Horsley Park at 7.30 this morning was a hive of activity. I arrived early to try to walk part of the cross-country course, before the sun got too strong. Horses, riders and grooms were preparing for the trot up. In the Irish camp some riders had taken their horses out for a long hack. Rob was awaiting Ginny. She was however, not going to do too much with The Yellow Earl. Just a small hack to see how he was and a lunge. She plans to do some flat work with him in the afternoon.

I decided to walk part of the course so that I would be able to study it in more detail. I have been warned about the undulations. At first I found it easy, however, as the sun rose in the sky so did the temperature. I delayed my departure time by about half an hour as I remembered the warning given at the briefing about snakes !!. Apparently, there has been more snakes seen than is usual at Horsley. I decided to let those brave event riders, keen to do a second or third walk, to beat the track for me. I waited for the British, the Brazilian and the Spanish to rattle the bushes. I was about to start when the Italians arrived. I let them go ahead of me, as I knew that they would retreat rapidly at the first sign of trouble !!!

I walked the first twelve fences and decided to do the rest over the next two days. I will give you pictures and a description on Sunday after I have spoken to the riders.

I returned to the stables to find the horses had been washed, platted and groomed. The tack had been cleaned and the buckles polished. I must say the horses, riders and grooms look very well in their Irish uniforms.

The horses were inspected in the following order.

1. Patricia Donnegan and Don't Step Back

2. Trevor Smith and High Scope

3. Austin O'Connor and Horseware Fabio

4. Susan Shortt and Joy Of My Heart

5. Nicola Cassidy and Mr. Mullins

6. Viginia McGrath and The Yellow Earl

All passed without a second doubt. The exercise was to trot up and back and keep going. There was a good Irish presence in the crowd that cheered loudly at each accouncement of "Passed". the Conolly-Carew's, the Webb's, the Cawleys', the Shortt's, Cassidy's Savages and the McGrath's cheered with gusto. The team is as follows: Susan, Trish, Nikki and Ginny. They have been christened "The Bitch Pack". Austin and Trevor are "The Stallion Masters". Susan starts with her dressage tomorrow at 10.15

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