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Charlene Strickland text and photos 'On the Scene' for HorsesDaily.com

You rarely get to study dressage superstars close up, so Monday's dressage inspection was a unique opportunity to eyeball conformation and way of going. A draw established the order of go for the 33 nations, with 19 teams and 14 individuals.

Within the stable area is an inspection lane, surrounded on both sides by spectator stands. Officials looked at each horse presented in hand, and watched the rider lead the horse back and forth at walk and trot.

The U.S. horses went first: Brentina was the first horse to go. Her owners, Parry and Peggy Thomas, were on hand to watch her trot.

So how does Brentina feel back to compete in her second WEG? According to Parry Thomas, “She is happy to be back in Germany.” (The 15-year-old mare was foaled in Hannover, the German state north of Aachen.)

After “Ladies first” for Brentina, Tip Top, Floriano, and Aragon followed. All U.S. horses passed on the first trot.

For the 100 spectators at trackside during dressage horse inspection, the primary benefit was seeing the superstars “naked.” You could see their true conformation, and the wear and tear of a life of training reflected in minor blemishes. White marks from the saddle showed up, along with closeups of shoeing variations. The afternoon spotlighted the quality of horse care, mirrored in a 2-minute presentation.