Meagan and Bentley day 2

 This morning the riders did the Young Rider Individual Test. Most riders did better than yesterday. We warmed Bentley up much less. The warm-up ring was still crowded, but outside it was quieter (last night we got about 5 inches of snow – today is sunny and cold). Bentley was pretty normal in warm-up — still not as powerful as usual. He definitely could use a longer arena to get him going — this arena is square. In the stable he looked tired. The long trip, two moves, yesterday’s nervous breakdown may be catching up to him. Meagan said as soon as he went in the arena he deflated again. It’s a bit like going from cold New York to hot, muggy Florida in 3 seconds. He was still behind the leg, but not so much as yesterday. She went off course (same place another rider did) but with a 66+% she held onto 6th place and made it into the A final. Everyone rides their freestyle but the top group goes tomorrow night and the bottom group goes Sunday. I never understand this because only the winners get publicity — so the winner of the bottom group will get more attention than 3 – 7 th place in the top group :-?

Meagan is the only FEI Dressage rider competing in a helmet. Someone came up to me during her warm-up and asked where I was from and did we not have top hats in America! Today, however,  the head judge, at the awards, congratulated and thanked her for wearing a helmet. No one can say she is being looked down on for having the courage of her convictions.

This afternoon it’s off to the famous Christmas Fair in downtown Frankfort — a party for the riders at our hotel tonight and then on to the freestyle tomorrow. Wish us luck. We are trying to talk Clipmyhorse.com who has live video coverage of the competition to make it available in the US.

Cannot tell you how proud I am of Meagan — she is representing the US so beautifully.

Results: http://eventcontent.hippoonline.de/542/sta_erg/24_ergDEU.htm?style=hippo