Derosa Daily
On The Scene at the FEI Las Vegas World Cup for Dressage and Showjumping

April 23, 2005: The Horse Show Competitions

Before the class a video presentation is showcased on the screens in the center of the arena positioned high up. This is also where the names and scores of the competitors are posted and during the rounds you are able to see how the riders are doing. In the jumpers as soon as they acquire any penalty points those are posted and for dressage the scores of the judges are posted as they enter them. It is a unique and excellent way of keeping the audience included in the competition and having a sense of where everyone is placed while the competition is still going on.

Just outside the ingate and around the corner is a tiny schooling area but most prefer to school in the upper ring which is right outside the entrance in a tent. They then walk down a sandy path to get to the competition arena. Behind the schooling ring are the temporary stables. They area is screened in so no one can get in without the proper credentials but there are times when you can see horses being walked or cared for in other ways.

The trade pavilion houses about 125 vendors and they cross the gamut of companies that are both national and international. You can buy gifts for you or your horse and in many cases the Europeans are stocking up on items they can’t necessarily get in their own country or it’s less to buy here and bring these items home.

Those attending the event are staying all over town. There are so many hotels in Vegas that finding a place to stay is not a problem. Once the event is over, those who have the energy have plenty to do, because in Vegas they never sleep.