May 31, 2013--McLain Ward was a familiar face in the prizegiving at the $100,000 Wells Fargo Grand Prix of Devon after scoring his eighth victory in the class last night, but who were those guys in second and third place? And what happened to such big names as Beezie Madden, Margie Engle and Todd Minikus?

The sport's next generation made its presence felt here, as Andrew Welles finished second on Boo Van Het Kastanjehof and Devin Ryan was third with No Worries (put in a period here). (add they were, as in) They were ahead of Callan Solem (VDL Torlando), who has placed regularly in the top three at the Dixon Oval and Beezie, fifth in the five-horse jump-off with Vanilla (eliminated in the jump-off after two refusals) and sixth with Cortes C after scoring one time fault in the first round.

But as has often been the case, the "feisty" (his rider's apt description) Rothchild was untouchable and McLain soared aboard him once again on what almost could be called his home turf. After all, the New Yorker has taken ownership of it so many times since his first grand prix victory in 1999 at the 117-year-old show that he has become a hometown favorite on Philadelphia's Main Line.

"It's always been an incredibly special place for me," McLain said after a victory gallop during which the crowd along the rail greeted him as one of their own, waving and reaching out as he sped by.

"There are some stops along the way (where) things go your way and this has always been that kind of a place for me," said McLain, who also won the style award for the second year in a row.

"Not only is it an incredible venue with great tradition, but I think this is as good a crowd as anywhere in the world and the best in the U.S. and North America."

He cited, "just the vibe you feel, even after I'm getting (to be) a little more of a veteran and obviously experienced winning it enough. Still, it's an electric feeling."

Doing well in this iconic grand prix is a sign for any rider that he or she has arrived.

"This is definitely the biggest result of my career," said a dazzled Andrew. He was more than two seconds behind McLain's mark of 33.564 seconds on the unorthodox but brilliant Rothchild who is achieving superstar status.

"With the atmosphere and the crowd, it's awesome," Andrew said of his first $100,000 Devon grand prix experience, with his mare turning in a very credible time of 35.815 seconds.

Andrew and Devin shared the emotion that McLain always feels here, but even more strongly as unfamiliar faces on the periphery of victory in this venue, where people begin reserving their places on the ringside blue benches before breakfast on grand prix day and there is no spot anywhere within viewing distance of the ring that could squeeze in one more body.

"A lot of times, we'll go to the grands prix and you'll have 100, 200 people watching. To go in and you feel like you're in a real stadium, the feeling after you have success in that stadium is pretty amazing," said Andrew, who has been in business for himself only since 2011.

"I'm still on Cloud 9 after that round. I knew I'd done as well as I could. Second? I couldn't be happier with it."

Devin, who has been running his stable for 10 years, said his grand prix horses have just moved up to the level where they are competing in the premier competitions.

Of his finish on Barbara Rowland's Selle Francais, a handy bay that he broke himself, Devin said, "It's awesome. He's such a naturally fast horse." But asked if he could have cut a few more corners had he been last to go instead of first, he advised, "I've gotten myself into trouble before thinking too fast and having a rail, so I said `be smooth, be nice and try to put in a clean round.'" His time was 36.124 second, slower than Callan's 35.978, but she toppled a pole.

I love watching Sagamore Farm's Rothchild, whose determination matches that of his rider. Following his first round, the brilliant chestnut bucked, as if to say, "Hey, I did it, just like I always do."

"He's a little bit of a unique horse," said McLain. "You've got to meet him in the middle but he keeps rewarding me. He's getting better and better and more consistent. He's slowly but surely racking up a lot of big grands prix."

Rothchild could be a contender for next year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in France, where it seems likely the team may include some new faces. Asked how he felt about being flanked by two rising stars, McLain said, "I think it's really exciting. In the U.S., there's a big coming of younger riders and younger professionals and it's great to see them doing well.

"We need more depth and we need more people that not only are good riders, but good horsemen all around and do a better job if we're going to be successful at the highest levels of the sport. It can't fall on the shoulders of just two riders."

Oh, and to answer the question about Margie and Todd; she was out of the ribbons on Royce with a rail and two time faults. Todd finished eighth after a knockdown aboard Uraguay.

The artful course was designed by Olaf Petersen Jr. of Germany. He's the son of a two-time Olympic course designer, but the younger Petersen has forged his own reputation and does an incredible job. He handled the 28-horse field just right with his layout. It was not discouraging for the less-experienced, but provided a real test for those with the most mileage. Eleven had faults for exceeding the 71-second time allowed, which Olaf called, "really a factor, just enough enough to chase them to ride a little bit more. The time allowed was definitely jump number 14."

We talked after the class about Devon and how the grand prix went.

Listen: Olaf Petersen Jr.

McLain Ward proudly saluted the crowd after winning the five-gaited special class on Callaway’s Born for This.

Photo © 2013 Nancy Jaffer

First place in the grand prix was worth $30,000, but McLain seemed equally excited the previous evening winning $90 as he took the blue ribbon in a special five-gaited class for jumper and hunter riders. Naturally, the money wasn't the point here. Aside from one brief fumble in the canter, McLain did a beautiful job aboard Ceil Wheeler's lovely gray mare, Callaway's Born for This (almost as if McLain were born for this) and raised the slouchy fedora he wore in a jubilant salute to the crowd.

McLain and the other riders -- Peter Pletcher, Todd Minikus, Hillary Simpson and Jen Alfano -- all had a blast and were such good sports to accept the challenge offered by the multi-breed show's co-managers, David Distler and Peter Doubleday.

The class was the idea of Ken Wheeler (the son of legendary hunter trainer Kenny Wheeler) who is ecumenical in his equestrian pursuits. Ken's mother, the late Sallie Wheeler, was equally well-known for her saddlebreds and her hunters.

"We're all in this to promote horses and sportsmanship," said Ken. "I would love to do it again...it was just fabulous."

Listen: McLain Ward

I spoke with the judge, Gene VanDerWalt, about his assessment of McLain's skill, and that of the other riders, after they had just one brief session with saddlehorse trainers.

"It was really an awesome job," he told me.

"If you're a horseman, you can ride anything. I thought it was an amazing initiative. Everyone  had a whole lot of fun and we did a whole lot of good."

One of the nicest things about Devon is that it always feels the same, year-in and year-out, as the rest of the world buzzes along at a faster pace. That continuity often extends to who's winning; for example, McLain.

But there was a big shake-up on the hunter front this year, as Scott Stewart wasn't able to clinch his 11th straight Leading Hunter Rider title.

Back Story, who took the Devon Grand Hunter Championship, was ridden by Kelley Farmer, the show’s Leading Hunter Rider.

Photo © 2013 Nancy Jaffer

It went to Kelley Farmer, the busiest hunter rider, taking the Leading Hunter Rider honors and the Grand Hunter Championship with Back Story, champion in the Green Conformation Hunters and reserve in the Regular Conformation Hunters. Earning the Leading Rider title that seemed to be Scott's exclusive property was understandably exciting for Kelley, whose comment was, "Wow, what an honor."

As she also observed with a chuckle, "To dethrone him, it's amazing, but I'm sure payback is going to be hell."

She noted she's particularly well-stocked with horses at the moment.

"Sometimes you have one, sometimes you have none and right now, I'm lucky to have a barn full."

That can change fast. For example, Jersey Boy, that wonderful hunter derby star, tripped on the flat for no reason after clearing a schooling fence last weekend and as a a result, didn't compete.

Scott, who won the Conformation championship with Showman and the High Performance title with Dedication, was incredibly gracious about not having his name engraved on the trophy yet again.

"I think Kelley really deserves to be Leading Rider. No one works harder than she does, as many horses as she rides; she puts a lot into it," said Scott (though you could say the same about him.)

Asked if Leading Rider had been her ambition, Kelley replied, "My horses going well is first and foremost. Then the rest comes."

Trainer Larry Glefke keeps track of the points, but he didn't have to do much math, since Kelley went off to a runaway lead, and never looked back.

Back Story, a long-strided Dutchbred, is owned by Tia Schurecht, the girlfiend of trainer Jay Golding, who was on hand for the presentation photo.

"You don't have to go anywhere fast; he's scopey. There's nothing that's not available to you," said Kelley, who commented the horse will be going in the adult hunters with his owner.

Although it's not part of Devon itself, the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame induction ceremony is always a feature of the week here. It's held at the very traditional Merion Cricket Club, about a half-hour's drive from the showgrounds. The greats of the sport are honored and you hear some memorable reminiscences.

Jimmy Lee was inducted into the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame by his old University of Virginia classmate, George Morris.

Photo © 2013 Nancy Jaffer

Among those inducted this time were Chantilly, the first pony in the Hall; the lovely mare War Dress, who enjoyed great success as a junior hunter; the late Frank Hawkins, joining his sons Artie and the late Steve as a member; breeder Diana Dodge, show manager, rider and committee chairman Bryan Flynn and the late Junie Kulp of All-Around Farm

Okay, a few of the speeches went on a little too long, but you couldn't say that about George Morris' induction of Hall Chairman Jimmy Lee into the ranks of the enshrined.

George was hilarious, telling all sorts of tales about himself and his University of Virginia classmate and lifelong pal. Jimmy told me he breathed a sigh of relief about some stories that weren't related to the packed dining room.

