The World Equestrian Games are underway here at the Kentucky Horse Park with eight equestrian sports vying for medals including dressage, driving, 3-Day eventing, show jumping, vaulting, reining, endurance, and for the first time, para-dressage.  Not only is this a significant competition in and of itself given the myriad of countries participating across the eight disciplines, but it’s even more interesting given the fact that the games are, for the first time, testing out the footing outside Europe on our American soil.  But things get really interesting once we zoom in on eventing history and take note of the fact that this year a son will be competing for a gold medal at a venue that exists because of a gold medal his father won. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

It starts in the 1970’s.  What could be a more interesting time than that?  When the world was discoing the night away a young man named Bruce Davidson went on a winning streak.  He was a 3-Day Eventer and he was so good that in 1974 he went to the World Championships at Burghley and he won.  He beat out the British and Germans and the Irish and everyone else who came to win the gold medal.  No small feat, really, for an upstart American.

At that time the country that took home gold received the honor of acting as host for the next World Championship.  So with that victory Bruce Davidson bestowed upon the United States the opportunity to host the next World Championships.  It was Lexington, Kentucky that got the nod.  The Kentucky Horse Park, bought in 1972 by The Commonwealth of Kentucky, became the designated site.  That win by Bruce Davidson in 1974 catalysed the creation of the Park as we know it today.

Years later this gold-medal machine (yes, he won the 1978 World Championships too) had a son upon whom he bestowed his namesake, Bruce.  You might know him as Buck.  To us, his father is a 3-Day Eventing legend, a founder of the sport in this country.  To Buck, “It was always just Dad, really.”  Over the past five years Buck has made a steady march to the top of the 3-Day Eventing pile riding in the Pan-American Games, as an alternate at the 2008 Olympics, and taking 3^rd at Rolex in 2009 as the highest placed American.  And he’s realized, “Once you get older and you start to try to do some of the things he did you realize how hard it is to do those things.”  Those things include four Olympics medals (two team gold and two team silver), six World Championship medals (one team gold, two individual gold, two team bronze, and one individual bronze), and three Pan American medals (one silver individual, one silver team, and one gold individual).  I’d say.

But it’s not the Olympics or the Pan Ams that captures Buck’s imagination. “There’s something about the Games at Kentucky.  We kind of bought Reggie [Ballynoecastle RM] with that in mind.  We bought him at six and he’s ten now. Who knows what’s going to happen. He’s in good form and I’m riding as well as I have been.  From here we’ll just see what happens.”

So it’s about the World Games for Buck.  But it’s also about Kentucky.  “I have been fortunate in Kentucky.  [Jack] LeGoff says, ‘You want a horse that sets up to your eye.’  Kentucky sets up to my eye. I understand it, if that makes sense. Some places I go and I don’t get it. Kentucky is a place I go and I feel comfortable. I like the atmosphere. I like the pressure. I think most people think I’m much better under pressure and when the competition gets tighter.  It’s a place where I think I thrive.”

So when you’re watching the World Equestrian Games remember you’re not just watching horses and riders compete. Remember you’re watching history.  Remember that we’re all here, Buck included, because Bruce Davidson made it so in 1974 by bringing home a gold medal.  This weekend a son will walk in his father’s footsteps making this special competition, with its eight disciplines on American soil for the first time, all the more captivating to us all.

Where would I be without Simon?  He helped me pick out all the mandatory clothes for the 2010 World Equestrian Games, as you can see. I never would have made it without his critical intervention! I’ll be seeing you soon in Kentucky. And what fun we’ll have!

BY PETER GREEN

2010 World Equestrian Games success will come to the team who performs well at this Championship cross-country jumping level.  Dressage leaders must go out and tackle the challenges of a 4-star plus course and leave enough in the tank to jump clean through another difficult round on Sunday.

Early indications of the WEG cross-country course seem to show that the key to doing well this year will be four strong cross-country horses.  Does the US team have that in the four pairs chosen for the team positions?

The US team has Ballynocastle RM,  Tipperary Liadhnan, Woodburn and Neville Bardos.   While the team has extensive four-star experience, this WEG Kentucky course is a bigger, more challenging, world-class track than the combinations have tackled in the lead up to these Games.

