Welcome to the Jennifer Wood Media Blog! I plan to have lots of upcoming blog posts that will cover a range of topics, including exclusive interviews, stories of my road trips to horse shows - including the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games! - links to other equestrian topics, videos, photos, guest bloggers, humor, and more!
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I spoke with John Long, the CEO for the United States Equestrian Federation, in August for an article on how Kentucky is preparing for WEG in a French magazine, and due to space limits, much of our conversation couldn't be used. I wanted people to be able to hear all that John had to say, so here it is!
John Long, CEO of the USEF
How important is it that this is the first World Equestrian Games outside of Europe?
It was essential to have the World Equestrian Games outside of Europe. That was one of the things that we discussed at length with the FEI originally. For these to really be called the 'World' Equestrian Games, they need to come outside of Europe to make them really for the world. I think that played very well. It was one of the principal reasons that the Games were awarded here. There was also a considerable amount of familiarity with the Horse Park as a result of the Kentucky Rolex 3-Day Event having been here for the better part of two decades. The combination of the argument was 1. That it needs to come outside of Europe and 2. Where is a better place than the Kentucky Horse Park? Those were two reasons that the bid came our way.
How much support do you have from the local community?
We would not be where we are today without the emotional support of the municipal government in Lexington and in the capital of Frankfort. When we all came over to Aachen after we won the bid, the governor at the time, Ernie Fletcher, saw the scope and size of the wonderful event that was conducted in Aachen four years ago, and he got it. One of the things that he concluded very quickly is that the Horse Park didn't have an outdoor facility that looked even remotely like the one in Aachen. He very quickly came back to work. When the new governor, Governor Steve Beshear, came into office, he was able to reallocate some monies within the tourism cabinet that have already been approved by the legislature, but the projects had not begun yet. Those monies were allocated to build the new outdoor arena. The indoor money had already been approved. I think that the takeaway from Aachen was that we really need to have the support of the state to make this work. Unlike WEG in Europe and most large sporting events, we don't look for state or federal funding for these large events. They're pretty much funded on their own. In this last legislature, the state did approve about $2.6 million that will go directly to police, fire, and EMT. We don't have any subsidy or underwriting from the state.
I can't imagine a situation that would be more perfect than what we have with the Governor and the First Lady. They both ride- Jane is still an active three-day eventer as a grandmom, Steve is a foxhunter. They have horses, and they have a tremendous affection for this place. They've had involvement here at the Horse Park since it really opened. To have that kind of support and that kind of access in the governor's office has just been phenomenal.
Who all is involved in these Games?
The USEF, FEI, Alltech, State and municipal governments, the WEG committee, and Kentucky Horse Park staff. The WEG has it's own board, which operates as 501 (c) (3), not as part of the state government, but it has components of a lot of the organizations. The First Lady Jane Beshear, Mayor Newberry from City of Lexington, state officials, and more are on the board, and I chair the board on behalf of USEF and WEG people. One of the things that we learned from Aachen is that the downtown did their thing and the competition on the showgrounds did their thing. They made sure that there was coordination and communication going back and forth, but the Games didn't really supervise what was going on downtown and allowed the city officials to create what they thought was perfect for them. It sounds simple, but it was a great lesson here. The city has its own festival and is complementary rather than competitive to the Horse Park. That arrangement is working really well.
How does the USEF feel to host the WEG at their home facility?
It makes me feel very proud to have the WEG at the home of the USEF, and it's very humbling at the same time. We have a big show to put on, but I'm really proud that we're going to be able to do it here. My staff is walking on cloud nine and were counting down the days. We're going to do a renovation of our lobby and modernize it with new monitors that will be able to show historical rides and more current video. We'll be doing all of our U.S. Team processing here, a lot of credentialing here for owners. It's going to be right in the middle of everything and we feel very proud to have a part in it.
What do you think WEG will do for the equestrian industry in America?
What we hope is that it's going to elevate horse sport and make it more visible to our country. We now have a relationship with the AQHA, which in a very large degree, has come as a result of their support of reining. That's huge for us to be able to have a formal relationship with the AQHA. The equine pavilion, what's known as the covered arena, is going to have a series of demonstration events and clinics with people like Clinton Anderson, Pat Parelli, Morgans, Saddlebreds, Quarter Horses, Paso Finos, chuckwagons, Friesians. It's going to be an opportunity to showcase what we have here in the United States, not only our own breeds but breeds that are traditionally seen in Europe. Everyone that comes to the park that pays just general admission to get in the front door will have free access to these clinics. There will be something to do for everyone.
How important were the test events, and the fact that you held them for all disciplines?
The test events were incredibly important. We learned so much. Our endurance test event was the quintessential test event. It was cold, we had torrential downpours, we learned about electrical problems, we learned about where roads need to be where they weren't, we learned a lot about the canopies for the tents, we learned about generators and electricity when it rains like that, and we also learned about the course, how the course itself performed under really, really extreme weather situations. We really learned a lot from that. For the jumping and dressage test events on either end of the Rolex event, they were equally good in that it allowed the organization from the WEG to operate in concert with the organizers and staff of the KHP. We got people put together. They created problems and fixed the problems. The reining test event was critical in terms of footing. We learned about how we can make the footing better than it already is. We learned a lot from all of them, and that's why they call them test events. I think there were some people who thought we didn't need to do all seven disciplines, but in hindsight I'm glad we did because it really stitched the three teams together: the staff members of the USEF involved, but also those working for the KHP and the WEG people.
What has been the biggest challenge?
