I canceled my day off for Rolex

[deltawave]

I usually take the Friday off of Rolex weekend so I can leave early, drive down and catch the last part of dressage, do a course walk and some shopping. Then spend all day watching XC (and shopping some more). ;)

This year my heart's just not in it, and when the chance to go to a carriage auction the week before with my farrier cropped up, I had to choose which Friday I could take. Can't have both. :)

The carriage auction won. And that makes me somewhat sad. :sigh:

[dainty do]

Why did you cancel your trip this year if you were looking forward to it? Is the drive too long? If you are sad about canceling the trip to Rolex, then follow your heart and change your plans back and make the road trip. Personally, I'd love to go, but am way too far away.

[deltawave]

No, I could still go if I left after work on Friday. My point is that the thought of "going to Rolex" doesn't give me the goosebumps any more. :sigh:

[Daatje]

I might be wrong, but I'm reading this into the OP's post:

I think Deltawave is sad, not because of switching days off and cancelling the trip to Rolex, but because of the reason.

I'd go in a heart beat if I were within driving distance, but if I were ever so unfortunate to witness one of the casualties of upper level eventing first hand......that would definitely tarnish the experience.

You won't see any rotational falls at a carriage auction.

[Daatje]

Hey, deltawave....which carriage auction? I have some friends that have gone down to PA for some big ones in years past...

[pinkdiamondracing]

DW-- does this mean you are not coming to Rolex at all? :confused::confused: So you won't be at the 2nd Annual COTH Rolex get-together dinner?? Darn!!!!:cry::cry:

[LAZ]

I've gone every year for at least cross country since 1980, and I have tickets and camping for this year. This is the first year that I've been 'eh about it... If it weren't for seeing old friends I doubt I'd go this year.

Editing to add--my feelings have nothing to do with the actual running of the event, which is stellar. It's more a nagging worrying that the sport I've loved for 30 years has become obsolete and has morphed into an extreme competition that asks too much of our equine partners.

[allpurpose]

No, I could still go if I left after work on Friday. My point is that the thought of "going to Rolex" doesn't give me the goosebumps any more. :sigh:

Delta, I'm not going either for the same reasons. I saw Laine's crash last year and I just can't face going this year. I jump judged the Richland *** last summer partially to try to get over the trauma and blessedly witnessed NO crashes and some really great riding. (including Darren's trips!). That helped with the therapy.

I've just lost my interest this year, and I've gone for many, many years in a row.

Last year's memories are still fresh in my mind. Maybe they'll fade with time and I'll start going again.

[Fence2Fence]

I sympathize. I haven't ordered my tickets yet and I keep finding reasons not to. I'm not excited about it like I used to be in the past. And those vacation days....probably better spent painting the barn or my jumps.

I'll probably order at the last minute, and what will be, will be.

[deltawave]

Now, missing Chinese food with a bunch of COTHers is definitely a "minus". :) Who knows, I may still go, but it would be more for reasons like this (friends who also go) than the fact that IT'S ROLEX. You know?

But yeah, it's not just the falls, it's the feeling that Rolex is nothing more now than another "big show". Nothing singular or special about it any more, you know? :sigh:

And yes, it's nothing to do with the organizer or the venue. Just a vague feeling that it ain't what it used to be.

[horsepix76]

I think Deltawave is sad, not because of switching days off and cancelling the trip to Rolex, but because of the reason.

I'd go in a heart beat if I were within driving distance, but if I were ever so unfortunate to witness one of the casualties of upper level eventing first hand......that would definitely tarnish the experience.

You won't see any rotational falls at a carriage auction.

I'm not going to Rolex this year either because of the above. I watched Quiet Man fall. I'll never forget it. I intentionally booked a photo shoot that weekend so that I won't even be available to go to XC day.

I'm sad for what this once-fabulous sport has become. And the only way I can voice my opinion in a way that will make people listen is to not spend money supporting it. Alone, my entrance feed doesn't do much, but if enough people make a similar decision, maybe our voices will be heard.

[Kairoshorses]

I'm going.

I've been a fence judge for the last four years.

It's the most amazing thing I do.

And I learn something new every year.

Am I sad about some of the changes, about the fatalities, etc.? YOU BET.

But I don't have access to regular training locally. I live six hours from the nearest venue.

For me, it's a pilgrimage. I love this sport, I love that I can help out, and I love that I can learn something by watching.

[monstrpony]

I understand.