The US selectors obviously picked cross-country jumping machines in all four team horse and rider combinations.   Woodburn has the most obvious chance of leading the team with his second place finish at Rolex this year.  His dressage with Phillip has matured to be in the top ten, while his cross-country and stadium jumping ability is steady and gets good results.  Neville Bardos and Boyd get the jumping job done when it counts at FEI competitions, being clean and fast.  His dressage results, at past FEI competitions, are not an indicator of a top ten placing this time out but his jumping ability and Boyd’s go get’em attitude makes this horse a good team choice.  Reggie and Buck are steady in the jumping phases with dressage being their weakest link.  Kim’s record with Tipperary Liadhnan does not show a consistent Sunday’s effort.  Show jumping will be a heart breaker if the recent work with Katie Prudent does not show thru in this FEI effort.   The longer and more demanding championship cross-country course may be harder on these horses than their horse trials of the past.

While we believe Mandiba would have been a possible team choice except for an unfortunate AEC performance with a stop at fence number 2 of cross country, his selection as an individual will give him a chance to redeem himself, hopefully.  The dressage phase for Mandiba is usually a strong point and his show jumping on Sunday is very reliable.  Saturday’s one-off mis-communications with Karen resulting in the odd 20 could put him out of the money.

Becky and Comet have represented America often with limited success.   These Games are at her most successful venue, which should allow her to relax and perform her best.   She might be the dark horse.  Her strong dressage performance should place her in a good position for Saturday.  With Comet’s jumping ability and Becky’s experience, if all goes well, come Sunday she should be well positioned.  Comet has all the right qualities and if they are in sync, look out for this combination.

PICKS FOR TEAM PLACINGS:

GREAT BRITAIN

This is the team to beat, with the reigning Rolex Kentucky champion in William [Fox-Pitt] and Cool Mountain, and the experience of this side at true championship courses.   Even without their reigning WEG Gold Medalist Zara Phillips and their missing 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Leslie Law, who unfortunately has no mount at this level, (residing in the US – maybe we can get him to change his citizenship) this team has all the experience at this championship level.  Pippa [Funnell], notably winning Kentucky as part of her Grand Slam series makes this venue not foreign to her.  Mary King has more experience than all the other competitors put together.  Piggy French would be the newcomer to this level of team competition but what a side to be on.  This English side will be a strong contender for a team gold.

GERMANY

The reigning WEG champions have a strong field with two returning 2006 WEG team members in Ingrid Klimke and Frank Ostholt.  The other team members, Andreas Dibowski, Michael Jung, Dirk Schrade, and Simone Deitermann (listed as an individual) are strong German choices.

UNITED STATES

With their powerful cross-country jumping ability, the US team will hopefully be standing at least on the bronze podium. It will be a close race for that spot between the US, New Zealand and possibly Australia, but we think the US can persevere. If all things go right, they could even take a higher medal.

NEW ZEALAND

Another possible top 5 team placing could go to the Kiwi’s with Andrew Nicholson, Mark Todd, Jonathon Paget, Caroline Powel, and Clarke Johnstone.  Most of these members have tons of experience at all championship levels with Toddy being one of the most successful competitors in the history of eventing, with two consecutive Olympic Golds.

AUSTRALIA

Christopher Burton, Sam Griffiths, Sonja Johnson, Paul Tapner, Megan Jones and Stuart Tinney are all riding for this usually strong eventing nation.  Loads of experience, including Paul’s recent Badminton win, puts this team in possible medal contention.

FRANCE

The French team could have a possible good showing with Jean Teulere who is the most experienced with tons of wins.

CANADA

This group has steadily performed well at the four-star level.  We give this team a shout out for their ability to consistently place and are up-and-coming to the world-stage championship level.  Kyle Carter has a great deal of experience at this Kentucky venue along with Hawley Bennett-Awad, Selena O’Hanlon, Dianna Burnett, and Ian Roberts.  A reasonably strong group of individuals who would love nothing more than to stand atop a medal podium.

I talked with Argentinian 3-Day eventer Jose Ortelli while he was preparing and training for the World Equestrian Games.  Living in Kentucky for the months before the games, he talked about tweaking his conditioning program for the international competition, what eventing is like in Argentina, and his own selling and breeding program (having already sold horses to American eventers like John Holling and Sharon White).  Plus, get the whole story about how his horse, JOS Aladar (whom he’ll be riding this coming weekend) came into his life. Hear from him personally then watch him ride and cheer him on!

