Goodbye Rolex!

Who knew Tsjesse was such a good blogger? He kept us, and alot of other people, entertained this weekend, and really hammed it up every time he was out.  If we weren't sure before, we are certain now that this sweet guy LOVES to show off.  The last exhibition was right at the lunch break on XC Saturday, and by the time we all went back in the arena for the "victory lap" the ring was lined all the way around with people.  Thankfully, Tsjesse had gotton over playing with the carraige in the ring, and had some great lengthenings, lead changes, and really got into it!  It was wonderful to show the versatility of these spectacular horses with Barb Renico and Lena, the Steenbeeks and Stone Creek Friesians, and Stacy Posthumus and Alert.  We had TONS of fun chatting with the crowd, taking pictures, and being ambassadors for the breed.  I think my favorite moment was when a young girl in a wheel chair asked if she could pet Tsjesse.  Her mom helped her up, and he bent down and stood very still so she could pet his nose and take a picture.  It was really neat.  There were lots of fun conversations, making new friends, catching up with old ones; we met SO MANY people!  I cannot thank the Shaughnessys enough for the wonderful opportunity to ride this special horse, and for supporting our trip to this event.
 It is a real gift to ride this amazing horse, and be able to share his talents.

Speaking of talent.... 

There are so many things I took away from watching all the outstanding riding this weekend by the most talented, gifted riders and horses in the sport of eventing.  From watching Erin Sylvester masterfully try to ease her horse (who was melting down) through the dressage, to watching Andrew Nicholson ride cross country like it was a Sunday hack, I was awestruck.  Having never been to Rolex before, it was so amazing to stand next to the jumps and watch these amazing athletes jump right out of stride and tackle some serious questions.  I think my favorite was the double brush and the coffin...watching the look in the horse's face as they read the question was so cool.  On Sunday we got VERY lucky and stood up against the exit gate under the scoreboard in the Rolex Arena, smack dab in front of fence one.  We couldn't have been any closer unless we were in the ring!  I was most impressed with the quality of Buck Davidson's horses...they all looked amazing, and I felt so bad for him to have rails at the end of what was looking like a masterful round on Ballynoe Castle. My friend Mary and I also took an opportunity to stand at the warm-up and watch a few riders prepare to go to the ring; I found this to be VERY interesting, and also enjoyed hearing commentary from several riders' entourages as they warmed up.  We left a bit early so that we could get Tsjesse on the trailer, and beat the throng of spectators out of the park to get home, luckily dodging the deluge of rain for the most part. 

After seeing all the sights, sounds, and unbelievable riding, Rolex has made me resolve to ride better, be more determined, and seek out the BEST training possible.  I hope that someday I will be blogging about not only having ridden a Friesian at Rolex, but with a little Irish luck, and alignment of stars, starting a special Irish Sport horse too.
 We have goals.  We have to have dreams.  We have ALOT of work to do.
GO ROLEX!