Tuesday September 23, 2003

The Surf Is Up at 2003 Dressage at Devon

After three days of intense traveling, avoiding route 95 which became federal disaster area after hurricane Isabel, the Phelpsphotos team and Euro-partner Astrid Appels have arrived at Devon, PA, for 2003 Dressage at Devon.

On Monday September 22, the Devon show grounds were ready for the breed show which started on Tuesday. The rings were neat, the footing excellent, the horses were groomed and braided and the handlers in shape for a day of running.

However, a mini disaster struck during the night of Monday on Tuesday. In Isabel's wake, severe thunder storms gathered over the Philadelphia area and burst out this morning round 6 AM, flooding the entire premises within an hour.

Hilltop Farm had blocked their stalls with sand bags and grooms were scooping water out of the stalls using the horses' drinking buckets. The entire warm up arena was flooded and due to the strong wind that was swooping over the show grounds, the surf was up at Devon.

Thanks to a good draining system installed under the warm up arena, the footing was reasonable for showing round 9 AM. By then, the storm had reduced into annoying, continuous raining.

Today is definitely going to be an umbrella day, but weather doesn't damper the spirits of the organizers or the competitors.

The first breed show classes have started though today's schedule can be changed.

Check out our coverage of the 2003 Dressage at Devon dressage and breed show, as it continues to grow daily. Read Astrid Appels' On the Road Diary to tune into our travels and pre-devon experiences.

by Astrid Appels

Related Link
Horsesdaily Coverage of 2003 Dressage at Devon