The billboard leads the way to the MGM Grand Hotel host of the Welcome Party and draw for today’s competition. Photo: Mary Phelps

While Charlotte Dujardin does admit Valegro seems a bit jet lagged, and “felt a little flat today” in the warm up, day five of the long trip is predictably the toughest day for the horses who have travelled so far, and are in an environment even Valegro in all of his travels has never seen. That said the number on dressage horse of all time, is the poster child of the Las Vegas promotion for the Reem Acra/FEY World Cup Final, Las Vegas. Dujardin’s long time coach and mentor Carl Hester described a nightmarish flight in April 14, where many flights trying to land in Vegas were sent away, due to a freakish dust storm. After being sent to the Ontario Airport, south of Los Angeles, then over to San Diego, Hester rented a car and drove to arrive in time for the warm up session and the draw for the Grand Prix at the Welcome Party for competitors and press. “The American horses look fresh and fit.” commented Hester. It is often the other way around for the USA, who are used to world wide travel and the strategy behind being sure the horses are peaked as needed. “It would be nice to have a little grass for grazing horses” Robert Dover Not something that is found in the stabling area for this event, but then we are in Vegas baby! Check out some of the party pics.