Ridecamp: [RC] Laura's WEG story part three

    Bev Gray came into the first check with the first group of horses and
Cia a few minutes later.  Wave took several minutes to pulse down and was
passed in the check by Steve Rojek's Finally.  Kathy Brunjes' Ali was off at
the trot and later it was realized that he had much of the clay type mud
packed in his pads - but too late and he was pulled.  Kathy was a great
sport and stayed to help the other team members.  Val and Heather had lost
shoes on already iffy feet and were out in the first 25 miles - spirits
sank, but we were hopeful that the remaining three members would finish to
put the team in the medals.
    Larry Kanavy took over with our crew and lent many years of successful
experience to the group. He was a calming and clear influence and was most
welcome.  We got Wave through the next checks with ease but Cia was having
some trouble - she appeared to have a painful shin splint and took some
Advil while the sports therapist applied ice.  The Advil must have upset her
stomach, and she then got sick.  She is a tough woman, though and did her
job and finished with Steve Rojek to cheers and hugs.
    Bev had finished about 20th, and Steve and Cia in the 30s.  All the
horses looked great and passed their final vetting with ease.
    I was the only US groom to stay at the stable that night and got up
several times to check the horses and walk Wave.  I gave out hay and water
and rearranged blankets.  The US vets showed up at 8AM and were there when
the FEI vets came by to release the horses from the ride grounds so they
could return to the private stable with the paddocks.  Kathy ponied Wave (I
was going to walk him, but she saved me!) Sue Greenall rode Finally and
ponied Pal, while Red and Shahdon were trailered the couple miles or so over
to the stable. All the horses looked great.
    With the race over, I had time to reflect on the trip, the World Games,
Spain, and my own aspirations in the sport that I have done for over half my
life.  Suffice to say I would go again in a second in any capacity, and that
I am proud to be an American.




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