Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
As the temperatures rise dramatically, it is now what we, in equestrian circles, call the end of the season.
Another fantastic year of show jumping, dressage and racing behind us, the summer with its soaring temperatures is a good time for everyone to take some time off, including the horses.
This Friday was the grand finale of the popular Twin Palms 2009 Dressage League. The event, was a final qualifier for riders hoping to secure themselves a place in the BREEF Dressage Championship that is to be held in early May.
The day kicked off early with the first class, Newcomer, beginning at 9am. With temperatures rising above 30 Celsius riders were impeccably turned out, if not a little sweaty, and all the horses looked beautiful.
There were a total of eight classes the final of which is an all-time favourite of mine, Freestyle to music.
As I have mentioned in previous articles, not only do riders score individually in each test, but their overall winnings are tallied up during the season, hopefully securing them a spot on the winners' ladder in the league positions.
Last year's league was very exciting and this year was no different.
Riders and mounts improve tremendously show by show and it is wonderful to watch.
As with every year there can be only one winner and this year the Adult first place for the 2009 Twin Palms League went to Idraq Al Aqueel on her mount Jazz, while the Junior winner was Natasha Owen on Duel Time. Congratulations, all four of you.
The Freestyle to music this year saw three competitors battle it out for first place. Each composed beautiful tests with fantastic toe tapping music. Yvonne Addison did a fabulous test on The Chief and secured herself third place, while Edith Garazzio on Zingo also performed brilliantly, coming a very close second.
The winner was Anne Koheji and Fine Art, the pair performing a spectacular test.
While it may be the official end of season as far as dressage is concerned, there still remains one final show jumping event.
This Friday sees the Twin Palms Show Jumping finale, sponsored by Al Hoty Analytical Services, Aramex, City Neon and Celebrations Arts & Crafts Supplies. Classes include both adults and juniors and will run simultaneously in two paddocks. So, make sure to bring your camera, sun cream and a loud voice to cheer on all competitors.
The day begins at 8.30am and for those of who might not have time for breakfast before racing from the house, the onsite coffee shop will be open for business as usual, selling delicious snacks and providing a cool refuge from the sunshine.
Twin Palms will also host an Equestrian Extravaganza on May 15. The schedule is yet to be released but if past events are anything to go by this promises to be a fantastically fun day out for the whole family (I hear through the grapevine there may be some cowboys and Indians on the loose during the day's events).
Please ensure you keep yourself updated by logging on to the TPRC website and scout around for further details (https://www.twinpalmsridingcentre.com).
Have a fabulous weekend all.
