photo by Diana Rowland

photo by Diana Rowland

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Thursday, Dressage Day One

Thursday morning we had a chance to walk the dressage ring, so dressed in our driving clothes, we all took a spin around the arena. There was a Jumbotron (huge TV screen) in the corner near M, and I wondered if the horses would spook at the screen. After walking through the test, I decided to watch the first few horses go. Pairs went first. There were two warmup rings, one not far from the end of the arena, this ring had the same footing as the main arena. The second, smaller ridden dressage arena, just outside the entrance to the ring, had sand footing. You could also warm up in a grass area near the stables before the other rings if you wished. Three competitors were allowed in the first ring, then the competitor on deck was sent to the second ring, then cued to enter the arena.

I heard the first competitor told to enter the ring a a minute before 9, and just before he came in, the water cannons, large sprinkers along the ring, went off! These are like fire hoses with a lot of force.


What a shock! The first competitor was quickly stopped just outside the arena and everyone rushed around to figure out how to turn the water cannons off. It took a few minutes before the timer was disabled and the water stopped.

How lucky that this did not happen when a competitor was in the ring - truly not pony friendly!

Once that little issue was solved, the show got started without further incident. All team members came down to the ring when one of our drivers were competing. First up was Jennifer Matheson, who drove a very nice test, the best I have seen her do with her pair. She had a good score and was very pleased. Next up for our team was Wendy O'Brien, who also drove very well. I thought she should have had a better score, but know from my judging career that things sometimes look diffrent from that vantage point than outside the arena.



Jennifer - photo by Marie de Ronde


Wendy-photo by Marie de Ronde
I drove Cooper in the morning to see how he was feeling. A few coughs at the start but that was it and he seemed to feel good. I began the long wait until my 5:05 test.
We went to the hotel for lunch and ordered pizza. Slovenian pizza can be different from what we are used to....

Killing time and waiting for lunch



A close up of Jeff's tie (and shirt)

Pizza surprise!
I tried to keep busy and just focus on my test. I braided Cooper - I love to braid, it clears my mind and calms me. I had plenty of help to get ready and Cooper, carriage and harness looked great thanks to everyone's help. Finally it was time to head to the warmup ring so Dottie climbed on board. I was met by Chester and Michael there, and I began my warmup. The carriage was sliding quite a bit in the corners.
Cooper felt good in the warm up, and there was the ever present warm up dilemma, how much to do? Too little and he would not be supple and attentive, too much and he would be tired. I tried for some place in the middle.

Finally our time came to head to the second ring and await our entrance. We were given the nod and headed down the hill and under the arch into the ring.


A unique perspective - photo by Marie de Ronde
Cooper was attentive and cooperative, but energy was lacking and he struggled a bit in the footing. He seemed to be working but I could see on the video afterward that he needed more impulsion. Was I too passive? Or was he still feeling the effects from being sick at the beginning of the week? Or both? I can always learn from each test and try to improve for the next one. In any case, it wasn't an awful test but we weren't on our game and did not show what we can do. Some mistakes in the canter hurt our score as well, but the scores were good, except for one judge who had us 20 points under all the others. It's hard for me to tell why from his comments but it happens and all part of the game of competing.






DRAMA IN THE BIT CHECK:
Chester and Marie met me at the bit check/wheel measurement outside the arena. As the steward checked the bit, she commented that I was to wait for the vet. Vet? Why? Another official explained that the head judge wanted the pony checked for lameness. Just then my scores were announced, a 44.67, putting me in first place for the day. Both Marie and Chester commented that it didn't make sense, the winner being lame. The vet arrived and asked us to jog the pony in hand. We quickly stripped the harness off, and Chester jogged Cooper with his driving bridle and one rein. Cooper looked great and the vet agreed there was no problem. Whew! That was unexpected and unnerving! Marie told me that four other ponies had been examined earlier in the same way and one competitor had been disqualified. I was very happy that Chester and Marie were there when I needed them.

I led Cooper back to the stable, and Chester and a steward followed with the carrige. Our supporters were waiting. They had wondered what happened to us!

A relieved Chester and a steward pulled the carriage back to the stable
Ok, so it wasn't the test I had prepared for and hoped for. But it was over and the score was good, although not as good as I wanted. I knew my teammates expected a better score from me and I was disappointed, but we ended the day in first place, with the second half of our class to go on Friday.

Jeff and Lynn asked me if I wanted a beer and I said DEFINATELY!!

A party in the big tent again that evening, a little more tame this time. Most participants were busy getting ready for dressage or walking hazards. But once again the music went on into the night...

Wednesday, Nation's Night at the World Championships

Wednesday was already a busy day, and now we had Nation's Night to look forward to. A group of supporters and friends arrived at the big tent at 7 PM to set up the US table. Judy Fryer and Phil Needs, who have supported the team at each pony championship, covered the expenses (THANK YOU!) and did the cooking. We served hamburgers on the grill and shots of Jack Daniels. Decorations came from all over, as each driver brought a bag of assorted patriotic items. I brought red, white and blue stuff from the Aiken Driving Club, Irene Gillis and Peggy Dils, among others who donated decorations to the cause.

Chef Philip
I can honestly say I have never seen so many full shot glasses anywhere! Each table featured the specialties of that country to eat and drink. From chocolate to sausage, every food group was represented, and each table had a large amount of that country's favorite alcohol available. My favorite was Pimms at the GB table. Some tables had people in traditional dress handing out goodies. The US showed their pride with national colors.


Jeff getting ready for the party to begin
As the evening went on, the alcohol took effect and the party got rolling. There were a few skits performed on stage, and dance music played. Mio Allo did a very good Supreme's lip sync accompanied by a French driver in a skirt and wig and our own Laurie Astegiano. There was dancing on tables and lots of fun. Sadly I had dressage the next day so did not partake (except for a Pimm's and the chocolate) and left early to check on Cooper and get some sleep. We could hear the music from our hotel room and the party went on for a long time. From the photos I've seen, and the stories I heard, it was a VERY fun time.

I did get a photo with the Kosack, our name for the guy who worked all day at the show and dressed up at night in an interesting outfit. He was very hard to understand and we really don't know what he was all about, but he was hard to miss!



All the countries got along great at the party, but soon the serious side of the competition would begin. Next up, Thursday, dressage day number one.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Wednesday, Opening Ceremony

We quickly got ready with our red, white and blue and our flags, gathered our friends and got in line for the Opening Ceremony. One again, we were last in alphabetical order as ZDA.


Our pretty Slovenian leader
Each country had a pretty young lady to lead their contingent. We formed a line behind her and marched into the stadium.




Little Addison Cross walked with our leader
We listened to some welcoming speeches in several languages, spent plenty of time waving our flags, and then marched out, country by country.




Fran and Dottie enjoying the moment



After the teams marched, there was a presentation of the Lipica stud's stallions in a ridden dressage quadrille and a driving demonstration. I was most impressed by the beautifully trained and ridden stallions.







The Ground Jury had front row seats for the festivities.

After the ceremony was over, each team was given a few minutes to work in the main arena so their horses could become familiar with the footing, which was a mix of sand and felt, it had some cushion but the carriages could skid in it. Our team took advantage of the chance for the ponies to get in the ring. I rode Cooper for a few minutes, as I didn't want to stress him before he had completely recovered.



Some of the US Team schooling in the arena.
Cooper finished his light work in good form. Next up was the draw for dressage times. Our Chef de Equip, Chester Weber, drew for our team and texted our times. Jennifer and Wendy went on Thursday morning, I was to go at 5:05 Thursday, and Randy, Suzy and Laurie and Lisa on Friday.

A busy day turned into a busy night. Our friends and family went to set up the US table for Nation's Night. Nation's Night is when all the different countries set up tables with their national foods, delicacies and most popular of all, their favorite drinks. Coming up next, Nation's Night!



Wednesday, Vet Check Day

On Wednesday morning Cooper was feeling much more chipper, and his temperature was back to normal. He was eager for his hay and breakfast. He was still getting antibiotics, and still had a slight cough, but no discharge, and all other vitals were normal. By this time Lisa was sure he would be able to compete and so we prepared for the vet check at 11:00.

There was soon a swirl of ponies of all shapes and sizes just outside the stable area. I got Cooper braided and ready and we got in line. The Slovenes spell USA as ZDA and the vet check is in alphabetical order so our team was last.



Cooper and Fran hung out in the shade keeping cool until their turn.
 As the vet check went on, we heard that a number of ponies had been placed in the hold box to be reinspected. Don't quote me but I was told about 25 ponies had to be reinspected, a much bigger number than is usually seen.

Finally Cooper's turn came and Fran jogged him and he passed and we came back to the stable. When we returned, we found out that Suzy's pony had been held for reinspection. Dottie took Cooper for a graze and we went back to the ring to see what was happening. We could see Suzy in the holding area, jogging Josie and she looked fine. Finally when all the other ponies were finished, they called Suzy back and this time Josie was cleared and determined to be fit to compete. What a relief! This was our first warning that this was going to be a tough competition and all ponies would be scrutinized.

Only one pony of those held was spun, it was part of a pair so the driver could still compete.

Happy that phase was over, we headed back to the barn to get ready for the Opening Ceremony.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Travel Back In Time....

