Wednesday 23rd July

It's great to see that so many people have looked at the site already! We hope you are all enjoying the weather back in the UK, because all it has done here is RAIN!!!!! It 's almost unbelieveable, for the past two days it's been pretty much nonstop.

The camp is starting to resemble a mud bath, and much of last night and this morning has been spent trying to sort the temporary stables, which have flooded. As you can see, we have resorted to lots of straw to get rid of the worst of it, as well as sandbags!

However, the arenas might be waterlogged and the stables might be flooded, but it hasn't got us down - there's been too much going on!

Practises in the main arena went very well yesterday (pics can be seen here), and we had another slot today. This morning we had our vet inspection and trot up, which every pony passed with flying colours!

"I'm very proud of the teams. Everything is going very well," says our Chef d'Equipe Sara Howe. "However, the weather could be better!"

Despite the rain and the mud, both the England and Wales teams were complimented on their turnout for the veterinary inspection on Wednesday. In the words of official Philip Batemen, the teams produced "The most organised and prompt vetting I've ever worked with."

Team trainer Anna Grayston was very pleased that the vetting went well. "Practise paid off, as everyone did it correct the first time," she says. "The turnout was immaculate, we did a good job today. We're ready to go!"

Then it was time for a quick team photo in smart GB shirts and rugs, and even better the sun came out!

What a difference a bit of warm sun makes, especially to the sodden grass. The grounds teams here at Stadl-Paura have been fantastic throughout, working hard to keep everywhere as accessible as possible. They brought us lots of gravel this afternoon, so the camp is no longer a swamp, and they have worked tirelessly to help keep the stables and roads as dry as they can.

The main event for today was of course the Opening Ceremony, and what a performance it was! Each nation came in led by one of the locally bred Noriker horses, ridden by a member of the team. Drivers, grooms and trainers were greated by huge cheers from the crowd, and we're pleased to say that England and Wales definitely got the loudest ones!Michael Hodgson rode for the English team and Fleur Snow for the Welsh, a great treat for them. Mark Bell and Alice Pritchard carried the banner for each team, with Sara Howe and Anna Grayston attending a Chef d'Equipes for England and Wales respectively.

Once the arena was full, speeches were made, and each team was presented. They were asked to sign their names on a giant 'Junior World Trophy' flag before presenting their pendent and being cheered again!

It was a great show, especially with the added drama of the horses. The following entertainment was fun, and afterwards we heading back to camp for a superb buffet of local meats! A great end to the day!

Onwards, now, to the competiton...