During a Para Equestrian riders clinic in Blenheim, New Zealand, I was able to see the Grade 1A rider Ilona starting to trot. Even though she only has to walk in her tests it is important that she is able to keep her balance should a horse trot by mistake. Actually she sees no reason why she cannot progress to cantering and will probably end out riding in open competition.
The 4 hour drive from Blenheim to Christchurch was magnificent. A slow trip as there is so much hilly country with roads with endless hairpin bends. A half way treat is seeing the seal colony. This year's babies were busy playing in a rock pool oblivious of the freezing weather conditions.
No trip through New Zealand is complete without seeing sheep drying before shearing.
Just before turning inland towards Christchurch there was a lovely view of the snow covered mountains in the background.
The flights from Christchurch via Sydney and Singapore to Frankfurt and then the train to Aachen took more than 30 hours. Sleep today at the hotel was not an option as the show grounds were beckoning.
Thanks to the generosity of Frank Kemperman, the show director, the FEI Para Equestrian Technical Committee members have accreditation to almost everywhere at the show prior to our FEI meeting next week.
Watching the horses working in the schooling arena in the stable area was most interesting. Lots of FEI stewards at all practice arenas. Probably necessary as some horses preparing for the Grand Prix Special tomorrow were becoming very tense in piaffe and passage. I look forward to seeing if their last minute major schooling sessions were worth it.
There were 7 judges for the Prix St. George. 5 on the short side: H, HC,C, CM and M, plus a judge at E and B.
The Canadian combination of Ashley Holzer and the Sandro Hit's Jewel's Sonnenstern showed how a great base turns potential into the reality of a super horse. I am sure they will have a fulfilling future.
The eventers did their dressage tests this morning and show jumping this afternoon.
It was my first look at Australian Paul Tapley who won Badminton this year. He showed his win was no fluke when he rode Stormhill Michael.
Clayton Fredericks on Be My Guest also showed his class.
The World Equestrian Festival is magnificent. Of particular interest to me tomorrow is the Grand Prix Special. We will all be keeping our fingers crossed for Carolyn Lieutenant's Victory Salute. Ridden by Brett Parbery he achieved 70% and a top 10 finish in the Grand Prix. In the judging breaks I will pop out to watch the cross-country. One has to make choices as there is so much to watch. Of course in Australia we see top event riders as we have the best within our shores. So the Grand Prix Special and Freestyle on Sunday are priorities.
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