister
Jessie Phoenix on Exponential. I spoke to her later, and as usual she found a way to put a positive spin on everything, “I don’t mind the rain really, I’d rather have the footing be like this than be rock hard!”
Fellow Canadian Rebecca Howard on the lovely Riddle Master
British Team Vet Tim Randle, a former brilliant three day rider himself. I especially remember his lovely bay Legs Eleven, who used to gallop round Badminton and Burghley almost on a loose rein. Tim collected an Armada Dish for five Badminton completions in 2002.
Trot-up has been moved to 10am wednesday morning due to some more “weather” expected in the afternoon, and then the competitor’s briefing is at 1pm. Looking forward to bringing you lots more news from the Horse Park, thanks for reading, stay dry, ha ha, and Go Eventing!
