Getting to the Event IS the EventSome came with a professional hauler, some on an airplane, and some were driven by the riders themselves, and on Sunday all Area VI horses and riders were safe and sound in Lexington, Kentucky. All the horses traveled very well (even though their riders were exhausted from the long journey). Stabling opened on Monday and we had all eight horses bedded down and everything set up by Monday afternoon. The horses had a few days to lay low and recover from the long journey, only doing light work on Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Area VI riders rode with the team coaches, Bea and Derek DiGrazia, polishing up on our flatwork before the dressage competition. The first formal inspection took place on Wednesday while it was pouring down rain. Unfortunately, California riders did not get the memo that it often rains in Kentucky in the middle of the summer and showed up for the jog in soaking wet skirts and blazers. Despite being sopping wet and cold, the jog was very successful and all area VI horses passed the inspection.
Dressage Day One CCI**The CCI** riders had the privilege of riding in the main stadium last night under the lights. This was a new experience for most of us. The stadium, all lit up in the middle of the night, was really quite a sight. Dressage got off to a bit of a late start in the evening after some unexpected delays with the show jumpers. Suzy Hettich on Given Half a Chance was our first to ride at 8:45 PM, putting forth a very lovely and consistent test. She received a of 61.4, which also happened to be the same score I received with my mare, Catch a Star. I was very happy with my test. Scott Kuhlman and Gallipoli rode a brilliant test shortly after receiving a 59.5, putting him in 4th place. We were all very happy with his performance. Max McManamy and Beacon Hill also put together a lovely test that put them in the lead with a 53.6. This pair really stepped up to the plate last night and got the job done. Finally, riding at nearly 11:00 PM, Elsie Patterson and Normandy Soldier put in a solid test receiving a score of 59.7, putting them in 5th place.
It was quite an experience to ride in the middle of the night, under the bright lights, at the magnificent Kentucky Horse Park. The Area VI CCI** team put on quite a show in the dressage phase as we are currently standing in 2nd place with only 1.6 points between us and the current leaders. Eventing, however, is not a dressage show and we are hoping to ride safe, smart, and fast tomorrow, and hopefully move up in the standings.
Dressage Day Two CCI*After staying up most of the night to root on their CCI** teammates, the CCI* riders had to wake up bright and early to prepare for their dressage rides. Moraya Cleary and her mare, Double Take, were first to ride from the Area VI team putting together a very steady test to receive a score of 68.5. Madison Reeb and Raquel followed shortly after with another lovely test and a score of 67.6. Allegra Aiuto and Spot Me One were one of the last few riders to go in the CCI* division. Allegra and her horse were very much on their game today, riding a beautiful test and receiving a score of 51.3, putting them in 3rd place.
The Area VI CCI* riders really stepped up to the plate today, tired from the long night before and exhausted in the Kentucky heat, and completed three brilliant tests that put them in 4th place in the team standings. Both the riders and their horses are prepared for tomorrow's cross-country event and are ready to show everyone how California rocks the cross-country phase.
