2007 Los Pinos CEI 1*, 2*, 3* and CEIYJ 1*, 2*, 3*

Full Results
120km Competition

BOGOTA, SEPTEMBER 22, 2007 - Carolina Barraquer

We began by having a course for Candidates Judges, Stewards and vets on Thursday the 20th, taught by Mrs. Elizabeth Van Schelle and Dr. Jose Verocay.

The attendance to the course was good, about 30 people. Our goal was to have certified National Judges, Stewards and Vets for the first time and to name FEI Candidates for Judges and Stewards. Also we needed more FEI Endurance Vets. This goal was met thanks to the attendance and participation in the course.

On Friday 21st, we went to the competition site. Elizabeth, Jose and our second foreign judge Mr. Jorge Maloufhad the chance to see the site and the race course. The route was totally flat, with no road crossings and no pavement at all. The ground had hardeneda bit in the past week because it hadn't rained. We got off the cars to inspect a bridge and our friend Mr Mauricio Gaitan fell in the muddy water below. It was a funny scene for all the spectators, he came out all wet, dirty and cold.

The route was approved by our foreign visitors and it was a relief for the organizers to know that they had found an adequate place.

The event was held at Los Pinos Polo Club, located 30 minutes west from the airport.

The place has all the facilities of a big club, including 120 stalls, 3 polo fields, restrooms and a restaurant. We were located on one of the Polo Fields, beside the restaurant. This gave us a big space to set the Vet Gate, and other areas for the event.

The Vet Gate had good and even footing. It was located in front of the restaurant so the viewers could see the finish line and the vet check, sitting comfortably in a deck.

The day started out very foggy and cold, but turned out to be sunny and beautiful (about 18*C).

The day began at 5:30 am with the weighting of the 3* riders. This was very exciting because it was the first time we were having 120 kms!!

At 6:00 am the 3* event was under way. The riders left for their first lap of 37 Kms. The crew finally had time for breakfast and a couple of pictures.

At 8:00 the riders for the 2* started arriving to be weighted, and the riders for the 3* started coming in for their first vet check. At the beginning the crew was a little bit disorganized with the vet cards and the times, but the judges were very helpful explaining how everything should work. We also did some rehearsals without horses so they could do it fast without confusion. When the second group of riders arrived the team was working extremely well and they did an excellent job throughout the day.

At 9:00 am the 2* got under way, then at 11:00 am the 1* and at 12 m the CEN for 35 Kms. At this point everybody was riding, about 40 riders in total, 2 of them from Venezuela.

By 4:00 pm everybody was done except for the 3*. The computer technicians were getting the results ready and we called the horses for the Best Condition Award. This is the first time that we tried to make a show of this judging. We used the forms provided by the FEI and it worked very well.

In the end two riders (of a total of 6) finished the 3* event. They were: in the CEI 3* YJ Cristina Mutis and Pinokio. Pinokio also won the Best Condition award. In the CEI 3* Daniel Vasquez and Luteranawere the winners. Another best condition award was given in the CEI 1* to Chilena.

The prize giving ceremony was held that same night, everybody was happy and in a party mood. The trophies were beautiful and the winners were happy to receive them.

Carolina Barraquer