Endurance Rider, Kathy Brunjes (USA) Blogs for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Hi! my name is Kathy Brunjes, and I live in Maine. I have been involved in the endurance discipline on the international level since 2000, and have competed in endurance since I was a teenager. I was part of the USA- East endurance squad at the 2001 PanAms (as a rider) and a competitor (and team member) for the endurance team at the 2002 World Equestrian Games (in Jerez, Spain), a rider for the USA-East endurance squad at the 2005 North American Edurance Challenge and rode for the USA at the 2007 World Endurance Championship Pre-ride (The Sultan's Cup) in Malaysia, the 2008 President's Cup in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and then was selected for the 2008 World Endurance Championships (Malaysia), riding as one of the four-member team. Theatric, the horse that I rode in Malaysia in 2007, Abu Dhabi in 2008, and Malaysia in 2008 will be my nominated horse for the 2010 WEG.


Theatric is a 16h. chestnut Arabian gelding, with much international experience. Theatric will be 12 years old at the time of the 2010 WEG. I am in currently in the process of qualifying Theatric's full brother, Tektonic (9 year old 16.1h bay Arabian gelding) as my alternate horse for the WEG. "Nick" will be competing at the prestigious CEI *** (160km) Biltmore Challenge (Asheville, NC) the first weekend of May, as part of this qualification process. Theatric ("Tee"), Nick and I just returned from Florida, competing at the Fun-in-the-Sun endurance events - all part of our meeting qualifications prior to attending our endurance selection trials in June. Tee and I tied for first in the CEI *** (160km) (with fellow competitor and team-mate, Meg Sleeper) at FITS, in course time of 7hr.44min., and Nick and our young rider, Lindsay Bean, competed in the CEI ** (120km) at FITS and competed the course in 5th place, in 9hr.

Training the horses in Maine in the winter can be a challenge, and we make many trips south (FL) during the harsh winter months to train and compete. Interstate 95 is well-known to us! I'm looking forward to competing and qualifying for the WEG this year, and will keep you all updated on our selection process in the coming months.

Australian Show Jumper Edwina Alexander Blogs About Her Preperation For The Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping Final

Edwina Alexander will be blogging for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games as she prepares for the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping Final in Geneva from 14 – 18 April 2010. Here is Edwina's first entry brought to you by Rolex...

Could you describe a typical training day?

I normally wake up at 7.00am and I am in the stables by 8.00am ready to ride the horses. Every day is a little bit different but on average I ride between 6 – 8 horses each day, and I will keep riding until 1.00pm. I’ll start riding again between 2.00pm – 4.00pm. I then spend some time in the office in the afternoon catching up with emails, organising travel arrangements for upcoming shows, sending videos to clients. I feel more relaxed if I know exactly what’s going on!

How have you been keeping busy since your Rolex FEI World Cup™ Jumping series win in Vigo?

I kept Socrates (Cevo Socrates) and Itot (Cevo Itot Du Château) busy in the lead up to Gothenburg, where they both jumped well. Since Gothenburg they have both had a break from showing which has included one easy day during the week, some hacking in the woods, dressage and a bit of a lunge in the afternoon. I have been to Australia since Gothenburg but they have both been kept active with some small jumps work.

What kind of character is Itot?

I’ve had him for two years and he’s a funny horse and actually extremely sensitive. He can be hard to catch in the stables and to get out of the box, and more times than not my groom will have some carrots or sugar when I’m trying to get on him!

Who do you see as your main threats at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Final in Geneva and who do you admire?

I would have to say Jessica (Kürten) is probably my biggest threat because she and her horse are both very competitive. I admire her a lot because she is tough and determined, and she seems to have that edge. Pénélope (Leprevost) is another rider that I admire as she is so quick. You never know with Marcus (Ehning), but he’s one of the best riders in the world and it will depend on how well he has his horse organised.

How do you rate your chances at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Final in Geneva?

After how well Itot jumped at ‘s-Hertogenbosch last weekend I feel pretty good and really confident and relaxed. Itot jumped very well in Gothenburg and he definitely feels better than ever at the moment. After the last World Cup™ Final in Las Vegas I wasn’t anywhere near as well prepared as I am now. This time around Itot doesn’t have to travel as far and he and I both know the arena in Geneva very well.

How will you be preparing for WEG?

This year is one of my biggest years ever. I have the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Final and WEG and also the Global Champions Tour which I need to qualify for. I’ll use the Global Champions Tour shows to prepare Itot for WEG, but I’m conscious that I don’t want him to do too many shows or too much travelling.

