'Meet & Greet the Stars' of the 2007 Rolex World Cup Dressage Final
by Tracy Mayhew

My U.S. friend and dressage media guru, Kyra-Beth Houston of Dressage UnLtd organised for clients and friends to attend a 'Meet & Greet' some of the dressage riders that are here to compete in the 2007 Rolex World Cup Dressage Final in Las Vegas.

The crowd waiting for the 'Stars' - it was great, no more than a 10-minute wait in the longest queue

This was a real treat for us Aussies who had made the long trip to Vegas as it gave us an opportunity to get an autograph, talk to the riders about their horses and capture some photo memories to take home with us. We were also generously supplied with goodie bags provided by some of Ky's sponsors.

Personally, I would have to say it was a highlight of my visit here as all the riders were so incredibly friendly and genuinely pleased to see their fans and supporters; it was also wonderful to have a yack with them in a casual setting.

Organiser and Dressage UnLtd's principal, Kyra-Beth Houston, me and Andreas Helgstrand, rider of Blue Hors Matine

The Queensland Aussie contingent who accompanied me included Grand Prix rider and Qld A Squad member, Anita Scampton and partner Toby Barton, FEI rider Tracy Rathjen and husband Allan, Qld B Squad member Connie Bookless and friend Lesley Lowe. Unfortunately National Young Rider Squad member Alyssa Webb was under the weather with the flu and her and mum, Rosie couldn't make it.

I'd like to thank Allan Rathjen for being 'pack horse' and helping me with all my gear, Toby Barton for grabbing us some extra goodies and Lesley Lowe for saving us places in the lines. Also a huge thanks to Ky for organising this spectacular event!

Back row: Bob McDonald, Allan Rathjen and Toby Barton
Front: Holly from 'Make A Wish Foundation', Tracy Rathjen, US Rider Debbie McDonald (Brentina) and Anita Scampton

Connie Bookless, Anita Scampton, Allan Rathjen, US rider Catherine Haddad (Maximus JSS), Toby Barton, Tracy Rathjen and Lesley Lowe

Catherine took time out to tell us about her planned freestyle for the big event on Saturday night (the Grand Prix Freestyle) and explained that her horse Maximus, is named after the character in the movie 'Gladiator' (she's a big fan of Russell Crowe). She told us that she is using some of the movie soundtrack and the choreography is themed on the story. She said if we like what we see, once she's finished her freestyle to get up and shout, "Maximus" - no doubt the Aussies will be letting rip tonight with their approval!

Back row: Connie Bookless and Tracy Rathjen
Front: Iryna Lis (Problesk) from Belarus and Anita Scampton

Iryna, although not being able to speak English, was very gracious in signing autographs and having her photo taken.

Anita Scampton, Toby Barton, Canadian rider and all-round great gal Evi Strasser (Quantum Tyme), Lesley Lowe, Tracy Rathjen and Connie Bookless

Evi was another rider who was so approachable and friendly. Connie and Evi got on 'like a house on fire' and I believe an invitation was extended for Evi to visit the Gold Coast.

The 'crew' with US rider, Courtney King (Idocus) and fiancee, Kiwi Jason

Courtney was really fun and when she found out we were from 'downunder', called over her fiancee Jason who happens to be from New Zealand. They met on an internet dating site and have been inseparable ever since. This is stuff you don't get from an official program!

Lesley Lowe, Anita Scampton, Connie Bookless and Tracy Rathjen with Swedish rider, Jan Brink (Briar 899)

Tracy Rathjen, Anita Scampton, Canadian rider Jacqueline Brooks (Gran Gesto), Connie Bookless and Lesley Lowe

Jacqueline was another rider who was just so down-to-earth! When she gave an autograph she always added her horse's name (as does Evi Strasser - must be a Canadian thing) and when we commented on how cute it was that she include him, she said "That horse has got me more invites to parties and functions than I ever deserved." - how great is that?!

Lesley Lowe, myself, Tracy Rathjen with US Team Coach and all-round gentleman Klaus Balkenhol, Anita Scampton and Connie Bookless

Anita Scampton, British rider Wayne Channon (Lorenzo CH), Connie Bookless and Lesley Lowe

Wayne was so amiable and it was refreshing to see that these top riders showed no signs of arrogance or egocentricity. Wayne was more than happy to spend time talking to you - not at you. I had the pleasure of meeting Wayne and his wife Debra a few nights previously at a media cocktail party and again, he was just such a nice fellow; it was lovely (and flattering) that he remembered me from that night.

Connie Bookless, Swedish rider Tinne Vilhelmson (Solos Carex), Tracy Rathjen, Anita Scampton and Toby Barton

Connie Bookless, Lesley Lowe, Tracy Rathen with Finnish rider Kyra Kyrklund (Max) and Anita Scampton

The indefatigable Kyra is a regular visitor to our shores and hopefully she will again be visiting us soon to impart some of her invaluable wisdom!

Toby and Klaus clowning around

Isabell Werth showed up briefly but unfortunately she had to dash off owing to other pressing matters. Next time.

If anyone is planning on coming to the 2009 World Cup in Vegas, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you sign up for this event! All the Aussies said how much they enjoyed meeting the riders and what fun they had. Contact either myself or Ky at Dressage UnLtd for more information.

© Cyberhorse 2007 Tracy Mayhew