The World Equestrian Games
Jerez - Spain - 2002
We had been working hard towards the World Equestrian Games in 2002 since 1998 and the last Games in Italy. The Individuals in the squad had put forward faultless performances in the Selection Trials back in June and Liz, Sarah and Lucy for the girls and John and Ricky for the boys had all been duly selected.
The temperature in Jerez was supposed to be between 35 - 40 degrees so it was thought best to travel out early and acclimatise. We travelled with the Horse Trials Driving Teams and headed to Spain with stops at Bordeaux, Madrid and then Seville for a weeks camp.
The weather as promised was very hot and we trained every day before 10am. We had an American girl with us Julie Keville, who was the Individual reserve for the American Individuals, she fell in love with Tiny and showed some superb freestyle moves.
We reached Jerez and settled the horses in time for the trot up. Bowler had lost a shoe in Seville and a Spanish farrier had replaced it but after discussion with the British vet and farrier we decided to re-do the job. Unfortunately Bowler's foot was still very bruised and he came out very unsound the day of the trot up. Everyone tried their very best and he passed the trot up but was very sore.
Tiny was very sound and things were going well for Ricky. Bowler managed to carry the girls and John for the compulsory rounds but we had to withdraw him for the freestyle. John gained his highest marks for his compulsories ever! That's working with horses for you - very unpredictable.
Ricky went beautifully, the arena had a very special feel to it and it was wonderful to be there. Ricky got his personal best score and Tiny bless her got 7's and 7.5's from the judges. Several people commented on Ricky's promosing future.
Although the problems we had with Bowler's foot were heartbreaking, when we look back we had some good times and the Spanish made us very welcome. We took time out just before the games started to do a little sight seeing - Seville has the most beautiful cathedral, it was a fantastic sight.
As with every International competition we made some good new friends and had fun with the old friends - especially those Dutch!! Although John has now had to retire due to commitments at University the rest of the Individuals are working hard towards the 2003 Europeans.
