Family affair

The first Dressage event of the season at Twin Palms Riding Centre in Saar proved to be a true family affair featuring the Dreyers and the Rushtons.

The Dreyers took home no less than three first prizes with young Luna Dreyer setting the pace for the day.
 
In her first event on MissPrint, they were clearly on a mission for honours. An exceptional round in the Working Equitation A Class held off all other contenders to see Luna enjoy her first taste of victory on the day.
 
Whilst Luna was busy winning in one arena, there was double delight awaiting Lydia Martin in another. In the Preliminary A class, astride Tuxedo, Lydia executed a lovely round. Followed by another half dozen riders, she ended the class again riding Woody, her second mount, and totally wowed the judges. Lydia claimed both first and second place in the class.

Bouncing back to the first arena, once again Luna Dreyer with MissPrint was stealing the show. The pair won the Working Equitation B class.

Kat Rushton steered Duke to victory in Preliminary B, though not to be outdone, Virginie Dreyer on Athos triumphed in the Novice A class after a classic, almost perfect, round.
 
The Preliminary A class was an inaugural round for Lesley Taylor as she brought Filfar into the dressage fray, alongside Keisha Smith riding Aztec, Baris Ural with Prince and Jan Hodgson astride the amazing Cash.
 
All made an excellent introduction to dressage, the bug has bitten they are all now eager to get back into the arena.
 
Current Twin Palms Riding Centre In House League rulings state once Preliminary A or B has been won with a specific horse/rider combination this class cannot be entered by the two again, so Lydia and Woody will have to move on up leaving room for other contenders to succeed.

The Working Equitation A, truly a lovely first class for any age, saw new riders take their primary steps. Jamelia Cranage and Maya Shaban both riding the delightful Eid, participated in their first ever dressage class.

Meanwhile, Anae, the youngest member of the Dreyer clan, took her inaugural steps to join in the family’s love of all things equine, taking to the arena with Lime and producing a lovely round.

Nafisa Al Wasan, alongside Jasmine Morris, both newcomers, took the veteran Pearl excellently through her paces.

Weiling Morris a determined young lady brought Bling into the spotlight and was just pipped at the post in both the Working Equitation A and B by Luna. The pair will be the ones to watch in the future, though not quite making first in their classes they certainly made their mark on the day by winning Best Turned Out – an immaculate pair.
 
A special ‘well done’ has to go to Paula Conseco and Bella Rushton for their efforts in the dressage, both working so very hard recently with their ponies Aramis/ToyBoy, performing so well on the day.

Lydia Martin, having taken home all the prizes in Preliminary A, moves onto Preliminary B with Woody. However, the pair already setting sights high, has given the Novice test a practice run. These two are destined for an amazing future, watch out!

Preliminary B judges watched a lovely round performed by Nina Owen with her boy Otto. Consistent throughout, the pair claimed 3rd place in both Preliminary A and B. Keisha Smith riding Aztec entered Preliminary B as a late entry and brilliantly took 2nd place.

In the Novice class there was fierce competition with Virginie claiming victory, Helen Blake (hhmm, that would be me!) rode Apollo into 2nd place. Kat brought the talented Duke into 3rd place, followed closely by Bling ridden by Idrak Alaquel.

Friday was a lovely day, with everyone achieving their own personal goals. They are all looking forward to the next dressage event, which will be held in a few weeks time.

Though for Twin Palms Riding Centre the emphasis is now firmly on their forthcoming Open Day Extravaganza, to be held on November 19. Details will be revealed soon but put the date in your diaries – I predict that it’s going to be an event not to be missed.

Working Equitation A
1st  Luna Dreyer /MissPrint
2nd  Weiling Morris / Bling
3rd  Bella Rushton / ToyBoy
Working Equitation B
1st  Luna Dreyer / MissPrint
2nd  Weiling Morris / Bling
3rd  Paula Conseco / Aramis
Preliminary A
1st  Lydia Martin / Woody
2nd  Lydia Martin / Tuxedo
3rd  Nina Owen / Otto
Preliminary B
1st Kat Rushton / Duke
2nd  Keisha Smith / Aztec
3rd Nina Owen / Otto
Novice A
1st Virginie Dreyer / Athos
2nd Helen Blake / Apollo
3rd Kat Rushton / Duke
Elementary A
1st Helen Blake / Loki
2nd Idrak Alaquel / Ecco