Travel Arrangements

 

After considerable to-ing and fro-ing, I’ve invited Barbara Holmes-Balmer to come with me as my “groom”.  Barb is one of my oldest Endurance friends; we have ridden many thousands of miles together, on several horses, in both competition and training.  Also, we have co-managed the Ride Over the Rainbow for something like 20 years.  Barb has also been Organizing Committee for an FEI ride, a Steward applicant, and an FEI-level rider, so she will be both pleasant company and a valuable asset!

Several days of online searching for airflights, trying to figure out arrival departure dates, etc…  Finally got the best rate through Flight Centre (www.flightcentre.ca).  We need to BE in New Delhi on the 11th of February; departure dates much more flexible.

SO—we will be leaving Vancouver on China Eastern Airline at 12:30 pm on February 9th, arriving in Shanghai at 4:35 pm on the 10th.  Leaving Shanghai at 9:05 pm and arriving New Delhi at 2:05 am on the 11th.  From there, we are in the hands of the Organizing Committee until after the ride!

We have arranged to stay a few extra days after the ride, hopefully to see the Taj Mahal in Agra and perhaps the Red Fort.  Jane Williams has sent me the contact info for an agent who will arrange all of this for us…we are already being well looked after!

Coming home, we leave New Delhi at 3:20 am on the 18th of Feb, arriving in Shanghai at 11:20 am.  Leaving Shanghai at 1:30 pm and arriving back in Vancouver at 7:50 am.

So far so good—next step visa and shots!

How it all began....

This story basically begins at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.  I had attended as an alternate for the Canadian Endurance Team; when I didn't 'draw in' to ride I spent the day crewing.  While I was out there slogging water and sponging horses, Ruth Carlson (Canada's delegate to FEI Endurance and current Chair of that committee) was having a conversation with Jane Williams (wife of Ian Williams, Chair of FEI non-Olympic Disciplines).  Jane mentioned that she was working with the National Federation of India on holding some FEI rides in that country, that they were interested in inviting "foreign delegates", and could Ruth suggest a Canadian candidate?  Ruth--probably figuring that I had "paid my dues"--suggested ME!  She phoned me later, back home in BC, and asked if I would wish to attend; I replied with a resounding "Darn tootin' I would!"

Next followed a number of emails providing a rough outline of the process, and some guidelines for what I'd need--visa, shots, etc--and basically what I would be provided.  Followed, eventually, by a 'formal invitation' which I happily accepted, and formal approval from Equine Canada for me to attend.  And today--this:

The rides is on "the fringes" of the Jim Corbett National Park--a world famous wildlife preserve.  There are TIGERS!!  I am SO excited...

Beginning to research travel options, etc...more to follow!