I've never actually been to Rolex, and always, always wanted to get there. But the bloom is off the rose now. Somehow, it just isn't the same. And this at the same time that I'm thinking that just maybe it would be fun to try to get my butt in shape and do a little pre-BN event again someday--the thread recently about what we do love about eventing has stirred the coals a tiny bit. But Rolex? Not so much.

[luise]

Well, I will be there! yesterday was the first time I went, and I loved it. I not only love it for the actual event, but the shopping as well. I am hoping to have a new horse by then (just sold my horse), so I will have a reason so shop--new halters, etc!

[webmistress32]

I had the misfortune to be at the last fence with my kids for Rolex 2007 when Amy Tryon and Le Samari came through. last year I was at the flower box when Laine Askur came through.

I figure I have a better chance of being hit by lightning than seeing another horrific accident this year. :(

[snoopy]

Now, missing Chinese food with a bunch of COTHers is definitely a "minus". :) Who knows, I may still go, but it would be more for reasons like this (friends who also go) than the fact that IT'S ROLEX. You know?

But yeah, it's not just the falls, it's the feeling that Rolex is nothing more now than another "big show". Nothing singular or special about it any more, you know? :sigh:

And yes, it's nothing to do with the organizer or the venue. Just a vague feeling that it ain't what it used to be.


Save your money and or time and go to Badminton or Burghley. I have always maintained that Rolex is a poor substitute. It does not have the atmosphere and sense of occasion like Badminton or Burghley. It is not that Rolex and the experience isn't fun...just DIFFERENT.

[JER]

Save your money and or time and go to Badminton or Burghley. I have always maintained that Rolex is a poor substitute. It does not have the atmosphere and sense of occasion like Badminton or Burghley. It is not that Rolex and the experience isn't fun...just DIFFERENT.

I second this. When the weather is decent, it's a glorious weekend.

(Better food and shopping, too. :D)

[MaryKay]

I'm not going to Rolex this year either because of the above. I watched Quiet Man fall. I'll never forget it. I intentionally booked a photo shoot that weekend so that I won't even be available to go to XC day.

I'm sad for what this once-fabulous sport has become. And the only way I can voice my opinion in a way that will make people listen is to not spend money supporting it. Alone, my entrance feed doesn't do much, but if enough people make a similar decision, maybe our voices will be heard.

I'm not going because I had the misfortune of seeing LA's fall and the thought of seeing anything else even close to that leaves a pit in my stomach. I don't think I could really enjoy XC-I would be too apprehensive. I use to love going until last year. I think attendance will be down sharply this year and it will make me wonder how much the state of the economy is responsible for that vs. what has been happening in the sport recently.

[Event4Life]

I second this. When the weather is decent, it's a glorious weekend.

(Better food and shopping, too. :D)

I'm still kicking myself for missing out on these two last summer when I was in England. I did go to Hickstead though, and that was awesome. I'm in Wyoming for this summer, but next summer I'm definitely up for one of the two. Which would you recommend?

[EventFan]

...but still going. A bunch of us go every year and love it. But last year we were at the flower basket and....ugh! It just pains me to even think about it. I will be peeping through squinty eyes for a while I'm sure, but hopeful that no one (including equines) will be hurt.

[snoopy]

rolex will be a better place when those who truely belong there are competing. This includes BOTH horse and or rider. There are some that should not be there.

[JustFive]

Our family has volunteered for a lot of years at Rolex, but we are staying home this year. We were at the flower basket last year. My daughter needs to save money too and concentrate on her own competitions. Yes, the shopping is alway fun, but puts us paying off charge cards every year. We own enough stuff.

[lindasp62]

DW-- does this mean you are not coming to Rolex at all? :confused::confused: So you won't be at the 2nd Annual COTH Rolex get-together dinner?? Darn!!!!:cry::cry:

Tell me more about this COTH get-together dinner!

I have been to Rolex more times than I can count, and luckily have not been at any of the jumps to witness any horrific crashes, but that is not to say I don't feel them. The atmosphere in the air is horrific when something happens...even from the other side of the course. I will still plan to go and I hope that I can continue to support the sport, and applaud all the strides being taken to make the sport a safer one for horse and rider.

[pinkdiamondracing]

lindasp62---------
check out the thread about the get-together!!!!!!!!!! We had a blast last year!!!!!!!

[lesson junkie]

This is the first year in the last several I'm not going-can't afford the trip. Since I can't spend the money, I don't have to face the fact that deep down I was feeling squeamish about seeing XC after last year.

