Diana DeRosa at the World Equestrian Games

Probably the most difficult part of covering any major international competition is learning all the ins and outs of the event for things like shuttle service, to locations of venues and so much more. Since the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy is the highest level of “major event,” arriving a few days early to get ahead of that learning curve is important. Knowing this I’ve started coming earlier to these international events so that there are a few days to figure out all the things that can add extra time to an already full day. These include things like what I mentioned above as well as using the internet, shuttle service, and media facilities, as well as the schedule and timing.

When you do come earlier you do have to be a bit more patient and not expect everything to be in place as they too are setting things up. Often many of the jobs are being run by volunteers who are also going through a learning curve (as we learned today).

So, while our woes were many today we totally understood and what we learned will be one less thing we need to figure out tomorrow.

My last Horsesdaily story ended in Munich Germany where I was waiting for my plane to Paris, France. This part of my trip was seamless. Even going through Customs in Germany was a real breeze.

Once in France our greeters were there waving a Games sign and guiding us to where the shuttle would take the three hour journey to Caen, France. Along the way we stopped at a gas station mini mart which gave us a bit of that French flavor.

Our destination was Hotel de France, which my roommate, Darlene Ricker, and I will call home for the next couple of weeks. This place gets a high sign from us. Our room is tiny but perfect and we love everything about this hotel, from the incredible breakfast, to the staff, to the cute room, to the fact that it has a wonderful and working elevator and finally to its ideal location.

They get an extra thank you from us when we overslept past this morning’s breakfast which finished at 11:00. When I wandered downstairs and mentioned to them that we were sad we had missed breakfast I was thrilled to have the desk person have the woman in charge of breakfast allow me to take two plates of food up for me and my roomy.

And talk about a great breakfast. The French know how to do that with cheese, yogurt, cold cuts, juice, all kinds of coffee, tea and even hot chocolate as well as the most delicious bread. And there was even fruit. After have slept well and being well fed we ventured out.

Hotel de France is in the heart of Caen not too far from where the Combined Driving and Para-Dressage will take place. It’s also not far from where both the Reining and Vaulting competitions will be held. Also near this the Games Village, with its large trade fair).

We wandered around the trade fair location today but most of the booths were just being set up. We did discover a sub-press center which will allow media to be closer to both the Reining and Vaulting venues.

The Main or International Media Center (IMC) is located near what is the main venue, Stade D’Ornano, which is where both the Dressage and Show Jumping will take place.

The hardest part of today was finding the shuttle to take us to the IMC. No one seemed to know where the shuttles were picking up and dropping off people. It took us at least two hours to finally find a hidden doorway that led us to the shuttles.

Once we figured that part out getting to the IMC was a quick drive and so far that seems to offer us everything we need. Also, located here is Alltech’s Chill Out area. We haven’t had a chance to see what that is all about but since Alltech always does everything first class I’m sure we are going to love “chilling” in this area.

So, this report will be short and sweet with plans to get our act together a little earlier tomorrow. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that you need to give yourself time to get through jet lag and the learning curve.

Photo by Diana DeRosa

I couldn’t find a clock with the right time when I woke up this morning and so just kept sleeping. When I finally did get up it was almost noon, which was way later than I had planned. But tomorrow I plan to start moving earlier because there is still money to change for euros, a photographer pinny and locker to claim at the IMC, as well as a chance to test the internet.

Finally, on Sunday, Darlene and I, who are teaming up to cover this event, will be headed out to where the Endurance riders are schooling. It will give us a chance to take some photos and do some advance interviews. That will be a train ride away and so this will offer the opportunity to check out the French transportation.

The one thing that does concern me is the schedule. There is more crossover of events than at any other Games that I’ve attended (and I’ve been to them all). During the first week Reining, Dressage and Para are all happening at many of the same times.

Normally on Endurance day nothing else is happening but here that’s not the case because Eventing Dressage and Para-Dressage will also be taking place. Since Endurance is happening over an hour outside of Caen there is no way to do anything else that day.

Getting here early means I’ll also be posting a few extra stories about prepping for the Games. On Saturday (or Sunday), I’ll write about the Opening Ceremony. On Sunday, it will be about meeting up with the Endurance riders. The actual competition begins on August 25th when I’ll probably be focusing on Dressage for the first two days of their team competition.

I’ll have to figure out based on the schedule what I’ll be doing as it’s going to be a tough schedule to figure out. As always, you are welcome to pass along your comments or questions. You can email me directly at dderosa1@optonline.net. It’s always great to hear from our Horsesdaily readers.