Staging an event like the Olympics in a city plagued by economic woes can only be described as a challenge. For the athletes, for the horses, for us, for the organizers, it's tough.

But, our accommodations here at Deodoro are actually OK. We are on an enormous military base, about a half hour from the city activities. The stables are very comfortable, all the volunteers extremely helpful, supplies easy to get, lots of riding room. And some grass.