Debbie McDonald and Brentina, Photo by Nancy Jaffer

Hi Everyone,

Just though I would give you all an update on our preparation for the big competition. We are leaving on Sat afternoon for Aachen. Can't believe that it is almost here! The weather has turned cooler and if it stays like this should be great weather for the show. Anyone coming should bring rain gear as there are showers in the forecast.

Judith and Klaus gave us a farewell/good luck party last night. This has become a tradition, with great food and good company. I went to bed early because I am coming down with a cold but had a good time while I was there. Looking forward to the opening ceremonies I have heard that it is going to be good. All the horses are looking very happy and fit for the big event. As the time draws near I get very quiet so you probably won't hear much from me. I will try to keep you posted, I am sure that you can also find a website for the WEG in Aachen. Can't wait to get home and stay for a while. I miss my family so much! Keep your fingers crossed for the U.S., I know that we will all do our best to bring home a medal! Stay Safe!

Debbie

Editor's Note: Check out EquiSearch.com's daily coverage from the WEG at equisearch.com/equiwire_news/weg2006.

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to let you all know if you have been watching TV that we are fine here in London. Bob and I actually were at Heathrow this morning leaving to go back to Klaus' after spending a couple of great days with Peggy and Parry. I have to say it was a nightmare! We were there for six hours standing in a space of about two feet sqaure. We couldn't move forward or backward even though we wanted to leave. Finally the airlines told us all to leave and try to re-book in a couple of days. I don't have a couple of days!! We are now on a train to Paris tonight and then on to Dusseldorf in the morning. I am afraid that things could get worse the more I am hearing. If they shut down all forms of public transportaiton then we are really in trouble. It just goes to show you how fast things can change! So we are on our first train adventure--only wish it was under better circumstances. Have to go, running out of time! Stay Safe!

Debbie

Debbie McDonald and Brentina, Photo by Nancy Jaffer

Hi Everyone!

A quick note to let you know that we are all doing fine. Brentina is enjoying being back in Verden where she came from. She seems to enjoy the auction team that keeps coming by to say hi. Everyone seems to be in good spirits and the GP yesterday was a good class. All of our riders did a super job. I really can't inform you much at this moment on where any of them stand. I am not clear on the process so I don't want to make a mistake by talking out of line. We have been very lucky with the weather, it has been great for the horses. It could have been so bad if we had gotten the rain they thought we might. The young horse riders also did a super job yesterday and did the US proud! What we are showing the World, is that we do have some fabulous horses and riders coming up, and it is great for them to see that. Scott has done a great job with this program and I am sure it is only going to get better with time.

Bob and I are off to London for a couple of days on Monday. I am leaving Halle with Ruben, I hope she is going to be a good girl for him. This will be the first time I have left her since I have gotten her. It will give me a better idea how she will do with Judith during the WEG.

We have had such a great support team here with Tim Ober, Gil Merrick not to mention Judith, Bellie and Klaus. Gil has really stepped up to the plate in his new position and proved to be someone that can handle whatever seems to come his way. He will leave for home for a week or so and return for the WEG. Tim is just such a piece of mind to have around and the horses all love him. We are so lucky to have such a great group and no matter who makes this team, everyone of us needs to remember that this is an honor and a privilege to be here. We need to accept success and failure with dignity and grace! Stay Safe!

Debbie