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!