Sunday, May 8, 2011

Rolex Wrap Up: Jackie

We started out on our adventure Thursday morning.  The Scott's Caddy decided it didn’t want to make the trip to Kentucky. (Me on cell phone:  “Hey Leslie, do you know your car is smoking?!)  Bob and Leslie back tracked from Hendersonville to Lyman to get the truck which turned out to be a good thing considering how hard the group hit the trade fair (saddles anyone?). 

Our car continued on and after lunch we stopped by Bass Pro Shop in Sevierville, TN and Bob and Leslie caught up and passed us.  Patti, Lou, Brit, & Sidney drove up Thursday night. 

Friday was on to the Kentucky Horse Park for dressage.  It’s amazing how so many people in a grandstand can be so quiet while a horse is in the ring.  All the horses got big rounds of applause after they finished their tests.

The Prince Phillip Cup for Pony Clubbers was also going on, which was very interesting to watch.  And then there was the trade fair with lots to look at (and buy of course).  Most of the crowd didn’t venture past that point but we went over and checked out the draft horses and the Hall of Champions.  Bob, Leslie, and Lindsey had a judge’s meeting Friday evening and were assigned jump 5.

Saturday was cross country day.  Bob, Leslie, & Lindsey had to be at the park by 7:30 and the rest of the group followed later.  We drove in each day down Newton Pike so we could drive past the horse farms.  Miles of 4 board plank fencing & horses grazing.  Horse lover’s paradise!

We parked near the main entrance & Lee, Emmi, Caitlyn, & Sidney went by the breed barn and rode the mechanical horses. One trots and the other canters and they apparently rode the canter one out because it was “lame” (i.e. out of order) when Lee, Lindsey & Katie went by Sunday morning.

Jump 5 was a good hike out but worth it.  It was a 3 jump combination with “A” jumping into the water, “B” jumping in the water, & “C” jumping out of the water.  Leslie had the best seat in the house.  NBC's camera was across the water from her.  Several of the Scotsgrovers walked the entire 4 mile course (some more than once).  I specifically wanted to see William Fox-Pitt and Lindsey wanted to see Mark Todd.  There were some falls on cross country but no serious injuries.  At the end of the day Mary King was first and second with her two horses.  The British team held 4 of the top 10 spots.  Did the Royal Wedding inspire them?  A very exhausted group got together for dinner Saturday night.

Sunday morning Bob & Leslie had breakfast with an old friend of Bob’s – Tish.  Bob said Tish had forgotten more about foxhunting & horses that most people will ever know.

I was shopped out & retreated to the grandstand and was eventually joined by Bob and then the rest of the group.  We had rain & storms Sunday morning but it dried out as the day went on.  We were able to watch the competitors walk the course, which was very interesting.

The Pony Clubbers brought the flags out for the participating countries.  One poor pony took one look at that huge crowd, got stage fright & and had to be escorted from the ring!  The nation & state colors were presented by the Lexington Mounted Police on two big grays that look like Molly.  The top 6 riders were show live on NBC this year.  Of course, two of those horses were Mary King’s, who finished first and second.  This was a first for Rolex.  There were lots of commercial breaks.  The Governor of Kentucky presented the winner her Rolex watch & winning check.  After the celebration ended we headed home. We had a wonderful time!

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