"We were bad boys," George admitted happily, recounting that the friends were more about parties than they were about classes.

"I was a fairly good student until I went to UVA," he noted wryly.

I talked with Jimmy about his induction.

Listen: Jimmy Lee

For more Devon photos, go to facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practicalhorseman.

Better yet, if you've never been to Devon and you're within driving distance, you should go. Get in the car now -- there's still time. The jumpers wrap up tomorrow night with the $50,000 Idle Dice Stake, but until then there's a whole lot to see; coach competition, amateur-owner hunters and saddle horses, not to mention Devon fudge to eat and a country fair with all kinds of interesting items you likely won't find elsewhere. For the kids, there's a midway that also attracts riders. Who can resist trying to win a stuffed animal, or taking a break from the show ring to ride a quieter horse on the carousel? Sunday, the only competition is the hunter derby, wrapping up 11 days of intense competition.

Have fun!

May 12th, 2013 -- The equine veterans ruled at the Jersey Fresh International Three-Day Event this weekend, taking the titles in all four sections of the competition at the Horse Park of New Jersey. But their riders were a mix of the up-and-coming athletes who are the future of the sport, and those with well-earned team experience.

Change is gradual; sometimes you don't see it coming, then you wake up and there it is. But anyone who watched the event in horse-friendly Monmouth County had a chance to glimpse where things are going.

Veronica's permanent rider is now Lauren Kieffer, 24, who came up through the ranks of the O'Connor Event Team, and took over the ride from Olympic multi-medalist Karen O'Connor after she broke her back in a fall with the mare last year. Lauren led through all three phases to win the CIC 2-star on a score of 55.3 penalties, adding 8 time penalties cross-country in a division where only one person made the optimum time and dropping a rail in show jumping. She still had a nice margin over Sharon White's ride, Don Sheffield (57.9).

Lauren Kieffer, winner of the CCI 2-star with Veronica

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Lauren is grateful to the Broussard family, which owns Veronica, for giving her the ride.

"It was very generous of the Broussards to take a chance on a new rider. It speaks worlds to their dedication to the sport that they're willing to give it to a younger rider rather than one of the top riders who ride for them already," she commented.

Boyd Martin handed over Remington XXV to 23-year-old Caitlin Silliman for what was supposed to be the first leg of the  17-year-old horse's  retirement, but he never looked better as he, too, led through all the phases of his division, the CCI 2-star and finished on his dressage score of 41 penalties, the best of any horse in the entire event.

"The more I learn about him, the better I'm able to ride him," said Caitlin, noting that Boyd, her boss, has been "a huge help." But she observed that Remington has learned something too; he's thinking more on his own than he used to with Boyd's professional ride.

Also leading throughout the CIC 3-star competition (do you sense a trend here?) Will Faudree's ride, Andromaque, finished on 51.1 penalties, adding only four time penalties cross-country as he prepped the mare for a trip with the U.S. contingent going to Saumur, France, this month.

"She's a star. I've always believed in that horse. She came here this weekend in preparation for Saumur and I wanted her solid in all three phases," said Will. He noted that her dressage performance was a wake-up call; "I won here on a score of 51, which is really exciting, but I know in France, 51 probably won't get me in the top 20, so we've got to up our game."

Jessica Phoenix celebrated Mother’s Day with her husband, Joel; her son Jacob and Exponential, who won the CCI 3-star

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

The hardest-fought division was the CCI 3-star, where Buck Davidson had no margin for error after cross-country on the 8-year-old D.A. Adirmo, who faced the biggest test of his short career on the course designed by John Williams, who has held that job for the entire history of Jersey Fresh. He was one of only two double-clears on that route; the other was that fiercely competitive pair, Canada's Jessica Phoenix and Exponential. Buck had 51.5 penalties to lead after cross-country, Jessica had 52.7. It's interesting to note that Jessica was the busiest rider at Jersey Fresh with five mounts, and I have to say she looked none the worse for wear after her final trip as she accepted a Mother's Day chocolate ice cream cone from her 3-year-old son, Jacob.

I chatted with Debbie Adams, D.A. Adirmo's owner, before the show jumping. Debbie came up with the idea for Jersey Fresh 11 years ago, and was so excited about how her Dutchbred horse was doing.

Listen: Debbie Adams

The winner of the dressage phase, Californian Mackenna Shea's horse, Landioso, had dropped to third with time penalties after cross-country. But disappointingly, he didn't make it through the horse inspection this morning. Mackenna, who had to settle for the sportsmanship award, a clock, rather than a ribbon, said the problem was a shoeing issue, and as soon as Landioso was reshod, he was sound. That's eventing.

With Courtney Cooper and Who's a Star on 63.9 penalties rather far back in third place, it was obvious that Sally Ike's course would be the decider between the top two.

Jessica had a rail at the eighth of 12 fences, a black-and- white oxer.

"I was thinking, `Oh, I sat on him' and apologized to her horse: `I'm sorry, I won't do that again.' " Then "we went around to the last line, and he was awesome."

She had given Buck some breathing room, but she didn't watch him go.

He used up his advantage at the first element of the yellow-and-white triple combination, dropping a rail at the oxer. And three fences later, it was over, as he had another knockdown at the next-to-last obstacle.

That was it, he finished second on 59.5 penalties, ahead of Courtney, who had one of only two double-clears in the division.

Analyzing what went wrong, Buck said, "when he hit the 'in' of the triple, it sort of startled him. I landed short coming out of the triple and thought, 'I better add' (a stride). If I had gone, he would have had a back rail. Obviously I shouldn't have done that."

Buck noted that the horse is young and when asked what A.D. Adirmo had learned, he replied. "Everything. He was trying, he's still green. I'm very excited with the finish. He's a nice horse for the future."

Jessica empathized.

"In this sport, it's so humbling, all I want is for everyone to have a good weekend. At the end of the day, when you win, you want to win because you've been at your best. You don't want to win from other people's rails. I feel for Buck,, it's unfortunate. He had a great weekend on that horse."

Jessica Phoenix and Exponential

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Jessica--who was on her country's silver medal team with Exponential at the 2010 World Equestrian Games--was especially thrilled, because ironically with all that mileage, it was her first 3-star win.

And she was merely following orders from new Canadian coach Clayton Fredericks.

He had advised her to withdraw from the Rolex Kentucky 4-star last month after her dressage test wasn't up to snuff.

"This horse does not need to prove himself in his jumping phases. He just needs to go out and be competitive. Let's go to Jersey and win it,"  he told her.

So she did.

Jersey is a very different event from high-profile Rolex, just as the compact Horse Park of New Jersey is completely different from the expansive Kentucky Horse Park. That figures; Kentucky is all about the horse industry; New Jersey is not, even though the horse is the state animal, for what that's worth.

Jersey Fresh is an amazing volunteer operation that goes above and beyond with a shoestring budget. Everyone makes a big effort, and riders love the hospitality. The event has improved in recent years. There was a feeling that this edition was the best ever.

CIC 3-star winner Will Faudree with Andromaque

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

It drew a nice crowd for tailgating around the "Jersey Shore" water complex yesterday, despite the omnipresent threat of rain, which graciously held off until the competition was finished. The eventing gods have been kind this spring; the same thing happened at Rolex.

John, the cross-country designer, called his layout, "a notch more difficult this year, but it's also a better course. We're finding ways to utilize the property better so the course can be more open, galloping and flowing." He noted that with the one-fall rule for elimination and only three refusals on course allowed, the competitors don't get out of sequence as they used to when they remounted and caused delays, or kept going with refusal after refusal. Therefore, they don't get in each others way as they often did in the old days, making it difficult for the course to cross itself, as it does now. Therefore, the course "can exist on a smaller piece of property," John pointed out.

I spoke with Morgan Rowsell, the course builder, for his viewpoint.

Listen: Morgan Rowsell

Jersey Fresh was the source of a big improvement, breakaway flags that fall when a horse hits them, rather than breaking and injuring the animals. Last year, one of Will Coleman's horses was impaled by a broken flag and suffered a serious injury. Dr. Scott Palmer, the veterinarian who pulled the horse through, called then-U.S. Equestrian Federation President David O'Connor's (now the U.S. eventing coach) attention to the situation and suggested flexible poles should be used. They were at all the narrow jumps on course at Jersey Fresh.

Here's how Scott explained the situation.

Listen: Dr. Scott Palmer

It was good to catch up with Karen O'Connor and hear about her recovery. While she's back jumping, she has yet to compete; when she will do that, and what she will do, is still up in the air. Meanwhile, she's worried about Mr. Medicott, her 2012 Olympic horse. Marilyn Little is riding him while he's being syndicated, but not all the shares have been sold.

Listen: Karen O'Connor

Also on the injured list is Boyd, who had ankle surgery after Rolex Kentucky and was sporting a big bandage. He's getting it off tomorrow, and soon will be doing dressage, he said. When he'll be eventing again he couldn't say, but I'll bet it will be soon.

I'm switching gears at the end of the month and going to the Devon Horse Show, one of my favorites. Look for my postcard May 31. In the meantime, check out facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practicalhorseman for more photos from Jersey Fresh.

