Brian's Blog

The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event is a part of the fabric of the Lexington horse world. Friends and family spread across the country come to Lexington each April to take part in the country’s premiere eventing competition. But, unlike any other horse event on the show calendar, “the Rolex” stands head-and-shoulders above them all. What makes it so special? Ask anyone who has made the trip to the Kentucky Horse Park and you’ll find an endless list of responses.

For me, the event has been a part of my horse show rituals for decades. Long before Rolex became a title sponsor, the three-day event has lured me in. The combination of dressage, cross-country and jumping just can’t be beat. It’s the elegance of dressage. It’s the excitement of cross-country. It’s the final stage where speed and precision is the name of the game combined. To me, as a spectator, there is nothing like it.

Of course, the sport and action are at the heart of the event. But, it’s the “feel” and “atmosphere” that help make it such a fun equation. This is one time when 1+1=3. Combine the action with the fun and something extra comes out of the mix. I suppose that third thing is that mystique that the event has – drawing so many people (equestrian, fan, curiosity seeker, party animal) into its fold.

For as many competitors and horses at the event there are as many different types of attendees. I think this great mix of folks makes it even more fun. The hardcore fan who is not only at the jog, but can recite last year’s dressage scores, is right beside the local day-tripper who wouldn’t know a horse if it bit him. A few years ago, I remember someone coming up to me to ask a question. I guess my press core vest I was wearing tipped them off that I might be “in the know,” and they wanted information.

“Excuse me,” said the young couple. “So, exactly WHAT is going on here with all this?”

I learned that they were in town visiting relatives, heard the commercial on the radio and decided to check things out and spend an extra day in town instead of driving back to Atlanta.

I explained, as concisely as I could, what the sport was all about, that it’s the pinnacle competition for the sport in our country, it’s the only one of its kind in the U.S., etc. And, as the couple learned more, they had even more questions. I could have spent all day answering them, and I was really happy to share what I knew with them. I bet they’ve been back since.

I can remember during my college years getting a group of friends together and making a day of it during cross-country day on Saturday. I know that most of them didn’t know the first thing about eventing, and quite frankly some of them had never even been to a horse show. It was all about the opportunity to get outside in the fresh spring air, toss back a beer (or two or three or…), get some sun and party and mingle. And that’s fine, too. The Rolex means something different to each person. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

For me, it’s changed over the years…my perception of the event and what I get out of it. Sure, I love cross-country day, and show jumping is my all-time favorite sport as a spectator (tennis is a close second). But, as a journalist and editor, it’s a chance for me to see some of friends who are my fellow press core writers and photographers that I only get a chance to see “on the road.” But at Rolex, they are in my proverbial backyard. It’s really great fun (and a fantastic work perk) to get to travel to the world’s greatest competitions and walk into a press room in Europe or Asia or South America and walk up to someone you’ve known for years and give them a big hug. The press core is a crazy and diverse group of creative people who share a common passion. It’s a sometimes dysfunctional, sometimes loud, sometimes amazing equestrian fraternity of sorts. There is friendly hazing, chances to party (when you are lucky and get the all-too-seldom day off) and some lasting bonds that are forged by spending very long days (and nights) in crowded and hectic conditions. I feel really lucky to be a part of it.

And for some, this year’s Rolex will be remembered as a real “pain in the ash.” Hopefully, not too many riders will be affected by the volcanic eruptions in Iceland that have wreaked havoc on European flights. But, I did hear the story of one that has been through the ringer trying to make it here. British eventer Oliver Townend, who happens to stand a chance at scoring the elusive Grand Slam of Eventing (plus a tidy $350,000 prize), has experienced a nightmare in trying to get across the pond to compete. Thankfully, after a Chunnel train from London to Paris, a $3,000 taxi ride to Spain (UGH!) and a flight to Florida, he is making his way aboard a flight to Lexington. Now if that’s not determination I don’t know what is!

