Wild and Wooly XC

Yesterday (Saturday) was the cross country day of the 3-day eventing, and it was nuts.

First off, let me say that we were SHOCKED that we got on the train, got off the train, got on a shuttle immediately, got to the course just in time, finished watching, got back on a shuttle immediately, and then got back on a train to go home with NO issues!  It was really amazing because we were really worried due to our previous experience with the shuttles.  The only thing is that we had to take the train from Caen to Argentan where the national stud is which hosted 2 of the 3 days for eventing,  Haras du Pin (the national stud) is 17 kilometers or about 10.5 miles from the train station - hence the shuttles - it took us an hour each way to get there because it is a 2 lane road (with traffic circles) the whole way.  Did I mention that 50,000 people attended the event and had to get there one way or another? I about had a conniption on the way there because Buck Davidson and Reggie for the USA were first, and we got there with only minutes to spare before he started.  The scenery on the way was lovely though.

Onto the action of the day.  We got there in time to see Buck & Reggie start, but unfortunately did not see them finish because of 2 refusals at fence 30, which claimed a lot of victims.  It was a drop into the water, 2-3 strides to jump up a bank, bounce to a SUPER skinny fish, then a one stride to get out of the water.  There was a long route too, but we did't watch that fence enough to see the route.  It was crazy.  I think the skinny jump was literally only wide enough for a horse to squeeze through.  So that was disappointing that the first rider of the day, and for the USA did not make it to the finish.  Except that set the stage for the rest of the day.  Phillip Dutton and Oscar didn't finish because he got tired, which is something that horse struggles with.  Phillip and Buck were among the 30 people who didn't finish out of the 90 that started.

Buck & cutie pie Reggie (USA)

Phillip & Trading Aces (Oscar)

Phillip & Oscar (USA)

All the equestrian news outlets talked about the wet ground and it was terrible.  I had on knee high boots and there were even moments where those felt like they were going to be suctioned off from the mud it was so deep and thick.  We looked at the galloping track and the ground there was so squishy that you could see where horses' feet had sunk 6 inches into the grass.  We saw 2 falls today, both of which were pretty scary.  Mark Todd, who is one of the most experienced riders didn't make it over the aforementioned skinny fish, and he and Leonidas II both fell down the bank.  They got up right away, but I still really hate seeing falls.  The other fall we saw was a Swedish girl Anna Hilton with Matrix W.  It was really scary.  We walked up just in time to see legs flailing in the air as they went down (also at fence 30).  Anna got up right away but the horse stayed down.  We we really afraid he'd broken something or died on the spot, but after a few minutes he got up and walked away.  We later overheard a Canadian photographer say that the horse was just stuck, so they took off his saddle, poured some water on him to cool him down, gave him a little rest, and then used rope to flip him over on his other side so he could get up.  Even so, Mother and I were both crying because nobody wants to see a horse die on course, doing what they love.  Speaking of the dying, that British horse, Wild Lone, that died upon completion of the course seemed to be struggling.  The rider, Harry Meade said he felt fine, but both Mother and I separately thought it sounded like the horse was breathing harder than the others that went by.  I can't judge too much because I don't know the horse, but that is my commentary on that situation.  Aside from all the thrills and spills it was great.  It's always fun to see William Fox-Pitt go, all the American girls and Boyd looked amazing on course, Michael Jung's new horse looks fantastic.  It was great.

Michael Jung & Fischerrocana FST (Germany)

Sinead Halpin & Manoir de Carneville (Tate)

Sinead Halpin & Tate (USA) over the skinny fish that gave everyone trouble

WFP & Chilli Morning (GBR) 

Ingrid Klimke & FRH Escada JS (Germany)

Kim Seversen & Fernhill Fearless (USA)

Lynn Symansky & Donner (USA) 

Hawley Bennett-Awad & Gin N Juice (Canada) 

Boyd & Shamwari 4 with Phillip and David

Selena O'Hanlon with Foxwood High (Canada)

Andrew Nicholson & Nereo (NZ)

Commentary on the venue.  The scenery could not be beat with Haras du Pin in the background, but it looked like a logistical nightmare.  They wouldn't let spectators on some sides of the galloping lane, so everyone was really crammed all into the middle, in the mud no less.  It also seemed like 90% of the people out there were French, whereas with the other events its been more like 60% French, and they are very rude.  This is one of the few times I've thought the French were rude, contrary to their stereotype.  Numerous times, we'd have a spot and they would come push and shove and stand right in front of you to see.  I understand that does happen in the US as well, but I think more so Americans try to not get in your way, and if they do it's because they are oblivious and not because they just don't give a shit if they block your view.  Bathroom situation was alright.  Luckily we brought our own food and water otherwise we would've had to wait half the day to get french fries.  C'est la vie I suppose.

Not to keep complaining, but on top of everything, I am sick.  Probably from the plane.  It's just a cold but lordy I had the worst sinus pressure all day yesterday.  Feeling okay this morning, just stuffy/snotty/sneezy, so let's hope it stays that way.

We made a lovely, delicious dinner last night, complete with amazeballs pastries (duh).