Out to the venue early and got the horses plaited, groomed and make up on!! We all got into our team uniforms and led the horses down to the marshalling area for the trot up. It was goosebumps stuff as we headed to the trot up area in front of the grand stand. Australia was the first country to go. The stewards checked the horses’ passports and then Vin was called up to go first. Vin trotted up well and looked fit and well. The Ground Jury gave the nod. One horse through. Then a quick change and Tim took Diamond for his trot up. Diamond is feeling and looking fit and he too got the nod. Yay, that nerve wracking part of the process over!!
Then back to the stables for our scheduled work out time in the practise arenas.
Diamond working in arena
Vin working
We had lunch with Paula Rhodes and Sue French who had arrived the evening before.
Then off to have our first look at the obstacles. They look great, loads of options and technical gates. It is very hot but we managed to walk the whole eight before heading back to the stable area.
We have just whizzed back to the hotel for showers(so not a lot of time for photos and blogs) because we need to spruce up before walking in the Opening Ceremony tonight. After the ceremony, drivers, grooms and trainer will be taken on a course walk and then to the Nations Party.
Opening Ceremony was great fun. Australia was introduced first to many cheers and shouts of Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy. It was certainly a tear jerker for some of us.
Aussies at the Opening Ceremony
Michelle, Liz, Dot and Jessica
Nations Party was a huge hit. All the countries set up a table of their national food, drinks and flags, hats, etc. Not many people other than Australians ate the vegemite sandwiches!!! There was some amazing food and drink on offer! The music also kept everyone jumping and there was a fair bit of late night partying!!
Tim, Lorraine, Alanna (Brits groom) and Jessica
Aussie supporters!!
Now the fun begins! It’s a shame the grooms don’t get to “parade” in the opening ceremony. Good luck for the dressage.
Just looked at the draw, so we have to wait until Friday! Lucky Michelle, lucky last. Good luck again
Getting a bit worried about this partying…don’t want the grooms to fall off in the marathon due to sore heads!! :O
Everyone here is getting so excited and wish you all the best of luck!!!
Sounds and looks like you are having a great time.
Michelle, where are the Aussie gumboots that you bought, or did they not make the trip? Have fun good luck.
Go Aussies. Have a great time and good luck
Typical, Paula can find a party anywhere!!!! Are you able to tape the dressage tests ? Boring people like me can watch them and learn.Enjoy and draw the obstacles. I am hoping for good performances and if we get middle scores our Ladies have performed really well.The horses are looking like real atheletes. Good Luck.
It has been raining in Vic …again.
it is so great to hear all about the excitement.
All the best for Friday will be thinking of you all
This is the first time we at home have felt involved when our drivers are overseas. Keep up the blogs Lorraine, we all look forward to hearing the news.
The photos are fantastic.
Good luck tomorrow.
Hey great to see Paula still smiling after the big trip in a plane.
Could it be what’s in the glass party girl? Watch out for the champers! ;-D
Good luck from me and the Ducklings too.
Oh ….. so excitment!!!!
Good luck, good luck everyone.
Fabulous blog, Lorraine! Good luck to everyone for later today, and every day………….
Lots of love is beeming its way to you all,
Jenny, Graham, Rachel and Jessica