Edwina Alexander, Olympic and World Equestrian Games Jumper, is a friend of Rolex. Edwina will be competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

2008 Eventing Olympic Silver Medalist Megan Jones (AUS)

Australian Eventing Superstar and 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist, Megan Jones, blogs about her trip to the Kiwi's at the Kihi Kihi World Cup CIC*** in New Zealand over the Easter weekend.

PACKED AND READY TO GO

4 bags, 1 terrific groom, 1 truck driver/heavy gear lifter, 1 rider and 1 totally amazing white pony "Jester". Yes we have everything and we are ready to cross the Tasman and take on the Kiwi's at the Kihi Kihi World Cup CIC*** in New Zealand over the Easter weekend.

Jester has had his usual early hair cut because on the first of March each year he grows a full winter coat including curly leg hair!!! He is such a mountain pony in so many ways. He will grow this clip out in around 10 days and need to be clipped again.

We leave from Kirby Park 11:30 pm Saturday night to arrive in Melbourne Sunday morning in time for Jester to have his tick wash...... yuck! I tried telling him to pretend it is going to be a warm sponge bath with aromatic oils. But Jester knows the reality is that it will be a cold smelly wash given by a stern looking quarantine officer/vet. So I will stay with Jester and Kate to make sure he is rubbed dry and warm before I leave poor Kate there all day on her own with Jester. She will be picked up around 8pm to head to the airport.

Kate will take her first ever horse flight with Jester and the team from IRT on Sunday to arrive in Auckland around 4am Monday morning. Steve and I will fly out Sunday also but go via Sydney and arrive at midnight. We will them wait to collect Kate and Jester and go and get some sleep!!!

www.kirbypark.com

2009/2008 AVA/USEF Gold Women’s Individual National Champion, Alicen "Ali" Divita

2009/2008 AVA/USEF Gold Women’s Individual National Champion, Alicen Divita, “Ali,” is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies at UC Berkeley.

20 year old Ali, knows that it takes discipline, dedication and a pure love for what you do to succeed. Ali has won the National Individual Championship at every level, Bronze in 2003, Silver in 2004 and Gold in 2008 as well as 2009. She has proved to be just as competitive in the international scene. She placed 4th at CVI Saumur in 2006, and in 2007 she brought home the gold from prestigious CVI Krumke in Germany. In 2006, just five years after she began vaulting, Ali attended the World Equestrian Games as the alternate for the US Individual Team. In 2008, along with many other successes, she earned her spot as a competitor in the World Vaulting Champions in the Czech Republic. Yoga, gymnastics, dance and her creative spirit coupled with her school studies, volunteer activities and a spot on the lightweight crew team keep her balanced both in and out of the vaulting arena. Ali looks forward to competing in the selection trials and hopes to earn her spot as one of the top three vaulters in the country along with the ability to represent the US at the World Equestrian Games.

In January of 2010, Divita was in Germany, working with German vaulting superstar Gero Meyer before vaulting by invitation at a Masters Class at CVI** Leipzig she retells her experience here.

Racing to get to the opposite side of UC Berkeley’s campus between classes today, I swooped into a small café to pick up some food on the go. When breakfast is at 5:30 before morning practice, by the time lunch rolls around, my stomach is loudly exercising its right of free speech, much in the Berkeley spirit. The checkout lady hands me my receipt and as I thank her she gives me a funny look. It takes me a minute before I realize that I had thanked her in German, laughing out loud I politely correct myself and wander off in thought. I just got back from a trip to Germany, and after missing the first week of school and jumping right into life back home in California, my worlds, and my words, are beginning to whirl together.

Leberkäse, which translates directly to “liver cheese,” has nothing to do with liver or cheese. When I arrived at the train station in Munich, I met up with German vaulting master, Gero Meyer and ordered me one with mustard. As I drank in the whole scene, I have to say it was quite good- kind of like high quality spam, but much tastier than it looks and sounds. Sometimes we read or hear about people’s perspectives and hear “leberkäse” but cannot experience the flavor of the situation. This year, the year of the World Equestrian Games being held in my own country, where, for the first time I can compete on my own horses in an international event, is about enjoying the taste from the start to the finish.

Gero was going to do a weekend of clinics down in Austria, so once we got in the car that is where we drove. After explaining vaulting to a passenger we picked up, he asked why we do it, as there must not be much money in the sport. The answer came naturally, “Well ja, we do it because we love it, isn’t that supposed to be the point?” I have a silent moment of “Aha!” and as I listen to Gero further explain his perspective, I want to give him a high five. (Such an American thing to do, I know). I realize that one of the things I love most about vaulting not being as big as some other sports, where the money and the fame start to determine much of its importance, is the people that it attracts. There are no ulterior motives; I know that the physical prizes do not outweigh what you must put in. You get so much more out of it than that. Because of this, I really believe that the drive comes from the heart, it is all about the passion and love for what you do.

