El Paso

I'm just back from the Paso del Norte dressage society's annual dressage show benefitting a local hospice. I was super impressed (and thanks for ordering up that very cool breeze) with the show management, the number and variety of prizes (I can't remember the last time I got something other than a ribbon for my efforts), and the way they honored everyone who came to the show at the nice (if crowded) competitors' party. The racetrack (see my earlier post) was great place for the show (and practicing downhill balance on the sloped warmup arena made me realize how much dressage horses need hill work) and we even got to hear a sound check by the band Malo (Carlos Santana's brother's band) for a concert at the casino across the "lake." (quotes intentional). 

It really has to be one of the oddest places I've ever horse showed: Sunland Park, NM, but really almost El Paso, a few miles from the old Mexico.

Across a very refreshing looking (90 degrees today) rather large pond that takes up the infield (complete with fountains-good for some horse lookies, for sure) is the Sunland Park Casino. The warm up? On the racetrack. A little tilted, but good for practicing balance. Lots of very nice horses and riders checking out the flapping tents and the general vibe of the place this afternoon. I always forget that El Paso isn't that far from Arizona, and that it's a pretty big town in its own right, and so naturally there's a very nice turnout. The barns are lovely, spacious and efficient and pleasant, and there isn't too much of a horse racing vibe to the place.