Posted April 23, 2006

The Search for America's Next Equestrian Star: Dressage

On the Scene at The Gold Coast Grand Finale

They were performances the riders will never forget — nor will the spectators. At least 10 professional video cameras, a jib arm, aka crane arm or “boom” camera, and countless other cameras were pointed at the riders for both of their 7-minute dressage tests. Three professional cameras were at “C,” one at “R” and one at “P,” and a whole wall of spectators’ cameras and professional cameras could be seen pointed toward the ring along the other sides. The boom camera, which was situated above their heads, rotated and followed them even as they were warming up. No matter which way they turned, shutters were clicking and movies were being made.

Of the six finalists who made the cut for The Search for America's Next Equestrian Star: Dressage, four were left and giving it their all at the season finale for the reality TV show. The show, which was produced by New York’s Brave St. Productions, is due to air in the fall.

The scene was the Gold Coast Dressage Association’s Gold Coast Grand Finale I in Wellington, April 15. The club’s show, which was coincidentally and appropriately also named a finale, incorporated the TV show’s finale into its schedule twice during the course of the show, once at 11 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. All competition in the adjoining rings came to a halt and anybody interested could head over to the main ring to root for their favorite rider and, possible, be on TV. Signs had been posted all around the ring advising spectators of the videotaping in progress and the potential of being on TV.