Horsing around

THE Equestrian Extravaganza held at Twin Palms Riding School thrilled the crowds and produced a fun-filled afternoon of sparkling costumes and spectacular riding.

The Friday afternoon event kicked off with a fancy dress parade from the junior riders. A menagerie of costumes and colours followed, from space men to fairies to princesses and pumpkins, all wowing the audience.

As the parade waved goodbye and headed home, the Wild West came to visit in the form of cowboys. Dressed to impress, the cowboys provided some energetic entertainment, showing off their wild moves and downright 'go get 'em' attitude.

As the cowboys left at a gallop they were followed by TPRC's very own knights, Sir Luke-a-Lot and Sir Bad Blake, both champion jousters prepared to battle it out to the death for the hand of the fair maid, Florence. As always, there can only be one winner, and Sir Luke-a-Lot defeated the baddie, riding into the sunset with his maid. Goodness, what an event!

The arena then took on a far more serene atmosphere in the form of heroic Arabic horseman. One participant dressed in traditional thobe on a glistening white stallion and adorned with an Arabic saddle in deep red and blue, in particular, brought impressive local flavour to the afternoon.

As dusk set in, Anki provided the audience with a display to music aboard her beautiful mount Bond, while also leading Fine Art, in no more than a bridle. The horses performed a spectacular piece of dressage in perfect unison - brilliant!

The theme continued and the afternoon ended with a quadrille to music. The quadrille is a choreographed piece of dressage to music, traditionally performed by four horses and riders. This particular display consisted of eight pairs that showed off movements such as half passes, shoulder in and passage. Horses were beautifully groomed and sprinkled with glitter, while the riders wore fabulous sparkling red or gold tunics, all twinkling and dancing beneath the light of the canopy.

Another fabulous event hosted by TPRC, enjoyed by spectators and participants alike, it was a perfect end to the riding season.

This will be my last Too Hot To Trot column until September. I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping you all up to date on the island's equestrian events. I wish you all a lovely summer and will see you in September for the 2009/2010 competitive season, that promises to be bigger and better than the last.