Horsesdaily 2007 Pan Am News: Guden's Corner

Notes from Rio - Congratulations Pour In

Hi All,

First congratulations to Lauren for the super score of 70.2% in the lead off spot for Team USA in the PSG.

I have included below the wishes for our Team USA that I have received in the last few day. Let's wish Kate (she goes at 9:20 AM) and Chris (he goes at 10:50 AM.) the best of luck in the Team's quest for the Gold!

1. Thursday, 7/12 from Kellee Magid (Lauren's sister)

Al, thanks so much. I think my Dad is very upset that he didn't go to Brazil and will miss everything. I think he will be relieved to know that he will be able to get something from you. You are doing an amazing job covering everything and giving us the daily updates. It's something we look forward to in order to feel (distantly) connected. We know this is a lot of work on your part and really appreciate all you've done.

2. Friday, 7/13 from Dr. Beverly Gordon

Now I remember your TB, Mac, how long ago was that?

I have seen Sagacious in Wellington, he is a beautiful horse. In fact, I saw him a few years ago and was very impressed with him then. It is a pleasure to watch him. Good luck at the Pan Am games. I bet you are excited!

Glad you and Judy are the owners of Sagacious!

3. Friday, 7/13 from Sandy Sundstrom (That's Lauren's Mom)

If you talk to Lauren, please tell her we are SO proud of her, we love her tremendously, and it's a good thing her father and I won't be there during opening ceremonies because we would be crying so hard, people would have to evacuate the stadium. How I wish we could be there~~~!!

Thank you for the continuing news!!

4. Friday, 7/13 from Lisa Kostandoff (a Canadian friend of Lauren's)

My husband Chris and I just wanted to send our most sincere wishes to you and Judy and Lauren (and of course to Sagacious) for the best of luck this weekend in Rio!!

We have been following along with your daily updates on-line, and have looked through the 317 pictures endlessly!!

We are so proud of Lauren, and just cannot express how delighted we are to see what a wonderful "team" you have put together with her!! Sagacious is an amazing horse, and with you and Judy as owners, and Lauren in the saddle...you have put together the recipe for true Champions!! (ALL OF YOU!!!)

We will be thinking of you all over the coming days, and again, just wanted to wish you the best of luck!!

Thanks for keeping so many "connected" with your fabulous updates!! Look forward to reading along as the competition gets underway!!

5. Saturday, 7/14 from Laurie Kelly (Jodie's mom)

Wow...........I feel like I am there !!!!!!!!!!! How fun is this !!?? GO LAUREN

Love, Laurie

6. Saturday, 7/14 from Jonna J Koellhoffer of Hoofprints

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You and Judy must be thrilled! Thank you so much for the info!!!! We so wish we were there!!!!!! Will be waiting anxiously for more news!!!!

7. Saturday, 7/14 from Terri Gallo - She did Sagacious' Freestyle

I just wanted to thank you for keeping us up to date. Well, the Rio site sure isn't Aachen where we have the results as they are happening!

As I understand it now, Lauren is standing in first after the first day's competition. Is that still so?

Best of Luck. Please pass it on to Lauren and the team.

Terry

8. Saturday, 7/14 from Lou Shook

Yea.....

It is so exciting that Lauren is in first. The write up was great and she had to be as pleased as she sounded. Congrats to all of you and enjoy the moment. As you know they don't come along everyday.

Love, Lou

9. Saturday, 7/14 from Suzie Cook, owner of Spectrum Saddlery

Marvelous!

10. Saturday, 7/14 from Ashley Holzer, Lauren's trainer

Huge congrats Judy and Al !!!

Do you have an address where I can send Lauren Flowers? Thanks, Ashley

11. Saturday, 7/14 from Jay Kirk, my nephew

That's great. Go Lauren! Go Sagacious! That's a good story, and very nice of Lauren to say how she's riding for Aunt Judy. Hope you both are having a terrific time down there--it sure sounds like it!

Much love,

Jay

12. Saturday, 7/14 from Nancy & Bruce DeMaeyer

Hi Al and Judy,

Congratulations! We are thrilled for you. It is such fun to follow your "team's" progress.

Nancy & Bruce

13. Saturday, 7/14 from Jonna J Koellhoffer, Hoofprints

YIPEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congrats again! We'll be keeping our fingers crossed!! Thank You

Jonna J Koellhoffer

14. Saturday, 7/14 from Dr Jan Van Dyke

Hi Al,

Congratulations on a WONDERFUL Day 1!!! I've been checking the site hourly, and was so excited to know that Lauren can sleep tonight knowing she's in 1st place so far. That is such great news. I'm thrilled for you and Judy. and will keep my fingers crossed all weekend! Best wishes,

Jan

15. Saturday, 7/14 from the other Judy Guden, my sister

Congratulations! Love, Sis

16. Saturday, 7/14 from Leslie Morse

Hello,

I have been trying to get a hold of Lauren to wish her GOOD LUCK (which now at 70%) I am a little late. I must have an old phone for her.

Can you be kind enough to pass my well wish's on to her.

I hope you and your wife are enjoying the excitement, All the Best to your great horse.

Sincerely
Leslie Morse

17. Saturday, 7/14 from Harry Nolan, a fraternity brother of mine.

Al & Judy,

Awesome result and awesome press release for both of you, Lauren, Sagacious and Team USA!