Friday, August 25, 2006

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

Some Jumps May Not Be What They Appear to Be

There are also surprises. When you approach some of the jumps they look very basic and straightforward but as you get closer you see that there is more to the jump than when it was viewed from a distance. A good example is fence #21, the Trakehner. From the distance it looks like a simple log but once you get close you realize there is a gap afterwards and below that is a running stream of water. The pictures tell the true story.

The course outside the path for the horses was built with spectators in mind. There are numerous bridges throughout the course to make it easier to pass through certain locations and special spectator footing was put on some of the paths to make it easier to walk on them without slipping. Around the grounds are a few places to buy food and there are even portajohns (but don’t forget your own tissues).

However, it’s such a short distance back to the Vendor Village and the many food vendors that during the day spectators can easily take a hike to widen their variety of food choices and maybe even take a break to do some shopping. Those selling rain gear have been doing really well this week. And I know that from personal experience. In the future I will never again forget to bring rain gear. They call Aachen the City of Water because of its many springs but I wonder if Mother Nature doesn’t also play a part in that nickname.

Let’s hope cross country day stays dry!