To add insult to injury, the organizers have had to make several changes in the officials who are stranded in Europe, as well. Seems like this year’s event is going to be one to remember, and it hasn’t even begun yet.

Another exciting thing about this year’s Rolex is that it has company. With the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games months away, the WEG folks are holding two of the final test events for dressage and show jumping. Today begins the Kentucky Dressage Cup, and later this week will be the Kentucky Jumping Cup. There’s so much going on at the Horse Park that it will give the WEG event organizers a chance to tweak plans and make a very necessary observation of how things will play out.

So…it’s time to get this party started. And I’m determined to have a blast.

Thursday at the 2010 USEF Annual Meeting saw a blizzard of meetings and attendees rushing from one conference room to the next in an attempt to cover as much ground as possible and to share in ideas and opinions on a vast slate of topics.

USEF staff were spread far and wide in their work to ensure that all of the meetings were going as planned and I spent a bit of time alongside two longtime USEF staff members - Lisa Owens (Assistant Executive Director of Horse and Competition Services) and Jennfier Keeler (Director of National Dressage Programs). As always, we seemed to be able to laugh at the frantic pace and the hundreds of requests that come our way. To laugh during times of stress is a very valuable personality trait! After the Board of Directors meeting was the first in a series of galas to celebrate and spotlight achievements in sport in the 2009 competition calendar.

When the Jockey Club launched the PHR in 1994, many Thoroughbred owners raced to register their horses in what would become known as the first central database in North America to combine pedigree and performance records of Thoroughbreds and half-Thoroughbreds, documenting the influence of the breed in events away from the track.

January is time for new beginnings. A fresh start.

As is tradition, Wednesday night serves as the Welcome Reception where everyone has a chance to party before the real work gets underway. This year was no exception with a fantastic cocktails served atop the downtown Hyatt hotel's 360-degree revolving lounge. But, making the trek from our hotel to the site of the reception – which was not that far, but through a series of Habitrail type connecting tubes from building-to-building – provided a tougher than expected challenge for those of us who are “directionally challenged.” You might say I'm the “dumbest smart person” you know.

It's always a great reminder of the scope and breadth of our Federation at events like this. You see people you know from so many walks of equestrian life. A table of Saddlebred folks next to a table of cowboys from the reining community. A group of eventers socializing with the dressage contingency. It's a great meeting of the minds and a true testament to the idea that we are much more than the sum of our parts. As individuals (or single disciplines or breeds – we are one), but as a combine group we are much, much more. I think being reminded of this is one of my favorite parts of coming to the USEF Annual Meeting each January.

Imagine the scenario. Sitting under a shaded tent facing a perfectly manicured and maintained hunter ring. Free food abounds. Dozen upon dozen of pony riders are mounted upon the most gorgeous ponies you have ever seen in your life. You get to kick back, relax and take in this awesome environment, free of stress or cares. Just another day in the life of this very lucky journalist and editor.

Yes…the 2009 USEF Pony Finals is under way at the Kentucky Horse Park, and for the first time in several years, I've been able to take part and even step up and serve as our official press release person. In years past, I've either been abroad covering the Olympics in China or Pan American Games in Brazil or who knows what else. When you really think about it, I can't really call it “work.”

I mean, yes, I am “on the clock.” Yes, I have a job to do. Yes, I have to keep my eyes on the ponies and scores and interview winners post competition. Yes, I have to head to the office and write a press release, making sense out of pages of scores and quotes and personal notes. Yes, I have to photo edit and do computer stuff to send out the releases and update the webpage. I suppose to some it would seem like a lot to do…and I guess it would be to someone who doesn't appreciate the beauty and talent of these small equine gems.

But, to me, it's not a job…it's a joy. How lucky can you get to hang out all day in the Walnut Arena and sip coffee, mingle with media, watch incredible heart and spirit at work, and get a paycheck at the end of the week?! Trust me…it is NOT lost on me.

