Friday, September 1, 2006

Debbie McDonald and Brentina - US Dressage Superstars Home Sweet Home

Debbie McDonald has kept in touch with DressageDaily, and now sends her report from LA, where Brentina is fine, having a thorough check, and still appears to be alright. We comment Debbie and the Team for adhering to the FEI guidelines for the health and well being of the horse. Always a class act, and always American Dressage's pride and joy. Mary Phelps

Looking back on the WEG I have mixed emotions. I am so proud to have been apart of the Team Bronze Medal and also the fact that we secured a spot for the next Olympics. It will take pressure off the Pan Am Team and give the US time to focus on some up and coming combinations for the next games.

It was very upsetting that I had to withdraw but not so much for me but for Brentina. For those of you that know me you can understand that her reputation is the most important thing to me. It is always so upsetting to think that there are people out there that would love to find away to drag you and your horse down. People that wish bad things for others. Press that would love to find a negative instead of something positive. I have never been able to understand this and that is one of the hardest things to take in our sport.

It can even be true of people that you think should be on our side. Maybe someday I will write a book on this! But for now I can't waste energy on those kind of people.

Brentina is doing great and getting a complete check up here in LA before we travel home. So far nothing has shown up which is such a relief. Some of you might not know how much goes on behind the scenes, but let me tell you, it is never a dull moment. The USEF staff is truly amazing on how they handle all the details. They work long hours making sure that everything is in order and everyone has what they need. The vets that constantly watch out for our horses welfare. They all work so hard, to make this all happen, for us!

And of course, we can't leave out our coach Klaus, and his wife Judith who do more than just their job. They work to make us all feel at home. Organizing State Vet appointments, hotels, hauling, puppy sitting, etc. It takes so many people, to make this all happen. Sponsors and family, which we all know, play probably the most important role in all of this. I feel so lucky in my life, to have been able to do the things I love and meet amazing people along the way. I hope you all have enjoyed the journey with us and look forward to sharing it all again with you in the near future!