Until then,

Andrew Nicholson clears the final fence (appropriately themed for the Rolex Grand Slam) with Quimbo

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Andrew Nicholson, the last rider to go in show jumping this afternoon at the Rolex Kentucky three-day event, kept it all together to win and qualify for the last leg of the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam at Badminton next weekend.

It was "phew" moment for the New Zealander, who rejoiced during a pre-presentation victory gallop as he flew around the ring on Quimbo once safely across the finish line.

After receiving his trophy and a Rolex watch, he did another three laps, some of which he performed while waving both hands to the sold-out crowd of nearly 20,000 that packed the stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park.

William Fox-Pitt, who also is in line for the Grand Slam if he can win Badminton, was just as happy but less exuberant, though he smiled broadly as he swept past his fans on Seacookie, who was totally fault free over Richard Jeffery's course. One four in the starting field of 29 could make that claim.

When the defending champion left the ring, however, he found he wasn't able to straighten his left pinky. He had no idea how he broke it, but was already bandaged up when he arrived at the press conference. William didn't think it would affect his riding, however.

Making a triumphant run around the sold-out stadium after he kept all the poles in the cups for show jumping, Andrew Nicholson celebrates aboard Quimbo

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Andrew logged 3 time penalties as he made his careful way around the fences, but that was a wise decision, since he had a comfortable cushion. His final score was 41 penalties, to 48.2 for William. Andrew's other horse, Calico Joe, isn't much of a show jumper. He also wasn't much of a steeplechase horse, which is why he originally was purchased. But he's won a good bit of money eventing, and even with 12 penalties today, he emerged in third place with 52.8 penalties.

Quimbo is a stunner, a Spanish horse bred to show jump who also is versatile enough to handle cross-country and dressage. This one is going to be a superstar. Andrew had some help from Spanish show jumper Luis Alvarez Cevera, who also has been the coach of the New Zealand show jumping team. But I wouldn't think Andrew needs too much assistance. He is a beautiful rider who know how to let a horse do its best, using guidance rather than interference.

Now it's time for Andrew and William to concentrate on Badminton, and if he had to guess which of them might earn the Grand Slam (which has been won only once in its 12-year history) a smiling William conjectured, "probably neither."

Not only will they have to cope with Badminton's demanding cross-country course, but also Olympic, world and European champion Michael Jung of Germany. Yes, their work is cut out for them.

I asked Andrew what he'll do when he gets home tomorrow as he prepares for Badminton.

William Fox-Pitt, Andrew Nicholson with his new Rolex watch and Buck Davidson

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Listen: Andrew Nicholson

Unfortunately for us, and by that I mean the U.S., this is the eighth time in 11 years that a foreign rider has won Rolex. Our event. New coach David O'Connor has a lot of work to do, but there were some bright spots on our horizon.

Buck Davidson, who had been third on Ballynoe Castle RM, dropped rails at the last two fences on course to wind up fourth with 53.2 penalties. He could take comfort from the fact that he was the spring U.S. Equestrian Federation champion, but noted, "I'm bummed to have two down," saying the effort "fell apart a little bit at the end."

Yet he noted if he had to lose, being right behind the world number one (Andrew) and William (who has won more big events than any other rider) is the place to be.

Buck Davidson, the highest-placed American, fourth on Ballynoe Castle RM

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

And I'm thinking maybe he--or anyone else--wouldn't be here at all if it weren't for his father, Bruce Davidson. It was Bruce's victory in the 1974 world championships in England that granted the U.S. the right to hold the next world championships in 1978, which he also won. That was the start for the fledgling Kentucky Horse Park, giving it a boost that enabled it to become one of the world's premiere equestrian destinations.

Notable American finishes included Lynn Symansky with Donner, who achieved a double-clear to come in fifth, and Will Faudree on Pawlow, right behind her in sixth place.

I was happy to see Australia's Peter Atkins finish 10th on Henry Jota Hampton, coming up from 28th after dressage. Big move! You may know his horse as "Henny," as in "Run, Henny, Run" for their wonderful helmet cam videos. Peter and Henny have had a soap opera's worth of problems, from an ownership squabble to Peter's leg fracture. But they're together now and going well. Next year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games and perhaps the 2016 Olympics are in their sights.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Peter today. Why don't you listen in?

Listen: Peter Atkins

I still haven't gotten a consensus on the difficulty quotient of the cross-country course. I spoke this morning with Great Britain's Yogi Breisner, the always astute chef d'equipe of the British eventing team, and he felt the course was hard enough.

So when I ran into course designer Derek di Grazia, I wondered what he thought about it after nearly a day to consider.

Listen: Derek Di Grazia

The best, best, best part about it was that no one (horse or human) suffered a serious injury and it made for a day of great sport without serious consequences.

The main focus at Rolex is, of course, the competition, but for some, a bigger enticement is the trade fair. It is huge, having spread over the years from an area near the stadium to an indoor arena and beyond. One of the big features at various booths is having eventing celebrities on hand to autograph and have their pictures taken with excited fans. When I was walking through the fair this afternoon, I saw a looooong line in front of the Purina booth. So I investigated; the occasion was the appearance of Boyd Martin. He deserves all the admiration he can get; he's incredibly personable and makes everyone he talks to feel important when they come to see him.

I got a few minutes with Boyd (yes, I cut the line, I was in a rush to cover the show jumping). He told me he's undergoing surgery tomorrow for an ankle problem, a fracture and ligament damage. I asked how it happened, he told me, "falling off horses."

I hope he's back in time for Jersey Fresh in two weeks, though that may be wishful thinking. At any rate, I'll be there, and sending you a postcard on the evening of May 12. Be sure to check back at Equisearch, and go to facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practicalhorseman for more about Rolex.

Until then,

Andrew Nicholson leads the way at Rolex Kentucky on Quimbo and stands second as well with Calico Joe after cross-country

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Allie Knowles, queen for a day when she stood fourth as the highest-placed American after dressage, was back to earth this afternoon at the unlucky 13th obstacle, the sunken road complex. She was eliminated there after her Last Call said "no more" to the imposing combination.

But the king of eventers, defending champion William Fox-Pitt, also was toppled. Chilli Morning, first in the rankings after dressage, had a stop at the seventh fence, the HSBC Water Park. William turned around and headed to the stables, figuring there was no point in going all the way around the course at that point.

When I asked what happened with the stallion, the British star replied, "Who knows? There will be lots of time to reflect on it. Maybe he just over-jumped the fence before and shut down there. Whatever the reason, there was no point in carrying on--he’s 13 years old, and he’s not here for the experience. We’ll try again another day."

But all was not lost for William, who moved up from 10th to fourth on Seacookie (46.2 penalties) after putting in one of 10 double-clear trips logged during the day on Derek di Grazia's course.

William Fox-Pitt lost the lead on Chilli Morning but is fourth with Seacookie

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Even if he jumps clean in tomorrow afternoon's show jumping, however, he just has to wait and watch to see what Andrew Nicholson does. Though Andrew is first on Quimbo (38 penalties) and second on Calico Joe (40.8), the New Zealander is not feeling any sense of comfort about retaining his spots at the time the ribbons are presented.

I asked him if there was some comfort to standing first and second.

"You can never have too much of a cushion in the show jumping,” he answered.

"I’ll make the most I can of my rounds today and worry about the show jumping tomorrow."

He and I had good eye contact, and I'm sure he knew that I knew the Spinning Rhombus story. That's a tough one to live down.

In 1992, when he and the New Zealand team were poised to take gold at the Barcelona Olympics, Andrew could have had seven rails down and still earned the top prize. But he and Spinning Rhombus had nine rails down; I've never seen anything like it. My jaw kept dropping with the poles as they toppled, one after another. Australia got the gold, and New Zealand had to settle for silver.

But on the plus side here, Quimbo is a good show jumper, though Calico Joe apparently is not quite up to that standard. So tomorrow should be very exciting.

The undercurrent, of course, is that if Andrew wins, he has a shot at the $350,000 Rolex Grand Slam of Eventing, for which only William is currently eligible; his finish here does not affect that. But if Andrew is in the running, Badminton--the last leg of the Triple--will be quite a donnybrook next week, I guarantee it. (If you want more detail about this, look at yesterday's postcard. Or Thursday's, for that matter.) And the mix will include Germany's Michael Jung, the world, Olympic and European champion. He could be the spoiler.

Buck Davidson is the highest-ranked American, in third place with Ballynoe Castle RM

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Buck Davidson was the top American, making the climb from 10th after dressage to third on his old pal Reggie, whose formal name is Ballynoe Castle RM. He was one of 10 double-clears, a group that was a third of the field who finished cross-country.

This was a great moment for Buck in several ways. It eased the memory of Reggie's stop at the sunken road during the 2012 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games here, when Buck was part of the U.S. team.

"It’s a shame that his entire career has been plagued by that stop at the Sunken Road, because he’s such a great horse and everybody loves him," said Buck. "I just about gave up and stopped after he was so perfect through the sunken road--I was so happy."

And it was a nice bounce back from 2012, when he hurt his shoulder in a fall.

Buck and I talked about his feelings today.

Listen: Buck Davidson

Of course, his mood also was elevated by winning the Land Rover Best Ride of the Day for being the U.S. rider finishing closest to the optimum time of 11 minutes, 21 seconds to finish the course. He got free use for two years of a 2013 Range Rover. The award came for his trip on Mar de Amor, one of three horses he rode around today. Mar de Amor's time was 11:15. William actually hit 11:21 on the head, but since he isn't American, he wasn't eligible for the prize.