Enough about that…let's talk “pony”…one of my favorite languages.

The USEF Pony Finals is easily the pinnacle event for any pony rider. Having spoken with so many young equestrians this week thus far, it is blatantly clear to me. If you are a pony rider, coming to the Kentucky Horse Park for the Pony Finals is akin to making the great personal pilgrimage to Mecca. And I knew it was so when I had the chance to speak to this year's star of the green hunter world – Maddy Darst – and her mom, Mindy, who happens to be one of the country's top trainers.

After winning not only two of the green hunter divisions, but the overall grand green hunter championship, I got to sit down with Mindy for 10 minutes during a quick break in her non-stop flurry of phone messages, text messages and a parade of well-wishers and even young autograph seekers. Once we got settled, she began to tell me about how excited and proud she was of her young daughter who seems to be following in her mom's footsteps.

“Wow, the apple sure hasn't fallen far from the tree!” I said to Mindy, laughing. I was just happy to have the chance to ask her some questions and get the real behind-the-scenes story of the pony and how her daughter has worked to become one of the country's top young hunters.

Mindy told me the story of how the pony – Brownland's Mr. Mac – came into Maddy's life. How she was asked to personally train the pony and campaign him around the country at some of the best-known horse shows. For a minute, I had to admit I would have been jealous if I was a 12-year-old with a penchant for ponies. I can only imagine what it would be like for someone to contact me personally and ask ME to train their pony. I can't even wrap my head around such a proposition, let alone imagine winning a national championship.

When you first look at the Pony Finals, to the uninitiated, it looks like a bunch of suited up youngsters cantering around on their pretty ponies having a field day. Think again.

These kids are tough as nails. They are poised and polished and hardcore. Even the tiniest of them has been put through the ropes and knows exactly what the word “competition” and “dedication” means. Many of them eat, breathe and sleep “pony.” You only have to meet young Maddy Darst or one of her fellow competitors to be forced to look at yourself and think, “What was I doing when I was that age?” And speaking to Mindy really made me think about it.

Many of us were sitting in the saddle…just like these kids are today. But, honestly, I can't remember ever being so dedicated and focused as so many of these young stars-on-the-rise. These kids today are really amazing! They have the focus of a laser, and seemingly unyielding dedication. They are so enveloped in their world of ponies that it would take an atom bomb to go off for them to be distracted. It's absolutely incredible…and I have to say, it kicks the butt out of anything I ever thought I did when I was a young rider. I am compelled to take my helmet off to them. I have to admit I never won a championship class – not one. To be completely honest – not even close! It really has made me revisit old days and think about just how much effort and sweat and passion these young pony hunters and jumpers have put in. It also has made me admit that I squandered much of a great opportunity I had as a kid, and how a part of me wishes I could turn back time and have just one more chance to “do it right.”

But, that's not going to happen. However, I can live vicariously through the amazing talent that is riding right before my lucky eyes. I may not get to go back and relive old days, but I can relish in the fact that I am lucky enough to have a front-row center seat for our country's brightest pony talent…and in my own backyard, so to speak.

So…do I feel like I am working this week while being treated to the 2009 USEF Pony Finals?

NO WAY!

Honestly, I should be paying someone to have such fun times and thoughtful and reflective memories flood my mind.

Here's to our champions thus crowned and to those yet to come.

If you have some memories of your pony experiences or reflections of your time riding as a young rider, you can log in and leave your comments. I'd love to hear them.

Pony POWER!

The final scores at this year's Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event were a very good indication of what things are to come just under a year-and-a-half from now. It was a very international bunch of horse-and-rider combinations crowding the leader board with six countries making the mix of the Top 10 places.

Top American? Buck Davidson and My Boy Bobby put in a strong performance and left the rider with his highest finish at the event ever. Seated at third-place, he took home the USET Foundation CCI**** Championship Pinnacle Cup. The award is bestowed on the highest-placed U.S. rider in the RK3DE. Additionally, Davidson was presented with a check for $30,000 in prize money.

