My twenty minute drive from AEL International headquarters at La Ferme Fremant to Le Pin au Haras has a few different routes and so this morning, as there was no rush, I took the scenic route i.e. got lost.
It was lucky that I was in no hurry as I had to keep stopping to hop out and take photos – poppies on the roadside, hay stacks in the fields, beautiful villages. If you’re thinking of coming here next year for the WEG, make sure you leave plenty of time for looking around the countryside. I’ll fill you in more in my next blog
Anyway back to the event, or at least the event preparation. The venue looks great in the sunshine and there’s plenty of that today in 28 degrees. This is set to continue tomorrow for the dressage but slightly cooler – 25 degrees and possible a little more cloudy, 24 degrees for cross country day (let’s hope) and the chance of rain for the show jumping on Sunday.
The very smiley Jonty Evans
So today the riders could gently work their horses in the sunshine; Jock Paget and Shady Grey had a little jump, while Irish rider Jonty Evans (such a lovely smile even when riding!), Ludwig Svennerstal and Canada’s Jessica Phoenix were just a few we saw stretching their horses’ legs in the dressage arena. Jessica was riding the stallion Pavarotti (who is not her 2* ride so must be competing in the 3* next weekend) and had a bit of extra time as her coach was a bit late – the coach being of course Australian Clayton Fredericks. She kindly had a chat with NormAus, who now thinks he can ride as he sat on a horse for a little while
Lucky old NormAus, getting to sit on the gorgeous Pavarotti .......
It was nice to see Clayton again who has two riders here in the Canadian team – Jessica riding A Little Romance and Lindsay Traisnel riding Candar ven het Neerveld. Last year of course Clayton was riding here, and winning, Le Grand Complet 1* and 2*but his role is slightly different this year.
Prue Barrett flies the Aussie flag
For the rest of the event it is business as usual starting with a meeting for the Chef d’Équipes this morning where we spotted Australian National Performance Director, Prue Barrett. Throughout the day various meetings are being held as officials and administration staff go through the processes leading up to a successful event both this and next year. It’s always good to be at an event early to get the feel of the place and check things out at a relaxed pace but from this evening the action starts
Le Haras National du Pin - what a spot for a trot up!
The trot up takes place at 6pm in front of the main house at Haras du Pin (just a note here for anyone confused about the two terms – Le Pin au Haras is the village and Le Haras National du Pin is the name of the National Stud where the event takes place). This is going to be an amazing backdrop for the trot up and we’ll bring you a gallery from the first horse inspection in the morning (French time).
Oh and just a word about the French people, contrary to popular opinion, they are helpful, charming and more than happy to speak English (if they can!)