I hate not to go, we have so much fun, but part of me is glad I don't have to hide my eyes.

[LSM1212]

Surprisingly enough... I've only been once. And I live just a little bit over an hour from the KHP. I went back in 2005, I think. On Friday (Dressage) only.

I was thinking about going last year, and now this year. We shall see.

[ponyjumper4]

Despite the accidents, which will happen again sometime, somewhere--it's inevitable with a sport like this, this is an important event for your sport. This is one of the qualifiers for the World Games, which many consider the pinnacle of equestrian sports. Given the fact that WEG will for the first time be outside of Europe and at this facility, and with it being the biggest event in the US, I think it's important that the attendence numbers are big.

[BuddyRoo]

Last year I think everyone in our group was worried going into it...then we bumped into Ralph Hill during our course walk on Friday and got all geeked.

Then the accidents.

We booked tickets for this year...hotel is set...but I'm still worried. I know things happen...but I just don't like the short format. I'm no eventing expert...but it just FEELS like there have been more serious accidents since the switch. I've only gone to Rolex for the last 5 years though...so maybe it's just my awareness is greater.

No. Actually. I don't think so.

[Lilykoi]

We are still going but our shopping on Friday may run into Saturday too. For the first time
we got seats for the Stadium. We've been going for too many years to give it up now.
Just may change our focus a bit.

[Mozart]

I think you have vocalized what a lot of people are thinking. I have never gone but always wanted to. I haven't evented for years but still really really wanted to go to Rolex. Last year I realized that even if I had the opportunity...I wouldn't go. Sad but true.

[FlightCheck]

Well darnit, I'll miss you!

[deltawave]

this is an important event for your sport

Well, now, I'd argue that the current sport (especially the three day events) no longer resembles "my sport" except remotely. :sigh: My sport is not the sport that the Big Dogs play, not any more. :(

[KCsToo]

I'm still going because we secured the tickets and hotel awhile ago, but I get what you're saying. If it weren't for those plans, I wouldn't mind missing it either. It's too bad. The "bloom off the rose" is an accurate description.

[Kementari]

I'm going.

I've been a fence judge for the last four years.

It's the most amazing thing I do.

And I learn something new every year.

Am I sad about some of the changes, about the fatalities, etc.? YOU BET.

But I don't have access to regular training locally. I live six hours from the nearest venue.

For me, it's a pilgrimage. I love this sport, I love that I can help out, and I love that I can learn something by watching.

This is completely off-topic, but I just realized that we know each other! Granted, I know several COTHers - but those are all people in my area; this is the first time I've realized I know someone across the country from years ago. (Now let's see if you can work out who I am just from my location and occupation. :winkgrin: Actually, I don't think I list my occupation, so that's probably not fair... ;))

On topic, just to be a good poster ;), if I had the time and money I would go to Rolex. But I think I would be scared watching the xc. Not scared of the fences - I'm a Smurf; I SHOULD be scared of the Rolex fences! :lol: - but scared of more accidents. I'm the eternal optimist, too, so that says a lot.

[ButterflyIris]

I went last year and will never go back due to the falls.
I could say more about the negative emotional impact Rolex CC had on me (and I;m sure most people there.) But i'll spare you.
I hope no one is hurt this year. It's just not worth it.

[boppin along]

Our "group"( 8 of us plus or minus each year) has gone for the last 8 years and it has always been such a favorite trip for all of us, much anticipated. and always a blast!...

None of us feel like going this year..... it has lost its allure,and none of us 't seem to care anymore .

Sad.
It will be interesting to see how the numbers stack up this year, with the economy, the tragic accidents last year and the lack of talent at that level in this country.
It's not about talent, it's about who has the money to buy themselves into the level. Just look at the DR list. OF COURSE ther are some exceptions.
Oh well, that's life.
I forgot to cancel my La Quinta reservation that I made last year! Opps. tomorrow I had better do it.

[Mary in Area 1]

We used to go, the whole family. It was our big vacation. We had a horse that competed there. I groomed there for several years. It was magical and memorable.

But that was long ago, and far away...

The last time we went was the first year of the **** After that, it just seemed to go downhill, and then the end of the long format, and, well, I'm not even sure I'm going to rejoin the USEA again. I haven't yet...

Deltawave, I understand. It really makes me SAD.

[vineyridge]

I hope to go. If anyone is cancelling room reservations, please let me know. Unless someone will share a campsite, a room is necessary, since sleeping in my truck is not an attractive proposition.

