Another day started at “o’dark hundred.” When I bicycled into the main area of the Kentucky Horse Park, I caught a glimpse of the deserted bus stop where just hours before thousands had been waiting. A little further in, I went through the checkpoint and encountered two freezing volunteers who had been there all night, protecting our horses. THANK YOU to each and every one of you for being willing to put your life on hold and help us here at the WEG.
Arriving at the barn, I found both Dargo (Jonathan Wentz’s groom) and Alex (Rebecca Hart’s groom) already braiding for the jog. This meant that they were done with feeding and cleaning stalls before 6 a.m.!
Ralee was patiently waiting for me, but he attacked his feed with gusto. I cleaned the stall around him and then put his magnetic blanket on. Shortly after that, Robin and the rest of the riders arrived, so Nicole (Wendy Frye’s groom) and I went to the athletes’ cafeteria for breakfast. When we returned, Robin was just about done braiding Ralee. Usually I braid him, but she wanted to do it for the WEG. Go for it!
Around 9 a.m. we all assembled in front of the barn and walked together to the jog holding area, where we spent quite a while walking the horses before it was our turn to present them to the jury. All of them passed.
After lunch (we all agreed that it was really good), Robin rode Ralee in the top ring where the jumpers had been warming up yesterday. It was an easy session—nice relaxed trot/canter, lots and lots of transitions and a couple of flying changes. Then they went back to the barn.
I did see some of the Dutch team members and two of the British team—holy cow, we will have our work cut out for us!
ADVERTISEMENT
All of our six individual riders took the opportunity to ride a test in the show arena—the tests were judged, but not places or awards were given. It just allowed everyone to get into the ring one more time.
Everyone had a good go—Sharon Schneidmann and Missy Ransenhousen made a point of discussing each ride with the competitor.
Around 5 p.m., the team leaders got together with the riders to go over tomorrow’s schedule. I took that time to feed Ralee, check his water and hay and set up the feed for evening check, which will be done by Lizzy (Paxton’s groom) and Marcy (Dillon’s groom). They are both are staying in the grooms’ quarters in the Park.
I will be heading over to Dreamtime Farm for some great food with good friends.
Until tomorrow,
Elly
