I am so happy I’m in a tizzy. I have a press assignment for the World Cup and should have no issue getting the credentials. I got them last time through someone else, and it was amazing.
So, I’m getting a jump start on what you would really like to know. I’m a dressage person and dressage focused, but am interested in a lot. Give me any ideas. Questions, what you just have to know, whatever. I’m better when i have a goal and a lot to do. 
Last time:
It was a kick to watch the press with the leading riders afterwards and listen to those questions and answers. More interestingly, though, I was able to stop Anky on her way out and talk to her about her possible reining career and whether she was going for it. (She loved it and said it was more about getting a horse who could do it.)
Sitting in the press room with people from all over the world was fascinating. I really get the sense that dressage is only an upper class sport in Europe, unlike here. I mentioned the buffet and the wonders of it, and got a lot of questioning looks.
There was a fascinating breeder’s conference, for one, talking about breeding young, like two year olds. Most people didn’t think it was an issue, but one Dutch breeder found through experience that she felt it loosened the ligaments too much in the tail and back area when they were bred so young and liked to train them first. I was also able to talk to the head of the German Hannovarian whatever on the bus, and he had some great comments to make on where breeding is going and Shutterfly.
SWANA has always had kickass seminars. One time Brair’s breeder told of what he was like as a young stallion, and how they always allow all of their horses to live in herds. His wife explained to me she felt the very cold air in winter was a good way to get parasites out of the system. (Something I have no clue about being in CA.)
I was able to talk to Minne Tilde (who’s horse was pulled because he was hurt) and Jan Brink about their riding on my horse’s sire, and what he was like and what they think is inheritable.
At some cocktail party, it was like a who’s who of everyone. George Morris was hanging around and Edward Gal (who was riding Lingh at the time) was having a good old time walking around being a celebrity. I talked to an owner/ breeder of one of the top jumping stallions (one of the Q ones) and he was explaining to me the stable of stallions they had that they bought. (He didn’t seem to understand how you can just not buy the horses you want because, of course, you’re rich.) I spoke to Hans Miderhound and thought his mare Sunrise was wonderful, but I don’t think he spoke English.