When we get to Austria, I feel like all of the German I previously understood has left me. I definitely did not prepare for the accent. When talking to our host parents, I smile whenever Gero smiles and nod enthusiastically whenever his reply to one of their questions is yes. The result of this was that all weekend we were both served Gero’s favorite foods, and of course, he got the room with the bigger bed.

Once we were back in München where Gero regularly trains, I got to live with another lovely family. Like so many of the people that I have stayed with throughout my vaulting adventures, they were incredibly welcoming. They were a very musical bunch, just like my own family (my personal musical talents, however, being more focused on consumption). I love coming home to listen to my dad and brother play guitar, as my little sister and mom sometimes chime in singing. It is the “samsara” of the day, a place to let our bodies catch up with all that we have experienced the hectic hours of being awake.

It does not get cold in California. No matter what I thought before, we really are spoiled when it comes to temperature. However, I once heard someone say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing. No matter what situation you find yourself in, it is always about the perspective that you bring. In the morning, I wake up and begin the process of getting dressed for vaulting. Just imagine a suitcase very full of vaulting clothes, to those not familiar, this includes leg warmers, thigh high socks, fuzzy spandex pants- pretty much anything and everything stretchy and warm. In the next scene, picture the suitcase now half empty, me standing there like a Michelin man, sweating. I waddle into Gero’s room and tell him that I am ready to go. The look on his face explains that humor is often a result of our varying interpretations of “appropriate.”

We get to the barn and Gero decides that it would be a great idea to go running through the hills that are covered in a foot and a half of snow. It is -2° Celsius and I look down at my new running shoes made of mesh. Right, running through the snow, just what I was thinking. But somehow he finds a way to make it fun; soon enough the Michelin man layers become unnecessary and I find myself sprinting up hills and jumping to knock the snow off tree branches. I always find it funny to hear people say after they have achieved something great, “it hasn’t hit me yet.” I had this realization that that’s because it has already hit you. This is it. All we have is today. And then, as if you didn’t see it coming, a huge ball of snow hits me in the face. Thanks Gero.

After spending a week training with Gero, I head off to Krumke, my home away from home, where the horse I will compete on and my “adopted” family live. As I get out of the car, I see Oma and Opa standing outside near the vegetable garden. The first time that I came to this home I was twelve, now standing here as a twenty year old I feel so much more comfortable; I am so thankful to be welcome in this town where they say horses outnumber humans.

As you can tell, my experiences here have taught me so much about language. Although I joke about my abilities, having studied German in school has literally opened up the worlds of being able to speak to people I meet. The gap is easy to overcome, and it is often my favorite- and by far the most entertaining- part of my travels. Trying to tell Marion that she and her siblings have a similar sense of humor, I mistakenly add “sch” to the beginning of “witzen” (to joke), and as Ines dies of laughter, Marion cannot figure out why I am telling her that she sweats just like her sister. Oops. Sometimes we would skip the words and get directly at the meaning. One of my favorite moments was at lunch, when I asked Oma where the schnitzel had come from. With the sweetest face, and the cutest grandma like way, she simply holds up an imaginary chicken and mimes slicing its throat herself. Message received. A whole new respect for Oma gained.

If you have a message that you are passionate about, you will find a way to communicate it. The language is just our connection with words, music, food… or maybe the connection we have when finding harmony of our own movement and that of a horse. For me it is about finding that passion and soaking in everything it takes to get to that point of expression. Now I am off to France, a country where I do not speak a lick of their beautiful tongue, to compete in an international competition in the historic town of Saumur. I shall write next time with the results, but after reading this blog, you can probably predict it’s actually going to be about the experience.

Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist and Dressage Superstar Anky van Grunsven (NED)

March 21, 2009
Last Sunday I came back from the international show in Dortmund, Germany. I had both my Grand Prix horses, Salinero and I.P.S Painted Black with me and both did very well. With Painted Black I rode the national tour. We won both test and especially in the freestyle he did a very good job and scored 80%. I showed Salinero in the international tour and we won the Grand Prix with a very good score of 76,6%. I was very happy that Sali was so concentrated on me and reacted very good to my aids. In the second test we made two big mistakes as he cantered in both trot half passes. That cost a lot of points and we came third. But, for me it’s clear that both horses are fit and ready for Kentucky. But first I will go to Indoor Brabant next weekend. Unfortunately I did not qualify for the World cup final so I will ride the CDI Grand Prix instead.

At home things are pretty busy as well. The big rebuilding that took over a year already is almost coming to an end. The new stalls very ready a few months ago and now the offices, canteen, apartments are ready too. This week they work on the parking place. From Cavalor I got a new feeding trolley that is very easy to push and steer. We have all kinds of Cavalor food so that we can individualize every horse’s meal. In that way every horse gets exactly what he needs.

