It was all girl power today in the Grand Prix level classes on the first day of competition during the second show week of the 2012 CDI Vidauban at Bernadette Brune's huge Domaine Equestre des Grand Pins right near tropical St Tropez in the South of France. The sun was blistering hot while the mornings and evenings are freezing cold. Mares Riwera de Hus and Donnerfee won the tests of the day.
Last night I worked until 1.30 AM uploading photos for my first blog from Vidauban. I set the alarm for 7.20 AM but as usual I felt like a zombie when the buzzer went off and I took the liberty to snooze at least twice. I had a modest breakfast in the Bed and Breakfast where I was staying and was proud of myself that I only chose to eat one freshly baked, delicious, greasy croissant and some apple yoghurt. I drank a cup of tea which would turn out to be one of only two drinks I had the entire work day.
I was told by Brits on Facebook to wear many layers to the show so I dressed myself with at least four layers (two tops, one jacket and my coat) as well as a thick scarf. It was the right amount of clothes to stay warm during the chilly morning, but it restricted my movement and it felt that my own winter coat was like a straight jacket from One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Lifting my right arm to hold the 10 Kg heavy camera was like pumping iron to a bodybuilder. I was happy to get rid of the coat by 11 AM.
With 68 Grand Prix horses competing today in two arenas it was impossible to shoot them all so I decided to concentrate on the Grand Prix for Freestyle class so that I could get the Olympic Grand Prix Special tomorrow. In between breaks I walked to the other arena to snap one or two extra riders before commuting back to Arena A for another block of riders. This was pretty much the work procedure for the day until 6.30 PM.
While the sun was already out early in the morning, I only began to feel the heat by 11 AM and round 12 I was boilng like an egg. I removed some layers, but my skin underneath my jeans tucked into my high black boots was crying for cool air. I had lunch and chatted with the parents and supporters of a few Belgian Grand Prix riders. They red line through the conversation was: "make sure you own your horse yourself so you don't get screwed by co-owners" and the only "affordable horses to be found are youngster which you train to Grand Prix yourself." Belgium is a small dressage nations and most of the riders do not have sponsors. They have to rely on the "financial" goodwill of their parents.
As the sun moved west I shifted positions as well and I tried to keep the sun in my back to get the best photos. With every minute I moved closer and closer to the central hospitality tent and by the afternoon I felt a stinging sensation in my face. I realized I started to get sun burnt (again at the first outdoor show of the year, seems to become a tradition for me). Almost at the end of the class I had a cold perrier in the shade and briefly met up with Australian buddies Brett Parbery and (ex-patriot) Gareth Hughes. We remarkably talked about Western horses and their calm nature quite different from dressage horses.
As the Grand Prix for Kur came to a close, a couple of 5-year olds were warming up for the preliminary test. I got quite caught up resting my legs on a bench that I actually missed the first few rides but fortunately I was able to photograph several youngsters to finish my day. I called it quits and decided not to do the prize giving with the sun gone. I put all my jackets and scarf back on because by 7 PM it was ice cold again.
A small welcome party took place on the upstairs floor of the hospitality tent where all guests were treated to a drink and some nibbles. At 8 PM I joined the British-Swiss-South African trio again for dinner at the restaurant and ended the evening chatting with the show organizer, Mrs Brune, who is quite the entrepreneur if you hear her story and adventures running this huge equestrian centre.
I was back at the Bed & Breakfast by 11 PM to start working on articles and photos. The disadvantage of being out photographing horses all day is that you miss reporting the latest trending news. With a delay of several hours I posted the press release on the FEI's decision to start the suspension proceedings of the IDRC and the club's reply to the PR.. On Facebook the dispute got compared to the Sepp Blatter-FIFA rift. Well put I would say.
Text and photos © Astrid Appels/Eurodressage
Related Links
Scores 2012 CDI Vidauban
Photo Report: Arriving at the 2012 CDI Vidauban