|
Jerez
2002
WEG
 
|
Behind the Scenes at Jerez WEG
Camera Crew Not on the Flight
Monday, September 9, 2002.
Wendy Curlis and Meredith Reeder flew into Seville on Sunday afternoon. Wendy had visited Jerez on a
riding vacation. Monday was a challenging day as Wendy took our minivan to Seville to pick up the rest of our crew scheduled to arrive about noon.
They were not on the flight. Frantic phone calls on our international cell phones (only $2 per minute). Because of airport security regulations, we
couldn't page our crew at Madrid airport and the airlines wouldn't release any info. Meredith and I at the press center in Jerez finally learned that
they did make the flight to Madrid. There were two more flights from Madrid to Seville, so Wendy stayed at the airport. An Air France strike
only added to the flight problems. Wendy met the US rowing team -- or the part of the team that made it to Seville and even called to see if she
should bring US Eventing Team David O'Connor's luggage to Jerez. The flights were overbooked and finally our crew decided to take the train from
Madrid and found Wendy at the Seville airport where their luggage was
waiting. Wendy became designated driver as she could parallel park our van
in a space that only a VW bug would fit. We do believe Wendy docked the
300' research ship she crewed after college. Wendy kept us supplied with
the best local cheese and olives.
When Wendy finally called to say she was headed home with our crew,
Meredith and I left the press room only to discover over 100 gorgeous
Andalusians lined up on the street beside the stadium. When we asked if
they were going to practice the Opening Ceremony, the Captain of the
Military Guard introduced himself, delighted that Americans were there to
film dressage. He asked if we knew the stallion, Evento. "Of course,
Ignacio Rambla rode Evento to the finals at Atlanta." "Would you like to
meet Evento? He's right over here, he's my horse." When the captain
offered, Would you like to ride him?, I did think, I've never ridden Grand
Prix and this is a stallion, on cement, before saying: YES! Given a leg up,
Evento piaffed and passaged for me. If we didn't have video to prove it, I
wouldn't believe it either. Meredith rode a younger Andalusian stallion,
Diamond. Both stallions were perfect gentlemen and ambassadors for the
Andalusian breed. Not accustomed to swords on our saddles, we both made a bit less than graceful dismounts.
Both Ignacio Rambla, head of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, and Rafael Soto, head of riders at the school, not only competed
for Spain at WEG winning the team Bronze, but were featured in the performances at the school and exhibitions at the Games. Spanish team
coach, Jean Bemelman, commented that having only one horse to compete in an event like WEG was stressful as there was too much free time. It was good
for Ignacio and Rafael to have their performances at the School and Exhibitions to take their mind off their performances.
Wendy reserved tickets for the Saturday night performance -- perfect
preparation for filming the School performance at the Closing Ceremony. At
the Closing Ceremony, Rafael Soto who finished 6th overall and in the
Freestyle with Invasor and exited the arena in Spanish Walk to the
delighted stacatto flamenco clapping of the home town crowd, and Ignacio
Rambla performed a special pas de deux.
|
™