Will Faudree and Pawlow powered out of the Head of the Lake on their way to fifth place in the standings

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

The course seemed generally well-regarded, but I got an interesting insight on it from Mark Phillips, former coach of the U.S. eventing team.

Listen: Mark Phillips

Bruce Davidson, Buck's father, has ridden around Rolex more times than anyone else--though it seems his son is catching up with him quickly. I was interested in what he thought of the course.

Listen: Bruce Davidson

Happily, no one was seriously injured, though there were five rider falls, including Becky Holder, who was seventh after dressage. Ronald Zabala-Goetshel of Ecuador drew a laugh after he and Wise Equestrian Master Rose tumbled into the drink at the Head of the Lake, and the rider rose from the water to take a bow for the crowd.

I ran into Marilyn Little at lunchtime, when she was wearing a sling on her right arm to support a shoulder injury. I asked how it happened, and whether she would ride today. Here's what she said.

Listen: Marilyn Little

She did wind up starting on course, but had a fall from RF Demeter at the 17th fence, the Land Rover Hollow, ending her quest. Let's hope she'll take a rest and let the injury heal.

Several top riders followed William's cautionary lead by withdrawing their horses after a refusal, in order to save them for another day. Mary King, the winner in 2011 with Kings Temptress, came back on her second-place horse from that year, Fernhill Urco, to give try giving him equal time in the trophy department. But he looked tired coming into the Head of the Lake and ran out on the brush obstacle after jumping out of the water. Mary retired six fences later.

Boyd Martin had a refusal with Trading Aces six fences from the end of the 28-obstacle course and walked away.

The original field of 45 for dressage is now at 30, and I suspect it will be smaller still after tomorrow's horse inspection.

It should be great show jumping, Andrew and William, the fiercest of rivals personally and professionally, squaring off with so much at stake. I'll be there, and tell you all about it tomorrow evening in my final postcard from Rolex Kentucky. In the meantime, be sure to go to facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practical horseman for more photos and videos.

Until then,

April 26, 2013 -- Allie Knowles was the highest-placed American after the second day of the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, finishing fourth on Last Call.

Wait a minute--Allie who? C'mon, confess: Did you ever hear of her?

Well now you have, and in a big way. She put in an astounding test for a Rolex first-timer with her charming 13-year-old Mecklenberg mare, who she has owned for seven years. Okay, her mark of 43.3 put her 10 penalty points behind the leader, William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain on Chilli Morning, but I was impressed.

Andrew Nicholson, second on Quimbo

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Andrew Nicholson of New Zealand, 2012's number one-ranked eventer, was second on Quimbo (38) displacing himself into third on yesterday's leader, Calico Joe (40.8).

At the post-competition press conference, media chief Marty Bauman made a point of seating Allie between Andrew and William, the defending Rolex champ. My first thought was that he wanted to keep the men apart; Andrew got involved years ago with William's wife, Wiggy, with whom he now has two children. But that apparently is pretty much history. William is married to racing presenter Alice Plunkett, and the couple has three children.

It turns out, though, that Marty just wanted Allie to be able to say she was sitting between two of the greatest eventers, the world number one and a former number one. Of course, she was loving it. Who wouldn't want such handsome bookends?

So would you like to meet the 26-year-old, who trains with Buck Davidson and runs a farm in Paris (not France), about a half-hour from the Kentucky Horse Park?

Listen to our conversation from this afternoon.

Listen: Allie Knowles

Rolex is always exciting enough in a normal year, but a face-off between William and Andrew takes on extra importance because both are shooting for the $350,000 Rolex grand slam. And now you know the back story too, which has to heighten the tension.

Because Badminton was canceled last year due to rain, William can win the award if he takes Badminton 2013. And Andrew, who won Burghley last September, has a shot if he wins here and then goes on to try for victory at Badminton. It is, to say the least, an unusual situation.

And this seems like the right place to insert the big news today, word that show jumpers are getting their own Rolex Grand Slam. This one is for a prize of $1 million Euros. It involves three shows: Spruce Meadows in Canada; Geneva, Switzerland and Aachen. I've heard, however, that it might expand to include five shows, maybe one of which could be in the U.S. Rolex has been generous to the sport, and they have shown time and again they're always open to further innovation.

Great Britain’s William Fox-Pitt is in the lead at Rolex Kentucky, winning the dressage phase on Chilli Morning

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

So, back to dressage. Chilli Morning is a chestnut stallion whose red coat and white stockings make him a real "look at me" standout even before you begin to assess his talent.

"He's got a great presence, and therefore, when you're riding him, you feel you're capturing the ground jury's attention," said William, who also praised his temperament.

"He's a very well-schooled horse and holds himself well. He's very uphill and very light; he paints a good picture throughout the test."

Quimbo, a black gelding who is another eye-catcher, was very much engaged, both with his rider and in his frame.

"I think he pretty much gave 100 percent," concluded Andrew.

Following his triumphant dressage test, William Fox-Pitt was surrounded by young fans, one of whom got to try on his top hat

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

"I mucked up my last (flying) change at the end, which is my fault, I was trying to press for more marks," he said, noting he was looking at the large scoreboard looming over the arena as he rode.

"I was going to have to squeeze the maximum out of him to catch William and I got carried away by the end of it," admitted Andrew, who rode next-to-last.

Allie, too, had trouble with her final change, which made her mare a bit tense. She handled it though, and strikes me as someone who is a cool customer.

Mary King, the Rolex winner two years ago, was aboard Fernhill Urco, the runner-up to her Kings Temptress in 2011. She is equal fifth with 43.7 penalties. As always, she gave her fans a big wave and a huge smile as she left the ring. She's one of the sport's great personalities. Tied with her is Marilyn Little on the extremely fit-looking RF Demeter. Marilyn had a separated shoulder, but do you think that would stop her from riding? Never.

Jennie Brannigan's ride Cambalda, who got scraped up yesterday after falling when he ran off while he was being longed, got a day's reprieve and permission to start today. But the horse wasn't right and Jennie bowed out. She has such big setbacks; Jennie lost her good horse a few years ago, and in 2012, she was hobbling around on crutches after hurting her knee. Let's hope her luck changes from now on. But it just goes to show that getting to the Kentucky Horse Park for Rolex doesn't mean you're home free.

Jimmy Wofford was recalling how a number of years ago, Jil Walton's horse stepped on a rock between the warm-up and dressage ring, and that was it for her shot at the event that year.

Rolex competitors always have lots of supporters. It's great to see the number of folks who crowd in at the "kiss and cry" stand beside the ring to watch "their" participant. These are not always relatives, trainers and grooms. Sometimes the connection between those who come to Rolex to root involves the horse.

I spoke with Dr. Tom Meagher, a veterinarian from Ireland, who owns the stallion Ricardo Z. He is the sire of Ballylaffin Bracken, the ride of Kristin Schmolze, who stands equal 17th on 53.7 penalties. It is the first Rolex both for the gelding, known as Rox, and Dr. Tom. We chatted about his involvement with Rox and his thoughts about Rolex on his first visit here.

Listen: Dr. Tom Meagher

Tomorrow is the day we've been waiting for, when we see 45 horses tested against Derek di Grazia's big cross-country course. Unfortunately, it looks like we're going to have some rain, which complicates an already challenging situation.

I'll be back tomorrow night with another postcard to tell you all about it. And don't forget to check facebook.com/practicalhorseman and facebook.com/equisearch for more photos and videos.

Until then,

Never mind, everything else is as it should be. Defending champion William Fox-Pitt of Great Britain is here with two horses, the trade fair is humming with tack, clothing and jewelery, while volunteers are everywhere, providing a cheerful engine for the event. In a calorie-laden section of the Kentucky Horse Park, junk food reigns. Fried whatever, anyone? You'll find it here.

New Zealand’s Andrew Nicholson topped the first day of dressage at Rolex Kentucky with Calico Joe

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

It's time to walk the cross-country course, hopefully with someone who can dissect it for you; do some star-spotting and get autographs from amazingly patient and friendly riders. Yes, there's no place on this side of the Atlantic like Rolex.

During Wednesday's competitors' party at the grand old estate, Spindletop, down the road from the Horse Park, Lee Carter gave a brief speech that really rang a bell with me, a 26-time Rolex-goer. Lee is the executive director of Equestrian Events Inc., which puts on Rolex. I asked him to repeat a shorter version of the speech for me so you could hear what he had to say; it really struck a chord and sums up the underlying allure of this great event in Lexington.

Listen: Lee Carter

The first half of the dressage today (the rest of the competitors ride tomorrow) added an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings with New Zealand's Andrew Nicholson standing first after an engaging test on Calico Joe that was graded at 40.8 penalties, a good distance ahead of Rolex regular Becky Holder on Can't Fire Me (44.2) and Canada's Shandiss McDonald aboard Rockfield Grant Juan (45.7). William was fourth on Seacookie (46.2). Nice international top four, right?

