The Journey to Hong Kong

Hi Everyone!

I am so sorry for taking so long to get back to you. I have no idea where the time goes. I get up early to ride, watch the other countries school, and then we have lunch. God forbid we miss a meal! That seems to be what we all look forward to. Then I will ride for another hour in the afternoon. I don't work her hard, mostly walking, but it is great when we get to go into the grass field.

Brentina ("Mama") really does love that time of day. We all hang out in the barn, chat and before you know it, it's time to think about dinner.

If any of you have ever been to Germany, then you know how long it takes to have a meal. Not to mention how much longer it takes with large groups. By the time we get home, I don't have the energy to write. I know it is a poor excuse. But I will try to catch you all up to date.

We have had a good time here in Aachen but it is time to move on and get our job done. You can only be contained for so long without wanting to scream. The horses are ready, and we have all practiced under the lights and feel excited about our next adventure.

Last night, all the horses were hydrated for the long journey to Hong Kong. We hear that so far, all the other teams have arrived without a problem and that things have run smooth and fast. We heard the last load was off the trailer and in their stalls in less than an hour. They have a police escort and have no traffic to hold them up. The trailers are all air conditioned as well. We are also traveling with the Swedish and Australian teams, if I am not mistaken; I think we are the last of the dressage teams to get there.

Dr. Rick Mitchell and Rafa (Ravel's groom) are traveling with the horses, as well as professional grooms. They would not allow all the grooms to fly so Ruben did not get to go with Mama. But she is in great hands!

We have to stop for fuel in Dubai but they say that the whole trip from leaving Amsterdam will be 12 hours. That does not count the eight hours they spent on the trailer before they loaded onto the plane. But we thought ahead and had a box stall in the trailer for all the horses so they could move around and get their heads down. We have been in the air for 4 hours and they keep giving us updates that they are doing great! When we arrive in Hong Kong, we will be taken by someone from USEF to get our credentials, and then go to see the horses. We hear that the weather is pretty brutal but even, so we are very excited to get there. Everyone keep your fingers crossed that they all arrive safe, sound and healthy.

I also thought that I should be honest and let you know that I did not spend one day at the gym. Just couldn't go to a German gym. I have been to one before and it just wasn't for me. Bob and I walked but Bob got so into the walking that he would go in between the rainstorms. For any of you who know Bob, this is not NORMAL! I shouldn't be mean; he has been so wonderful and fun on this trip.

I will give you all an update when I am able to get online at the hotel. I hear that there is no wireless, so not sure if I will be able to do it. We are all under some rules about what we can write and take pictures of. I wish I had the ability to snap some shots and mail them off, but I'm just not computer savvy enough for that. Miss everyone and thank you for thinking good thoughts for the U.S. Team!

Debbie

First Day of Quarantine

Hello everyone!

Today we started our first day of quarantine. What we all thought would be a nightmare ended up not being so bad. Peden, which is basically in charge of this and our transport arrangements, seems to have things very much under control. To get the horses into the quarantine stable they first were given a number, then went into a vet clinic where blood was drawn. They then went into another room where they did a nose swab, then into another room where they were sprayed down with some type of insecticide. You then went out and waited to see if the results came back negative and then were given another number to get into the stables. Since we were already stabled there we had the choice of going in later, which gave us time to ride in the morning and get organized. It worked great--by the time we were finished most of the horses had arrived and were finished with the tests. We all hung out and organized the barn again, and then watched as a few of the teams came out to ride. All I can say is that I am proud to be an American! The weather is rain and more rain. It is not very warm, not what you would hope for before for Hong Kong! But we still have two weeks so all we can do is hope that it warms up. I will give you another update in a few days but that's pretty much it for now.

Here in Aachen!

Hello everyone!

Well, we all arrived safely but very tired. We figured out how many hours from start to finish and it was over 30 hours. So most of yesterday was letting the horses be quiet and left alone for the most part. Small walks, but every time we would all leave most of them would take another nap. It would be great to get on today and just feel the energy level. On Thursday we have to move again, all equipment over to quarantine. I have a feeling that is going to be a different experience! The weather is nice for the moment but hopefully for the horses it will start to warm up. Otherwise it is going to be a big shock to all of us in Hong Kong!

I think Gil Merrick, dressage managing director, found us a gym so we can start to work out since there is not one in the hotel. I guess that puts pressure on me to go too! I am off to the barn and will try to give a better update later. I just want you all to know how much your support means. I really miss my family!