[eyesontheground]

I am going...this will be my first time. But I am worried too. I went to the KHP last monnth for the first time and just looking around at everything made me wonder what will Rolex be like and who will it be this year. And that second part is the part that makes me so sad.

[Hey Mickey]

Are you going to the Topeka (IN) carriage auction?
I haven't been in a few years.. but I remember there was one in April. around rolex time.

All of the Amish people are cool to see, and there are a lot of neat tack shops and farms in the area.

[jn4jenny]

I'm one of those "never been, was gonna go this year" types. In fact, my dream was that my mother and I would go together. To see Theodore O'Connor. :sadsmile:

I'm almost certain that I'm staying home this year instead. I'll put the money toward more lessons, maybe even an XC schooling, which is maybe the best tribute I can make to this sport given the circumstances.

[asterix]

my group isn't going this year, either, for the first time in maybe 5 years? Same as everyone else.
We've been privileged to watch steeplechase, while they still had it, and some of the greats of eventing, AND, bless his hooves, Teddy, twice. That was absolutely the highlight.

But after last year and the year before, we just thought we wanted to take a break. Not much that has happened in the sport since then has given us much hope that it will return to what it was.

[jumpforjoy]

I won't be there either. Probably the same reasons as Deltawave. I went last year, worried I might see ugly things, and lo and behold, I saw ugly things...again. Crashes are not why I love the sport . Many years ago, it was possible I might see someone get hurt ( I could accept that) , now it seems more like a probability . This isn't what I signed on for, I want to see horsemanship, not a circus.
I can't tell you how much I miss the old eventing, it was exciting, inspirational and motivational. If they can have a Rolex cross country for a couple of years without a horse and/or rider die...I'll be back in a flash. I really will miss it this year.

[Doodlebug1]

Event4Life - I'd go Burghley every time.

Course wise they're about the same in terms of visibility and challenge, and the shopping is the same too.

Burghley though IMO, has the better atmosphere - riders are toward the end of the season and have less to prove, it's more relaxed and just a little friendlier. The only times I would go to Badders instead is if there is a massive championship either before or after Burghley - next year the top combos will be aiming for KY and WEG! - if there's a particular horse you want to see then it's safer to go to Badminton as they will almost certainly run - if it's just for the atmosphere and seeing a good mix - then Burghley.

Burghley also has slightly more going on such as the Young Event Horse finals and Pony Club SJ championships etc.

Going back to the OP - I'm really with you.... I travelled to the US to go to Rolex last year and saw not one, but both accidents, the flower basket from right up close, the footbridge from a bit further away. What was saddest for me was that neither were (IMO) freak accidents - you could see both coming, I don't feel passionate about watching anymore....

I will be at Burghley in '09 as friends are coming from Canada, but I'm not really looking forward to it (well, obviously I'm excited about the social side!), normally by now I'd have accommodation sorted and everything.

I am also hoping to make the pilgramage to KHP for WEG - but I'm not sure I'll watch the eventing for entertainment, just watch those I know and hope they get round safe, I would though love to go back and explore KY a bit more (can you believe I spent a week there and didn't get to a single bourbon distillery?!) and of course see all the disciplines in one place. Maybe it'll reignite my love of the sport...

[snoopy]

Yup...Burghley is better IMO for many reasons. There is a tension in the air at badminton, ususally because it is a selection of sorts for any major championships going on later that summer. The course, although run on the wonderful estate of "His Grace", is very flat and the slightest bit of rain can make it muddy very quickly. Badminton, even though they moved the date years ago from april to may, can still be quite chilly.

Burghley, with its wonderful main house, landscape, and end of summer warm weather is just too amazing to put into words. It has the feeling of a country fair. There is a lot going on, love the dog agility classes, and the shopping is THE BEST. Although Blenheim is really the last big event of the season, a lot of vendours do not go to Blenheim and the deals you can get at Burghley are nothing short of amazing. It is also worth mentioning that September is historically a sunny and warm month in the UK...do not ask me why, just works out that way.

Stimulate the ecconomy and fly over to Burghley....Snoops promises it will be worth the trip!!!

[tle]

Not sure I'll be making it this year either. We're heading to Florida next month (spring break) to visit my parents and hubby has a fishing trip with a buddy a couple weeks later and for the 5 of us to go to Rolex a couple weeks after that... I think the budget is going to be the deciding factor for us.

