(no photographs today because the internet connection is slower than an old man without Viagra)
It was a blast! Today was a huge amount of fun, and it was so exciting to watch horses and riders get challenged, be safe, and stay entertained. It was one of those courses that I feel should receive a standing O from the crowd – we got everything that we wanted, the wheat separated from the chaff, great weather, daunting jumps, smokin beautiful horses and all that while on vacation.
As usual, we got stuck in front of the Jumbotron as soon as we got into the infield at KHP. Friends start to accumulate and next thing you know, 4 hours have passed and you feel like you have ridden the course yourself at least once. I think the highlight of my day was the first horse on course, Opposition Buzz, ridden by Nichola Wilson (GBR). She might be riding the scopiest horse I have ever seen bless the ground…. ever. There are more amazing horses in the show jumping world, and they are definitely scopey. But for eventing, Buzz is in a class all his own. I am so sorry to tell everyone that Fleetwater Opposition, the sire, is deceased. You might be able to find some semen through Ocala Equine Stallion Services, but hurry!!! His jumping form is not conventional, but it is breathtaking nonetheless. Even after watching him as horse #1, I was not disappointed for the rest of the day. It was so fun to watch the Japanese riders ride well…. maybe they are not in the top 10, but it was obvious from watching them that they are not long from the front lines and we can all look forward to horse sports becoming an important sport for that country. Other highlights for me were: Mandiba and KOC, Karin Donkers on Gazelle de la Brasserie, Redesigned and Pippa Funnell, Vettori and Stuart Tinney, Gin and Juice and Hawley Bennett (on Fire!!), and Steph Rhodes on Port Authority. There were so many others that were a joy to watch, but Im sorry to say that I didnt take enough good notes to report all of them to you.
I wish you all were here to watch it with us…. I highly recommend that you read Jimmy Wofford’s blog for the most “informed” information!