Another day in Rio. Our intrepid group is working hard and having a good time getting ready for the opening ceremonies on Friday along with the jog and the draw for the PSG. The competition starts on Saturday with the PSG running on both Saturday and Sunday. I'll have more information for you all about the format tomorrow.

Make sure you visit the Hyperion Farm Pam Am Games page daily as I am putting all of the great links there for easy access. I'll include the link to that page here each day: http://www.hyperionfarm.com/opt6-PanAm.asp

1. Monday, 7/9 at 11:43 AM from Lauren Sammis, Team USA

I got a new phone here and it should work. Sagacious was a little champ today. He felt really good and really concentrating and trying. He is so special. He is walking around on a loose rein like he came all the way to Brazil to go on a trail ride.

We have left the barn and are going to go to Corcovado to see the statue of Christ the Redeemer.

[It was just named one of the seven wonders of the modern world. See a photo on the web album. http://picasaweb.google.com/aguden/PanAmericanGames

All's good. Excited to show.

2. Monday, 7/9 at 8:43 PM from Susie Dutta of Team USA

We all bagged out on sightseeing today. I went to the pool. Then had a nap!! I think the sleepless nights where catching up to me. We had dinner [Dr.] Rick [Mitchell], Julie [Mitchell] and Kate [Poulin]) at the Italian down the street. Lauren and Mel venture out to a seafood place 15 minutes away from the hotel. We all met in the lobby bar for cocktails before we went our separate ways for dinner. Team bonding!!!

Gil [Merrick] and Michael [Poulin] went to the airport to pick up Klaus [Balkenhol].

I do know that Lauren and Mel found really cool things on their shopping trip!!! We all want to go on the next one!!

Talk to you in the am. Time for a good nights rest. Susie

3. Monday, 7/9 at 8:46 PM from Gil Merrick, USEF, Managing Director, Dressage Sport Programs

Hi Al - Klaus [Balkenhol] arrived in Sao Paulo this evening but due to major delays at the airport in bringing the passengers through passport control and immigration, he was unable to make his connecting flight to Rio. Looks like he is spending the night at the airport hotel and getting the first flight out in the morning. We hope to have him at the training venue by 11:00 am to see the horses work. I'll keep you posted. Gil

4. Monday, 7/9 at 8:46 PM from Gil Merrick, USEF, Managing Director, Dressage Sport Programs

Since the riders are keeping you posted on the day to day activities I'll share anything I have to offer from the training perspective as reported by Klaus. We will coordinate with my laptop and camera cords so we can start sending pictures tomorrow. Thanks for all of your support in giving this adventure visibility. Gil

5. Tuesday, 7/10 at 8:21 AM from Susie Dutta of Team USA

Another beautiful day in Brazil! We are off to the stable now. One hour each way and always entertaining!!

Klaus did not make it to Rio last night. He was held up in Sao Paulo in the customs line and missed his connection. He stayed in Sao Paulo for the night and woke up really early to catch the first flight out and it was over sold. Poor Klaus... He is on the second flight into Rio. Gil will be there to receive him. It will be nice to have him here.

Today we are going shopping for our jog outfits. This is very important!!! That is all for now.. Talk to you later, Susie

6. Tuesday, 7/10 at 8:21 AM from Lauren Sammis of Team USA

Good morning. We are on our way to the barn. Chris, Richard, Melanie and I had a fantastic time at dinner last night. The restaurant was about 10 minutes from the hotel. We had a driver take us and wait while we ate. "Fruta del mar" or seafood was the specialty. Caipirinhas were plentiful (drink with muddled lime, sugar and Brazilian rum). Good times!

I guess you got the other news from Susie. I'll write later.

7. Tuesday, 7/10 at 12:53 PM from Lauren Sammis of Team USA

Sagacious felt quite good. Starting to work a little harder now. We have not been able to ride in an actual dressage arena, so that is a little challenging. Mae videoed me yesterday and today which is so helpful to see the overall picture. I think we should be in good shape for the competition.

That's all for today,

Al Guden