While we were enjoying the early rides at the dressage freestyle on Wednesday afternoon I ran into a few familiar faces including Peter Gray, Roger and Ann Haller, and Kyle Carter. Kyle is coaching Venezuela’s rider, Elena Ceballo, this weekend. Many thanks to Kyle for giving a great interview that touched on a few consistent themes I have encountered from chatting with people throughout the day. A few quick notes…
(1) The US and Canadian teams have both been looking really good schooling this week, but people mention Canada as the team that is looking particularly special on the flat right now. As Kyle said, I think a lot of people expected Canada to look a half step below the US on the flat, but that doesn’t appear to be the case in the dressage schools this week. That observation has been made to me from both sides of the aisle as well.
(2) John Williams’ cross-country course is a very legitimate 2* track. The coaches of the South and Central American teams might be having an extra Modelo tonight from what people are saying about the course. One of the biggest challenges for course designers at an event like this–other than not getting mugged–is to design for such a wide variety of skill levels that will be riding the course. I can’t wait to get out there and check it out tomorrow.
(3) The Club Hipica is not in the nicest part of town. Someone told me with a straight face last night “you drive until you get to the cement factory and turn right.” Word is that when the horses are trailered to the country club on Saturday for the cross-country, they will travel in a military escorted convoy that includes helicopters. Despite the sparse environment, it sounds like the venues themselves are pretty well put together and everyone is in good spirits.
Go eventing.
