Cross country day

  The weather cooperated, and we were lucky to have overcast skies and cool temperatures all day here at the horse park. Although rain was forecast, it only ever sprinkled, which was not only great for the horses, it was wonderful for the spectators. There were 27,000 spectators in attendance today, which lead to huge lines at the food stands, and even huger lines at the bars and bathrooms.
   William Fox-Pitt lead off the morning, coming home clean and inside the time, which I'm sure was very welcomed back in the barns. All three of James Alliston's rides looked great (and much better than Galway just a few short weeks ago.) Buck Davidson also rode three around, finishing two clear and inside the time. That means between those two guys, we saw over an hour of cross country riding! They should sleep well tonight!
   There were some great goes from Rolex rookies, also.  I was particularly impressed by Caitlin Sillman, who is as good cross country as she is in the dressage. Daniel Classing also had a great go, finishing double clear. The course rode a lot harder in the afternoon, perhaps because everyone was so unsure of how it would ride in the morning, and they got a bit too secure before the afternoon session. There were a couple of falls, a few run-outs, several eliminations for stops, and a couple of horses who simply ran out of gas and were pulled up by their riders. We're walking the course in the morning, and it will be interesting to walk the distances that had the riders so worried (especially now that I know how the fences jump!)
   The real rides of the day both belong to Andrew Nicholson.  His first ride of the day, Calico Joe, was clear and fast, with some real attacking riding. His second ride, Quimbo, cantered around like it was a Pony Club track. The horse is a beautiful jumper, and has a great gallop, to boot. He looked like he was barely breathing by the end, so unless something happens tonight or during tomorrow's jog, Andrew Nicholson will be jumping to keep his first and second place standings. If he wins, he'll be setting the stage for an epic showdown for the Rolex Grand Slam at Badmiton next weekend.
   We spent the day hoofing it around the course and have plans for a full course walk tomorrow morning. We are also going to the ever interesting Sunday morning jog, which starts at 8:30, so I'm off to bed.