Dear Rita,
When Michelangelo was asked how he would sculpt an elephant, he said, “I would start with a block of stone and take away all that is not the elephant.”
I kept this concept in my head when I rode the World Cup Final at Leipzig last Saturday night. In the end, all that really matters is the masterpiece that emerges. The pieces that you chip away are just Schrott (“scraps, bits to be thrown away” in English).
Leipzig was a difficult show for W. The warm-up was a real challenge to his concentration, and I had to manage the occasional appearance of his “Achmed the Suicide Bomber” personality. But he got better every day, and the quiet training sessions we were able to manage in the early morning hours showed me that the final sculpture would be wonderful. My horse is getting better all the time!
We landed 12th overall with a score of 70 percent. It was our best freestyle this year, and I am very proud of my horse!
Catherine Haddad and Winyamaro in the Grand Prix freestyle:
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I was first to go on the start list for the Final, and Shawna Harding did not have much better luck with draw. She followed me in the second position with Come On III. Shawna’s elegant seat and the mighty presence of her big, beautiful bay were a compliment to this year’s Final. They landed 14th with a score of 67 percent.
Shawna Harding and Come On III in the Grand Prix freestyle:
Jan Ebeling put in the best ride I have ever seen from Ralfalca! Congratulations Jan on a superb effort and good riding in the test! They landed 11th with a score of 72 percent.
Jan Ebeling and Rafalca in the Grand Prix freestyle:
