Wild Weather During Wild Vet Check at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby

The Palm Beach Dressage Derby started yesterday with the vet inspection for the horses competing in the CDI leg. Normally there is plenty of sunshine during the derby, but yesterday the sky was overcast and a nasty wind picked up in the afternoon right before the jog. Some horses proved that "readiness is all" and were bouncing in the air, bucking and rearing.

Two horses thought it was necessary to show their stamina and speed during the jog and pulled the reins out of the hands of their handler and took off galloping. One of the culprits was a beautiful black horse who was already prancing before his run. Well, this black was in for more strutting after the jog and just leapt out of the ring and darted over the field nickering with his tail in the air. This FEI horse played hard to get for a while, but definitely proved his soundness for competition. The horse passed the jog with "flying" colors.

Thursday's at the Derby concluded with a fun Competitors' party in the main building, generously hosted by Mary Phelps and JJ Hathaway of Markel Insurance and Phelps Photography. There was a large crowd of riders, grooms and judges who came over for food and wine and a nice chat, or was it the taste of the chocolate covered strawberries that lured them to the party?

There will be more partying going on this weekend. Angela Bordwell is throwing an authentic American theme party with hamburgers and BB chicken at the A'Dashi shop in the trade fair right after the last ride on Saturday. Angela Bordwell is a Registered Representative and Investment Adviser Representative for Equity Services, Inc.

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What a Weekend – The Palm Beach Dressage Derby is About to Begin!