Rome Report 2

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World Equestrian Games
Rome, Italy
Dressage
September 30 - October 4, 1998

Rome Reporting from Ky

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Trevi Fountains - Rome

On Friday, after the Grand Prix Special, Nancy and Trenna decided we should see a bit of Rome, so we took a cab (20,000 Lira or about $12) to the Spanish Steps and walked to the nearby Trevi Fountains of the movie "Three Coins in the Fountain" Fame. There were lots of tourists but fortunately no sign of pickpockets and we felt quite safe walking the narrow, Rome streets in this "Rodeo Drive" area window shopping at famous shops especially smiling at one named "Expensive!" which was quite appropriate for the entire area.

Heather and I spent Saturday at the Stadio Flamino, delivering emails to competitors, getting impromptu interviews, and getting online a bit. Trenna and Nancy went to the Forum, the Colliseum and the Vatican although it poured and then was closed before they could get inside. We ran into Liz and Neil Hopps and went into the main arena when we heard freestyle music playing -- got to watch Guenter Seidel and Sue Blinks practicing their freestyles. The accoustic system was superb.

Entering the press room, we were immediately asked why the American dressage riders had not marched in the Opening Ceremony (Guenter Seidel carried the American flag and led Americans who apparently were David O'Conner - three day eventer whom many took to be Robert Dover in an uncharacteristic baseball cap and the team officials.) Shelly Francis, we knew, had reinjured her knee on Tuesday morning getting out of the bathtub -- she had an old football injury. She rode an incredible test in the Grand Prix despite her injury and certainly had a good reason for not marching in the Opening Ceremony. No explanation was ever given for the rest of the team members. The other nations were in full force with Isabell Werth leading the German team complete with all team members and all of the coaches. Liz Hopps, the entire Canadian team, and even the team vet represented Canada. We photographed the entire Japanese dressage team as they exited the arena and posed for the many Japanese press. I even found the South African team and personally gave a delighted Natalie Hobday that morning's email. We were also quizzed about the total lack of Americans at the Friday night competitors' dinner where the most prominent table had been reserved for the Americans complete with US flag. Since the dinner was held at the Ritz Hotel where the US team was staying, it was difficult to imagine a reason. Apparently the evening's entertainment was a success as several nations had prepared human "freestyles" incorporating all the Grand Prix freestyle movements starting with the Spanish doing a "Pas de Deux" and continuing with the British team's quadrille to "It's a Long Way to Tipperary". First hand reports from competitors concluded that this was a great time to meet and chat with competitors from all countries (except, of course, the US).

When we returned to the hotel, we found a note to meet Trenna and Nancy for dinner at 7:30 at the fountain in front of the Spanish Steps. We watched wedding couple after wedding couple descend the impressive steps accompanied only by a photographer -- no wedding party -- for photos. Apparently Saturday night is THE time for weddings. The crowd was so large that we feared we would never find Trenna and Nancy when we suddenly heard "Email!" and of course, it was Trenna <G>.

After a successful trek through the multiple side streets the night before, we decided to find an authentic Italian restaurant and we did -- thanks to Nancy. The best meal we had in Rome from cabresi salad, chopped tomatoes on toast rounds, grilled lamb, pasta, bread, red wine, and shared the last piece of hazelnut cake. We even quickly hailed a cab by the fountain.

Lunch was always at the stadium and was always an Italian "sandwich" of spinach and cheese on round bread cut into wedges. The press room provided us with bottled water and canned orange drinks.

I brought home the entire printout of judges' marks for the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special -- first time the marks for individual movements have been made available to the public.

Disclaimer - To our knowledge, all graphics used at this site are public domain or used with the author's permission. If you spot any artwork that is not properly credited, please contact kyrabeth@dressageunltd.com.