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The Finest Equines
Topic Started: Apr 10 2009, 05:18 PM (48 Views)
bavariantiger
The Finest Equines

Las Vegas hosts the FEI World Cup

By Kate Silver

Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum on Shutterfly

FEI World Cup Las Vegas
Where: Thomas & Mack Center
When: April 15- 19
Cost: $30 and up
Info: worldcuplasvegas.com or call (702) 739-3267

It's going to be a bittersweet week for Debbie McDonald, as the most elite equine competitors from across the world arrive in Las Vegas for the Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping and Dressage Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center.

This year is the fifth that Las Vegas has been home to the competition and, in the past, McDonald has been front and center with the action. She and her horse, Brentina (who is sponsored by Peggy and Parry Thomas – the "Thomas" in Thomas & Mack), earned the U.S. its first FEI World Cup Dressage Championship in 2003, and went on to represent the U.S. at the 2004 Olympic Games, where they led the country to a bronze medal. They also competed in the 2008 Olympics.

But now, at 18 years old, Brentina is retiring. McDonald is accompanying her through the retirement ceremony, which honors the mare, Friday, April 17.

"We don't have very many horses in our country that are deserving of a retirement like that," McDonald said. "But as it stands right now, she's the most successful horse the United States has ever had."

McDonald is thrilled that the retirement is being held here in Las Vegas. Every two years the Finals return here, and in between they take place in Europe.

"Vegas is just a natural draw for the Europeans because everybody loves Vegas," McDonald said.

About 85,000 fans are expected at the Olympic-level competitions. In the Jumping World Finals, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum will attempt to defend her 2008 title.

The Dressage World Finals features Anky van Grunsven of the Netherlands competing against Isabell Werth of Germany. For years the two have been neck-and-neck. Van Grunsven is one of the most decorated riders in dressage history, and the reigning Olympic, World and World Cup Champion.

Werth won the World Cup in 1992 and 2007. She, along with 16 other riders, hopes to oust Van Grunsven from her roost.

McDonald is looking forward to the competition, even though she is viewing it from the audience this year.

"The musical freestyle is very much like in ice skating, where the rider chooses the music and choreographs their own pattern. There are specific moves you have to do within that six minutes," McDonald said. "One of our riders right now has a very good chance of possibly winning it this year. That would be the second time we would have an American win the World Cup."

It's an honor that McDonald says she's more than happy to share.

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