(photo by Leslie Mintz at the USEA)

Q. What country will you be representing for the WEG’s?

A.  I will represent Argentina.

Q. Will you have additional teammates with you?

A.  Not in eventing.  There is a showjumping team coming and endurance and vaulting. I know the riders in the showjumping team and a bunch of the endurance riders.  I’ll be staying for the showjumping and cheering for them.

Q. How did you get into eventing?

A.  I chose eventing because it’s a great discipline:  a three-in-one discipline.  It makes it really hard to get better in. You’re a much better rider and horseman if you do eventing. For sure I like showjumping a lot, I do it in Argentina. I like both to be honest but I put more into eventing because my father used to do it. It’s not big in Argentina, we need people competing internationally so more people get invovled in the sport.  It’s good to be in another discipline other than showjumping, endurance, or vaulting. That’s why I think it’s good to have more Argentina representatives in the other disciplines. Because my dad too used to compete internationally he knows a lot and puts me on the path to do eventing. It’s nice. I’m really excited to do it. Evenintg gives you other things that showjumping doesn’t.

Q. What is eventing like in Argentina?

We have up to the two-star level in Argentina.  At this moment we are having trials for the Pan American Games. That next year will be in Mexico, in Guadalajara.

Sometimes we have a three-star but not often. That’s why I have been coming here to the States for three years.

Q. Do you train with trainer?

A.  I get help from some friends like Nathalie and Micahel Pollard and Leslie Law.  I moved to Kentucky because I have Chris Needham, he’s based here.  He’s helping me with my fitness program. That’s going well. I’m training dressage with Reese Koffler who’s doing dressage for the American team.  I’m improving a lot and feel really positive about it.  She likes my horse and my riding so we’ll see!

Q. What do you include in your horses’ health care?

A.  I came to Kentucky to do a little bit of hills.  I’m based in Ocala [Florida] and it’s flat.  We’re getting muscles and his body ready to be pushed.  Also it’s good to be near a vet and really find out what your horse needs to do like blood tests and see if horse is feeling ok. You can know when you can push the horse or when you can go down a little bit not to get lameness or something. We changed a lot the feed.  We’re giving him a lot more protein. The horses feel that the time is coming, they feel they are getting all that energy for something.  It’s good to have them calm and relaxed like a normal competition.  You can follow really, really close how the horse feels.

Q. What does more protein do?

Protein lets them grow muscle and gives him more strength.  We also feed Omega 3 which is a natural anitflammatory. It’s like a normal athlete.  Eat well and train well.  More than anything blood tests show red and white blood cells. Everything is to be balanced to have your horse growing in muscle and performance. He showed pretty well at Richland, we went cross-country and I didn’t even push him.  We went in time and he was just having fun. That’s the idea. Hopefully it will work!

Q. How is Argentina different that the States?

A. In Argentina you don’t have that many paddocks.  The horses need it a lot.  On my farm in Argentina I do, but in the city you don’t have the room.  You walk them but it’s not the same. I talk with people, some showjumpers don’t like to put horses in paddock,  like racehorses. It depends on how you like the training and how you like your horse. Some get horses tired in the paddock all day and some need it to chill. Gotta know your horse to see what he needs.

Q. What’s your horse, JOS Aladar, like?

A.  He has a big heart so he always tries to do what I ask even when I make a mistake.  We have been growing together and getting  better together. Hopefully we will show how we have improved and do a good job for Argentina.

(photo by Leslie Mintz at the USEA)

Q.  How did JOS Aladar come into your life?

I had a bunch of American people going to try eventing horses in Argentina.   They flew down and I was trying preliminary level horses to see if they would be good for them to see. I tried these horses and I liked it. But they liked another one a little more. They bought that one. But I liked this one and I ended up buying it. That was JOS ALadar.  He has been coming along and always looking forward.  He’s not a big type of horse, he’s a little bit small but he has a big haeart and always tries his best.   You beleive in them and they believe in you. That’s when you start to get better. I’ve learned a lot from these past years and when you feel that way you keep growing.

