The World Cup was a horse SHOW

The competition was, of course, the focal point of the FEI World Cup Finals in Omaha, where show jumping, dressage and vaulting titles were decided. (To read about the competitions, click on the “previous columns” icon at the top of the main page. You can also watch the recap from 7-10 p.m. Eastern on CBS Sports)

But five days in the spacious CHI Health Center also offered plenty of learning experiences, entertainment and of course, lots of shopping involving mostly horse-related items. Riders warmed up in a ring surrounded by the trade fair, which enabled spectators to get an up-close-and-personal look at the contenders.

Education ranged from Colorado State University’s Temple Grandin giving her special take on horse behavior, to groundwork and jumping tips from a team organized by gold medal show jumping Olympian Melanie Smith Taylor.

Then there was plenty for kids to do in the Education Expo, where they could learn how to halter horses or braid their tails and much more, all on models at one end of the demonstration ring.It was encouraging to see how excited children were as they learned about horses and all that’s involved with them.

 

Native Americans and the history of horses on the Great Plains were highlighted with a program by the Bluebird Cultural Initiative, complete with costumes and drumbeats. During the draw for order of go, several horses were blessed in a ceremony highlighted by a long chant from one of the elders. (I heard those who brought their horses out for the occasion were rewarded with bottles of Scotch.)

It seems you can’t have a major show jumping event without wasting a bottle or three of champagne after the presentation. Finals runner-up Harrie Smolders got after winner Henrik von Eckermann, and third place Hunter Holloway didn’t escape the stream of bubbly and subsequent dry cleaning bills.

This was the second time Omaha hosted the Cup finals (2017 was the first) but this year, vaulting was added to the mix. The gymnastics on horseback were both graceful and exciting, a treat for many in the audience who had never seen this discipline.

The World Cup will have another U.S. outing, but not until 2026, when it goes to Fort Worth Texas. Next year, it heads for Saudi Arabia, the first time the competition will be held in the Middle East. Omaha, you did yourself proud.