But it was the ever-strong Australians who have the bragging rights for a year with Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia who took the watch and big cash prize. She put in a clean-and-clear cross-country ride and then she piloted another brilliant round to win it all.

Her big competition - Bettina Hoy and Ringwood Cockatoo - held on as best as can be, but their time penalties from Saturday's cross-country course (9.6) dropped them from their top perch. Even though they put in a flawless round on Sunday's show jumping course, they couldn't erase those pesky time penalties. It left them in a well-respected second-place spot for the horse-and-riders' first trip to the event. Now that Bettina has experienced the Kentucky Horse Park's course and vibe, she'll be more than ready to return during next years World Equestrian Games for a battle royale.

Overall, it was three Americans, three Brits, one German, one French, one Australian and one Dutch to comprise the Top 10.

Talk About the Crowd...

It was a fun crowd of over 19,000 who joined in to see the champion crowned on Sunday. They were greeted by more record temperatures and abundant sunshine. For those who had been here for the four-day stretch, many sunburns and red faces could be spotted in the crowd.

Depending on how you look at it, I happened to be walking near the Rolex merchandise tent when the highly-anticipated "Everything is on sale!" announcement was made. Having met some friends for a late lunch after the competition, we were walking to the food court when a literal stampede of masses raced toward the tent's main entrance. I felt like I was looking at blood thirsty army of bargain-buyers.

"All fleece material garments are 50% off right now," said the loud announcer. Standing outside the tent, I could hear the shoppers mauling the tables and envisioned garments flying through the air.

I didn't want to go anywhere near the insides of the tent, but found myself being swept up and directed inwards by the swelling crowd. I lost my two friends and left them to fend for themselves as I made my own escape out the exit. After about 20 minutes, they made their way out. One with a dazed and confused look with his hat all askew and his shirt tussled. The other came out looking like he had seen war. It was not pretty.

Someone wanted a corn dog. Someone wanted a jerk chicken sandwich. Someone wanted a slice of pizza. Everyone wanted a cold mixed drink. It was the perfect way to end the warm and wild ride that is the RK3DE. It's an event unlike any other I've ever been to, and I've been fortunate enough to have lost count of the number of big events I've been privileged to attend over the many years.

Here's looking to next year's wild ride!

It was impossible to ask for a better atmosphere than what was found at today's cross-country phase. Warm sunshine was abundant, the massive crowd was full of energy and ready for some amazing sport and the 2009 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event at the Kentucky Horse Park. The spectators were hoping for some impressive action and that is exactly what they got.

For anyone who has been to the RK3DE, you already know what is in store. But for those that haven't had their personal pilgrimage to the country's most celebrated four-star event (the only one in America), you really owe it to yourself to make the effort.

The day wasn't without misfortune...unfortunately. Canadian rider Mike Winter and his mount, King Pin, suffered a fall on course at the #10 fence. Both were immediately treated by medical and veterinary staff on hand. Mike was taken to nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment. King Pin, however, did not survive his injuries and a necropsy will be performed. Early thoughts are that horse suffered a heart attack which caused the detrimental event.

While the sport is full of beauty, stamina and amazing excitement, it is important to remember that it is demanding of both horse and rider. In this sport, anything can happen. Everyone's thoughts and prayers are with Mike and King Pin.

Thankfully, there was a lot of GOOD news today and amazing performances put in by the top level athletes the sport has to offer - namely Brit-turned-Aussie Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia who went clean and clear of time penalties to jump into the lead going into Sunday's final phase - show jumping.

She brings her 32.3 score with a rail in hand over Germany's Bettina Hoy and Ringwood Cockatoo who lost their lead when the rider picked up 9.6 time penalties when not making the assigned time for the course. Her decision to be better safe than sorry in pushing her ride were understandable, but she will have to hope Lucinda drops more than one rail tomorrow, plus she'll have to put in a flawless performance in the newly opened outdoor stadium.

