Thursday, August 24, 2006

De Rosa Daily
FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 - Aachen Germany
Exclusive coverage for HorsesDaily text and photos by Diana DeRosa

About the Mare who truly loves to Compete

I said to Debbie that it appeared to me that Brentina wasn’t as puffed up as normal but she disagreed noting, “I didn’t feel that in the least.” But she did admit that “I myself was riding conservatively.”

Debbie added, “She didn’t give me any indication that anything was wrong. She was not at all backed off. She was willing.”

What the future brings is too soon to predict but those who know Brentina believe that competing is something this mare enjoys doing. “Her energy and desire to still want to compete is still strong, I don’t think she wants to retire just yet … If you know that mare, you know the desire and love she has to do this,” explained Debbie.

But if and when the time comes for her to retire, “she’ll definitely be a momma,” added Debbie.

In the meantime, the 52-year-old (on August 27th) is hoping to compete in next year’s World Cup, which will again take place in Las Vegas, on Brentina and if the 15-year-old mare has anything to say about it, she has every intention of competing there as well.

Debbie will stay on in Aachen as will Brentina. “I am here to support my team all the way and we’ll all be going back to the States together.”

All in all Debbie was slightly disappointed but added, “I am so proud of what we accomplished yesterday.’ Knowing what they know now that Brentina might have had some discomfort shows just what a true competitor this mare is, which is one very good reason why Brentina and Debbie McDonald are the perfect match!”

Added Debbie, “We came here to compete for the Team, we have achieved that goal, and we are very happy.”