Full House In Vegas After All
This just off the press: Anky will be showing up after all- not with Salinero as she and many others hoped, but with Painted Black, with whom she qualified. Whether you are a fan or not, nobody can deny the fact that Anky is a huge draw for the event, and the show will be far better off with her there.
I, for one, am thrilled and applaud her sense of spotsmanship and can’t wait to watch her, Isabel, Steffen, and all the other great stars along with their super mounts.
And, for the first time, the World Cup will be broadcast live on NBC Universal and I’m lucky enough to be doing the commentary. So, I hope everyone will either come to Vegas and enjoy all the fun, ot watch it all go down live on TV.
Oh, and even if you are planning to come to Vegas, don’t forget to set your DVR’s to tape the show. If we want continued equestrian programming, we need to support it by tuning in!
Cheers!
RD
Ridiculous — March 25, 2009 @ 5:09 am
What sportsmanship would that be? The part where Anky & Sjef said it wasn’t worth it to go to place 8th, or the part where they said it was a pity that they couldn’t follow the rule they suggested to the FEI because there would be no “big name riders” at the WC?
Janet Foy — March 25, 2009 @ 10:23 am
Love her or not, Robert is right - the audience wants to see Anky. She has brought the art of the freestyle to a new level, much like Torvil and Dean did for Ice Dancing - I still remember their skate to “Bolero”. I still think it was bad judging that gave them the silver and not the gold.
I judged Anky at the 5* and her freestyle on Painted Black is very exciting and the music is wonderful. Steffen also had a super ride last month in L.A. and Isabelle is coming in as the favorite. I am SUPER glad I am going this year - it could be one of the best competitions to date! If what these riders have produced in the past is any indication, look for many scores over 80%!
Fran Goodsell — March 25, 2009 @ 10:30 am
I completely agree with the first comment “Ridiculous” go on Euro dressage and read what Sjef said about Anky “going to win”, and that crap about hiring a lawyer to overturn his own rule. It is ridiculous and it is fact. In fact, if she were aloud to go with Salinero I definately would not go. Let’s not give Anky so much fame, there are about 10 other rider’s that draw the crowds over here in Europe. And one last thing. Why did Anky choose her second qualifier to be the last in the series? Isabel kicked her butt in 2006, did she think it couldn’t happen again?
Fran-
lita dove — March 25, 2009 @ 11:44 am
Well, I’m making a bet that the current Olympic Champion(s)/World Champion(s)/ European Champion(s) and yes, World Cup Champion(s) appear at Las Vegas.
The reason for the (s) is because TWO athletes won those awards, the PAIR of partners won those awards, and just as I believe in Tinkerbell and justice for all, I believe that the FEI in its wisdom will see that horse sport can only benefit –especially on television– by allowing the current titleholder(s) to defend their title.
RDover — March 25, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
I appreciate all the comments, but again I ask that everyone have the courtesy of leaving your real name with them. I do not appreciate graffiti of any kind, thank you.
Also, I would refer some of you back to my post on “a Generous Spirit” and say that, unless you truly know Anky ( and remember that she and Sjef are not the same person and don”t even always agree on every matter), I would hesitate to judge her so harshly. She is really a lovely person, a great mother, and no matter what you believe about her training, the most successful rider in the history of our sport.
And, just like you and me, she can have her feeling hurt by mean- spirited words.
Cheers!
RD
Jane Savoie — March 25, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
Having been a guest in her home more than once, I can say that Anky is a sweet, funny, charming person who loves her horses. I know it’s hard sometimes, but try to separate the “system” from the human being.
Katie C — March 25, 2009 @ 11:25 pm
yes, let’s leave the snark for the professional snark boards! I myself have my tix ready to go and I am looking forward to Anky, Isabell, Anelinde, Laura, Catherine, Steffen and many more! woot! woot!
jessica — March 26, 2009 @ 8:05 am
I so wish I was going this time around. I went 2 years ago and had the time of my life! I even headed over to the Thomas and Mack center and sat outside to watch some of the vet checks. I’ll have to look and see if I get NBC Universal and will definitely set my DVR and watch it several times I am sure. I’m pulling for Steffen the most - what a lovely rider he is! Cheers! Jessica
lita dove — March 28, 2009 @ 11:45 am
OK, I’ve accepted reality. 14 rider athletes will come with their top sport equine athlete-partners and Anky will bring Painted Black, who is NOT chopped liver. I am sure that even as I write this, Sjef Janssen and Anky van Grunsven are either working on or dreaming of ways to work on upping the beauty of the partnership beween rider and horse.
However it all unfolds, it will be World Cup and exhilarating and strange.
Hope to see everyone there and perhaps even wave at Mr. Dover when his voice and face carry over the jumbotron!
mary mcgrath — March 30, 2009 @ 5:42 am
I would like to add how happy I am for Monica Theodorescu and her horse Whisper. They will be in Las Vegas representing Germany. I am just sorry her father won’t join her. She is a great trainer and person and I am happy to know her.