Today was marathon day on the grounds at Catton Hall. It was very interesting to see all the different teams and how they approached the hazards differently. Some were more timid than others, and then there were the elite that seemed to be almost out of control and some did push it too far and wreck or lose a groom. We got some good action shots of Team Bouncer, especially in the water hazard. Thankfully, Suzy, Claudia, and Bouncer made it through unscathed and are still leading the field for the single ponies. After the hazards were done we took some time out for another side trip to Stoke-on-Trent to see the Wedgewood factory. That was very interesting and we were able to pick up some nice earings for Vicki. I think this was more our ... read more

Today was dressage for the pony pairs and the four-in-hands. Among the competitors for Great Britain was HRH Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke is credited as a major force in the design of combined driving as it is known today, and has done much to promote the sport. We were able to snap a good number of photos as he guided the Queen's Balmoral ponies through the dressage course. We visited the food exhibition and were able to taste and purchase some of the items for later consumption at our hotel. Among the items were pork pies from Melton Mowbray, sold by a fellow who wore the famous pork pie hat. Apparently these pies have been eaten for centuries by hunters because they kept well and were easy to pack. There was a ... read more

We didn't intend on flying into Heathrow, but it was a must. See, our original plans had us flying into Birmingham through Newark on Continental. Newark, however, was severely delayed due to bad weather. The Continental ticket agent informed us that it would probably be the next day before we could get our flight. Seth and I were both nervous -- he informed them of his parents' pony competing in a world championship event and that we absolutely, positively had to be there the next day. The Continental ticket staff were great -- they arranged to get us onto an impending British Airways flight to London. Sam, the British Airways agent, was an incredible help, getting our baggage checked in and hooking us up with bulkhead seats no less. Ahhhh, leg room. But then, wait! I ... read more