The world economy is radically different today than it was when we won the bid. After the bid was secured, we were able to land the title sponsor with Alltech, who invested $10 million in a title sponsorship, which is unheard of in our sport. Four years ago, we all would have thought that sponsorships for the rest of the categories would be fairly easy to secure and numerous companies would be lining up. If someone would have told me four years ago that the world economy would turn upside down and that WEG wouldn't have an automobile category or prominent international bank filling the financial services category (as of August), I think we would have said you're nuts. Today, neither of those two categories nationally are filled. It has been very challenging on the sponsorship front, but having said that, we are closing in on our sponsorship goals. We've had to do it very creatively, and in a lot of cases, the sponsorships have been VIK (Value In Kind) as opposed to cash, but they've been budget relieving at the same time. We rolled up our sleeves, but that's what we do in this country. We got creative and we're almost there. The economy has really been the largest challenge.
The logistics for something the size of this Park, which is 1200 acres and significantly larger than any of the other venues, is difficult. It's just getting people moved around and making sure that we never run out of hot dogs, the beer tents don't run out of beer, et cetera. It's a more challenging situation for us because of the enormity of the space. The size of the park really is both good news and bad news. It's going to be great for everybody who can really stride out and see all that the park has to offer, but from behind the scenes it's going to make it a little bit more challenging to get things moved around.
I think what we've taken for granted at this point is that the facility is done. All of the construction is finished. Both stadiums are done. The roadways have been redone for the first time since the park was opened. The four rail fencing has been replaced and painted. So many times when you go to the Olympics or something, the paint is still drying, the concrete is still wet, and the workmen are still taking down the scaffolding. We've been really, really lucky in that regard, that all of the infrastructure and construction has been done now for a year. We can concentrate on operations and logistics and not have to worry about moving forklifts and tractors around.
How will this WEG be different from the past competitions?
I think Para-dressage makes it different. The fact that we are conducting the Para-Equestrian event contemporaneously with the able-bodied athletes may be one of the most wonderful things of all. It's never been done before, it's never even been done at the Olympics. All of the para-athletes from around the world are going to have the opportunity to play on the same stage as the able-bodied athletes at the same time. I can't think of a better place in the world to do that than here in the United States of America.
I think the fact that when we walk through the KHP on any given day during the 16 days of WEG, we'll see Europeans, but we're also going to see a lot of people from Central and South America that perhaps have always wanted to go see a WEG but could not make the trip to Europe. We'll see the demographics will be considerably different than the ones in Europe.
I also think we're going to see people that really don't have an affinity with horse sport. Maybe they just ride occasionally or they rode as a kid. That's because we are putting a special emphasis on celebrating the culture and heritage of this area. Even if you don't know anything about horses, this is going to be a fun place to come to. The music, food, wine, all of these things that I've come to love having lived here for more than a decade, we're going to have on display for people that don't have a close connection with horses. Rather than just having brochures that you can pick up at a table that talks about all of the things to do in Kentucky, we're going to build it. There will be real bourbon here, things like that. The Kentucky Experience, which is being put together by the Department of Tourism, is about 80,000 feet of wonderful things to do here in the Commonwealth. This WEG will have a big tourism, culture, heritage component to it for those people who might not be particularly involved with horses but want to have a couple days at the Park.
How do you feel about ticket sales?
What we're now seeing is that we're on the cusp of increase in sales. We're 80% of the way there. (as of August) We really haven't sold any of the general admission tickets yet. I think the bulk of those tickets are going to be made three days before, as last minute purchasing decisions. I consulted the Vancouver Olympic Games Organizing Committee and they saw the same trends.
Do you feel like you're ready for WEG?
Events of this size is like putting a cake in the oven. You can't bring it out until it's done. We're still fine tuning the transportation and the parking plans. A year ago we were fully expecting to have parking some miles away from the Horse Park and shuttling everybody in, having virtually no parking close to the park. That has changed almost completely. There was a farm that was sold 11 months ago right across from the WEG offices. They approached us about using 40 acres for parking. It's close to the campground, so we thought we could make something work in the campground. The property immediately behind the USEF offices has just gone up for sale, about seven weeks ago. We're working on arrangements with them to park on their property. In less than a year, we've gone from virtually complete satellite parking and shuttling to having virtually all the parking we're going to need with just a short walk to the main gate. That just happened and came out of nowhere. When that happens, you need to have an organization that is fluid and flexible enough to take this opportunity and make it work.
How amazing is it that there will be so much television coverage of equestrian sport at the WEG? How did you get this kind of exposure?
When this Federation started in the fall of 2003, one of the first conversations that we had concerning the Rolex 3-Day Event was how can we televise it. I knew the NBC guys from having worked at Churchill Downs where they've broadcasted for years and years. We had a great relationship with Bob Hughes of Carr-Hughes productions. Bob came out of the Olympic family, was at USA Luge and had done some things for the Federation before. At the Rolex in the first year of the Federation, we did our first time-buy. We've been on NBC with the telecast at each of the three-day events since then. We've had a great relationship.
When the WEG team started to come together, it was obvious that Bob Hughes and Carr-Hughes would be the production team for the WEG and the NBC arrangements fell into place pretty quickly. Six and a half hours of network coverage is unheard of in this country. Universal Sports on their cable systems will be televising about 45 hours of the competition. The middle Sunday, NBC will go live from The Ryder Cup in Wales to live at the WEG in Lexington, Kentucky. John Miller (NBC) estimates that there may be 500 million eyeballs that will make the switch from golf to equestrian. That hasn't happened anywhere.
That's another absolute dream come true. How do we leverage that, how do we make it work, and what is the legacy of that amount of programming? The NBC telecast is extremely exciting, commercially as well, because it allows many of our sponsors who committed to sponsorships but also needed television time and the commercials to create their return on investment for the Games. It works really perfectly, all the way around.
