This year it was only MJ and myself who went. Luckily, we had clear skies for the drive down, unlike many of the international competitors who had erupting volcanoes disrupting their travel plans. It took some riders 55 hours of travel to get to Kentucky!
Leading up to Rolex there was a lot of buzz surrounding Oliver Townend who was favored to win. Having already won the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials and the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, he will earn the “Triple Crown” of eventing if he takes Rolex Kentucky, too! On top of the general excitement of Rolex, this year had an extra special energy! We had the opportunity to watch some of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Test Events! The FEI WEG’s are coming to the Kentucky Horse Park in September…do I see another field trip in our future?
Thursday and Friday were spent volunteering, shopping and watching dressage with ponchos overhead and umbrellas in hand. We saw stunning rides put in by Oliver Townend, Karen O’Connor, William Fox-Pitt and Allison Springer. It was fantastic to see Allison wearing a helmet during her dressage test, even though she says it wasn’t a statement, I hope many other riders took note. Thursday night we splurged for stadium seats to take in some of the FEI Freestyle Dressage. Seven exquisite rides later MJ and I wiped the drool off of our chins and swore that we are going to learn to ride like that!
A special highlight of Rolex, we made sure to stop by the United States Pony Club Prince Philip Cup Mounted Games exhibition. On Friday afternoon, some of the world’s best riders joined the Pony Club members, and attempted to tackle the challenge that is known as “riding a pony”! Much laughter ensued as we watched the likes of Cathy Wieschhoff and Gina Miles master their feisty ponies!
Saturday morning we woke up to cloudy skies and prayers that it wouldn’t rain, AGAIN! With the threat of severe thunderstorms, the lunch break was cancelled in an attempt to beat the rain. But the riders lucked out and as the first rider went off, the clouds parted and we were blessed with sunny skies for the duration of Cross Country! The footing was fairly dry, and most of the riders put in solid rides, ten of them being clear! Not 30 minutes after the last rider finished, the skies opened up and the thunder rolled. The Trade Fair was subsequently closed early due the weather, so the search for breeches, bits, bridles and boots was put off for another day.
Sunday morning MJ drove through Lexington on our traditional Sunday Morning Bluegrass Tour and then it was off to the stadium to cheer on our favorites! Two withdrawals, seven eliminations and five retirees on course narrowed the field from 52 riders to 39 going into Stadium Jumping. We watched the Leader board continue to shuffle with each and every ride. As the last riders went, we crossed our fingers that it wouldn’t rain, and that our favorites would do well! William Fox-Pitt held on to 1st to become our 2010 Rolex Kentucky 3 day event Champion!!! Phillip Dutton placed 2nd and Becky Holder finished 3rd!
More shopping Sunday afternoon and a visit to the Kentucky Horse Park Gift Shop and Pony Club Office (with more shopping of course) on Monday morning finished out our trip. We started our 10 hour journey home already making plans for next year!
-Katie-Cole (the TMB’s new Ghostwrider) (<–look JJ! I made a pun!)
JJ talks about the love that we have for them being (as she likes to quote Mr. Spock) completely illogical. But I think the more amazing thing is the love and comfort they give to us when we need it. It’s not illogical, it’s magical.
