CAI Live Oak

[sniplover]

Hey all, I've never been to a CDE before, and I know that the CAI Live Oak is happening in Ocala in a few weeks. I'm interested in attending some of the events, but I have NO IDEA what parts to watch! I'm relatively sure I can attend Sat or Sunday, but I'd love to see the FEI dressage ... is there any chance that if the "class" starts at 9 that it'll still be running toward evening? I know in H/J shows that the day usually lasts 8am-4/5pm - but this is very clearly a different animal altogether!!

Also, I'm becoming more interested in equine photography - what kinds of pictures do driving people like? (I.e. hunter/jumpers want knees up, middle of the fence, Dressage people want certain points of stride, etc) - I will, of course, make it up as I go along, but I'm curious! :)

Are there any other things I should know about going to this event? Traditions, etc.. Anyone else attending/participating?

http://www.cailiveoak.com/

[49'er]

I will be exhibiting in ISP. The FEI dressage starts at 9 on Thursday and will be over by 5 as that is when the official course walk is scheduled. Most people seem to like dramatic action shots in marathon or the perfect dressage frame, I think. I believe Pics of You will be there this year and they take LOTS of pictures.

[lorilu]

Go to the marathon phase and bring a chair. The water obstacle is very exciting, and easy to get to. The gully is also exciting, but not so much from a photographic standpoint.

Enjoy!

L

[naters]

What about tickets/parking passes?

[lorilu]

They charge you at the gate when you park, or maybe it's free, but no tix in advance or anything like that.
L

[Drive NJ]

Speaking of photos
right now there is a thread with pix from Sunshine State - check out those photos and you can get a good idea of good driving pix

in general you want the trot to show the legs spread in a good extension

its hard to focus on the whole turnout (its so large/long) so I think most photogs are going for focus on the horse

in marathon - excitement in what attracts the eye - in a water hazard its splash - getting water droplets and fast action
or tight turns around elements of the hazard

Have fun

[Cartfall]

Snip lover-- I will be working the water hazard. If you get a chance come by and I will be glad to talk to you. It is always nice to meet folks in the flesh.

Lorilu is correct bring a chair!! and good shoes. You can actually go from hazard to hazard at Live Oak without doing miles and miles of walking. They are laid out in a somewhat cirular fashion, very audience friendly. There are bleechers in various places as well for some hazards. Be prepared for lotsa people. They generally get around 4 to 5 thousand spectators.

Last I knew it was about 5 bucks per carload to get in. Marathon is definiely much more exciting from a spectator perspective.

Just a note--they are begging for volunteers--particularly section times and course observers. Not the most exciting jobs but still there. Perhaps next year you can volunteer at a hazard and get an inside view of one of most, if not the most, awesome driving events in the country.

Also there are generally all sorts of vendors selling really cool stuff.

Looking forward to meeting you.
Sue

[sniplover]

Sounds great, everyone!
49'er - Good luck!! Maybe I'll skip work that morning and come watch! There are some perks to being a graduate student! :lol:
DriveNJ - I will be sure to check that out! I've been practicing at HITs last week and again tomorrow to work out this new camera's settings - I think we're getting somewhere; http://www.flickr.com/photos/24994333@N03/3322972896

Cartfall, I will keep an eye out for you! Will my Ariat paddock boots be suitable or am I better off in sneakers? For next year, can Volunteers work shifts or is it an all day kind of commitment?

Jenni

[MunchingonHay]

Either sneaks or your paddock boots, depends on the weather and what you feel most comfy in. Bring cash,(good venders, but not like HITS) water, sun screen, and a folding chair (you could end up parking in east jibip so getting to your car/truck can be a pain. Most people have a backpack to toss their layers into once it warms up. )

The Marathon is on saturday, sunday is cones.

I am not certian about the volunteering, perhaps someone else can help you with that.

If you have questions while you are at the show, you can ask anyone, all driving people are friendly and love to talk about our sport.

have fun! I always do !

[49'er]

For volunteering, check out www.cypresskeep.com.

[Cartfall]

snip--

You can volunteer for half days in some positions. Some only are half day by nature--like working an FEI obstacle.

49er is correct on the link. Email Erika Porter at that site and she will be glad to talk to you.

Sneaks are my opinion or sandles (although you feet will be filthy from all the dust!!!) .

Looking forward to talking to you.

[UnderTheSonWelshCobs]

I'm goin to watch Marathon on Saturday. I'll be hanging with the Winding Oaks Welsh folks! Ahhh I love the Live Oak time of year!

[Cartfall]

Also I hear 14 to 16 team (4 in hands) that will be competiting. There were easily a good dozen at the Sunshine CAI a couple of weeks ago. Just so aweseome!!!