It’s day 1 of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, and Mother Nature has smiled on Lexington, Kentucky. A cold front moved through yesterday evening, breaking the 90-plus-degree heat wave and giving the parched region a welcome drink of rain (albeit not nearly enough to revive the Bluegrass). Saturday dawned cooler, clear, and sunny, with highs in the upper 70s — welcome relief for both humans and horses.

Opening ceremonies aren’t until tonight, but competition is already under way with day 1 of team reining competition. US rider Tim McQuay on Hollywoodtinseltown took an early lead with a score of 220,5, followed by Austria’s Martin Muhlstatter on Wimpys Little Buddy and Alejandro Roberto Gonzalez Barragan of Mexico riding Custom Harley