100 miles across the Blue Grass:
The road to Kentucky and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
Written by Dr. Brianne Henderson
In September of 2010 the eyes of the equestrian world were fixed firmly on Lexington Kentucky for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. 752 horses and 632 athletes representing 58 countries descended upon the Kentucky Horse Park for two weeks of intense competition.
Prior to the television coverage and floods of ticket holders entering the park, teams gathered at local farms around Lexington for training camps and team selection trials. The Canadian Endurance Team was lucky enough to be hosted by the McConathy Farm, which can be found along a winding road lined by the traditional 4 rail white fences of the Blue Grass region. From the moment we arrived, our entire team was welcomed as though we were family. We could not have asked for a better host for our training camp.
Under the blistering sun and 90F heat, the 9 horse and rider teams that were long listed for the WEG began a stringent agenda of 2 veterinary inspections per day, before and after a 6-10 mile training loop. In addition to this we held “pit crew” practice to streamline our crewing tactics and many team building exercises to bridge the gap between the East and West riders. Kim Wooley from Ontario took on this task as the team coach. Her focus and creativity,was welcomed by all. Kim worked tirelessly to provide a communication link between riders and officials as well as ensuring that we were in a good state of mind for the training camp and the race itself.
In a freak accident during a training ride, Carol Steiner was thrown from her horse, Jumpin’ Jax and suffered a separated shoulder, 8 broken ribs and a punctured lung. With only four days before the endurance race, the Canadian Team Officials found themselves facing a “game changer” as one of the most talented and experienced riders was now out of the running for the ‘final four’. (I am happy to report that Carol has amazed doctors and physiotherapists on a daily basis and is already back riding a mere 5 months after her accident.).
In the end, we chose 4 very fit and ready horse and rider combinations to represent our country. The Canadian crew of riders, crew, owners and officials gathered under the tent in the stable block for the final team announcement. Kay Melvin, the team Chef D’Equipe was afforded the incredibly difficult job of selecting the team with the input of the Team Veterinarian Roxy Bell and Assistant Team Veterinarian, Brianne Henderson. Looking upon nervous faces, Kay read aloud the “final four”: Bob Geilen and Galaxy, Ruth Sturley and Super Sport, Gayle Jewell and NL Temptation, Elroy Karius and Apache Eclypse.
Special mention should be made to our team farrier, Drew Henderson who barely had a moment to drink a beer after a nine hours drive before he was put to work on Super Sport under the Kentucky moon. Drew provided dedicated farrier service to the Canadian team during the games and was an incredible resource to ensure the feet of our team were perfect. As the saying goes, “No foot, no horse”. 
As the sun rose on race day, the horses were long gone from the start line. The heat and humidity had thankfully subsided and we were blessed with 75F and a bit of cloud cover. The Canadians rode well and stuck to the strategy that we had discussed during the training camp. Collette Hutton shone as the pit crew leader during training exercises and her skill at organizing people was invaluable during race day. One by one the horses entered each vet gate and were met by an army of red shirts holding sponges, buckets and bran mashes. Once they were through the veterinary inspection the horses were ushered into our crew tent where more crew members and the team chiropractor were waiting. Dr. Scott Hie, volunteers his time at every team event to take care of horses, riders and the support crew. We are very grateful for his time and expertise.
When the dust had settled and the sun had set, the Canadian team finished seventh out of twenty-one teams. This was our best completion yet at an international event. As Canadians and lovers of the Arabian horse, we should all be very proud of our Endurance team. The hard work and dedication of everyone involved was crucial to our success. We have already begun planning for 2014 in Normandy and can only hope that many of our shining stars in Kentucky will accompany the team to France.
