Ridecamp: [RC] Jerez - Sat, Sep 16

Cloudy and cool today, hopefully this weather will hold. The horses moved to
the official stables at Garrapilos this morning. Tomorrow is the final
veterinary inspection. I'll be there to get pictures and send a final list
of starters. At this point looks good for all the horses.

Last night there was a gathering at the Hotel Vista Hermosa where the riders
and crew are staying. Art had his first Chef's meeting yesterday and gave
the riders and crew a breifing. Plus we were treated to some of the songs
and skits that have been part of Art's mandatory 'YOU WILL BE A TEAM' camp
counselor activities. It was hilarious! Some stellar performances. Plus good
hearted banter between Art and some of the Australians who were also there.
Very good spirits. We (Pamela and I) joined Red's family for dinner - Skip
'Lightweight' and friends from Montana, Heather, Jeremy and twin, and
Hillorie Bachman. Generous folks, good fun. Heard lots of stories of Red's
antics. Quite the horse.

The course will consist of 5 loops or phases. Phase 1 is 40.4 k (approx 24
mi). Phase 2 is 37.9 k (22.5), phase 3 is 24 k (14 mi) , phase 4 is 38.5 k
(23 mi), and phase 5 is 19.3 k (12 mi). Hold times (unnofficial as yet) are
30, 30, 40, 40. There is a good group of volunteers here that will be out at
various stations (crew points) along each loop with extra water, feed,
whatever the horses and riders will anticipate that they need. So even
though the loops are long and holds are fairly short, there will be plenty
of opportunity for the horses to get what they need along the way.

Spent this morning watching the 3-day eventing at Garrapilos. Incredible!!!
Those horses are amazing... and I couldn't believe how the riders (mostly)
stayed on them while they were twisting and leaping and lunging through the
combination x-country jumps. Beautiful atheletes - both horse and rider.
Even got to watch our US favorite Michael O'Connor. He made it look easy...

Half the fun of being here is seeing old friends and meeting new people from
other countries. I ran into a bunch of Belgians that I had met while crewing
for Leonard in Dubai - was fun to see them (though I kept trying to speak
Spanish instead of French...very confusing I'm sure).

I managed to get media accreditation for the WEG - so I have a
press/photographer pass and can access all the events, and even get a front
row 'photographers only' seat for many of them. Kinda fun. Would be nice to
spend more time with our riders and horses, but they are totally focused at
this point and don't need extra distractions. Things should really start
humming tomorrow with the vet inspections. Hope all goes well!

later-

Steph



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