At any rate, if Andrew wins here, he will be challenging William for the Rolex Grand Slam, which would come in a showdown at Badminton next week. You know the Grand Slam -- worth $350,000, started in 2003, only won once (Pippa Funnell). It's for whoever sweeps Burghley, Rolex and Badminton, the world's three highest-profile 4-stars. Problem was, when William was on track to take it all at Badminton 2012, there was no Badminton 2012. It got canceled in the wake of torrential rain. So William gets a second chance and Andrew, last year's Burghley winner, also has a shot. He has yet another opportunity here tomorrow when he rides Quimbo.

I asked Andrew whether he was thinking about the Grand Slam. A natural question, right?

"I've come out here with that in mind," he replied, "but at the moment, I'm concentrating on trying to win this one first and worry about next week after this week."

I watched the action all day of course, and felt my usual eventing dressage angst. I see the same missteps over and over. People revving their horses in the rein back, then jumping into the canter, the next movement. Awkward and exaggerated flying changes (as one of my friends observed, if so-so hunter riders can get smooth changes, why can't the eventers?) Scrambling into the halts. Rocky transitions. Summing it all up: Losing easy points. You may not have the greatest mover, but there's a way to make up the deficit with smoothness and accuracy.

Becky Holder put in a fluid test on Can’t Fire Me to stand second

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Andrew, of course, is an incredible pro, the world number one last year. Hence his nice test. But Becky, a Rolex regular, also offered many silky moments with Can't Fire Me (Teddy), who is the same color (gray) as her previous star, Courageous Comet. That's where the similarity ends, she said.

"Comet is a ham, he loves attention," she said, reeling off some insightful observations on their differing personalities.

"Teddy would be happy to be sweating away by himself with no one in sight. Comet is the actor in the back room who has to have his Perrier water with the lemon in it, just so. Teddy is the guy with the cigarettes rolled up in his shirtsleeve."

Shandiss McDonald of Canada, standing third on Rockfield Grant Juan

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Shandiss is one of 13 riders in the field of 46 who are Rolex first-timers, and I wish them all luck. It is, as always, a handsome layout, cunningly prepared. I love the giant Fallen Dueling Tree, with a wooden acorn and snail adding interest. The double brush tables boast horse heads and tails carved out of greenery. Scenic, however, is secondary to challenging.

But on a tour of the cross-country course with designer Derek di Grazia, I wondered if the route might be slightly soft to make things easier for the debutantes.

Here's the conversation:

Listen: Derek di Grazia

In fact, the course is a bit longer than last year, due to the way Derek reconfigured the beginning of the layout.

There were a number of drop-outs in the last week or so. The most recent was Emily Beshear, who pulled out Here's to You right before the trot-up after he sustained a mild soft tissue strain that she noticed while working on the flat when he took a funny step. Emily is married to a veterinarian who is the son of Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear, and together they decided it was better not to take a chance with their horse, even though his problem was minor.

Emily Beshear and course designer Derek DiGrazia discuss cross-country

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

"It was very, very tempting to see if we could go on, but at this level, horses need to be given every chance possible to do this well," she said, explaining the decision to withdraw.

"He has so much heart, the last thing I wanted was to come out here and have him trying his heart out when he had a physical problem."

She offered some insights on the course, noting that when she rode last year, she was glad to be aboard a thoroughbred. There's plenty of terrain, as well as obstacles en route, and your horse better be properly conditioned. Not to mention attentive.

Though she felt that Derek was "quite a bit kinder at the end of the course than he was last year," she pointed out, "everyone who comes here knows they have to have a fit horse to answer all the questions. I think you'll see the thoroughbreds prevail. They'll go on to do what they're bred to do, which is gallop and jump."

For more photos and information on Rolex Kentucky, go to facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practicalhorseman. I'll be back with another postcard tomorrow night as dressage wraps up and we look toward cross-country. Let's hope the 30 percent chance of rain diminishes to zero that day.

Until then,

The Gene Mische American Invitational, however, is completely different. Being in an NFL facility, Raymond James Stadium, (which has hosted the Super Bowl) IS A  key element contributing to a special experience for riders and fans alike.

Horse show judge Jimmy Lee, who has been to many Invitationals and attended the 41st last night, explained it this way to me:

"Just to walk into such an awesome place in the evening and the way they do the presentation, it's a great course and a lot of people from the community come to watch -- they really make it an event," he pointed out.

"Sometimes we just have a wonderful horse show, but it's just like the wonderful horse show the previous week, and the one we're going to have next week. With these long circuits, it's fun to say to someone, `What show were you champion at?'

`I was champion the fifth week.'

`But what was the name of the show?'"

Odds are, you won't get an answer to that one.

There's no such confusion with the Invitational; even riding in it without getting a ribbon is memorable. As Jimmy  said, "It's a production."

You just get one shot; there's no schooling, no warm-up class. It becomes a real test of horsemanship.

McLain Ward at the X-factor jump on the way to winning the Gene Mische American Invitational with Rothchild.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

This edition definitely was tough; only McLain Ward, on the hard-fighting Rothchild, and 18-year-old Reed Kessler, his 2012 Olympic teammate on Mika, made it from the starting field of 30 into the tie-breaker.

Steve Stephens, who has designed the Invitational since 1985 (with the exception of one year) put his usual amount of thought into the route he laid out. There were several new fences, including the American Invitational pedestal, raised up on a red X (Steve was inspired by The X-Factor TV show), as well as a vertical/liverpool/vertical triple combination near the end of the course that took a lot of prisoners.

Why is an arrangement like that so difficult here?

Listen: Steve Stephens

So now you understand the circumstances, and why, for McLain, winning his third Invitational since 1998 has special meaning.

"This class is an institution for this country, this sport. I really hope people in the industry rally behind this and keep it going," he said. "It almost died a few years ago. I'm so glad to see (organizer) Michael Morrissey and his group of people and sponsors who have really made great effort to revive it, because it's very, very important to us as athletes.

"This is something unique and special and when I grew up, this was the most important class to win, this is what we coveted. I think that's important for future young riders; my children, one day, I hope."

The show also is a great experience for spectators, who come out in droves to walk the course,

measuring the height of the fences against the top of their heads, spreading their arms in the middle of the oxers to see how wide they are.

The crowd of 8,500 was better than last year and comparable to the number who came to Wellington on Florida's east coast last weekend for the $500,000 grand prix that ended the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival. They do look a bit lost in the cavernous facility, though as McLain pointed out, "In anything other than a 65,000-seat stadium, it would look packed. But I think the stadium also makes the atmosphere a bit."

He sees the Invitational's potential for becoming a "destination event," such as Devon or the World Cup Finals in Las Vegas.

"That's what this event should be aimed to be," he commented.

"WEF is so great, but it gets so monotonous by the end, when you use the same jumps every single week. It's beautiful here," said Reed.

"They really put in that extra work to make it special, and it feels special from the moment you get here."

"There are so many things they do so, so well," McLain pointed out, noting that there are always different fences each year, and the organizers and Steve don't simply rest on their laurels.

His most memorable Invitational win, achieved during a 2008 night of rain, was on Sapphire. There will never be another like the mare, who retired last year at Devon in an emotional ceremony.

"For me, every horse is in the shadow of Sapphire. I miss her very much," said McLain, but Rothchild has found a way into his heart.

"It was a little bit of a lucky chance that I got him," McLain said, recalling he had gone to Europe seeking a horse for a student, and tried Rothchild.

"Francois Mathy, who we buy all our horses from, said, `I think it's a very careful horse.'"

McLain had a different opinion.

"I didn't like anything about him. All the way to the airport, I said, `No, no, no.'"

It apparently fell on deaf ears.

"I called my father to say I was home and he said, `By the way, we bought the chestnut horse. Francois says you don't know what you're talking about."

Well, look at how it's turned out. Rothchild is as competitive as his rider, and as he pins his ears back while he's clearing a fence, you can tell he's going for it.

"He's an every day competitor. He can go in a speed class, he can jump the American Invitational, he can jump a Global Tour grand prix, he can jump Nations' Cups," said McLain.

"He's very quietly amassed quite a record. In the end, he's become a very good friend of mine. He gives me everything he has to give me."

Rothchild, who is owned by the Dolan family's Sagamore Farm, also is "an unbelievable character. He's the sweetest horse in the world to deal with," said McLain.

That's when you're in the barn.

At the same time, "he's totally opinionated and it's going to be his way. He does not like other horses. He makes up for lack of classic style with determination. He can kind of do everything, which is a rarity in today's sport. You know, everything's a specialist. This horse is really the blue collar worker, but the blue collar worker won one for the team today."

McLain Ward hoists the Invitational trophy as second-place Reed Kessler and third-place Sharn Wordley look on.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Despite the fact that only McLain and Reed were in the jump-off, this was no easy victory, and there were a few others who came close to making the tie breaker. Sharn Wordley, a U.S.-based New Zealander, nearly did qualify but scored a time fault with Eric Lamaze's Olympic mount, Derly Chin de Muze, to wind up third.

And how did he get the ride on this horse?

Simple: "I got engaged to the owner (Ashley Fleischhacker)," he admitted, getting a laugh, as the beautiful blonde held the flowers he got during the awards ceremony.

Sharn had a mishap that put him over the 89-second time allowed.

"My horse drifted quite hard to the right at fence four and I rubbed my foot against the standards and I was kind of discombobulated and I kind of took a bit of time on that corner to get myself organized," said Sharn.