The top U.S. rider is currently Buck Davidson who guided My Boy Bobby to a third-place finish. His 1.2 time penalties leave him with 40.2 going into show jumping. Dutchman Tim Lips has been strong aboard Concrex Oncarlos. And yet another European country crowds the top five placings with Frances' Nicolas Touzaint and Hildago de l'Ile at 44.3. Both Tim and Nicolas put in clean and clear performances.

Sunday's show jumping round is my favorite day of the RK3DE. The excitement can be felt in the stadium as each horse and rider sail over the jumps and thousands of people hold their breath with each approach. I can't wait!

One thing is for sure, someone is about to walk away with a shiny new Rolex watch and a handsome paycheck.

Day 2 of dressage was center stage at this year's Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (RK3DE) on Friday, as usual, and it proved to be a very interesting mix-up of the prior day's standings. Warm weather ushered its way across the Kentucky Horse Park as the sun and warm winds graced the venue. It was a perfect way to spend a lazy Friday. Plenty of equestrian fans were in attendance - some with their dogs, some with strollers and others ready to celebrate the event and start a long weekend.

When the last horse and rider combination left the arena, Germany's Bettina Hoy and Ringwood Cockatoo were sitting atop the leader board. This will carry them ahead of the pack into the always exciting cross-country phase on Saturday. It promises to be a day packed with exciting sport, record crowds and non-stop activity.

Eyes were waiting for a few riders in particular, including Bettina, Lucinda Fredericks and Headley Britannia and last year's return champions (and winners of the USET Foundation Pinnacle Cup) Phillip Dutton and Connaught.

Throughout the morning, no one came close to besting Holland's Tim Lips and his leading score of 42.0 posted on Thursday. That soon turned itself about once the afternoon competitors entered the arena. First up was Bettina.

It turned out to be the biggest excitement of the day. Ringwood Cockatoo, the stately 16-year-old grey gelding, carried his rider through the dressage test with foot-perfect precision and posted one of the best dressage-phase scores in the event's history.

The combination navigated through the test, displaying for their fans a truly masterful feat. After watching their performance, it was certain to smash the prior day's leading score of 42.0. But not even Bettina herself imagined what the judges would reward her - a score of 28.8! She looked perfectly shocked and utterly thrilled. It was pretty clear that no one was going to touch that score.

And they didn't.

Former Brit-turned-Aussie Lucinda Fredericks tried her darnedest to best Hoy, but it wasn't going to happen. That bar was a bit too high for the 2008 Olympic Team Silver medalist and Headley Britannia who posted a 32.3 score. But, it was a valiant effort for certain from the Malawi-born eventer. Strong across the board in the ring, the rider and mare now sits in second place heading into the cross-country phase.

Aussie-turned-American Phillip Dutton, who won the event last year, returned aboard Connaught to let everyone know he plans to repeat last year's thrilling victory. Among the last riders of the day, Phillip guided the 16-year-old Irish Sport Horse gelding through the test to end on a score of 47.0 and a 10th-place finish. As one of the most decorated members of the Americans competing at this year's event, he will now have to depend on some misfortunate scores to bring him forth in the standings.

So Much to Do...

Jessica Harper, from the suburbs of St. Louis was in attendance. It's the fourth time she has made the trek across states to take part in the annual eventing competition and festival.

"Of all the shows I've been to, this has to be my favorite one," she said as she stood in front of newly opened outdoor arena. "Each year, my friends and I look forward to coming to Lexington, spending a long weekend and having the times of our lives."

The sentiment is widespread.

"I haven't ridden for years, and I still look forward to coming to the Horse Park each spring for the Rolex," said her friend. "Just coming to Lexington and being here makes you feel like you are at the center of the horse world. It's so exciting to be a part of it, and I love to visit and shop."

Ah...speaking of shopping. Now that's something in which I have a black belt.

