WEG is rocking on regardless of Hurricane Florence warnings, rain, humidity and drama.

There’s a growing presence of Kiwis all around the grounds and our riders are loving it.

I’m not one to want to always talk about the weather but it’s hard not to mention it when everyone else mentions it – whether it be competitors talking about the impact it could have on performances, or just outright pouring rain or searing sun . . . it is a constant reminder that we’re in the lap of the gods when it comes to it.

There were plenty of very vocal Kiwis in the stands today for Julie Brougham in the pure dressage and the first of our eventers, Blyth Tait and Sir Mark Todd. All three rode beautifully and did the silver fern proud.

There were plenty of media keen to chat to both Blyth and Mark – it’s certainly a reunion of sorts for them and the many international officials.

The jumping horses have completed their first day in quarantine and are likely to be out late tomorrow afternoon. The riders come in tomorrow evening . . . all going well.

The endurance crews are packing their bags in preparation for departure – they’re heading north, south, east and west.

Lots of our grooms went to the official welcome party tonight – it was probably a welcome change to get out of sandy sneakers and into clean clothes.

Our ‘hood was remarkably quiet last night. With the cancellation of the endurance, all our neighbours immediately left town.

There’s plenty of burning the candle at both ends by so many of the team who are looking after horses, people and just generally taking care of business.

Tomorrow will be another exciting day for us all.

 

By NZ Team media liaison Diana Dobson