That Karli (the mascot for the World Equestrian Games 2006 here in Aachen) is quite a cut-up. Just before I took this photo of my beloved (Ruth, a.k.a.: Rufus) the mother of a small child was having one heck of a time taking a picture of her cute and cuddly little girl receiving a hug from the androgynous Karli. Every time that the Mom would have her camera trained on the duo, Karli would begin whirling like a dervish.

After several twists and turns, Karli’s handler (I suppose the young lady accompanying him/her could be considered the “groom) chided the overgrown foal and commanded him to “Stand still!”

Leslie Morse could have used a bit of the same assistance (were it allowed) as her team mate, Tip Top, had his moments of misbehavior as this first U.S. team to enter the dressage arena under starter’s orders proceeded through their test. I will leave it to folks with sharper eyes than mine to provide you with the particulars of the ride (feel free to step in here at any time, Ms. Astrid), but by comparison with Karli-the-misbehaving, Tip Top was a walk in the park.

The best part of Leslie and Tip Top’s ride is that Leslie was visibly happy as she left the arena waving to the thousands of fans who filled the stands on this first day of dressage competition. (They returned her smiles and her waves of the hand with redoubled applause.) If their score allows them to make it through to the Special I will make it my personal cause to see that Karli is not permitted anywhere near Tip Top’s stall (lest he set a bad example for our American citizen). Keep your fingers crossed. Each and every one of you.