Coming to the RK3DE without your credit card is not acceptable. There are far too many tempting offerings from the many vendors that cover the expansive shopping area. And if you are weak of heart, you had better gather your strengths before passing the Dubarry boot tent or entering the large official Rolex merchandise tent. It can be risky business. The Rolex tent is especially risky business when there is an unexpected markdown or some heavily-reduced items are brought out for the shopping masses to rip through. Don't be shocked at the fast hands and elbowing when it comes to getting the hot new item or last one of something in your size. It's madness. Kind of like the massive annual Barneys of New York sale. Scary stuff!

A very frustrated woman was just in front of me today in the Rolex merchandise tent. How do I say this? She was.... She was.... She was FAT. Okay, I said it. And so am I. So, I guess I shouldn't feel so bad to say it. It's just the way it is. I digress.

Anyway, she was complaining (much like I was in my internal monologue) that there weren't enough "ample size" offerings for sale. There were loads and loads of small, medium and even large sizes to be found. But what about us "big folks"? Was there nothing for us to spend our big bank accounts upon? I guess not.

Who ever is in charge of the Rolex merchandise tent is obviously blithely unaware that most of the population (for worse or whatever) is of "ample carriage." Right? Just look around and it's painfully obvious. No one needs a PhD to see that.

So, why is it that the person in charge of merchandise is so blindly turning away from a market that has deep pockets? Fat people like nice things, too, OK? I hope that person gets a big wake-up call and gets with the program! Stupid! Anyone who knows anything about retail knows that the large sizes sell. They are a guarantee sell! There are tons of big people. How many size 0 people are there? Huh? Not many! Those XS sizes will be the last to go. I'm not saying order a million bigger items...just more. Plus, it looked like they took what was left over from last year and threw it out and passed it off as new merchandise. And, serious, the color selection and variety of items was not good. Wake up Rolex merchandize people.

Now that I've vented...I'm more than ready to turn my attention to Saturday and the exciting cross-country action. Anything can happen in the sport of eventing and placings can change in the blink of an eye on cross-country day. Fingers are crossed that it will go smoothly and everyone will have a great day.

That's all for now!

It has definitely been a busy week at the Kentucky Horse Park - even busier than usual this time of year. Not only has the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event (RK3DE) come to town, but there was a special ceremony held before the jog on Wednesday.

The long-awaited new outdoor stadium was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, preceded by lots of speeches and "thank yous." Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear was on-hand, along with his wife, Jane, who happens to be a longtime equestrian. John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park, served as the host speaker and shared the story of the people who worked for the realization of the $25 million new stadium.

It really is impressive. It has over 7,000 permanent seats, plus it is adaptable to seat as many as 30,000 for huge shows and events. Plus, and super importantly, it has state-of-the-art footing which is the foundation for any world class facility. A German company named OTTO Sport und Reitzplatz GmbH installed it in the main arena, as well as the nearby warm-up area.

No one was forgotten in the program, and the large crowd that gathered then had an opportunity to tour the facility and see up close just how nice the arena turned out to be. From the hospitality area to the main stands to the VIP areas, it's a class act all the way and will bring a new sense of style and stature to the events that it serves.

To the Big Event....

Speaking of that, the first equestrian event it served was today's dressage phase of the RK3DE. The dressage phase of eventing isn't the most electrifying, high-energy thing, but when the dressage test is done brilliantly, it can be inspiring. I've always been a fan of the "fast and furious," so the cross-country and show jumping phases literally make my heart pound.

At the least, this dressage phase was officially the first competition to be held in the new arena, and makes this year's Rolex the first of the World Equestrian Games test events. Pretty cool.

The morning saw fans come from every corner of the country, all in pilgrimage. The diehard eventing fans want to catch as much of the tests as possible and they make it a point to be there when the very first rider enters the ring. The crowd develops across the morning and peaks with the return of action after lunch.

Speaking of lunch - that brings me to another of my favorite topics...food.