Q. How do you expect the WEG’s cross-country course to be different that the Rolex course even though it is in the same place?

A. For sure it’s the World Games so for sure it’s gonna be big! Every cross-country course is different even if it looks easy or harder you have to ride it the best. Jump each fence like it’s the first and the last. All of them jumpus will be big and tough. All the riders will be there, all the best teams: Germany, US, Canada has a really nice team, the British. They will build a really tough course since all the top riders are coming.

Q. Do you have to go back to Argentina?

A.  I have to go back to do trials to qualify a few horses and go back for my visa. I cannot spend more time here. Have been enough this year already. I’m coming back in the winter to Ocala and will have a  barn and riders from Central America, Mexico and South America.  We will train for the Pan American Games and are bringing people to compete around south. Hopefully it will work!

Q. What’s life like outside of horses?

A.  I love music and listen to new stuff all the time I like reading a little bit too. I like time to read on vacation; it’s nice to read a good book. I have been running, playing soccer, keeping myself moving. When you work you get stressed so you clean your body and get energy again. I have been runing a doing a little yoga.  I’m always trying to keep my mind busy.

Q. Tell me about breeding and selling horses

A. I sold three horses doing preliminary and now going for their first Advanced with different  riders like John Holling, Michael Pollard, and Sharon White. The breeding is coming along and people are interested in those horses.  They have good bone and good movement and a nice temperment. The professional riders are liking them a lot. I brought a 5-year-old to Kentucky and have him for sale: JOS Fermin.  He’s done some Beginner Novice and Novice and has been really good at dressage. He came in second his first time out! Coming along really well.

(photo by Leslie Mintz at the USEA)

I hope you enjoyed hearing from World Equestrian Games Argentinian rider Jose Ortelli and found him as thoughtful and charming as I have!  If you’d like more info on him or the horses he has for sale check out www.josahorses.com. Happy WEGs!

Children attending the World Equestrian Games will have first dibs on the new Wiseguy for Wisekids™ coloring book. The coloring book is created and produced by three-day event rider Ronald Zabala-Goetschel, of Kennett Square, PA, who rides for Ecuador, and is based on his popular event horse Che Mr. Wiseguy, a Belgian Warmblood gelding who will be the first horse to carry the Ecuadorian flag at the World Equestrian Games.

“Everybody likes Wiseguy a lot: he has a lot of fans and this is a way of sharing a little bit of him with everybody,” said Zabala-Goetschel.

In the book, line drawings by artist Vicente Mejia of Ecuador feature Wiseguy in various settings. The theme promotes good values for children such as sharing, love of family and friends, and respect for parents. All of the characters in the book are based on actual horses: Wiseguy’s sire and dam and his friends from Zabala-Goetschels’ barn. Popular eventing coach and commentator James C. Wofford wrote the forward to the book, and there are also comments about Wiseguy from notable equestrians Jane Savoie, Phillip Dutton and Jessica Ransehousen.  Cute details include the intro page saying “I’m Wise Guy, what’s your name?” and will have a space to write a name”.

The coloring book will be released during the World Equestrian Games and eventually will be translated into various languages and distributed worldwide. The horse world is the initial market, but within six months Zabala-Goetschel hopes to see the book, which retails for $14.95, out on the mass market. Plans are also underway for a plush Wiseguy toy and a line of children’s clothing as well as for an animated film about Wiseguy’s dream to become an Olympic champion.

In the initial marketing campaign, Wisekids™ T-shirts were distributed to a group of children of equestrians.

Their photos will be featured in a special gallery at the Wise Equestrian website, www.wise-equestrian.com. T-shirts will also be available at the WEG and friends of Wiseguy are encouraged to send their photo wearing the T-shirt, along with their name and age, to be included in the photo gallery on the website. At the WEG, if a coloring book and T-shirt are purchased together the buyer will also receive a free box of crayons.

A second coloring book will be released later this year, featuring Wiseguy in a Christmas-themed story and introducing his new brother, Che Wise Cooper, and sister, Che Wise Christine, also based on actual horses. The theme will focus on sharing, family and friends and the joy of giving and receiving, and enjoying the simple things during the holidays.

In Kentucky the first edition coloring book will be available at Booth #220 at the Kentucky Horse Park during the World Equestrian Games and also at Booth #310 at the International Equestrian Festival, located in downtown Lexington at the Lexington Convention Center.

