I could still recall the
Dubai WEC 1998 when I was there competing .Valerie Kanavy with her Navy , a 16
member team complete with vets ,physoitherapist and horse masseau etc etc
...
If I recall correctly, didn't the Shayk of Dubai pay *everyone's* expenses
to attend
the 1998 WEC? Paid to transport all the horses from all over the
world to Dubai,
paid for flying their crews and equipment, paid all their living expenses
and meals.
I recall he even supplied a horse for a European living in the USA who
wanted
to be her country's (Bulgaria?) only entrant! In short, threw a kind
of dream party for
everyone concerned. I know people on Ridecamp were joining the
support
teams of the USA contestants to qualify for the free trip!
I remember Stephs reports of that week's events as one of the most
surreal
real experiences I've ever read.
Which is a long way of saying I don't believe Valerie
Kanavy *paid* for that