What do you think the legacy of WEG will be?
The legacy has already begun to happen. While the outdoor stadium was constructed as a result of winning the bid, the indoor had already been pre-approved. We've had the opportunity to conduct two Rolex events and the North American Junior Young Rider Championships in the outdoor. In the new indoor facility, there are already 28 new competitions that are coming to the Horse Park as a result of that facility being built, and we haven't even started the WEG yet. It's pre-legacy in that regard. The Horse Park was really only a six to seven month a year operation. There was no temperature controlled facility that would allow them to solicit business and host new shows. With the new indoor, there are 28 new competitions already signed up. That's pretty exciting. It means that the Horse Park is going to be a 12 month facility. It's a good thing for jobs and job creation. It means food service will be here operating all year. It takes the Horse Park into a brand new place. When we had Young Riders going on, there was a reining competition in the indoor and there was a hunter/jumper show going on. We had a record number of participants and 2,200 horses on the property. In a way, we're already living the legacy.
For WEG, we have completed infrastructure and construction of the new facilities, roads, landscaping, telecommunications, and (there has) probably been $35 million put into the park that some people locally say, 'It's all for WEG, it only lasts 16 days, what kind of deal is that?' But nobody is looking past the Games. It takes the Park to a brand new level and allows it to host events that never would have come here. That's going to be a great and easy payback, a great ROI for the Commonwealth.
What are you looking forward to?
I am so optimistic and so bullish and so excited about what's going to be happening over the next month. I don't see any red flags. I think that we can't control the weather, but it really is one of the best times of the year here. I think the weather is going to be terrific. I think everyone who hasn't seen the Park is going to fall in love with it. There is also going to be a lot happening downtown. It's going to be a 16 day party there. People will have the opportunity to go from the Horse Park to downtown and listen to music, hang out, see medal re-givings. The restaurant scene is remarkable for a city this size. I think it's going to be a terrific event.
I'm here in Lexington, working for the United States Equestrian Federation, helping cover the American athletes' success at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. You can find them at www.usef.org.
The press center at the Alltech Arena
Although I did reining in college (yes, really), I have never seen a real top reining competition. So when Joanie Morris told me that I would be writing the USEF press releases for reining, I was really excited. My friend Kira Johnson, a lifetime hunter/jumper person, has recently made the shift to reining with great success, and the sport has always looked like lots of fun. Kira has been an invaluable resource of reining knowledge!
Yesterday they held the horse inspection for the reining horses. All of them had to present for the vets, ground jury/stewards, and show that they were fit to compete. Three failed this test, which is always really sad to see someone's dream come to end before it even starts.
The Adequan U.S. Reining Team Chef d'Equipe, Jeff Petska, talked to me after the jog. He talked about having four incredible reiners on his team, ones that have each won at least $1 million in reining earnings, and have all won gold medals at a WEG. Their experience is what makes him feel confident going into these Games.
Chef d'Equipe Jeff Petska (left) with reining supporter Pete Kyle
“Experience-wise, they are all the top riders in our sport, and they have all been to a WEG and have been gold medalists. That experience is huge because when we come here, they know what to expect and how to operate within the guidelines of the FEI,” Petska explained. “They're just pros; they're great horsemen and have great programs at home.”
“That's helped a bunch,” he went on to say. “That's so important when we're picking a team because we're very aware of the riders and we want to make sure that everyone knows that the work begins when you qualify. You don't want to put anything off until you get here. That gives us as few as possible hurdles to overcome, as far as getting our horses prepared.”
Some things that I noticed at the jog:
The horses are so little, yet most of the reiners are big dudes.
Shawn Flarida and RC Fancy Step
The manes. Oh god, the manes! I can't imagine having to take care of that every day.
Excuse the blurry image, but do you SEE that mane?
They have the best names, ones like Gumpy Grumpy BB, A Real Hillbilly, and Smoking Kills.
The Adequan U.S. Reining Team, composed of Tim McQuay, Tom McCutcheon, Shawn Flarida, and Craig Schmersal, have won over $9 million dollars in NRHA winnings.
The Adequan U.S. Reining Team
The reining horses have pretty amazing manners. Out of the 75 horses that jogged, 42 of them were stallions, 23 were geldings, and there were 10 mares. The majority of the stallions just stood around next to the mares, didn't flick an ear, and jogged perfectly!
For you jumping fans, here's a tidbit for you: Tom McCutcheon's horse, Gunners Special Nite, is owned by Sarah Willeman, who was one of the top junior jumper and equitation riders and owner of top show jumpers like Fein Cera, who was in the 2004 Olympic Games. Gunners Special Nite is one of two paint horses competing in the reining.
Tom McCutcheon and Gunners Special Nite
The first part of the reining team competition began today, and Tim McQuay and Hollywoodstinseltown (below) finished in third with a score of 220.5.
Former dressage rider, Olympic gold medalist, WEG champion (etc, etc) Anky van Grunsven has made the switch successfully to reining. She and Whizashiningwalla BB performed admirably for a score of 211.
Anky! Sequins! Cowboy hat!
Craig Schmersal and Mister Montana Nic upped the ante when he posted a score of 223.5 for second place on the day.
Craig Schmersal and Mister Montana Nic enter the arena to a big crowd
Mister Montana Nic is an old campaigner at 12 years old, while the other three U.S. horses are only six. Schmersal called him his "Old Faithful."
In reining, there are five judges that give scores starting at 70, going up or down from there based on how they complete their pattern. The high and low scores are dropped, and the three remaining scores are added together for their final score. Only 28 horses show today (and you thought hunters were slow), and the final group competes tomorrow. Go USA!
