Derosa Daily
On The Scene at the FEI Las Vegas World Cup for Dressage and Showjumping

April 23, 2005: Putting on the Show

While I was wandering around today it made me think that I’d like you to get a feel for what the setup is like here. Every international event is different and is set up with its own stamp. At the World Cup in Las Vegas the setup is very tightly put together with the Thomas & Mack Center as the focus of the event. This is where the horses go to compete. On the off hours they are also allowed in the arena to school so that they can get accustomed to this setting. While many of these horses have seen and done a lot, every arena has a different look and feel and this arena is small and energized.

The seating for the arena is the typical setup and so far the attendance has been close to 10,000 people every day and the announcers are so enthusiastic that they ensure that those that are in attendance are having a good time. The footing has been praised by the riders (and I’m sure the horses agree). There is no slippin’ and slidin’ in this arena. The floral decorations are memorable. Before and in between competitions there are presentations that are just the right length to give you some variety but not too long to cause the night to run too late. In general the evening session ends about 9:00 p.m. for the spectators. For the media there’s presentations to photograph, a press conference to attend, stories to write and photos to file.

Each session begins with the National Anthem and each time the singer is different but memorable and just before the song is sung out comes an elegantly clad horse and riding holding our American flag. That is followed by some sort of singing presentation. We’ve seen and heard some amazing talent here including a good performance by an Elvis look-a-like. In between there are vaulting demonstrations, the Budweiser Clydesdale hitch and a variety of other talents. At some point during the evening out come the clowns with t-shirts signed by the athletes which they throw to the crowd. Usually at the evening performances there’s a “love” session. That’s when the camera focuses on couples in the audience and encourages a public kiss for all to delight in. The reactions of the people when they see themselves on the screen is precious and some jump at the chance to kiss their loved ones while others are caught off guard with a stranger sitting next to them. AT some point during the sessions they the clowns throw t-shirts autographed by the riders to welcoming spectators. They say the ones who jump the highest and scream the most have the best luck.