Thanks, Everyone!

Hi again!
 I just really want to thank everyone who  has been writing me. You have all brought tears to my eyes and put a smile on my face.  We are hanging in there. Brentina has been full of herself and has no idea that she has not won a medal. She goes out and struts her stuff like she always has. I am sure that you have all read the reaction from my team and what a team this has turned out to be! I don't know if you can see on television how many we have standing on the stand in front of the arena. The cover picture for the Grand Prix Special on Equisearch should give you an idea. But we are all there for each other. When I say this I am also including Michael Barisone, he is a teammate and brings so much to our team spirit. Often the alternate is not talked about and certainly not given the credit they deserve. All of us put our family, and our financial support on hold for three months or more, depending on where you live and where the horses must travel. He stood ready to step in for the team and his country at any moment, yet sits in the background. What so many don't realize is that this isn't like most shows, in the fact that you can't get your family credentials to see you. So when they come, you are lucky to spend a little time during a part of the day that you can fit it in. There has been an International Tent made available for families and friends to get together but it isn't the same and can be very crowded. I just would like to point out that even though we were only allowed to start three riders we had a fourth who is just as much a part of the team as those of us who had the opportunity. Thank you all for your continued support, you are the reason it is all worthwhile!
Debbie

My Thoughts from Here

Hello Everyone,
 First I must say that in spite of what is being written, Brentina is not LAME! She went into the ring and was terrified by something. I can't even tell you how badly I feel, not only for losing the team medal but also for letting the country down. This was certainly not the way I wanted to end a career. I want to thank everyone who has supported us over the years and my family, who has given up so much to get me here.My teammates Courtney and Steffen, go get them and show them that you deserve to be here.  Klaus, Gil, Rick,everyone that has been associated with this team, and there are way too many to mention, have been amazing. The grooms have been so great together. It has been fun to watch them take care of each other.  It has been very hard on Ruben, it has really hit us both that she will not be going down center line again. We are both so thankful that she will still be with us and the loving and pampering will never change! With the amount of treats that she has been getting, I am sure she thinks she just won the medal! And to all our fans, thank you for your letters. Mary has been so great in making sure that I receive them. Also Kyra, has been working hard at it. I don't know if I will be writing again but please know that we love you all!
Debbie, Ruben and of course the BRICK HOUSE WOMAN, BRENTINA!

 

One More Day To Go!

Sorry it has been a couple of days since I have last written. It seems like we are on the go every moment even with only one horse. Things are on target here and the jog went very well for our team. If I do say so myself, we were the best turned out of any team!

The last three days we have been cheering our Event Team on. It is fun to have all three teams in the same barn. Today was an easy day for the horses; we had the main arena last night but not until 10:35 p.m. So by the time we got home it was around 11:45, and who knows when the grooms got done. This is when the grooms really start to get tired. Up at 5 a.m. and not to bed until after midnight. Some of them don't get to bed before 2 a.m! But that isn't because of us! I know that Ruben has made the most of his experience here. Everywhere he goes they all know his name and love him! I have never met anyone that puts a smile on and loves what he does more than him. Brentina is his best friend and you can see it in both of their faces. This is also going to be very hard on him knowing that this is the last time with her in competition. I have been so lucky to have him.

We are getting some rain again today and I hope it stays a little overcast the next couple of days. After a rain like this if it is sunny, it will be unbearable with the humidity. One more day to go! Getting nervous and excited, this is the most beautiful arena that I have ever been in, also electric! The jumbo screen has caused some tenseness in many horses and also the camera between the judges booths at the end of the arena. We have all had time in the ring to let them see it, now we have to wait and see if it helped.

It has been wonderful traveling with such a great support group. Bob, Gil, Rick and the staff from USEF have been amazing. Michael has been wonderful, keeping us all laughing with his jokes and imitations! He has definitely earned best sportsmanship award for this trip! Hope everyone is well back in the U.S. Stay safe!

Debbie

Typhoon!

Hello Everyone,
Wanted to let you all know that things are well here in Hong Kong in spite of the typhoon that we are having. I have never been through anything like this, so I chalk it up to another adventure. I think we are lucky because it ended up not being a direct hit. It is still considered an 8 on their scale and I think it goes to 10.

The town is pretty much shut down and the barn as well. They weren't running the trains earlier so we didn't go to the barn this morning, but the grooms are staying at the venue and they said that everything was fine there. They were able to get the horses out to hand-walk this morning before it really started to come down. The jumpers were supposed to arrive this morning but because of this storm they took them off the plane in Amsterdam. The riders did make it in, I think that they will try to fly the horses tomorrow?

We have been riding the horses twice a day. In the mornings, we mostly walk and then come back and ride at night. By the time we get back to the hotel and eat a bite, it is 11 p.m. or later. In the afternoon, we have been doing some shopping. It is pretty amazing, because our dollar is stronger and you can find some pretty great deals. There are little malls all over the place here! We have been taking the subway to get to the venue once a day. That is a pretty slick deal in the morning, but coming back makes me a little uneasy, mostly because there are so many people that I worry about getting sick. We have a driver but only at night. It takes an hour if you take the subway and 30 minutes if you have a driver.

I'm getting excited about the opening ceremonies. We are not going to Beijing, but they are having a small version  here in Hong Kong. We also will be watching it live over a big screen in the stadium. They have a great night planned, so it should be fun. The nice thing about having it here is we will not miss any days with our horses, if we don't have any more typhoons! Hope everyone is well at home. Sending many thanks for all your support, from Hong Kong!

Deb

We're Here!

Hi! Just wanted to let you all know that we did arrive safe and all horses look great! This is really an amazing venue, I think the best that I have ever seen or been to. The stalls are big and have rubber not just on the floor, but the walls as well. The barn is kept at a cool temp so the horses are not having to be drained by the heat all day and night. The footing is amazing as well. Today I took Brentina out for a trail ride on manicured trails that meander inside the race track. I haven't seen the grooms'rooms but they seem to be fine with them. So far, the weather is bearable. We will ride light in the mornings and then start riding them at night, since that is when most of the competition will be going.

We received all our (Olympic) clothes last night, but none of mine fit. They ordered me XS for everything. HAS ANYONE SEEN MY ARMS? Not a big deal. They are going to try and exchange them. The people could not be nicer and the service at the restaurants is unbelievable. Took a short walk today to see things and can't believe what it's like. I am having custom-made suits with skirts and blouses for around $400.

We are all going tonight on the Jockey Club yacht for a tour of the harbor. Enjoying these next couple of days and then it is time to get really serious. But for now, it is nice to be doing something out of the ordinary. Talk to you all later!

Debbie