Yes, "atmosphere" is a big part of the RK3DE experience. And since I've been coming to this event for literally decades, the food court and vendors have continued in their development and growth. In fact, some people come to this event and never even see a horse unless it is formed in jewelry, painted on a canvas or screen-printed on a t-shirt. Nonetheless, it seems like everyone at one moment of the day or other, makes their way through the food court.

As far as the food goes, it is possible to get a healthy alternative to the deep-fried candy bars and nacho cheese drowned chips and fries. Last year was the first year I remember seeing what I call the salad stand. Simple in its appearance, it can produce a line of eager eaters a mile long and in a split second. Last year, I had no sooner got in line than I had 15 people walk up behind me to form a queue. I guess I got there as it just opened or the moon had aligned with Mars or something. Anyway, the salad was humungous (you had a choice of lettuces and greens), and it was loaded with your choice of accompaniments. Mine, of course, was drowned in bleu cheese dressing and croutons. I never said I was meaning to eat healthfully; I was just craving the toppings and didn't want to eat a hamburger or corndog. Price tag: $9. "Good" don't come cheap at the RK3DE.

The other treat I look forward to is the sweet fruit tea that is sold out of the crab cake stand. My allergy to shellfish prevents me from spending a fortune on the small, but delicious-looking sandwiches, so that is a good thing. But, I cannot resist their iced tea, and iced tea is pretty much the house wine of the South. I have been known to purchase one and revisit them for refills to the point of ridiculousness. I am a Southern boy, and we do love our iced tea.

Of course, you can find a plethora of other things to nosh on. Deep-fried Oreos sound like a sugar nightmare, but I have to admit I bought some last year with two friends. We each were so curious to try them, so we pitched in and shared an order. I have to admit that it was amazing. But, I can't imagine eating more than one. They are the stuff that fat kids dream of (and I would know as I was a sugar-gulping Pugsley). Of course, there are funnel cakes and waffle ice cream sandwiches and the more usual event-type fast foods.

Wow...I have a toothache from all that.

Back to the real action....

Before today's dressage began, two horses found themselves spun from the veterinary jog that took place yesterday. Sad as it was, Leith's mount, ESB Irish Doctrine, was found to be lame in his left hind. According to Ashley, the horse has never been lame in his left hind, and he looked really good earlier in the day. Imagine the frustration...but you have to do what is best for the horse. There is no other way to do it. Craig Thompson's mount, Orion, seemed to be suffering some problems with his right front and was withdrawn, too.

The eventers took to the arena beginning at 10 a.m. with Bruce Davidson, Jr., starting the competitors off. It was a beautiful cool morning, and as the day went on, it only got better. It seems like we may actually get through this year's competition without the sight of rain. That would be a very good thing.

The numbers for the first half of eventers putting down dressage scores were respectable, overall. This year's roster of riders is quite special as it contains quite a few foreign athletes that otherwise wouldn't come to the States except for Rolex.

And it was interesting that the foreign riders staked their claim by edging out their American counterparts and taking the top three positions after Day 1.

Dutchman Tim Lips and Concrex Oncarlos led with a score of 42.0, putting in a solid performance. The Brits brought up the second- and third-place spots (Oliver Townend aboard Carousel Quest and William Fox-Pitt and Navigator, respectively).

The lead U.S. rider was California's pairing of Jolie Sexson and Killian O'Connor who just so happen to be making the RK3DE debut this year. They showed their stuff and were able to earn a very respectable 47.3 score for their efforts.

The dressage phase of the RK3DE will conclude on Friday when the remaining half of the riders ride their test and post their scores. With temperatures firmly in the mid-80s and the forecast calling for gusting winds, it will be interesting to see who sits atop the leader board heading into Saturday's heavily anticipated cross-country competition.

