August 26, 2006

De Rosa Daily
FEI World Equestrian Games 2006 - Aachen Germany
Exclusive coverage for HorsesDaily text and photos by Diana DeRosa

Cross Country and Grand Prix Freestyle Day In Aachen

After the cross country course was over at around 3:00 I wanted to rush back to the press room to download my photos and start writing. It was going to be a long day for us because we still had the Grand Prix Freestyle to go in the evening. But there were so many people; I mean hordes of people heading the same direction as me. While I was trying to get to the Media Center, they were attempting to get to bathrooms, Vendor Village and the Food area.

I was frustrated going at a snails pace but then realized that I only wish we had that problem in the United States. At our events, when the show is over the people rush out even before the Awards presentation but here they wait to cheer on each and every one of the winners. They wave flags, yell words of encouragement, clap and root for for their country’s prize winners and those of other countries. Their enthusiasm is magnetic.

They are also an educated audience and when mistakes happen you can hear the disappointment and when it’s over and things are great they cheer. In the cross country I set myself up at the water where from every direction you could see people, people and more people. And when the event was over they continued their celebrating with food, drink and an armful of shopping bags. People came as couples or with families and everyone was having a good – no a great time. So, now we need to duplicate that when the World Equestrian Games go to Kentucky in 2010.
Photo by CealyTetley.com

That evening for the Dressage Freestyle there wasn’t an empty spot to be found even in the standing room only area. The evening ended around 11:00 which is when the awards ceremony took place and no one budged. They waited for the Medal Winners patiently in the stands. This for them was the most important part of the evening. What a difference from what I am used to in the States, but a pleasant difference.