Anna's Awesome Adventures!!!: Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event -- Day 4!

Unbelievably, today was the last day of Rolex! It sure flew by for us, as I'm sure it did for the competitors who have worked SUPER hard. We were up and going by 6:40, had a quick breakfast (cereal, yogurt, banana-nut muffin, orange juice), and headed to the Kentucky Horse Park just in time to catch the Final Horse Inspection. A lot of other people had the same idea, so unfortunately we couldn't get near the rail for photos. Instead, we settled for a nice spot right on the fence which offered incredible viewing of all of the competitors before and after the jog. To explain what this "jog" is -- before the competition even begins (the day before dressage, Wednesday), all competitors are required to present their horse to officials. They put on very formal clothes (men in suits; women in dresses or business formal), lead their unsaddled horse out to a short lane to walk and trot, and move on. Besides a great photo opportunity for fans, the competitors are showing that their horse is sound (no limping) and in good health/condition. This morning was for the exact same purpose, although the horses were undoubtedly much more tired from two busy days of competition. There was one horse that wasn't approved, and a few others that weren't initially approved but re-presented and were accepted. It was a very good idea to get up early to watch this. There's no other opportunity to see the horses in their entirety, unhindered by tack, gear, or rider. They are truly beautiful animals -- big, glossy, and pure eye candy for horse lovers!!

After spending our morning enjoying a parade of fashion statements and gleaming horses, we headed for Rolex Stadium. It wasn't too long before the opening ceremonies started for the final phase of eventing, stadium jumping. We enjoyed a quick lunch in our seats (tuna wraps, tapioca pudding, bananas, chocolate-nut bars, trail mix, water) before the real action started. The order of starting was from worst to best, so as each horse and rider finished, the excitement edged up a notch. When it was down to the final 20 -- the best of the best -- everyone perched on the edge of their seats, nervously waiting for the inevitable rail to fall and placings to change. Ultimately, the 2015 champion (German Michael Jung riding Fischerrocana FST) became the 2016 champion, garnering trophies, ribbons, a Rolex watch, money, and the infectious cheers of everyone in the stadium. He and his lovely mare did beautifully all weekend, and it was a joy to watch him ride (along with all the others)! A full list of results can be found on the Rolex website. Especially awesome for me was seeing Elisa Wallace ride Simply Priceless around the course with only one rail down and no time faults, boosting her from 26th in dressage, to 14th in cross-country, to 8th overall at the end! I am so happy for her and in shock that I actually got to see her ride in person!

Following the lovely awards ceremony and victory gallops, and a quick farewell walk around the grounds, we headed back to our hotel to regroup, then off to supper at El Rancho Tapatio (a Mexican restaurant, in case you couldn't figure that out). The Fajitas Tropical (chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, green peppers, onions, tomatoes, and pineapple), served with rice, beans, lettuce, and sour cream, was delicious, as was the Xangos, chimicheesecake topped with caramel and chocolate sauce, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar, and vanilla ice cream. It was certainly a fitting end to a weekend that will never be topped...the "best weekend all year!"