Half-term week heralded a flurry of events within Twin Palms Riding Centre. To start the break there was a pony camp, with its usual fun mixture of practical and theoretical equestrian know-how, one of Twin Palms’ regular events, well loved by all campers.
On Wednesday the stable held another pony camp but this one had a twist in the form of an in-house dressage for beginners and younger riders.
The morning’s camp prepared them for the challenge ahead by ensuring all ponies and horses were in tip-top condition and looking their very best for the afternoon’s activities.
Giving them the very best of attention, horses were washed, scrubbed, groomed and polished. The exercise also applied to all the tack and the result was immaculately presented ponies and riders.
The dressage consisted of two British Dressage Tests, the Introductory B for juniors and the Preliminary 7, separated for juniors and adults.
The event was an excellent opportunity for everyone competing to impress and they certainly gave the tack and turnout judge a run for her money.
The whole event proved to be a family affair with sister power coming frequently to the fore. In the junior section in the Introductory Class Grace Halliday not only rode Candy into first place but also secured top place in Best Turned Out in her age group. Taking second place in the class ridden beautifully by Imogen Rushton was the talented Bling.
Jessica and Olivia Gardiner were placed third and fourth respectively.
In the second class of the afternoon, the Preliminary class for juniors, Bella Rushton clinched top position riding Smudge. Audrey Maingot, astride her lovely boy Onyx, gave the first, of what undoubtedly will be, many more excellent performances to come.
Carmen Barter secured a fantastic win in the adults Preliminary Class after excelling with Eid. She was followed into runner-up position by Miranda Bond astride Bingo who put the disappointment aside to take home first prize for Best Turned Out.
Fiona Halliday, mum to winner Grace, was also placed in the adult section, making it a real mother/daughter/sister act and a fabulous day for everyone involved.
It left everyone eagerly waiting the forthcoming season.
To round off the season Twin Palms Riding Centre also held a BBQ on Friday, open to everyone that participates at the stables. It was a huge success with games being organised for the younger members as the festivities went on into the night.
Whilst the season winds down for many there is still the Arabian Beauty Show and Al Sahara Equestrian Centre event on June 20, starting at 5.30pm.
This will also coincide with the re-launching of the Bahrain Horse Society. Originally formed in 2009, members have recently got together and amended their original constitution. They have produced a 29-point document and the society will be hosting a stand at the show inviting members to come and join.
More information regarding the society will follow, however, if you are interested in joining then make it a date in your diary.
Twin Palms Riding Centre In-House Dressage Class 1 Introductory B (Juniors) 1st Grace Halliday - Candy 2nd Imogen Rushton - Bling 3rd Jessica Gardiner - Earl 4th Olivia Gardiner - Shady 5th Rasha Al Khalifa - Earl 6th Edgar Heluin - Frosty
Best Turned Out for Junior Introductory Section: Grace Halliday & Candy
Best Turned Out for Junior Prelim Section: Pippa Fourie & Soda
Class 3 Preliminary 7 (Adults) 1st Carmen Barter -Eid 2nd Miranda Bond -Bingo 3rd Martyna Ewa -No Trix 4th Fiona Halliday -Twice As Nice 5th Jacques Riviere -Santa
Best Turned Out for Adult Prelim Section: Miranda Bond & Bingo