"I knew from then on it was going to be touch-and-go...I tried to catch up as best I could without jeopardizing having a rail. It was my first time doing the Invitational and I love it. It's going to be a focus for me next year. It's just so different...with so much atmosphere...it really is quite challenging."

McLain has gone from being one of the young guns to being the establishment, and they're all coming after him.

(Listen: McLain Ward

Invitational runner-up Reed Kessler on Mika

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Reed is having a great time as an 18-year-old; becoming the youngest equestrian to compete in the Games last summer, and now nearly winning the Invitational in only her second attempt.

She had the disadvantage of going first in the jump-off, and was faced with the always difficult task of splitting the difference between having a fast time and making sure the fences stayed up.

"McLain is so, so fast; Rothchild, especially," she said.

"So I tried to lay down a really competitive round...to go in my comfort zone with Mika to make sure I put in a clear round. I tried to put enough pressure on without making a mistake."

She accomplished that, but by leaving out one stride and making a smoother approach than Reed did to one fence, McLain was able to better her mark of 43.37 by more than a second by crossing the finish in 42.10.

"It's so huge, it's such a prestigious class. I love walking the course and listening to people like Katie (Prudent, her coach) and Leslie (Howard) talk about the different horses they've won it on and the years where they had this (jump) in the course," said Reed.

"It's just such a historic class and has so many great stories behind it. It's great to say I've been second in the Invitational once," she continued, then smiled.

"I hope I can add a win."

The top three all liked the course, and praised Steve.

"He had some very young and green riders in the class, as well as Olympic horses and riders, he had to find a balance and I thought it was a good balance test," said McLain. Two or three, but under five (in the jump-off) is the right number for this competition."

The first Invitational I attended was in 1984, the year of the Los Angeles Olympics. Leslie Howard won on Albany and I thought it was neat that as I walked toward the stadium entrance yesterday, she was the first person I saw. We reminisced a bit about that experience.

Listen: Leslie Howard

There's always something different and intriguing at the Invitational, aside from the jumping. One area of the grounds is devoted to kids, with a petting zoo, horseless horse show and face painting. A Percheron was pulling what I call a Cinderella carriage (round and enclosed by artistic white metal strips).

Katherine Bateson Chandler did a freestyle demonstration with Alcazar.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

During a break in the class, 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games U.S. dressage team member Katherine Bateson-Chandler performed a freestyle on Jane Clark's  Alcazar, not easy to do with jumps in the way and workmen pounding down divots all around her. But it was good practice for the horse, who will have to compete in a comparable setting (minus the jumps and workmen) if Katherine makes the squad for next summer's WEG in France.

Before everyone left the post-show party, always a relaxed affair and a good way to wind down from an exciting evening, I checked in with Michael Morrissey, head of Stadium Jumping Inc., which runs the show presented by G&C Farm.

Michael was Gene Mische's nephew, and devoted to him. Still is; he is keeping the Invitational going (and believe me, many people wondered if it could continue) in memory of Gene, the impresario who founded the Florida circuit.

Listen: Michael Morrissey

Don't forget to check out facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practicalhorseman for more photos of the Invitational.
This was my last trip to Florida for the year. Like nearly everyone else, I'm heading north for the start of the regular season. I'll be sending postcards daily from the Rolex Kentucky 4-star at the end of the month, so be sure to look for them.

Until then,

I understand what she means. It's great to spend time in Wellington, Fla., where the equestrian section is a unique community that now is talked about worldwide. Drive around and you'll be in awe.
As I got ready to say goodbye to Wellington for 2013, I reflected, as I often do, on  its uniqueness. When I visited Canadian dressage star Ashley Holzer (more about her later) Saturday morning, the scene in her neighborhood five minutes from the showgrounds was pure bliss. The sun sparkled, the palms swayed slightly and people were riding everywhere in what looked like horse heaven.

This morning I was in Grand Prix Village, next to the showgrounds, and saw beautiful stable after beautiful stable (not to mention the mansions that go with them). The grounds seem always to be garlanded by colorful flowers making a Florida statement, and ringed by impressive hedges that offer privacy. And I'll admit to some sadness as I watched the big tractor-trailers loaded with fabulous horseflesh pulling out to head north.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the focal point of equestrian existence for many here, is unique, with acres of arenas. There's always a festive air for "Saturday Night Lights," the big grands prix that draw thousands of spectators. More than an hour before last night's $500,000 FTI Consulting 5-Star Finale Grand Prix, the stands were packed. A live band entertained and the mood was anticipation as the climax of the jumper competition drew near.

To decorate the ring, giant date palms were added (my progress to the parking lot on Friday was held up as a truck laden with the huge trees attempted to maneuver the narrow path leading to the arena).

Brazil’s Alvaro de Mirando won the $500,000 FTI Consulting 5-Star Grand Prix on AD Rahmannshof’s Bogeno.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

There was a stellar 40-horse field for the finale, but halfway through the class, there was only one clear round, Athina Onassis de Miranda of Greece on Camille Z.

Last year's winner, Colombia's Daniel Bluman, had  a foot in the water with Sancha LS. Margie Engle was going well down the last line aboard Royce as the crowd cheered her on, then dropped a rail at the final fence as a heartfelt groan echoed from thousands of fans around the arena.

Had course designer Alan Wade made the route too tough? Nope, he's a genius. Nine more clear trips joined Athina's in the second half of the class, setting the stage for one of the most thrilling jump-offs of the season.

Kent Farrington had the fastest time of the tiebreaker on Blue Angel, 43.52 seconds, but it was only good enough for fourth, as the rails clattered down from the last fence.

"My horse was trying her guts out the whole way around," said Kent, who had won a class earlier this month with the mare.

"You have a group of riders like this competing for $500,000 and everybody's going to put it all on the line," he explained.

"That's my style as well, and if I win, I'm going to go all out and if I don't win, it's not going to be from lack of trying.

"We pulled out all the stops. I took a big risk at the last fence doing nine strides, which is sort of a big stretch for that small a horse. I knew if I did one more, I'd be second or third anyway, so I'll take the risk and if I have one down, I'll be fourth, but if she happens to leave it up, then maybe it's our day."

Don't feel to sorry for Kent, though. After the class, he was presented with a blown-up version of the check for $50,000 that he will get for winning the FTI Rider Challenge, based on his results during the circuit.

Athina's husband, Alvaro (Doda) de Miranda, a Brazilian Olympian, went after Kent and knew what he had to do with AD Rahmannshof's Bogeno. His wife had gone clear in a leisurely 54.46 seconds, but she was smart not to push it--she wound up third.

Ben Maher rode through pain to finish second in the $500,000 grand prix on Cella.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Doda clinched the win in 43.96 seconds with a powerful round. But the bravest effort belonged to Great Britain's Ben Maher, who finished second on Cella. Ben was diagnosed with several fractures of his vertebrae following a fall last week in the warm-up area, and he took the difficult decision of riding in pain, all braced and wrapped up. His effort in 44.88 came before Kent and Doda went, so if he had gone later, maybe he could have found a slightly faster route.

Doda was a gracious winner, and did not neglect to give his wife kudos, noting she devotes nearly her entire life to her horses. I thought his mount was amazing, though I was having a lot of trouble typing his name, so we talked about this big bay.

Listen: Alvaro de Miranda

It may not surprise you to hear that George Morris has been working with Doda and his wife. Oh no, George said he wasn't really working with them, he was "a sounding board."

Here's how the sounding board sounded, "Whoa, whoa; leg, leg, gallop!" all delivered in the inimitable Morris vocal style.

Both Doda and his wife are very grateful for his help, and they have some powerhouse support as well from Rodrigo Pessoa and his father, Nelson. The Brazilians have medaled at the Olympics before, and I would bet they'll be likely to do it again in Rio three years from now. Doda noted that the Brazilian Olympic Committee has earmarked show jumping as one of the country's few chances for a medal on its home turf.

Jessica Springsteen put in an impressive performance on Vindicat W to win the $33,000 1.5 meter Suncast Classic.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

In the afternoon's 1.5 meter Suncast Classic, Jessica Springsteen showed she has really gotten together with Vindicat W, the horse who clinched the team gold medal for the Brits at the London Olympics. She has gained rapport with the horse in the half-year or so that she has owned him, and in the Suncast took the measure of such stars as her trainer, Laura Kraut, and McLain Ward during the12-horse jump-off. The combination of Jessie and Vinnie is particularly impressive on the turns.

I had thought, however, that she might be in the $500,000 class instead of the Suncast, but she explained why she wasn't entered, and then talked a little about her winning trip.

Listen: Jessica Springsteen

The WEF ended today with the handy round of the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. It was held on the grass a half-mile from PBIEC, at the Global Dressage Festival grounds. Not many people showed up to watch; it was, after all, Easter, but those who did were treated to a special experience, as horses jumped many natural obstacles, including a little bank.They ascended a hill to trot over birch rails at the top, and finished with a flourish over a jump that used giant champagne bottles to demarcate the more difficult option from the lower parts of the fence. Riders get bonus points for trying the higher options and for galloping and making "handy" tight turns to show off their mounts.

Jen Alfano won the $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on the reliable Miss Lucy.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

They did a classic round at PBIEC yesterday, with the top four all within two points. Jen Alfano, known as a derby specialist with Jersey Boy, winner of the 2012 hunter derby finals in Kentucky, was up on the calm redhead Miss Lucy.

