One more day on the China trip!

All is going well. Lots of good riders and horses are doing the last training before we all leave for China. Everybody is busy getting everything ready for the trip. There are so many things that have to be perfect, not only the riding has to go well, but all the paperwork!! There are so many extra things that have to be done in a certain way for going to China or you don't get in or out! Thank God that Diani is on top of it. She is very organized and is not only taking care of herself and her horse, but she also helps the other riders all the time.

The team looks great and I hope it will stay that way. Diani and I have gone through each of the three tests: two regular tests and one freestyle. Today when we were going through the freestyle, it rained so hard that we could not be outside. So poor Diani had to ride in the big indoor arena, together with eventers and show jumping horses. It worked, but no 20/60 Dressage arena all to herself. She looks good, so I hope she can pull it off in the Asian games.

The Aachen showgrounds are super: fantastic footing and beautiful settings. It's just a little cold, gray and wet. It will be a huge change from here to Guangzhou.

If you'd like to learn more about the 16th Asian Games, visit the website at http://www.gz2010.cn/en.

I will keep you all posted from China. It will take some time though before we all are there. I'm looking forward to the opening ceremony. In the last Asian Games four years ago in Qatar, they had a rider on a horse riding up a long staircase to light the flame. After what we saw at the Olympics, I think China will put on a great show, too!!

I hope we all will get there safe and sound!

Soon.....;

Mette