Travel back in time to Sunday, September 17th.

We left Michael Freund's stable in the morning, with the ponies to travel that evening. Jacob left Sunday morning with Michael, who went to pick up his son Marco, who was also competing at the Championship with his pair and had been at the German training camp.

Fran, Suzy and I loaded the rental car to the max and hit the road. It was a very stormy and rainy trip.

Once through Germany, we entered Austria and encountered the Alps. About fifteen tunnels, one almost 6 miles in length, took us through the mountains. The clouds and mountains made for impressive views.



The drive took about 11 hours and we arrived at Lipica after dark, so couldn't see anything but white fence along the driveway. We found the main hotel and the restaurant and grabbed dinner. As we walked in, we saw the Lipica Casino right next door. After dinner, we stopped at the Casino and Suzy won a hundred Euros! Good luck for the week!

We stayed at Hotel Klub, the less expensive of the two hotels. Close to the stable area, I can describe the room as clean with twenty year old college dorm decor. It was large and had a workable and clean bathroom. The other hotel was more modern and more upscale, but we were happy to be able to stay on the grounds AND save some money. The restaurants were both at the nicer hotel. Most of the waitstaff spoke English and were very helpful. We saw many competitors during dinner as well as some officials. The fun was about to start!

Monday, the Ponies Arrive in Lipica

Monday morning we got a knock on the door from Suzy, telling us she had heard from the van driver and the ponies were due in 45 minutes. Another very rainy day was in store!


We headed to the breakfast room to get a quick bite to eat. Typical buffet of meats and cheeses, along with some delicious pastries and rolls. A new favorite was crossiants with apricot filling, still warm from the oven.


We got to the stabling area and the van was there, but there was a glitch - one pony did not have a Coggins test and they would not let him off the van. Apparently Coggins tests are not routinely done in Germany but the show specs required one. After a few phone calls it was determined that the pony did indeed have a Coggins test and it was on it's way to the show and he was finally allowed to get off the van.


Cooper looked happy to be done with the trip. He had what looked like bites on his neck which we thought were caused by his neighbor during the trip. We are still not sure exactly what caused that. He seemed happy in his stall and was eating his hay.



About an hour later, Cooper suddenly seemed uncomfortable, stopped eating and could not be coaxed to eat even a carrot. I thought he looked colicky and so found the Team Veterinarian, Lisa Casinella, who had arrived the night before. She checked him over and kept a watchful eye on him while we got settled. The USET vet trunk with her supplies as well as my thermometer were on Michael's truck along with the rest of our equipment and had not yet arrived.  Soon Cooper was shivering even though it wasn't very cold and he had a sheet on. I borrowed another blanket (mine were in Michael's truck, too) and Fran took Lisa back to the hotel so she could grab the thermometer and stethoscope she had brought with her.


Cooper turned out to have a fever of 103.5 and a diagnosis of shipping fever. Lisa got permission from the competition vets to give him fluids and antibiotics, got him started on the fluids,(Chester Weber bravely climbed the stalls so we could hang the fluid bags from the rafters) then filled out the myriad of paperwork required by the FEI for medication use during the show. I was worried about Cooper, unsure if he would be able to compete, and a bit stressed by it all. Cooper had always been a good traveler and this is first time we had to deal with anything like this. Lisa did a great job getting him back on his feet.


Later in the day Cooper developed a cough, but started to feel better as the fluids took effect him. He gradually started to eat and drink again and his fever gradually started to come down. His health and safety were my first concern. Still unsure if he would recover in time to compete, we unpacked our equipment and scoped out the facility.


The farm was beautiful, with many old and historic buildings. There was quite a good golf course (this from Fran, a golfer). Our stabling was excellent, new looking tents with large stalls, bedded deep with sawdust. The USA was lucky enough to have a tent all to ourselves. Several wash areas with concrete footing were nearby. Security was tight on the grounds. Lizzy Staller, the USEF Director of Driving. got our photo credentials for us, and we could not get in the stabling or in the camp area without them. I've been to 6 World Championships (three grooming for Lisa Singer, one as a spectator, and two driving myself) and I've never seen access so restrictive in the camp area.


When we first arrived, it seemed like there would be plenty of room where each country would make their camps. But soon, it got more and more crowded as everyone arrived and it became apparent that there was not. The rain continued and the grounds crew brought load after load of gravel and spread it to keep the mud at bay.


The path through the camp area got more and more narrow each day

The hazards were directly across from our stable but had not been made official by the Ground Jury so all we could do is look at them from afar.

By the end of the day, Cooper was feeling and looking better, and though he still had a fever, it was down to 102 and Lisa was happy with his progress.