"She's so NOT a chestnut mare," said Jen, and anyone who has had a temperamental female horse of that color knows what she means. Miss Lucy stood fourth on 186 points going into today's round, four points ahead of the amazing Inclusive, ridden by Tori Colvin, who was penalized for a light rub yesterday.

Tori's plan for today?

"I was just going to go as handy as I can and jump the big ones and if I have a rail, I have a rail, because I kind of had to move up, not down," the talented teen said.

Her plan worked. The three at the top after the first round, Brunello (Elizabeth Boyd), Skyfall (Louise Serio) and Taken (Kelly Farmer), all dropped today, to fifth, 12th and 11th respectively.

Jen, as she so often does, nailed it with Lucy to win on a total score for both rounds of 384.5, while Inclusive was reserve champion with 382. Former national equitation champion Kristy McCormack moved up from seventh to third on Temptation with a score of 380.

If you've never come early to a hunter derby, you might be amazed to see grooms, riders and trainers leading their horses around, not only looking at the jumps and sniffing them, but in the case of straw bales and greenery, sometimes trying to nibble them.

The idea is to give them an introduction to the course. While veteran Louise Serio said she thinks sometimes it's more for the riders' benefit than that of the horses, she noted that the horses had only competed at PBIEC this season and had never been over to the other showgrounds.

When you think of where the idea of hunters came from ( I know, I know, they bear no real relation to horses who follow the hounds), the "course walk" procedure seems to be a little weird. Jen Alfano and I discussed it.

Listen: Jen Alfano

It's not all fun and games at the WEF. There are some very real issues facing the show horse industry. Last week, the U.S. Equestrian Federation held the first of its Town Hall meetings at the showgrounds. The idea is to educate people in the sport on equine welfare and "Meeting the Needs of the Performance Horse in a Changing Environment," and get some feedback as well.

Hunters particularly have been singled out on drugs and medications issues, but the USEF says the situation should be addressed across all breeds and disciplines. Six other such meetings will be held across the country through the summer, so if there's one in your area, you might find it interesting to attend.

I asked USEF President Chrystine Tauber what she thought about the first meeting and the response from owners, trainers, riders and others in the industry.

Listen: Chrystine Tauber

By the way, if you've given something to your horse to make it go like a zombie, beware. Officials will be on the lookout for that and those animals could be candidates for a drug screening, as well as being marked down in their class, Chrystine told me.

Oh, real quick, back to Ashley Holzer. She had been without a grand prix horse when owner P.J. Rizvi started riding Ashley's Olympic mount, Breaking Dawn. But then GQ, a Small Tour horse, owned by P.J., came back into the picture.

He had suffered a bone infection two years ago, and it was so bad that when the vet said he would never be sound, Ashley warned P.J. she should be prepared to put him down. P.J. wouldn't hear of it.

"No expense was too much for him to become a lawn ornament," said Ashley.

The one day, an incredulous Ashley got a call from P.J. saying GQ was sound. P.J. showed him here last week and won, smiling all the way, but left the ring bawling with emotion at the enormity of the moment.

So P.J. is focusing on G.Q. and Ashley is back riding Breaking Dawn, though she noted P.J. at some point will take over on him again.

But until then, could she possibly ride him in next

year's Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games?

"I'm not saying anymore," said Ashley, who is out of the prediction business and playing it day by day.

I thought that was a good story; the moral: Never give up on someone you love.

I'll be putting up more photos a little later at facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practicalhorseman, so do take a look.

And next Sunday morning I'll have another postcard for you, this one on the always memorable Gene Mische American Invitational in Tampa.

Until then,

March 4, 2013 -- I can't say how many jump-offs I've watched in my decades of covering show jumping. Certainly hundreds; maybe even more. But today's tiebreaker in the 4-star $150,000 Wellington Equestrian Realty Grand Prix was one of the most exciting I can remember.

I have to tell you the punchline first: Kent Farrington on his new mount, Blue Angel, clipped Beezie Madden atop Cortes C by 0.01 of a second to take the class in 38.24 seconds. Wow.

The jump-off had been building to a crescendo, with the crowd cheering on each rider as they gave it a go.

In fact, the top five all were clear and within 0.62 seconds of the winner. Kent had the last of the clear rounds. The only competitor who went after him, Laura Kraut on Cedric, had a rail early on, so there was no doubt who the winner was before the class ended.

The lithe and lively Blue Angel, registered in the Anglo European studbook, and Kent are a dynamic combination. He took over Robin Parsky's mare in January, and there really hasn't been much of a getting-to-know-you period.

"It's a special horse. It's actually the type of horse I grew up riding, a more thoroughbredy type," he explained.

"We had a lot of horses off the racetrack and I used to race ponies as a kid, so I was used to riding really hot, small horses like that. That's sort of right up my alley." Remember Up Chiqui, his incredible speedball that retired just last November at the National Horse Show? Yes, Kent knows what to do with horses that can go fast.

Blue Angel’s owner, Robin Parsky, and Kent Farrington

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

He and Blue Angel were practically an instant match.

"We sort of jumped in the deep end of the pool," Kent conceded with a smile.

"We did the meter 30, the meter 40 and we were off and running."

And running was what they had to do in the jump-off, after 11 of the field of 53 qualified for it.

The last line was the original triple on Anthony D'Ambrosio's course, reduced to an oxer/vertical double for the jump-off, and then seven or eight strides to the final fence, a vertical standing at 1.6 meters that was one of the tallest obstacles on the course.

Beezie Madden was just 0.01 seconds short of victory on Cortes C .

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Beezie, on the muscular, nearly black Belgian warmblood who is Blue Angel's physical polar opposite, reached that jump in seven strides. Kent went right after her, and as I saw him take a pull and put in an extra stride, I thought, "Uh, oh, looks like Beezie's got it." Wrong. Yes, I looked at the clock and couldn't believe he was an instant faster. So I asked Kent about that.

Listen: Kent Farrington

Kent, like Beezie a member of the U.S. gold medal Nations' Cup team here, now has one of the best strings of any rider anywhere. I guess that gives him confidence; he always looks so cool and unflustered. That's what it takes to do what he does so successfully. But the rest of us tend to show our emotions.

Alex Warriner, Blue Angel's groom, is fond of the 10-year-old mare by Luidam and was a bundle of nerves as she watched her go.

Listen: Alex Warriner

Third in the class went to charming Irish rider Conor Swail, who met his wife (she's from Connecticut) at the WEF years ago. He was aboard Lansdowne, a Dutchbred stallion owned by Lothlorien, the same stable whose horses are ridden by Captain Canada, Ian Millar. Conor, who finished on 38.52 seconds, noted it's great to have Ian available for counsel when

needed.

He generally produces horses and sells them on, so he's grateful for a chance to keep riding the horse in his new job with the Canadian outfit, because he can show at the highest level consistently.

"You learn a lot by being in this company," said Conor, who looks to me like he knows an awful lot himself.

I told you all about that Friday night senior Nations' Cup victory in my last postcard (it's at this website if you haven't seen it yet).

But WEF, always in the vanguard, also held Nations' Cups for children, juniors and Young Riders, an innovative juxtaposition. I have to tell you, it made for a very loooong day (and night) yesterday, but it was special for the adults who understood its significance, as well as for the kids.

It's all about "the pipeline," giving riders a start at an early age on a road that could provide mileage for them if they want to try for senior teams.

Show jumping team coach Robert Ridland was very enthusiastic about what he saw, praising the "spirit" he felt in the air as the kids learned about jumping for a squad representing their nation, instead of just for themselves. Young people abroad do a lot of such team competitions; I think we'll be seeing more of it in this country.

There's talk about having a Young Riders' division and realigning age groups for competition; perhaps starting the amateur-owner division at a later age, which would keep those who turn 19 in the Young Riders' division instead. Change is in the wind; keep watching.

Robert is part of the change. As you know, George Morris stepped down from the coaching job at the end of last year, but he emphasizes he isn't retired. So a ceremony in his honor Saturday night wasn't a retirement ceremony; it was just to thank him for all he's done, and what he's going to keep on doing, giving clinics and teaching, and being available to Robert as a resource.

It was great to see all the people who marched into the ring for George's ceremony. I'll just name a few: Anne Kursinski, Norman Dello Joio, McLain Ward, Jeffrey Welles, and Chris Kappler among the riders; veterinarian Tim Ober, steward Karen Golding, Sally Ike, Lizzy Chesson and Jim Wolf among the support staff; well, I just realized this was a mistake, because I could go on and on and run out of space and still leave people out. Suffice to say it was a great turnout. And U.S. Equestrian Federation President Chrystine Tauber, who was the master of ceremonies, made a point of saying that George "is not riding off into the sunset."
The amount of prize money at the WEF is staggering. The $150,000 grand prix was just a financial warm-up for a $300,000 grand prix and at the end of the month, a $500,000 competition. Then there was the VDL auction Thursday night, with 16 horses going for more than $2 million, and one horse accounting for nearly a quarter of that (you can see his photo at facebook.com/equisearch and facebook.com/practicalhorseman).