Check back in every day that I'm here at WEG for blog posts, and please visit Equestrian Life's new page, WEG CONNECT, where you can join other equestrians for chats about WEG, see and upload photos from WEG, and watch fantastic videos on some of the athletes that will be at WEG.
The U.S. Show Jumping Team – McLain Ward, Mario Deslauriers, Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut, Candice King, and Chef d'Equipe George Morris, were at the USEF offices today to pick up all of their official swag for the World Equestrian Games. They held a press conference to talk about arriving in Kentucky and getting ready for WEG.
The U.S. Show Jumping Team
How well prepared do you all feel right now and how are your horses looking?
McLain Ward: My horse feels great; she’s just about ready to go. Now it’s just waiting the last few days and trying to keep everything together. I’m really excited to be a part of this team; there are four other great riders and great horses. I’m excited to be at our home venue and now we just need to stay focused on the job.
Mario Deslauriers: I think my horse is going to peak at the right time. He was very good at the last few shows so we are just doing the final prep. He jumped yesterday before we came and he’s going to jump one more time. It’s exciting to walk in here this morning and see all the new stuff that happened here at the park, with all the exhibitors that are around. Trying on the clothes puts us in the feeling of things! I’m excited to be competing on my new team with my new Chef d’Equipe. Hopefully Urico stays on track and we are all on the same page come Monday.
Lauren Hough: I’m also really excited to be here with all of the anticipation. This process started for us in February and to now have it actually be happening is very exciting. I just finished jumping two weeks in Spain. Cedric and Quick Study flew to New York on the 22nd, and they are probably getting on the truck right now to travel to Kentucky. We’re going to layover at a farm close by and then we all move in together on the 1st. I’ll probably give him one more school this week but he was in super form in Madrid and I think now we just need to stay focused and do the best we can.
Laura Kraut: Cedric has been going really well this last part of the summer. I wish I could say I’m positive that he will be peaking this next week, but he’s certainly been good all year so I hope he stays in the same form he as been in and I don’t do anything to mess that up. I’m very excited to be back in the United States. We’ve been in Europe all year, so to come here and have Starbucks this morning makes me very happy. Lexington, Kentucky is a home away from home for most of us because we competed here so much. It’s thrilling to get to come here and be a part of all of this.
Candice King: My horse feels on form and is ready to go if need be. I’m just excited to be here with everybody and like Lauren said, it’s been a long year leading up to this. It’s quite exciting for all of us and I think we’re all ready to do the best that we can.
George Morris: I’m very happy to have these five people here. They are all great riders, great people, great friends of mine, and they have lovely horses. I purposely came to the WEG this year differently than we went to Aachen or went to Hong Kong because it is home territory. I didn’t gather these people together like I did in Holland a week before Hong Kong. I let them stay in their own rhythm. I have two of these girls that spent much of their time in Europe and I thought Madrid was a great ending horse show for their horses on the 12th of September. I purposely left McLain, Mario, and Candice up at HITS because that ended on the 12th of September. I didn’t take them out of their rhythm. These are professionals, they know the game better than I do; they know their horses better than I do. I’m having them come to Kentucky just as they have many times before as another horse show. They are very disciplined and they are very focused, which under pressure is important. I am going to stress adaptability the first night with their game plan on a Table C course. They need to be adaptable, they need a winning strategy, but they need to stay adaptable. They might pull it together if necessary or open it up. Their game plan is up to them but I think we will have a little meeting next Saturday to discuss our strategy for that opening night.
If you make it to the final four and need to switch horses is there anything that you are concerned about?
Lauren Hough: I think for all of us this is really one day at a time and the most important thing is that we come home with a team medal. We really are strong as a team. On my behalf it’s not something I’m focused on, if that day comes any of the four of us will worry about it at that time, but to think that far ahead is difficult.
George Morris: It’s icing on the cake.
McLain Ward: I’m actually concerned because my horse is so easy to ride that I’m afraid I’ll get my butt kicked. (laughs) She rides like an equitation horse so it’s pretty easy!
Having a laugh at McLain's comment about Sapphire
Mario, what does it mean to you to ride for the United State’s team?
Mario Deslauriers: It’s a different situation for me. I’ve done a few Olympic Games and World Championships for the Canadian team. This is a bit special because it’s on our own turf now and it’s in the States. We’re really hoping to make the sport grow in America and this is a great location. It was in the plan a couple years ago to go through the change and to see it come true now, to really have made the team and be here, it’s very exciting. We hope to do well. I have great teammates and we feel very solid. Come Monday we hope to go and have good results.
Mario Deslauriers
George Morris: We’re not hoping to have good results; we’re going to have good results! (laughs)
What are your hopes for the equestrian sport with hosting the WEG here?
Laura Kraut: My hope is that this is a very special event and it comes across to be as impressive as we hope it will be to the rest of the world, as well as to the people within the United States. I think we’ll have more viewers on television and in person that have never really experienced equestrian sport before. Hopefully it will be exciting and interesting for them because in the end that will only benefit all of us through sponsorships and more people becoming involved.
Do you feel that you have an advantage because you are the home team and did not have to travel as far?
Laura Kraut: Our horses just came back from Europe, but they are used to transport. Even going to Hong Kong we were more worried about the weather than the trip. Most of the horses that are coming here are the same; they are veterans to travel so that part isn’t going to impact them. I also think the weather is going to be fantastic for everyone.
McLain Ward: I think it is very nice; it’s not the home field advantage but it is home field. As George always says we are a little bit of an island in the sport and we do have to travel abroad most of the time for international competitions and championships in particular. I think to be at home with our home crowd in familiar territory is something that we’re not accustomed to and is a great plus.