That seems to be about all for now. Until next time!

www.anky.com

Reiner Lisa Coulter (CAN) on the Road to Kentucky

I recently returned from a competition in Stephenville, Texas where I competed in 2 CRIs. The race is on to get qualified in both Canada and the USA. The CRIs were well attended and competitve. I have qualified as far as I possibly can to make the Canadian Team and its all about the final team selection in mid July in Chilliwack, B.C. However I feel strongly about keeping up competitvely and testing myself and my horses at the CRIs. It is the best way to keep the high level pressure as well as put me and my horses under the strict guidelines and criteria the FEI expect. As Reiners we are still relatively new to the criteria and it is a positive and necessary step in our progress in our sport.
(Photo Credit: Equisport Photos)

I am also looking ahead to the Masters and World Rankings so gaining points is also very important. I competed on Angels Mark. This is a 7 year old gelding owned by Bob Thomspon. He has been a wonderful horse for Bob, in Non Pro events, and has just begun to show with me in the Open. The greatest thing about this horse is his mind and how absolutely intent he is on pleasing his rider. He rarely takes a bad step and if he does its only because you put him there. He may not have plus one maneuvers but he is a solid plus half every day and his ability to patiently wait and work to the level you ask is astounding. Run after run this horse proves himself and the fact that he will come out sound and able to handle run after run makes him a fantastic FEI horse.

We marked 72 to 73s on both runs. This placed us 6th the first CRI and 3rd the second CRI. This was more than I expected as the competition was tough and I hoped to sit in the top ten but knew I was under-horsed. However Angel was his sturdy self and proved that a great heart and effort will be rewarded. I was able to acheive more points than I had hoped for and also came away from the event very confident and feeling more and more ready for WEG.

I schooled my top two horses in Stephenville in an effort to get them ready for the finals in July. Ace was his usual self and allowed me to school him like I needed to. We have minor problems and he is so honest he will make the mistakes and allow me to fix him. Then he simply gets better for the big runs. Weg (aptly named horse) is still my biggest challenge. He and I have not connected fully yet. He is by far my best maneuver horse but he is not my best minded. He requires preparation and patience...he also requires trust and I have been slow giving it to him. I feel great runs with Weg and myself and hopefully by the finals we will be ready. My plan is to run him at the CRI2 at the NRBC. This is not an attempt to win but to put a high pressure run together and see how we both fare. He then will go back to schooling to prepare for team selection.
(Photo Credit: Equisport Photos)

The NRBC has 2 CRIs scheduled in late April and that will be my next effort. I will be both schooling and showing all 3 horses to keep us all up to par.
I am feeling more and more confident as we get closer to WEG and look forward to the team slection. Its a new challenge I look forward to and a goal that sets me on fire. My focus is strong and my horses are ready......bring on WEG!

Paralympic Medalist and European Para Dressage Champion: Sophie Wells (GBR)

Welcome to my first blog entry for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This World Equestrian Games is different from any previous event because it’s the first time that all 8 FEI equestrian disciplines are competing together!

First I will introduce myself. I’m 19 years old and started riding when I was about 7. I did the normal riding club and pony club activities until I specialised in dressage at the age of 11. I first got introduced to Para Dressage at 13 and it all took off from there! I still compete in able-bodied dressage, and have competed and won internationally for GB too. I was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, which left me with just a few fingers. The doctors managed to save my feet but I have bad scarring and nerve damage in my lower legs. So I have good days and bad days! I’m a Grade IV Para rider, so I compete in the least disabled category of the sport. (Pictured: Sophie on her horse "Noki")

Campaigning for a place on the British Team is well underway now, but there are many riders going for just a few places, so competition is tough! Qualifiers for selection have already begun, and we have made a good start winning and coming second in both qualifiers I have done this year. I have two horses I am competing in the selection trials, Pinocchio (Noki, 13 yr old 17.2hh chestnut gelding owned by Dr Jackie Walker) and Valerius (Reece, 8 yr old 17.2hh liver chestnut gelding owned by myself since he was 5). My first major Championship was only last year, the European Para Dressage Championships in Norway, where I rode Pinocchio, and it was a great debut where I learnt a lot and was thrilled to win 3 gold medals!

I only started riding Noki at the beginning of 2009, so our partnership is getting even stronger now. While we were snowed off over Christmas and New Year, my trainer (Angela Weiss) and I sat down and sorted out a competition schedule for both horses for the year.

Next week I have a qualifier and then a lesson with Nicole Werner, Edward Gal's trainer, which should be great! We then go on to World Class Performance squad training, so I’ll let you know how it all goes!

www.sophiewells.com