Some might consider all these numbers crass, so it's nice to find out that there's a spirit of giving at the WEF. You probably all know about the Great Charity Challenge, a show jumping event that gave $1.5 million to local charities at the end of January.

Carrie Stanton, organizer of the Pink Party to raise money for fighting cancer

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

But I learned this weekend about another effort, the Pink Party, an annual cancer research fundraiser organized by Carrie Stanton, a groom who works for McLain. (She's in charge of Rothchild.)

The party, held at The Triple Bar, a restaurant adjacent to the showgrounds, is only one part of Carrie's efforts. She had a group of "Pink Riders" who wore, you guessed it, something pink when they competed this week (go back to Facebook and look at the pix of McLain and Brianne Goutal). These riders all went out and obtained pledges. Carrie, a native of Great Britain who has lived here for years, has done an amazing job. Listen to what she said about what she's doing.

Listen: Carrie Stanton

I'm coming back at the end of March for the $500,000 grand prix (yes, money talks), and whatever else is happening as WEF ends its three-month run. So be sure to look for my next postcard.

Until then,

The grounds at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center were packed with partisans of the seven countries competing in the USA's only Nations' Cup, the first held in this hemisphere as part of the new Saudi-sponsored Furusiyya series that is geared to truly global participation.

The Tiki Hut restaurant was converted for the evening to "The Irish Embassy," complete with a sign signifying its affiliation, and it seemed everyone was wearing the colors of their nation of choice, whether on

their backs or on their faces. The U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation and U.S. Equestrian Federation held a pep rally, serving all-American hot dogs and hamburgers to gear up support for the home side at the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival.

The U.S. winning Nations’ Cup team: Kent Farrington, Beezie Madden, coach Robert Ridland, Reed Kessler, Laura Kraut

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

An Olympic veteran who has been involved primarily in show management, course designing and officiating in recent years, Robert admitted to some nerves that were understandable, but he drew comfort from the fact that he was fielding the "A" team. Although that hasn't always been the case at the Cup in Wellington, which was never part of Furusiyya's predecessors, the Eurocentric Top League and the Super League, this time the stops had to be pulled out because the U.S. wants a berth in the new league's finals this September.

The squad of Kent Farrington (Uceko), Reed Kessler (Cylana); her 2012 Olympic teammate, Beezie Madden (Simon) and Beezie's 2008 Olympic gold medal teammate, Laura Kraut (Cedric) did not disappoint, and even reserve rider McLain Ward was at the ingate to offer support. Although Beezie was able to skip the second round because the team had an edge after three riders, it wasn't much of a victory margin. Canada, which had won the Cup five times since its inception here in 2002, wound up with 5 penalties; the U.S. had 4 for its fifth win here.

Who knows? It might have gone the other way if Canada's Mac Cone had a better night. He was eliminated for a stop and a circle in the first round with Amor van de Rostal, and accumulated 17 penalties in the second. Luckily for the Canadians, only the best three scores count.

They were buoyed by the expected double clear from the ageless Captain Canada, Ian Millar on Dixon, and a less-expected double clear from Tiffany Foster -- her first in a Nations' Cup -- with Victor. You'll remember Tiffany from the Olympics, where she was eliminated in a controversial call after officials contended Victor was hypersensitive in one leg. While they didn't blame anyone for that, she was out despite Canadian team protests.

A German effort to defend its 2012 title was impressive, but 11 penalties put that team third.

After the class, I spoke with Robert, who seemed to be experiencing equal measures of joy and relief.

Listen: Robert Ridland

The time allowed of 77 seconds played a big role in how things went, and Robert noted the U.S. had a plan for that.

Since it was "a fairly important factor," he said, the strategy was for all the Americans to make an inside turn from the first fence to the second. "That really made the difference, it gave us the leeway," he commented.

Reed Kessler had two double-clear rounds with Cylana

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Reed was the only U.S. rider to go double-clear, undoubtedly providing an inspiration to the kids competing today in the children's, junior and Young Rider Nations' Cups that are an innovation at this venue, which should help the pipeline to the top for all the countries participating.

At 18, Reed was the youngest rider ever to compete in the Olympics when she appeared in London last summer. Despite that experience, delivering on her home turf was no easy task.

"It was my fourth Nations' Cup and my first win and my first double-clear, so I'm really excited about that. To ride on the home team in front of the home crowd is a really big honor. I want to do it again," she said in her usual vibrant style.

Her comfort level was affected by the fact that, "I had an all-star group of riders on the team, so I knew I had a lot of depth for me to lean on," she added.

Cylana, Reed declared, "was awesome. This is my favorite thing, when I ride her, to hear the crowd scream. She gets so animated and so wild when she heads to the first fence. She's totally focused, but at the same time, she's like a monster. She couldn't have done better."

Beezie Madden had to make only one trip on Simon as the U.S. clinched victory in the Nations’ Cup.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

Beezie gave her supporters a heart-stopping moment when Simon loudly hit the box in front of the water jump. Everyone's eyes anxiously went to the scoreboard, but she was clear there and went on to produce a perfect trip. Kent dropped a rail at the last fence in the first round; then Uceko settled down in the second to produce a fault-free performance. Cedric, clean in the first round, had a knockdown from a light brush at the third fence from the end of the course, the first element of a double combination of verticals.

The Irish, highlighted by two fault-free trips on Splendor from Olympic individual bronze medalist Cian O'Connor, could have been in closer contention than fourth place with 11 penalties had Shane Sweetnam's mount, Siri, not been injured during his first trip, which garnered the 8-fault drop score for that round, and was unable to return for a second performance.

Irish Team Manager Robert Splaine said: “The boys all did a good job and Richie’s (Maloney) two single time faults with Ahorn van de Zuuthoeve measured up to a good performance, while Cian O’Connor’s double clear round on Splendor has to be singled out for praise. However, we were put at at a serious disadvantage when Shane’s horse couldn’t return for the second round."

While the top four finishers had strong teams, another threat didn't materialize as Great Britain was unable to field a squad. Although Tim Gredley and Olympic team gold medalist Nick Skelton were on the grounds, they lacked a third because Nick's teammate from the London Games, Ben Maher -- who won two major grands prix already this season at WEF -- had flown to the Masters show in Hong Kong. It was, however, perfect British weather: Very chilly with occasional sprinkles of rain. Foreign visitors who had come to Florida for the usual sunny weather as well as the Cup were unhappily bundled in parkas, as were many other spectators.

With just one more Cup finals qualifier for North America to go, at Spruce Meadows in Canada during June, the U.S. has 100 points to 90 for Canada and 65 for Mexico, which finished last here. Only two North American teams can go to the final, and Mexico would seem to be a real underdog in that department. That nation didn't have all its best combinations on hand, but even with their top guns, they'd have a lot of ground to make up in order to be part of the finals.

The three Latin teams participating, Venezuela (fifth on 34 penalties), Colombia (sixth with 41) and Mexico (seventh with 59) are working hard on raising their standard. I asked course designer Anthony D'Ambrosio how he felt they were progressing.

"A great part of their improvement is the time they spend here for a consecutive 12 weeks," he told me.

"This is a great training situation for any horse and rider, when you come to a place and you can really settle in and the horses can really relax, you can then bring them along faster than you would when you're constantly changing venues and acclimating each and every week to a new place."

He and I also discussed the course and how well it worked out. Designing for a class that combines experienced high-caliber teams with squads from countries that are still developing provides quite a challenge, but Anthony is always up to the task.

Listen: Anthony D'Ambrosio

Lorraine Ferrell and Adrienne Straus meet Uncle Sam at a U.S. pep rally sponsored by the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation and the U.S. Equestrian Federation.

© 2013 by Nancy Jaffer

I chatted at the victory party, where the Veuve Clicquot champagne was flowing, with the USEF's executive director of sport programs, Jim Wolf. At the Olympics, our conversations consisted mostly of, "so, we didn't win a medal in (fill in the blank), what do you think?," which meant it was nice to finally be able to approach him after a victory.

Listen: Jim Wolf

I think team spirit had a lot to do with the U.S. taking the top prize, not only the pep rally, but also a team dinner that helped the squad and the owners present a united and determined front.

The Cup wasn't the only thing that provided the tension this week. An outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus that began in Ocala and spread caused great concern when a horse at the showgrounds tested positive and the entire FEI tent (where the international competition horses are stabled during the show) had to be put in quarantine. This is one of the biggest weekends of the year at the biggest show in the world, and the all-clear wasn't given until Thursday afternoon, when tests on other horses came back negative.

The man in the pincers on this one was Michael Stone, president of Equestrian Sport Productions, which presents the WEF. With the trouble in the rear view mirror, he and I talked (over the babbling of the auctioneer) at Thursday night's sport horse auction a half-mile from the PBIEC at the Global Dressage grounds.

Listen: Michael Stone

So do you think we've had enough excitement for one weekend? No way; it's the WEF. Tomorrow is a $150,000 grand prix. I'll be interested to see some of the top riders in action again; Cian O'Connor has to be a favorite, and Germany's Daniel Deusser, double-clear in the Cup on Cornet D'Amour, also is impressive. There will be a whole lot more American contenders than just the four team members vying for this one. Come back Sunday night for my next postcard, and I'll tell you all about it. In the meantime, don't forget to go to facebook.com/equisearch for more photos.

Until tomorrow,