As for feelings... I love this sport. I love cross country. I think like DW that the SPORT at the top isn't the same as the one I have competed in... but I can still stand next to the gallop lane, close my eyes and get goosebumps at the sound of the galloping rushing by me. I dunno... conflicted is probably the best way to say it. Life has changed for me as well as the sport and I think some of that has affected the "entertainment" of the sport. Maybe that has something to do with it. I've been off and on "eh" about attending Rolex for several years now. Makes me a bit sad (but then I've had that emotion concerning horses in general for a while now and I'm not sure what to do about it).

[pony grandma]

... it's the feeling that Rolex is nothing more now than another "big show". Nothing singular or special about it any more, you know? :sigh:

Just a vague feeling that it ain't what it used to be.

I had the misfortune to be at the last fence with my kids for Rolex 2007 when Amy Tryon and Le Samari came through. last year I was at the flower box when Laine Askur came through.


:eek::eek: holy crap! This has become a HUGE responsibility issue for me with taking children and friends to my beloved annual weekend jaunt.

I can't tell you how much I miss the old eventing, it was exciting, inspirational and motivational.

I have been going since 1978. Of course then it was the controversy over the huge trappy serpentine fence.

Old people always remembered their 'glory days' and now it's happening to me! I can't begin to describe to friends who weren't there that it WAS DIFFERENT. I don't enjoy the tricky, yank your horse up combinations. I prefer the flowing beauty of the steeplechase, the open gallop fences - like how Marius' jumped his cross country trip at the Olympics. That's how I remember seeing the riders of yore ride their rounds.

Now it has become a heavily weighted decision for many whether to attend. That is sad.

[JER]

Well, I was probably going to go to Rolex this year. Guess I'll be there all by myself. :)

I've been before, in the late 90s, but didn't like it much. The food was especially lackluster. That's a big one for me because I eat a lot and there's very little in the American junk/fast food repertoire that I'll actually eat. Get me to the UK and it's another story. (If I can start the day with a proper bacon roll, then get a decent cup of PG Tips, I'm in paradise.)

Burghley could be a good choice this year. The pound has been plunging (finally!) and Burghley weekend is at the perfect time to snag a cheap airfare.

[Reds-n-Greys]

I only went once - in 2000 - and it was a glorious time.
I won't be going this year and as I'm reading this, I realized I have a pit in my stomach already. I've watched it live the past 2 years in the comfort of my study...curb chain nearby. I hope it goes unused this year.

[deltawave]

Hey Mickey, yes, the Topeka carriage auction, weekend before Rolex. I will probably be able to find a nice new marathon cart for my Shetland for about the same amount of money I wind up couging up for the whole Rolex trip. Then I can have fun, and there's always the WEG in 2010. . . :sigh:

[Hey Mickey]

Hey Mickey, yes, the Topeka carriage auction, weekend before Rolex. I will probably be able to find a nice new marathon cart for my Shetland for about the same amount of money I wind up couging up for the whole Rolex trip. Then I can have fun, and there's always the WEG in 2010. . . :sigh:


Haha cool. Thats were my mom got her marathon cart for our fat boys (haflingers).
Cart ponies are so much fun!
the haflinger i showed in 4-H was like a sportscar. and it was amazing.

Good Luck and have fun! the one time I actually remeber the trip up there was also an equipment auction going on at the same time and we got a bunch of stuff really cheap.

[Ponyclubrocks]

I've been going when possible over the last 20 years and last year I was there on Friday and after walking the course I just felt bad, I can't really explain it but I felt anxiety about Saturday, so I just packed up and left. I gave away my Saturday tickets, and left. I have no desire to return, even though I love the horse park and I have always enjoyed Lexington. I am done with Rolex. I pray everyone has a safe trip around this year.

[Badger]

It's always felt like an annual trip to eventing Mecca. But after the last two years, several of my group are skipping it. I baled first, and then a couple others followed suit. Our heart just isn't in it and it seemed the right time to take a break. We'd be there if we really wanted to...but found out we don't really want to. I didn't ever think I'd see the day.

[DLee]

Well, I just bought my tickets. :yes::yes::yes:

[springdaisy]

I see where you are coming from. I went last year and had a blast, but left somewhat scarred. Cross-country day comes around, and I was having an absolute blast. Saw one of the really bad rotational falls...scared the heck out of me. I still had an AMAZING time, but it freaked me out. I won't be able to go this year though. :cry: