Dia and Tatiana have returned safe and fit from the USA. While Tatiana took a normal flight from Greenville via Atlanta to Dusseldorf, Dia flew in a transport plane from Greenville to Liege, where she was picked up yesterday. It was interesting to be able to look at the exit process. It was amazing how calm and relaxed the four-legged friends left their transport box. Obviously, the horses do not have a problem with the airway.

The program is still continuing as planned. However, during the morning work, the clouds on the horizon emphasize the nearness of Hurricane Florence. The for Sunday scheduled Grand Prix Freestyle can not take place. It is forecasted heavy rain and wind on the competition grounds. Behind the scenes, the organization and those responsible are working feverishly to schedule the freestyle on Monday.

The World Equestrian Games 2018 in Tryon opened with a colorful event. The international athletes and guests were welcomed with country music, greetings from politics and the World Federation of Equestrian Sports as well as spectacular parachute jumps into the arena. The highlight was the entry of the flags from the participating nations. Stormy each team welcomed their own flag. But also for the other nations there was friendly and clear applause. The mood was cheerful to exuberant. And in the new grandstand building, the handwheels continued to work happily. A successful start.

Jetlag under control, quarantine past, moved into the box and the facility explored. Now preparations for the test next week can start. Tatiana has made first rounds with Diavolessa on the training ground. The mare seems to have mastered the journey well and is pleased that she is allowed to move again. In Tryon is still vigorously built and furnished. Unfortunately, the hotels have not all finished, which has the advantage that now the grooms are housed in the hotel of the Russian team.

It is hammered, painted, delivered, granted and cleaned. On the show grounds in Tryon, great activity has set in. The final preparations for the 2018 World Equestrian Games shape the picture. It is still hard to believe that the world's elite of dressage will meet here next week. We are curious. On Tuesday, the opening ceremony will be held on this site, which is still a big construction site.