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.