It was a long road to get here with the trials and everything you went through, can you talk about getting here?
McLain Ward: It’s a journey and it is actually a lot longer than February. Most of our journeys started many years ago with our horses. I started thinking about this event on the plane ride back from Hong Kong. It’s a lot of stress on our support teams and our owners, but it has built up to this moment and this is what you live for. Like everyone said, this morning you started feeing the excitement and it doesn’t get old. This is my fourth championship in a row now and it’s just as exciting as the first time.
Mario Deslauriers: Like I said before, from the change of citizenship to getting a new horse in Urico, to getting a new owner in Jane Clark, just going through all the steps. This horse was eight-years-old when we bought him in April so to come this far and do all the travel and compete at the World Cup Finals and the Nations Cups and to finally be here in Kentucky is very exciting. I couldn’t ask for a better scenario. I’m excited to be with four great people and it’s fantastic.
Lauren Hough: When it was first announced that the WEG was going to be held in Lexington it became a goal of mine, to ride in a World Championship on our home turf. Quick Study happened to come into my life at the right time and it was years ahead of just this year. We had the Selection Trials in February and then we all moved on to Europe for Tours. We had a lot of jumping to do in the winter, spring, and summer, and I think we have all chosen different paths to get our horses to peak at the right time and hopefully we’re all ready.
Laura Kraut: I can’t add much to that other than I think in addition to all the preparation and planning that goes into this job, in the end a lot of it relies on luck. I always say that all the stars and moons have to be lined up to actually have this plan and actually have it carry out. Like McLain, I am lucky enough to have this be my third championship in a row and I feel very fortunate. We’re not there yet though, we still have one more week.
Candice King: I feel the same way. Like Lauren said, when it was announced that it would be on home turf I knew I had never been to a World Games or an Olympics so it was a goal and I have very supportive owners. I found my horse three years ago and we wanted to make this the goal and it’s exciting to make it this far.
George Morris: I just hope that my legacy includes organization of High Performance teams. It would include the Super League and my baby, our selection procedure. This country is very big and it is democratic; that’s how you have to approach the Selection Procedure. Each country is different, Holland is different, France is different, England is different, they are all different. I’m very protective of this baby that I created years ago with two or three people. Yes it sounds long because it includes pre-selection, subjective selection, objective jumping trials, and European horse shows. I hope this will continue after I retire because I think it is very important for our country to have those phases.
George Morris
McLain Ward, Mario Deslauriers, Lauren Hough, Laura Kraut, Candice King, George Morris
It was a great day yesterday for fans of American equestrian sport. The U.S. reiners took home the Gold medal with a dominating performance over Belgium and Italy. The event was broadcast live on NBC.
The Adequan U.S. Reining Team with Donna Brothers of NBC- she does the horseback interviews at the Kentucky Derby!
I've been educated lately in reining terms and more. At the press conference on Saturday, U.S. Chef d'Equipe Jeff Petska gave a great explanation of the pattern that the reiners did in the team competition. Here's the gist of it, for those of you who watched on NBC and were wondering what things mean!
Jeff Petska with Gunners Special Nite
“Reining has set Patterns with set maneuvers. There were seven maneuvers in today's pattern- a spin each direction, then a lead departure, 2 large fast circles followed by 1 small slow. There should be a distinct change of speed from large, fast to small, slow. You look for speed and authority as the horse executes, how well and evenly they slow down. Then right in the center of arena, execute a flying lead change, circles again, after second lead change, horse should be quiet and under control to prepare for the run down. They should then be building speed evenly and consistently, like an airplane taking off. Once they pass the center cone, riders ask the horse to (do a sliding) stop, do a right rollback- then should be quiet and listening again, do another sliding stop left rollback, a final sliding stop past center marker, then stop and back up. The judges are evaluating at all times for any variation like overspin, which has a penalty attached. If you vary far enough, you can get score of zero.”
Tom McCutcheon and Gunners Special Nite enter the ring
The U.S. won it's third straight Gold medal in reining at WEG competition since its inception as an FEI sport. Belgium won their first ever team reining medal, and Cira Baeck, when asked if they think teams will contest the U.S., laughed, “I don't think we can ever beat them, but we'll try!”
U.S. walking in for medal ceremony
One of the highlights of the reining press conference was hearing Belgian reiner Jan Boogaerts talk. With his luxurious moustache and dead perfect Texas accent, he explained how generous his teammate Cira, and Chef Susie (Cira's sister) were for him when his horse was injured just a month before WEG.
“About four or five weeks ago, he got an infection in stifle. He had to be operated on, and at this point, I don't know if he'll ever see the show pen again or not. I want to take this opportunity to thank Cira and Susie. When I called her to give her the news, she was very quiet, but within a half hour, they said we want you on the team and you can have Cira's alternate horse. They're the ones that made sure I was here.”
The Belgian reining team- I wasn't kidding about that moustache
When asked if he lived in the U.S. full-time or was originally an American, he shook his head and said to the delight of the crowd, “In Belgium, they don't dub the American TV show. I used to watch Bonanza and Chuck Norris, the Walker Texas Ranger. That's where it comes from.”
How awesome is that?
Here are some other tidbits from the press conference:
Tom McCutcheon - “I don't know that we'll ever get the opportunity to put together a team like this again. In 20 or 30 years, I'll look back and say that I remember that team. I think truly it'll be a hard team to ever get by.”
The Adequan U.S. Reining Team- Chef d'Equipe Jeff Petska, Tom McCutcheon, Tim McQuay, Shawn Flarida, and Craig Schmersal
Tim McQuay - “I was just saying how when this WEG started, the overall quality of exhibitors in this event has grown so much. They're going to be tough, no question about it.”
