E-Cards From from World Cup - After the Show

Arlene (Tuny) Page - FEI Rider, Trainer

4-28 - First of all we Americans should be incredibly proud of the job that "we" did hosting this competition...It rivaled ANY competition in Europe! The spectators were well educated, opinionated and vocal. They supported every rider and clearly demonstrated their appreciation of the superb. Thank You to the organizers, volunteers, staff, announcers from one very appreciative American.

The American riders have proved yet again that we are every bit the riders, trainer and competitors that our European counterparts are...but enough of that...THE DRESSAGE WORLD KNOWS ALREADY!!!!!

The results...well, I am one that agrees with the quote from one of the judges that "It would have been perfect to have had the top three share the title". I didn't happen to see Anky as the "clear winner" because from my viewpoint (suite, so a bit high) the pirouettes were a little out of balance and I was concerned to see that Salinero was not always regular behind yet her command of the music (which is so perfectly suited to the pair) is unquestionable...I could easily see how she could have come out on top in the artistic scoring and I am aware of the value in that. I was so impressed by her choreography in that she is always doing something that will earn her a score (no "down lines") yet there is always the sense that she is flowing from movement to movement...truly a memorable freestyle!

I too sing the praises of Edward and Lingh. For me this pair had the technical advantage exhibiting expressive power totally under control and supple with complete regularity. Perhaps this freestyle is perfect for Lingh right now in that it highlights extensions and transitions but it did not match the degree of difficulty that Anky's and Debbie's did. I would love to see him move to a lighter musical genre as I thought his music a bit too strong and serious for this brilliant athlete.

Debbie...ahhhh Debbie...what can I say but that as an American and as a friend that I would love to have seen her win...Her degree of difficulty...excellent and creative...her choice of music...artistic, suitable for her and her horse and for her audience...her technical presentation, well clearly it does not have the power and expression of Lingh or Salinero yet it is totally harmonius and totally regular. As a simple spectator one appreciates the fine job Debbie and her team have done to produce this horse so flawlessly. Debbie and Brentina must know that they are champions in their own right and they have to trust that "comparisons are odious". Congratulations to all of you and THANKYOU!!!!