Particpants have been arriving the past couple of days to the beautiful grounds in southern Virginia. Getting everyone's rig parked and hooked up has been quite the challenge, but thanks to the coordination by Valerie Sails, I think we have everyone accommodated now.
Today a large number mounted up or rode on the tractor pulled gallery wagon for the course familiarization ride-around. A special tribute was paid to Lisa DeForrest, who passed away earlier this year. At the breakaway, Stella Lang, a long time friend of Lisa's, spoke about Lisa's love for the sport and how she wanted to go make it to one last Nationals. Bob Seelye led Lisa's horse in the front of the procession down the breakaway, and some of her ashes were sprinkled along the course. Lisa will be missed, but not forgotten in our sport.
Tomorrow the National Championship commences with judges Ed Hart and Ed Kerr presiding.