Tim McQuay and Hollywoodstinseltown, eyeing me from the ring
Craig Schmersal, on why he brought Mister Montana Nic instead of Boom Shernic - “I had to change horses. He wasn't 100% sound. The toughest part of being here is passing the jog. I didn't want to be worried about that horse. Thank God I had Mister Montana Nic qualified as well. It was a no-brainer and I had a great horse to fall back on. I was in a good position. He's 12 and he showed better this year than any other.”
Shawn Flarida - “My ride was really good, I was hoping the score was going to be good. I couldn't hear myself think when I was walking to the center. He was so sweet to show.” When asked what this means to him, even though he has won many events and millions of dollars, he said, “I love to compete, so if you told me I could win a marble out there, I would go out there and try to win it.”
Shawn Flarida
Although Flarida finished with the highest score and he qualified for the Individual Final, he and the other reiners will start with a clear score on Thursday.
“For the individual, I need to go back and repair some things,” he revealed. “He maybe didn't run down the left side as good as he could have, but he was good. The circles were great. He's a strong horse and he turned so hard. I was so proud of him. I'll go get him ready for the final trip now.”
Chef d'Equipe Jeff Petska, when awkwardly asked if the U.S. Team had an advantage because they were “much bigger” than the other reiners - “We brought a bunch of heavyweights to a heavyweight fight! Anybody want to wrestle?”
The Italian Chef d'Equipe - “They're tired of being third for the third time. It's time to move up!”
Italian reining team
The Belgian Chef d'Equipe - “We were hoping to be in the top five, and we wanted to be bronze. Getting silver is a dream come true. Tomorrow when we wake up, we will realize, and we will have a headache for sure!”
The endurance competed yesterday, and the U.S. had a disappointing finish when Heather Reynolds was spun at the final vet check after she came in fourth place. Four out of five U.S. Endurance riders didn't finish because they were disqualified at the vet checks.
It was great to see that the German endurance team, who won the bronze medal, was an all-woman team.
Can you believe that Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton, the Gold medal in Endurance, gave birth only seven weeks ago? That is incredible!
The place was buzzing yesterday when Princess Haya (FEI President) showed up for the Reining medal ceremony in jeans, a t-shirt, and a windbreaker. Another interesting note- her husband, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the United Arab Emirates, won the individual silver medal and team gold medal in Endurance, but did not take the podium during the medal ceremonies. He was represented by the UAE Chef d'Equipe.
EDITED TO ADD: Here is the official statement from HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. <!-- @page { margin: 0.79in } P { margin-bottom: 0.08in } -->
"HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was engaged on official state business and was regrettably unable to attend today’s individual Endurance medal ceremony at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™."
Dressage starts today! Todd Flettrich and Otto, along with Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Nartan, will compete for the U.S. today in the Team Grand Prix competition. Even though it's cold and raining, people are piling into the outdoor stadium to watch. According to WEG, total attendance for events and the opening ceremonies at the World Equestrian Games on Saturday, Sept. 25, was 23,081. Sunday's attendance was 12,259.
Check back tomorrow for more photos and a report!
IMAGES FROM THE WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES REINING AND OPENING CEREMONIES
Gunners Special Nite
Sarah Willeman, owner of Gunners Special Nite
Jeff Petska and Michelle Flarida
Mandy McQuay, loudest whistler in the arena!
The USEF cheering section at reining
The herd of photographers for medal ceremony
The flags are raised with the U.S. team on the jumbotron
Main grandstand at opening ceremonies
Crowds at opening ceremonies
Opening ceremonies stage
UK cheerleaders- their basket tosses were incredible!
Culver Equestrian exhibition
Chris McCarron racehorse exhibition
FEI and local government delegation
Wynonna Judd on the jumbotron- she sang "My Old Kentucky Home" beautifully
William Shatner (in the suit, not the blue dress) in the saddlebred exhibition
The U.S. team in the Parade of Nations
Kentuckian, the Greatest of All Time, Muhammad Ali, special guest of honor!
I'm pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to travel around the world and see the best that equestrian sport has to offer. When I worked for Phelps Media Group, I was fortunate to travel to World Cup Finals, the WEG in Aachen, and the Olympic Games in Hong Kong. Through these events, I have learned so much about dressage and I've come to appreciate the sport not only for its intricacy, but it's athleticism too. I don't think anything will ever top Steffen Peters and Ravel's win in Las Vegas for pure excitement, but the experience of watching a horse like Moorlands Totilas is another thing of wonder.
Totilas insanity, everyone wants a piece!
Today they won the Grand Prix and helped The Netherlands handily win the gold medal. Totilas is ridden by Edward Gal, who guided him to a score of 84.043%. Before Totilas came along, scores in the 80s were something special, and 90s were unheard of. Totilas has set a new standard, and watching him is like seeing those freak of nature athletes like Usain Bolt or Michael Phelps. I love that he is so fine-boned. I'm amazed that he is so steady at just 10 years old. This is the first year that he has been breeding in addition to competing, and his trip to America was his first time riding in an airplane.
Just some of the people ringside to watch Totilas warm up
When I talked to Edward Gal today, he felt like he had to hold Totilas back in the ring for the Grand Prix.
Here's what he had to say:
“I felt at the start he was a little bit tense. We entered the arena and they started clapping and yelling. It's quite difficult to focus. You feel the horse, he gets a little bit excited. But, after the walk, I felt him relaxing. In the canter, he felt okay and I felt I could start riding a little bit more and it will be okay. I was very happy with such a test. Every time it's amazing to ride him like this.”
