Here is a list of 10 things I would like to do at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and my progress on them so far.
1. Get my picture taken with GBR event horses Miner’s Frolic and Opposition Buzz. I have seen them hacking down the horse path, so I’m considering this a baby step in the right direction.
2. See Totilas in real life. I saw him working in the practice ring Sunday as I was driving past in the golf cart. There’s only one way to describe what I saw. UNREAL. It completely made working on a Sunday worthwhile.
3. Never forget my accreditation. Well, as of day 4 I’m good. I’ll let you know if this was a success on October 10.
4. Stop for gas only once. Currently both the golf cart and my car are running on fumes. It isn’t looking good that this will be accomplished but I haven’t given up quite yet.
5. See Cedric jump in person. I’ll let you know how this goes next week when the jumping competition starts.
6. Pat Carlingford JD. I have a special place in my heart for this skewbald Irish Sport Horse. His rider Laura Goldman and I bonded during the Para-Equestrian Dressage team processing, so I am feeling cautiously optimistic.
7. Learn how to say some phrases in foreign languages. I gave some of the Dutch and German grooms a ride to the barn from the campground this morning. However, I didn’t pick up any new phrases. I may need to go and buy Rosetta Stone before week 2 begins.
8. Buy some Christmas presents. The holidays are still months away and I’m not much a planner. The adrenaline rush of realizing its December 22nd and you still haven’t purchased gifts is an annual occurrence for me. So let’s be honest this will be one of the harder missions I have set out for myself.
9. See the USA win a medal. I watched the reiners slide to the Team Gold on Sunday.
10. See the USA win MORE medals. Todd and Katherine set the US up well yesterday in the team dressage competition (US currently sits fourth) for Tina and Steffen to add to the US medal haul with good performances today. The eventers look fit and ready and Boyd, Buck, Phillip, Kim, Karen and Becky are someone the most competitive Americans out there. The entire Adequan US Reining Team qualified for the individual round and they would all like to leave with additional hardware.
The jumpers, vaulters, para-equestrians and drivers are also going to be ready to put their best effort in during week 2.