Eventing Dressage phase

Eventings team had their dressage phase today. Dressage tests were being ridden in five different rings. It was very difficult to keep track of.

That is Natasha Jensen on Tango.

Eventing teams move in

Eventing competitors moved into the Horse Park today.

There was a training session on what to do at the vet box. They also talked about how to cool down the horse.

1. Bring lots of helpers
2. Sponge the horse as fast as possible and scrape off the water
3. Keep the horse moving
4. Don't be in the vet's way when she is listening to the horse's heartbeat.

CJ

Cj Kolb is in charge of the Hospitality at the Championships West.

She makes sure all Horse management team,  organizers, Judges, and volunteers are fed and hydrated. She always has snacks and cookies and cold drinks available in the hospitality suites. She brings muffins, hard boiled eggs, yogurt and cheese for breakfast, sandwiches, salads and fruits for lunch. There is always ice cold drinks there. She must spend a lot of time at the grocery store.

Awards day

Lots of activity on Tuesday.

The Dressage competitors showed off their Musical Freestyle. The tetrathlon competitors did their shooting phase in Stanford. More games and more show jumping.  All of them had their Awards ceremony. Dressage awards were the last one in the row. The competitors were on horse back and did a victory lap (first at a trot and then at a canter ,  I think the horses were tired.)  I have lots of pictures.

Games comeptitors got a Pinata. I don't have photos of that. 

Tara Davis rides again

Even in the middle of all the activity of Champs West there was one competitor that all moms talked about. It was Tara Davis. She is a Dressage competitor from Mid Cal region. Her mom Fiona Davis was walking around the Champs grounds with a news paper that carried an article about Tara. It read "Tara rides again". Here is a link to it in San Mateo Journal.

Tara Davis from Moon Valley Pony Club - Middle California Region

Tara was diagnosed with leukemia two years ago. She has had a treaments since then. She is feeling better now and is able to ride. She did a great job on the Mid Cal team.

I didn't get to talk to her. But I thought you should atleast read the article that was published.

Her mom and dad are very happy she is doing well. She is going to go through with the last part of her treament after the championships. Good luck Tara!

Fiona Davis - Tara's mom

Brian Lee

Brian Lee is a 23 year old Dressage competitor from Inland Empire region. He studies Computer Science in college. He is HA rated member. He took his A rating last week but did not meet standards. He plans on taking it again next year. He save money to come to championships. He is really sweet. I got to trade my Middle California pin with him for his Inland Empire pin.

 His hobbies are running cross country, breaking things, and building things.

I got to talk to Brian and his team mates after their rides today.

Mounted Disciplines

Today, August 9th was the second day of riding for Dressage & Show Jumping. Games started today with a ver fun and colorful parade of the teams. I have some very colorful photos of it here.

The Tetrathlon competitors did their show jumping round today.

Tet competitors also did their running round today (I went on a warmup run with them. So, I didn't get to take any pictures.)

Dressage competitors were treated to Ice cream. But, they ran out of Vanilla before I got there. So, I didn't get any Ice Cream.

Sarah Carmela Ponzini

Name: Sarah Carmela Ponzini

Favorite foods: I love pasta, vegetables, ice cream, salmon, and polenta

Like or not like about Pony Club: At first I really didn’t like how you had to jump in Pony Club to advance. I was really really afraid to do it. But I ride a wonderful horse, her name is Pure Maple Syrup and she really helped me get over my fear of jumping. Now I love it and want to do it more often.

Looking forward to in the Championships:  I am looking forward to meeting new friends

About my horse: Her name is Pure Maple Syrup and she belongs to my good friend Sarah Lochran. Maple is a great friend and horse. She is very patient and cares about the rider she is carrying. She is very smart too and she loves to jump which really makes me feel safe!

Hobbies outside of horses: I like sports, designing wedding dresses, swimming and baking.

Pets: I have 15 land hermit crabs, a german shepard mixed dog I got to name Nala when I was little and a cat named Boo Boo.

Funny story about yourself: When I was about three my neighbor had two chickens named Millie and Lillie and they used to run free in our front yard and I would spend all day chasing them all around the front yard

Erin Woodall

Erin Woodall is from the Kentucky National Office. She works at the bookstore.

This is Erin's interview.

Creaky Rousten

Creaky is the dressage judge for championships. She is very nice.

This is the interview.