Edward Gal talking to reporters
“I was really happy with him considering how young he is. It's quite a lot for a horse just 10 years old. He hasn't done much of big competition like this. It's quite a lot for a young stallion. Also in the stables there is a lot happening and horses passing by and he's quite excited. When a horse is sensitive, it's quite difficult.”
“I rode conservative at the start. That's the good thing about him. You don't have to ride him 100%; when he gives 70 or 80 per cent, it's also good enough. That makes it easier to ride. You have to control his temper enough so that you don't do too much. We want to keep it smooth. I know how he can be at home. When he's really relaxed, it's much better. It's hard to believe it because when you see the points and audience and I know it can go better. You never can practice this, the crowds, everything, at home though.”
Gal and Totilas prepare to enter the ring, Dutch Chef Sjef Janssen in front. Check out Totilas' pointed toe below the fence board!
Steffen Peters and Ravel gave a great performance as well, and a score of 78.596 is nothing to scoff at. In fact, Steffen said that it was scores of 78 that won him the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas last year. Many were concerned that Steffen and his team didn't take Ravel to Europe this summer, especially to defend his title at the CHIO Aachen. After today, they can eat their words.
“I'm excited that the plan worked,” Steffen agreed. “We got a lot of criticism that we didn't show up in Europe this year, but it was the right decision to keep him bubble wrapped and fresh for this show. The plan paid off 100%.”
Steffen Peters
Steffen said that Ravel was feeling good and ready to go today. “He was relatively fresh out here. That's just him. In the last few days, anytime I ask for the walk trot transition, he lets out a big squeal, a big buck. It takes a lot of patience at that time not too work him too hard and take all of the energy out. It's not the safest feeling to go in with a horse a little bit on the edge, but the bottom line is that I know Ravel good enough now, that after 30 minutes of this type of work, he settles down. That's exactly what happened in the show arena today,” he explained.
He was happy with the event here in Kentucky as well. “It was absolutely fantastic. The stalls are great, the spectators are great, the footing is great. The whole facility is unbelievable. I saw it at the test event in April, but it was nothing compared to this now. The facility totally rose to the occasion,” he remarked.
Steffen, like many other riders, warmed up with a helmet on. Courtney King Dye, a top U.S. Dressage rider that had a severe head injury earlier this year, was here to watch and cheer on her friends.
While fourth place just out of the medals was disappointing for the American team, it was quite a good finish considering that three out of the four riders had never ridden for the team before. Although they weren't on the podium, fourth place has guaranteed them a place in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Todd Flettrich, Katherine Bateson-Chandler, Tina Konyot, Steffen Peters, and Chef d'Equipe Eva Salomon
The top 30 from today's Grand Prix will continue on to tomorrow's Grand Prix Special, which is the first individual medal competition. The top 15 from the Special will compete in the Freestyle on Friday night, which I'm bummed that I won't be able to see because there are always amazing rides and it's cool to see what music the riders use.
Check back tomorrow for more on dressage, and on Thursday I'll be back to reining for the individual competition!
DRESSAGE PHOTOS
USEF President David O'Connor was on hand
The main grandstand was full for dressage
Katherine Bateson-Chandler
Katherine hugs Nartan after their test
Nartan gets a pat too!
The entire U.S. reining team (not all pictured) was on hand to watch their U.S. teammates today
Casual Steffen yesterday
Tina Konyot and the adorable Calecto exit the ring
Todd Flettrich
Todd and Otto were the first U.S. pair into the arena
What a great day for the United States – Steffen Peters and Ravel won the bronze medal in the Grand Prix Special, the very first individual medal for a U.S. Rider since the World Equestrian Games began in 1990. Although not verified, I believe it is the only individual medal in championship competition since we won a medal in the 1932 Olympic Games!
Below are some quotes and photos from today's dressage riders. Enjoy!
Edward Gal, individual gold medalist with Moorlands Totilas:
On how it is to ride Totilas: “I always say it's so difficult to explain. It's a feeling. You have to ride him to feel it. That's something that I won't allow! He has so much energy and power, but you can control it. He doesn't want to make any mistakes. He is such an amazing horse. I'm so happy with him and I have to thank the owners that they bought a horse like that for me. I don't think I'll ever get a horse like that again.”
On the rumor that Totilas has been bought by an American: “I heard those rumors too, but I can confirm there is nothing going on.”
Mary Seefried, President of today's Ground Jury:
On the large variations between judge's scores: “We had a meeting for a couple of hours, talking about our line in judging. There were some differences that we do not find acceptable. The usual is a variation of 5%, and we have a discussion on horses that demonstrate more than that. During competition, we did have a discussion about it. One judge was very impressed with the good parts of Hans' (Peter Minderhoud) test. (His horse, Exquis Nadine, caprioled down the final centerline) The good points outweighed the lower points that Hans had that day. I don't think there were too many other large differences during the test. We're very aware of this issue and we want to improve that position. The way to do that is through education.”
On the top three riders: “What impressed the judges were the harmony between the horse and rider, so well-trained, so responsive, so able to create energy, the precision of the riding itself. It was goosebump territory for all of us watching.”
Laura Bechtolsheimer, silver medalist with Mistral Hojris:
On the camaraderie between the dressage riders today: “ I think there's a really good atmosphere between the riders at the top end of the sport because it's exciting to be at the top of the sport when it's advancing so fast. We really want to fight for it and we're given a chance. That's made the sport more exciting and lot more friendly.”
On her parents' German heritage and why she rides for England: “My family moved to England when I was one year old, so I never lived in Germany. I have to compete for England and I'm very proud to do so.”
