E-Mail This Page

Saturday, June 21, 2008

Dressage Olympic Selection Trials Set to Begin2008 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF Festival of Champions Kicks Off in San Juan Capistrano
By Kathy Beal for DressageDaily.com 

Dressage Athletes are Surrounded by Support Teams

After the jog, riders huddled expectantly with coaches, family and friends within the USEF Press tent while “O” dressage judge Linda Zang, with the help of announcer Brian O’Conner and FEI Veterinarian Dr. Mike, drew for Saturday’s order of go. Zang explained how the ground jury would draw for the three Grand Prix riders who were riding two horses: Steffen Peters with Ravel and Lombardi 11, Debbie McDonald with Felix and Brentina, and Courtney King-Dye with Mythilus and Idocus.

The atmosphere among the all the competitors and staff was supportive and collegial. Grand Prix riders were standing alongside the Junior and Young Riders as all waited in anticipation for the results of the draw giving the venue a sense of “we are all in this together feeling.”

Good friends and fellow competitors, Debbie McDonald and Kristina Harrison, shared their mutual excitement of being there and their goals of having “clean rides.” Harrison added that “I just don’t want to embarrass myself here.” Steffen Peters said that “all three of his horses, Ravel, Lombardi 11 and Montango, are doing well and are ready to compete.” He complimented the show management team, led by Glenda McElroy, stating that, “They have made this venue feel like an international show.”

The arena is surrounded by U.S. flags and flanked by white tents for spectator seating much like many European shows. As one enters the Oaks, acres of green fields greet the eyes, much like an oasis in the dry Southern California landscape. Vendor and hospitality tents dot the grass which is shared by jumper courses.

USET Dressage Coach Klaus Balkenhol Impressed with the Turnout of Riders