Neck and neck competition

Dressage was the calling of the day at Twin Palms Riding Centre. The first such event for a while had witnessed everyone practising madly, which in turn inspired many new riders keen to give it their best shot.

The Tack and Turnout judge was a tough cookie with very high standards. An immaculate Lucy Lunt Bell brought a seriously gleaming Ivan into first place, piping the ever pristine Florence Finzi who in turn was given a run for her money by Jan Hodgson - spied several hours earlier fanatically polishing and preening Cash.

Close on their heels was Rania Kamal who together with mum Debbie had been plaiting, trimming, scrubbing and brushing Aztec since, we think, just after dawn!

Working Equitation A is always a popular class. It's a lovely introduction to dressage and a firm favourite with many riders. Friday was no exception. This class attracted lots of competitors.

Keshia Smith in her first-ever dressage event, stole pole position with Toy Boy. Another newcomer Anina Bernhardt started her day off with a second place on Luna, another winning duo debut came from Wei Lin Morris, and MissPrint taking third.

Working Equitation B, a harder test that includes jumps, is another extremely popular class. Sue Parker with Poncho turned out trumps, beautifully completing the course. Rania Kamal and Aztec were on top form and acquired their second prize of the day, with a second place, and there was another success for Anina Bernhardt with Luna, as they secured third spot.

Preliminary A riders faced stiff competition, they were all of an excellent standard. The winner Kat Rushton with Duke proved to be a very hard act to follow. However, proving practice makes perfect, it was Dana Zubari with her beloved Eid, who completed a first class test to clinch second. Again the hours of practice paid off for Nina Owen who brilliantly steered an immaculately-behaved Otto into third, followed by Jan Hodgson with the gleaming Cash.

Lydia Martin whose original mount for this class unfortunately went lame that morning, rode Bianca Gromm's horse Pleasure, instead. The pair did a delightful test clinching fifth place.

The final class of the day Preliminary B kept winners in the family as mother/daughter duo Kate and Yvonne Addison secured the top two spots with Kate beating mum by only one mark as Yvonne was quick to point out. Both their horses Onyx and The Chief performed exquisite tests.

Young Florence Finzi with the fabulous MissPrint held her own in this class of adults, bringing home third prize, followed by Idrak Alaquel who's usually well behaved Ecco, decided today he would be a bit naughty just to spice life up a bit!

It was a really lovely day, enjoyed by everyone. It was also wonderful to see so many new riders and their horses entering into these competitions.

The Dilmun Riding Stables will stage the fourth of its Show Jumping League Events this coming Friday from 2pm until 5pm.

Everyone is welcome to come along and watch the sparring commence as placings are bound to change with riders all back from their holidays vying to get back into pole position.