1) Even though this event is all about horses, there are still any number of other ways to get around (we all knew this already, I know, but the alternate modes of transport seem to be getting more plentiful as the days go by):

an impromptu bike parking area, with flags declaring national loyalties

part of this (former) field has turned into a huge golf cart parking lot; most of these are decorated with the ubiquitous national flags, and the one on the right has some divided loyalties: I counted five different national flags

traffic jam! … that’s a pair being driven out to the practice arena, a car, a delivery truck, a golf cart, and a tractor … and a single going the other way!

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2) Perhaps most significantly, I (finally!) learned that our red accreditation badges (which we got for working here at the KHP) allow us to enter the Main Stadium. We need a ticket to get a seat, but we can go into the stadium regardless and stand where everyone else (team members, other accredited people, etc.) stand and watch whatever’s going on. What an unexpected treat!

So I stood behind the TV cameraman and watched a few jumper riders go in this afternoon’s speed competition. To demonstrate how truly international this event is, in the space of just a few minutes, I saw riders representing Egypt, Ireland, Japan, Great Britain, and Poland.

3) I’ve concentrated so long on taking pictures of horses that stay on or near the ground (dressage and driving, etc.) that the few times I’ve tried photographing jumpers have not turned out very well. But I think that with a bit of practice (and perhaps a faster lens), this might work.

Britain’s Michael Whittaker

a rider from Ireland (I didn’t catch his name)

a Japanese rider (he’s been in several Olympics) about to go through the start …

… and going over a jump; for height reference, that blue bit is on the ground

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4) I kept hearing that, after Eventing was over, the “moveable elements need to be put in place” at the obstacles that the Driving marathon was “sharing” with the Eventing cross-country. Wellll, let me tell you, there’s a lot more to that task than one would think.

I’ll post photos of all that hard work tomorrow.