Wednesday: skies were gray, but horses shone bright.
-- Aside from the world championships in Gladstone NJ, never before has a driving competition had the turnout it had today. Three nations were represented and a total of 16 four in hand teams were present. Over a handful of competitors from the West Coast came to compete in pony, single, pair and team divisions. 97 competitors in total came ready to compete. The Canadians had a bit of a rough begining with two horses being held from one team for reinspection on Thursday. Three other horses were questioned from the American teams.
Other than that, horses were turned to perfection despite cold temperatures and a blustery breeze. All teams looked ready for the begining of competition.

Thursday: California, Florida, and north east dominated dressage.
-- Out of 16 teams, Americans took 1st 2nd and 4th with only 1 point seperating winner Chester Weber from Tucker Johnson. Chester was driving only two of the horses he won Beesd 2008 with and had a 5 year old in the lead. Austrailia proved to be strong with a 3rd and 5th place finish. Boyd Excell was close behind the US with a 46 and with dressage scores like this, Saturdays marathon will prove very important in the final placing. Canada did not have a strong showing in the dressage but there is always Saturday. Pair driver Larry Poulin from Massachustes received the highest FEI dressage score of a 37. From California, Fritz Grupe won the single horse division with a 50 with wife Phyllis Grupe in 4th in the single pony division behind winner Shelly Temple. Allison Stroud won with her team of gray ponies and all FEI competitors were turned out immaculate in a sunny day which proved a great setting. With so many nations represented and even more present inthe form off trainers, grooms and onlookers, this American show has an international feel to it along with a real sense of important competition. The stage has been set and now the fight or first begins with the marathon.

Friday: rain preludes day of dueling.
-- All competitors woke up today to gray, rainy skies and were happy to not compete. Intermediate and preliminary drivers drove today, slogging through mud and rain and wind for their test. While it rained and the wind blew, all competitors were busy concentrating on planning their strategy for the marathon. 7 hazards, all nice open galloping hazards will lead to one thing, a horse race. A hilly section A and One very challanging hazard number 4 will seperate the fit from the fittest. All of us grooms hope our teams come back safe and all have a great go.