Gold Coast Summer Solstice – A First Encounter -

Jim Brandon – First Class Equestrian Facility for multiple disciplines

Yes indeed, I went. To the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, which is part of the Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach.

It was my very first recent dressage event, hosted by the Gold Coast Dressage Association. So please bear with me as my heart worms its way into the mesmerizing world of dressage. A world of which I know so little about.

Sure – while growing up my Grandmother, Mom and I watched the jumpers religiously. Whenever Aachen was announced, we sat glued to that black and white TV, come rain or shine. It was our thing, a three-generational bonding over horse jumping even though none of us had ever ridden a horse other than your standard county fair pony.

When it came to horse sports, at the time jumpers were our first pick, then dressage in second place, with Josef Neckermann riding up the ranks of the very best. He hailed from my hometown, and both my Mom and I used to work for his department store and mail order company for some time, so we cheered for him by default, not knowing the difference in rhythm or suppleness of a movement. It just looked pretty and he was “our man”.

As things go, this association to dressage led to more of it, namely watching the famous Lippizaner horses of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. That was easier to relate, the moves were more dramatic and sensational.

Fast forward to 1991, when I saw my first Polo match. I have to admit I got hooked and nothing mattered much afterward. Until WEF established itself under the guidance of Gene Mishe. And the 2002 USET Olympic Trials for dressage at White Fences. Troy and I sat first row and center. Folding chairs in the sand. The Axelrods were catering. Going in, all we knew was that we had to be very quiet.

It seemed so slow to my impatient self. If Polo was Kung Fu, Dressage was Tai Chi. That’s how I would explain it to myself.

Through the years of course, Polo took all our focus and love. But the allure, the mystery of dressage was still present. On several occasions we would go to the Player’s Club and watch “Dressage under the Stars”, a spectator friendly regular event accompanied by popular music, food and cocktails.

Still, that wasn’t what I was looking for. I knew there was more, and I wanted to learn.

My hope is that I can at least be more immersed enough to catch the discipline, the finesse, the subtleties that make this sport so special.

Thank You Noreen O’Sullivan and Wellington Classic Dressage!