On September 18th and 19th, I was able to follow the CCI4 * -S in Waregem, Belgium, from a different point of view. During the 4 * -dressage test I sat next to the Belgian judge Dirk Verlinden and was allowed to follow his valuation and comments. After a total of 90 starters within 2 days I had to realize how exhausting but also very instructive it was for me.
I got to know Dirk Verlinden and his wife Carine Ghyselinck during the European Team Championship CCI3*-S in Westerstede and both spontaneously invited me to the event in Waregem. The Eventing of Waregem was brought to life by Tom Ryckewaert, who unfortunately died unexpectedly this year. He was event director, course designer and the driving force behind event started 40-year before. His family and friends have done a great job and I believe that he looked benevolently from above to the earth!
