The preparation for the WEG continues—Robin has been a member of the U.S. Para Team at three Olympic Games and three World Championships, so she is used to the avalanche of paperwork. As a newbie, I am just astounded by the sheer volume of guidelines, requests, instructions and schedules which have flooded my email account.
The list of things to do seems endless. First we had to get the required Piroplasmosis test done on Raison d’Etre. Then it was sending in requests for feed/hay/shavings for our stay at Kentucky Equine Research Center, which has graciously invited the U.S. Para Team to conduct its WEG training sessions at their brand new facility in Versailles—we are all very excited and grateful for this opportunity!
Next it was requests for accreditation for owners/grooms/officials. These passes have pictures for security reasons, and only certain areas are available to the holder of each pass. Then it was on to arranging our ‘”other” lives around the WEG, which meant re-arranging horse shows for the horses at home and finding a farm sitter who is willing to take care of 13 dogs and 19 horses. It sure keeps me busy!
Our horses and riders will be in training camp from Sept. 22 until Oct. 2 at the above mentioned Kentucky Equine Research Center. During this time, every rider/groom/owner/coach has to find his/her own place to stay and pay for it, along with food/gas and other expenses. Thankfully I have many friends in Kentucky and one of them volunteered her basement as a “hotel.” Thanks Cindy!
From Oct. 3 until Oct. 11, hotel accommodations will be provided for riders and officials, as well as a shuttle to and from the Horse Park. The grooms will stay at the Horse Park Campgrounds in large trailers. Food will also be provided for the riders, grooms and officials.
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On Oct. 3, the horses will ship as a group to the Horse Park and Oct. 4 will be the official FEI vet check. The team will be nominated after the vet check, and on Oct. 5 the first of our riders will compete in the FEI Para Equestrian Team Test.
Until next time,
Elly
