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Good morning readers. You will remember that last week's column gave you a brief introduction to dressage. Hopefully you all had a chance to read and digest this before the dressage league on Friday.
With a fabulous turnout from riders and brilliant weather, it was a day full of fine displays of horsemanship.
Before continuing, I would like to thank the weekend's sponsor, Arteko and their managing director, Boris Uhlig. Mr Uhlig is promoting Recycling for Charity, encouraging us all to contribute to the global effort of helping to save the environment.
This is of course a very important cause, especially to us riders, who often see the desert littered with rubbish, which does not make for enjoyable hacks/walks. In addition the programme is contributing to an extremely worthy cause.
For every ton of recyclable waste collected and then sold on to the world market, BD15 of this will be contributed to a charity of choice. I encourage you all to log on to the website (www.recycling-for-charity.com) and learn a little more about how we can all help.
As for the show itself, the day began with the junior classes and with two arenas running at the same time it was an efficient and exciting day, with all horses and riders performing brilliantly.
The morning opened with the Junior Working Equitation (a class that evaluates the turnout of both horse and rider, inspecting tack and dress). Mariam Al Khalifa and Porscha were immaculately turned out, setting the standard for competitors, while taking first place. Holly Hill on Jelly came second with Daisy Miller and Shakoora Chamlan coming a close third.
In the arena next door, the junior 5 Prelim class was taking place. Carmen Lauri and Mystery did a lovely test that firmly seated her in first place while Gabriella Scopes and Flicka took second with Isa Janahi on Maranello coming a close third.
The junior Novice tested the more advanced of the junior riders and Andrew Scopes on Porphry took first place, Natasha Owen and Dual Time came second with Aislinn Cote on Rackard coming third.
The adults were also out in force and their classes began with the Adult Prelim. Yvonne Addison and The Chief set the standard for fellow riders and secured herself first place, with Angie Salman and Jasper taking second while Elyas Mohammed on Ghaith came a very close third.
The adult Novice challenged horse and rider further and it was Anne Koheji on Fine Art that secured first place, with Nina Laurie on Farrier Trick Boy coming second and Edith Gariazzo on Banjo coming third.
The final class of the day was the mixed elementary. Anki Holmstrom and Bond put in a spectacular performance to come in first place, while Idraq Al Aquel and Jazz put in an equally brilliant display of dressage to secure second place. Finally, Natasha Owen and Duel Time came a very close third.
Once again, thank you to the sponsors, Arteko, and of course all the volunteers, judges and scribes who make such an event possible!
Don't forget, there is a fun show this Friday at Twin Palms, starting at 9am. Classes include the famous Horse and Hound, Chase Me Charlie and Treasure Hunt all of which will have the crowd cheering with excitement. It will be a fabulous day out for the whole family so please come along and cheer on your favourite pair (whether that be horse and rider or runner and hound).
Before leaving you all to enjoy your weekend, there is another date for your diary, the Twin Palms show jumping event on March 20. The event is sponsored by Charles Russell, Kanoo Vehicle Leasing and Al Wardi Transport.
Open to both juniors and adults all classes have cash prizes.
Have a fabulous weekend!
