So, here are some of my favorite pics. The first day, we were there when the gates opened - in the dark - they said to leave your hotel and get on the shuttle two hours before the event, but our bus driver didn't know he was supposed to pick up at several other hotels and took us straight to the park - so we had plenty of time to scout it all out before the first rides. The second day we found our way to the warm up areas, which was one of my favorite spots for the rest of the week. The victory gallops were absolutely terrifying - I was sure someone was going to have a horrific crash, and Ravel nearly ran over the security guard at the gate trying to get out of the arena! I am not exaggerating when I say it was more insane than any rodeo/PBR event. I told Bruce helmets should at least be required for the awards ceremony, and I was extremely happy to see Steffen in his for the Freestyle awards. I was also happy to see common sense take hold as Laura Bechtolsheimer declined to ride in the gallop after the first team effort when Alf had clearly had all he could take of that loud stadium! We had a wonderful thoroughbred farm tour, took many driving tours ourselves, and found a fantastic sandwich shop out in Versailles with supersized paninis and desserts that were the size of a platter - we had to go twice and would give anything to have Wallace Station out here on Hwy. 52! The riders were constantly coming in and out of the stands to watch, and we made a game of trying to recognize them in plain clothes. At one point, Anabel Balkenhol sat behind us, Steffen Peters was in front of us, and you'll see my close encounter with Laura B. Overall, it was an amazing trip, and we are already making plans for London and Normandy!
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