The Cup started with a bang. On Saturday, horses and participants from 15 countries (speaking 15 different languages) arrived at Axevalla, a big trotting centre in central Sweden. Horses were checked by a vet, helpers picked up various groups from the local train station, and old friends met again, and new friendships tentatively explored. Each team arrives under the care of their Country Leader, who organises travel for riders and horses, and is generally responsible for the well-being of their national team members.
In the evening, 13 international teams were formed, and everyone made an effort to start speaking English. The Team Leaders are responsible for the training their mixed teams of 6 – and will eventually select the classes each rider will take during the competition days, ensuring that the best overall team wins the much coveted team trophy at the end of the week.
Much was made of the excellent food. Sunday lunch eaten from sparkling white table cloths in the VIP tribune of the trotting arena, exceeded all expectation. The first evening ended with a short presentation by our host country Sweden.