Wise Equestrian is a manufacturer and distributor of high quality riding boots, clothing and tack as well as a line of aromatherapy for horses and people. Check back for an interview with Ronald Zabala and for more information about Wise Equestrian visit www.wise-equestrian.com.

(info from Amber Heinztberger press release and Three Days Three Ways interview)

The 2010 World Equestrian Games are officially underway.  I’ll be on my way tomorrow but for now I’m satiating my curiosity for the Games with the inside photos we’ve scored thanks to Three Days Three Ways contributor Shannon Crocker.  As you can see the reining has begun! This is a sport I know nearly nothing about but would love to watch.  I hope I get the chance this week! The sliding-stop is certainly one of the most exciting movements. Check it out!

The arena is decked out in its international finery. I love seeing the flags from all the different countries represented at the games as well as the banners from the sponsors.  It’s a veritable Who’s Who of the 2010 World Equestrian Games!

One inside scoop for those of you on-site at the World Games is the Microsoft internet cafe.  You can stop by and check your email and Three Days Three Ways and generally keep yourself plugged in.

Or play XBox 360!

The neatest part of the cafe is that after the games Microsoft will be donating the classic red barn to the Kentucky Horse Park for the care of animals living on the grounds. I love that kind of thoughtfulness and foresight.  It’s a win-win for everyone!

I’m antsy to get on the road to Kentucky.  For now I’m listening to the rain here in the Southeast pound on the rooftop.  Adorable Barbour rain hat packed?  Check!  Thanks to Shannon for keeping us all plugged in.

No doubt you’ll want to be keeping up with live scoring for the World Games.  I expect, in fact, that we’ll be hanging on ever proverbial “word” that hits the scoreboard.  And if ever there was an intersection between 3-day eventing and fashion this is it. Design house Reem Acra will be the presenting sponsor for the Eventing live scoring and online viewing. Reem Acra (who dresses stars like Eva Longoria, Angelina Jolie, and Olivia Wilde) offers a Ready-to-Wear line, Haute Couture (begin coveting now) as well as a bridal line that makes me want to get married all over again.  I’m tickled by the fashion/ eventing partnership! Let’s hope this is just the beginning!

(image via Love, Love Me Do)

My room has exploded with clothes, shoes, jackets, and hats as I pack for the 2010 World Equestrian Games. Will you be watching the opening ceremonies this weekend? I’ll be darting around picking up critical supplies like dresses, bon-bons, and camera batteries.  See you soon whether it’s in Kentucky or on Three Days Three Ways!

A blog from the Brits

WEG Frequently Asked Questions

A peak into Dutch WEG dressage rider’s Kentucky Horse Park barns of Edward Gal

What to wear to the World Equestrian Games

Which country has the best stable design? You be the judge.

Get behind the wheel of a Land Rover!

Pre-WEG News and Notes

Emma Ford takes you behind-the-scenes.

We’re practically moments away from the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.  It feels surreal. But the buzz in Kentucky is undeniable as the final pieces fall into place.  Our Three Days Three Ways contributor, Shannon Crocker, takes us on a tour to see what’s ready to roll, what needs some tweaking, and what’s out on the cross-country course!

The main arena made me do a double take.  It’s a far cry from what Rolex looked like this past Spring!

Soon the machinery will be gone and this road will be teeming with equestrian fans.  Including Three Days Three Ways!

Wait, are we at a Rolling Stones show?  This stage looks like something that would be in place for an enormous show.  Which I guess it is!

Thanks to Shannon we even have a sneak peak of some of the World Games cross-country course.  Any takers on this island complex?

Mostly I just want to take a swim.  It’s still so hot in North Carolina my sweet Ellie and I would opt for a wade.

The course is flagged and roped off.  But the brush is still to come.  Any bets on the height?

Being outside in the arena and on cross-country with all that sun I’m ready for one of these.  Though I’d only be trying it so I can report back to you.  Obviously.

Thanks, Shannon, for bringing us the inside scoop on what’s happening at the Kentucky Horse Park just moments before the 2010 World Equestrian Games begin. Check back during the Games to hear more from Shannon, her take on style and fashion, and about a special gentleman named Waylon.