Laura, Edward, and Steffen
Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED):
On his performance today: “The first part she was doing really good I thought. She was on 76 or something, and then I missed my transition to collected canter and then I had a mistake in the extended canter and then the last center line she really reared up and jumped. I was almost by the judges. So I had three really, really big mistakes.”
“Here she felt quite good. I am also not going to complain about this test. We had a very up and down show here. She fell down on Saturday on the street, and I thought ‘okay my championship is over’, but she was sound and passed the vet check. She did a really good Grand Prix, and then Adelinde had to go out, so we were really happy that we still had a gold medal and I could ride anyway so it’s a pity that I’m not in the freestyle, but that’s life.”
Steffen Peters:
“I was really happy for Laura [Bechtolsheimer] to score an 82 and get that close to Totilas. I honestly was thrilled for her.”
“I have to be honest, I can tell you how many years, days, and hours it's been since Hong Kong and I missed the bronze medal. My wife knows how tough that was. I never admitted that and I tried to control myself afterwards. That it finally happened today was huge. I had to wipe away tears on the podium. I can't believe how lucky I am that Akiko (Yamazaki) and Jerry (Yang) allow me to ride this horse. What he did was unbelievable. There was certainly huge pressure for the team yesterday, and there was just as much if not more today. When that happened, I was simply beside myself.”
You can rest assured that Cory Hardy’s recent success in the show ring is no fluke. Cory and his wife, Jean Sheptoff, opened Newbury Farm in Littleton, MA, five years ago and are on schedule to have their most successful year to date. Most recently, Cory won the $10,000 3’3” Hunter Derby at the Fieldstone Spring Festival in Halifax, MA, aboard Mary Chase’s Connor. Earlier this year, they traveled to Wellington, FL, with 12 horses for six weeks of the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. Now back in the Northeast for the remainder of 2011, Newbury Farm is focused on the summer show circuit.
Both natives of New England, Cory from Massachusetts and Jean from Connecticut, they consider New England shows, like Fieldstone and the Vermont Summer Festival, to be an invaluable inclusion in their busy show schedule.
“It is nice to be able to bring the whole barn, from short stirrup though the Grand Prix horses to the same venue; it builds camaraderie within the barn,” said Cory.
As not everyone has the resources, be it time or money, to show away all summer, Cory is grateful for the commitment of Scott Clawson and the Fieldstone team to the New England show scene.
Cory goes on to explain, “Fieldstone is making great efforts, both financially and managerially, to join the ranks of the elite New England shows. We are really pleased that Scott Clawson hired Michael Morrissey as competition manager. As the manager of WEF and Lake Placid, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will only help elevate the prestige and competition level of the Fieldstone shows.”
Over the years, Newbury Farm has been very successful at the Fieldstone shows. Last year, Jean and her unforgettable chestnut mare, Peaches, won the $35,000 Fieldstone Summer Showcase Grand Prix. This year, Cory rode The International Group LLC’s Ami Des Gemmes to second place in the $7,500 Welcome Stake and third place in the $25,000 Fieldstone Grand Prix. Jean rode her beloved Condesi to ninth in the Hunter Derby and placed in the top 10 with Peaches in both the Welcome and Grand Prix. At this year's May show, Newbury Farm clients also won ribbons in the Adult Amateur Equitation, Hunter, and Jumper divisions.
“Jean and I are really lucky to have such a great group of clients right now. Everyone gets along beautifully and supports each other,” said Cory.
One client in particular, Mary Chase, had an extremely successful Fieldstone Spring Festival. Her horse Connor won the 3’3” Hunter Derby and her other mount, Le Chasseur, took home the tricolor in the 3’3” Pre-Green Hunter division in addition to placing fourth in the derby behind his barn-mate. In the 2’9” Hunter Derby, Mary and her daughter, Nicole Terry, placed fourth and sixth respectively.
Cory and Connor winning the 3'3" derby at the Fieldstone Spring Festival
“Mary is a great owner and rider and I was thrilled for her to get recognition in a big class,” said Cory. Mary, obviously appreciative of Cory’s hard work, recently gave him an unexpected gift. “I was at Devon the week following Fieldstone and she sent me an email telling me to go get measured because she had just bought me new Der-Dau show boots!”
In the coming months, Newbury Farm will be showing at Fieldstone’s Plymouth Rock Hunter/Jumper Classic, the Lake Placid Horse Shows and the Vermont Summer Festival. After wrapping up Vermont, Newbury will focus on local one-day shows, getting their clients qualified for the Massachusetts Horsemen’s Council and New England Equitation Championship finals.
“We have several promising junior riders in the barn and they are setting their sights on the fall finals,” said Cory.
If you grew up riding in New England, the MHC and NEEC finals are as close to a household name as you’ll get. In 2007, Jean won the NEEC Middle Adult Amateur Championship, and last year Newbury Farm client Kristin Amichetti won the event’s Adult Sportsmanship Award.
As Cory so eloquently put it, “Like anything in life, horse showing in New England has waxed and waned, evolved and improved. It is unfortunate that shows like the International Jumping Derby in Newport, RI, no longer exist, but they have been replaced by some new and fantastic venues like the Fidelity Investments Jumper Classic in New Hampshire and the Putnam Boston Equestrian Classic and Fieldstone shows in Massachusetts.”
As both a former client and friend of Cory and Jean, I can attest that their commitment to New England stems from a genuine love of the area. New England is a sports-driven community by nature and whether it’s the Stanley Cup-winning Boston Bruins, the Red Sox, or the Fieldstone horse shows, it’s the feeling of family-like support that makes this area so special. Maybe we’ll even see a horse show inside Fenway Park in this lifetime; the possibilities are endless!