Day Three of the USEF Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, OH, began with more breed and discipline meetings after a night of celebrating those members of the Performance Horse Registry during the Silver Stirrup Awards. After the awards let out, the hotel bars began to fill with revelers, none going to let an early day of meetings get in their way of enjoying their personal victories and raising glasses to toast their fellow winners.

However, the sun did rise early over a frozen downtown and the buzz of activity among the hallways of the Cincinnati Netherland Hilton soon got everyone's blood pumping. There is little time to waste at the Annual Meeting and every minute of the day is jam-packed with activity - many times overlapping itself.

One group that had wrapped up much of its work by this point was the Licensed Officials group that was very productive during its series of closed meetings. Their agenda included evaluations of approximately 130 applications for various licenses and programs. In addition, the committee reviewed new drafts of a number of proposed rule changes referred to the committee. A two-hour open meeting was held Thursday morning. Members of the committee were available to talk with any interested members about the function of the committee or issues regarding judges, stewards, technical delegates, and course designers. In addition, a yearend Licensed Officials Department report was available as a handout to those present. The discussions were both informative and valued.

After a luncheon, the afternoon sessions began and included several breed association meetings, a gathering of the Youth Sports committee, a closed session of the Legal Review committee, plus Legislative and Technical committees. It's simply impossible to attend every meeting, so it's not odd to see attendees jutting in and out of various sessions to try to keep their fingers on the pulse of what's happening as best as they can.

But, if there was one event on Friday that had everyone's attention, it was hands-down the exciting Horse of the Year Awards. It's the annual celebration where the general membership of the Federation - some 90,000+ strong - are honored in every possible Federation breed and discipline from Andalusians to Western riding. It is easily the highlight of the year for those competing in USEF-sanctioned shows, and it is their time to step onto the stage under the bright lights and receive their awards and enter the equestrian pantheon of those great riders and athletes that have come before them. The range of emotions is amazing and the energy in the large beautifully decorated hall is palpable.

Another exciting event is the naming of the one horse, among the thousands competing in competition during the previous year, as the 2008 Farnam/Platform USEF Horse of the Year.

Five candidates were in the running in 2008, including: Adams Fire (a Half-Arabian owned by Starline Arabians, LLC); Dante FQ (a Friesian owned by Friesian Quest, LLC); Flexible (an Irish stallion/jumper owned by Harry and Mollie Chapman); Jamaica (a driving, Dutch Warmblood owned by Chester C. Weber); and Tiziano (a Dutch Warmblood hunter owned by Stone Hill Farm).

At the end of the night, Chris Jacobi (of Farnam) and David O'Connor made the exciting announcement that Jamaica was named the 2008 Horse of the Year.

Jamaica, the foundation of Weber's four-in-hand team is a 17-year-old Dutch gelding. What's so remarkable about the horse's story is that he was saved from a trip to the slaughter house. The horse made its way to Weber's farm.

The winner of the top Horse of the Year award became a part of Weber's team and lead the driver (along with three other horses) to success at the 2008 FEI World Four-in-Hand Driving Championships in Holland, bringing home to Individual Silver medal - the highest ever for an American driving team.

"The horse is amazing," said Weber after receiving his trophy from Jacobi and O'Connor. "It is great to be part of his life."

In addition to the performance in Holland, Jamaica was also a part of all six of Weber's Four-in-Hand National Championship teams.

Tomorrow - Saturday - holds even more award programs. The first will be the presentation of the USEF Media Awards, along with the annual recognition of international athletes in attendance during the Athlete Recognition luncheon.

Later in the evening, after the last of the many breed and discipline meetings, will be the final and anticipated "big event" - the 2008 Pegasus Awards where the stars of the equestrian world will shine and the highest Federation awards for athletes and those involved in the industry will be presented. Included will be the Equestrian of the Year, the Junior Equestrian of the Year, and the highest honor - the USEF Lifetime Achievement Award.

To learn more about the happening at the USEF Annual Meeting, you can go to www.ClubEquestrian.com and watch videos and read more.