Season off to a dazzling start

Twin Palms Riding Centre started its season on Friday with a shock of neon colours that screamed like a high-pitched siren that this was going to be a brilliant morning, writes Helen Blake.

What was initially a bit of fun gymkhana manifested itself into a colour equine festival.

Despite stiff competition, the winners of the morning fashion contest had to be Manon Cote and Anina Bernhardt. Their ourfits were so dazzling that the stable could have been mistaken for a Las Vegas strip. 

The horses and riders took to the shaded back paddocks of Twin Palms, which ensured it was only the outfits that were scorching and not the sun on the backs of the competitors.
Five teams took to the fray and mounted their colourful steeds:

Team 1 – The Fabulous Froggies – part of the stables French contingent, a family affair who all dressed in patriotic garb led by mum, Virginie Dreyer. The team was made up of Stephane Dreyer/Ayax, Luna Dreyer/Red, Anae Dreyer/Lord and Virginie/Athos.

Team 2 – The Clever Clowns – co-ordinated by Maggie Andersson and containing the outlandish Manon and Mariella hoping to dazzle the competition. The team was made up of Maggie Andersson/Banjo, Anina Bernhardt/Onyx, Manon Cote/Sirocco, Armani/Dollar and Paola Conseco/Fine Art.

Team 3 – Debbie’s Diamonds – precision coupled with a cutting edge was Debbie Kamal’s ethos for this team made up of Debbie Kamal/Aztec, Nina Owen/Otto, Bella Rushton/Zain and Molly/Fine Art.

Team 4 – Random Roadrunners – high speed tricks and twirls were the order of the day for this team made up of Helen Blake/Loki, Mariella Forward/Mandella, Maya Shaban/Pearl and Zaina Galal/Murphy.

Team 5 – Martin’s Maniacs – we can leave this to your imagination as led by Lydia Martin, this team was ‘wild’ and was made up of Lydia Martin/Woody, Lucy Lunt Bell/Candy, Keshia Smith/Breeze and Paula Conseco/Fine Art.

The games commenced with a potato and spoon race, which was won by Manon Cote riding Sirocco, her potato was apparently transfixed by the brightness of her outfit.

Western-style barrel bending came next, with horses sitting on their haunches ready for the off, though for some it was simply too much excitement to handle.

Winning this event and starting a streak of success were Martin’s Maniacs, who whilst coming into the fray as last team, proved that agility and passion can pay dividends.

Stirrups on the floor, strange sticks with hooks on the end, upturned flower pots were the mainstays of the next race, with contestants having to scoop up the stirrup with a stick and race down to a flower pot bucket, place the stirrup in the bucket, then race back.

It seems simple, but you try telling excited horses and ponies that!

It was just too much for some. Stirrups got lost, sticks went flying and pirouettes were performed beautifully, though eventually everyone got there. Once again coming into the fray last were Martin’s Maniacs. Strategically this must be considered a great move as they whisked away first place once again.

An obstacle race was next and I must say it put that old UK TV favourite ‘It’s a Knockout’ to shame. It was a relay event and the whole team was timed from when the first rider started and stopped when the last rider finished. 

Barrel racing was followed by a simple turn to two small fences followed by a maze.  After the excitement of the barrels and jumping came a time of serenity, calm and agility – well, in some cases! Riders missed the poles, the maze, with some even going in the wrong direction. It was hilarious.

The next challenge was to pick up a water-filled balloon and place it in a bucket. If they missed, the rider had to dismount, put the balloon into the bucket and remount.  

Spectators were on the edge of their seats and encouragement abounded as did the side-splitting laughter.

At this point all the horses retired to lots of hugs and carrots … but it was not over for the riders. Stable owner Anki’s finale challenge was on foot.

The teams once again lined up, this time it was with wheelbarrows, balls and barrels. Each team member had to take a small child and ball and run through the sand in and out of the barrels putting the ball in the ‘flower pot’ then run back to the start.

This race culminated in an explosive water bomb war – a truly fabulous end to an action-packed morning.   Understandably, the last event was a tie!

So, the season started with a colourful explosion of fun for Twin Palms. Next on the agenda is Pony Camp on the Monday over the half-term holiday, so if you are looking to give your pony-mad youngster a morning of fun then contact the stable.

Pony Camp covers all aspects of basic pony care from correctly catching the pony, grooming, use of brushes, correct tacking up, an hour’s riding, then correct un-tacking, and putting away.  Theory will cover tack cleaning, general knowledge, safety and confidence in and around the yard. A healthy lunch will also be provided.  The camp will run from 9am to 1pm, for children aged five to 11. 

Contact Twin Palms Riding Centre for more details: call: 39566809 or 39687755 or email: Twin.Palms.Riding.Centre@hotmail.com

For a full report on the Dilmun Riding Stables first Show Jumping event, see next week’s issue, along with details of its exciting up-and-coming schedule. Contact me at HelenTooHotToTrot@hotmail.com