2024 HARPG Olympics - Dressage Dancers

Horse: AVS Ampière
Handler: Emily Shields

Event: HARPG Olympics 2024

Class: (Individual) Dressage
Registration Number: 100

Riding for: @ArtistikValeStables
Country: USA
Event Date: July 11th

Event Time/Weather: 0700/Hazy & Rising Fog

Extras (chronologically):

- July 9th: Lake Boat Ride
- July 10th: All Groomed Up

- July 10th: Vet Check

- July 11th: Warm-Up

Story:
With the warmup finished, she glossed over Ampi’s coat one last time, making sure it was as smooth and shiny as possible.  She adjusted her show helmet, that had been bedazzled with small gems to coordinate with their country colors of Ampi’s matching show browband.  She checked the straps on her spurs one last time, and then guided Ampi up the pathway towards the Show Park.  Even though the sun had been up for almost an hour, with stunning colors on the morning horizon, the rising fog from the lake added an extra magical element of haziness to the already impressive setting. 

The dressage class lineup had been drawn, and Emily’s registration number had come up as the first performance of the day.  She had gone back and forth over what that would mean, and if it would impact her performance, all night long.  She had never competed at the Olympics, and was beyond nervous.  Emily knew that going first would mean she could not watch any other riders perform the assigned routine, and learn from their successes and mistakes.  But it also meant that she would be able to get the performance over with, and then be able to watch the remainder of the competition without the stress of how they would do.  Either way, she knew she simply needed to trust the partnership that had been built with Ampi up until this point, and attempt to do the very best they could. 

As if on cue, and a sign to get out of her head and focus instead on her large bay stallion, they crested the pathway to the Show Park level, passing the melodic Sealion Fountain.  Emily’s breath caught in her throat for just a second, and Ampi’s ears flicked back sensing a change in his rider.  The stands were already filling to the brim with the audience, and the grandeur of it all was overwhelming.  Emily did not want Ampi to pick up any further on her jittery nerves, and took one large calming breath to recenter herself as they moved straight towards the other end of the arena, and the remarkable Aegeus Fountain, where all their work and training would be put to the ultimate test. 

Ampi snorted and danced, as he pranced his way over to the far side of the Show Park.  His tail flicked back and forth with flair, as if he knew that everyone was watching and he wanted to give them something special to look at as he strutted past the stands.  Maybe he would have enough confidence for the both of them, Emily thought with a smile.  As they turned to pass in front of the fountain, ready to make their entrance onto the lawn arena, she quieted the voices in her mind and turned her full attention to Ampi.  They had practiced this a million times… or what felt to her like a million times.  All they needed to do now was do the very best they could, and she would be able to walk away with pride (regardless of the placing). 

They passed the flowerbox & marker at a collected canter and moved forward onto the grass at the designated location for their halt.  She held her salute to the judges, and waited for the nod to begin the assigned routine.  Then the audience, the stands, and the magnificent venue faded away as Emily gave her complete focus to Ampi.  This was nothing more than a dance between partners now.  Each one responsive to the other’s movements.  It was like a waltz, where the intricacies of their harmony were shared in subtle touches and leg movements.  It was time to show everyone what they could do…

(Word Count = 619)  

I have dreamt of entering the HARPG Olympics for as long as I can remember. To finally have a horse and rider qualify is a dream-come-true. So, this is the event I am focusing my biggest art efforts on this year... giving my all to each extra & the entry; and really trying to build the experience for my characters at their first (and hopefully not last) Olympics.

I focused really hard on trying to capture the atmosphere of Imperial's (host) setting in each one of my extras. I painted all four backgrounds (even in my collabs), getting the opportunity to work on my background skills and learn how to bring specific settings to life.
In contrast, for the main event entry, I choose to zoom in a bit more on my characters themselves, and really showcase/highlight their teamwork/skills during their competitive performance - while including just snippets of the official arena/fencing/decor for a bit of recognizability.
I hope you've enjoyed their story as they get to ride at the most elaborate and extensive event/venue they have come across in their entire career.
#SoProudOfHowFarThisTeamHasCome #3MonthsLongLaborOfLoveArtProject

And best of luck to everyone who enters this year!

References:
- Ampi/Emily reference: Dressage

- Background references: provided by Host

Characters/art © ReQuay , and may not be used or reproduced in any way.