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Twin Palms Riding Centre staged its May Day Show Jumping Event despite thunderous skies and torrential downpours, writes Helen Blake.
There were times it was under debate as to whether ‘the show should go on’ last Wednesday. However, in true equestrian spirit it went ahead as scheduled. Starting at 3pm there were four classes being held, the first three all one round, followed by a timed jump-off, with the last class, a pair’s jumping.
One highlight of the show came in the Class 2 event over fences at 80/90cms, which attracted 25 entries. The competitors were swiftly whittled down to a handful for the jump-off and Kate Addison, riding The Chief, proved to be the one to beat.
An exquisite, extremely tight turn put the pair a clear six seconds into the lead. Rival Idrak Alaquel with Ecco, took the same route as Kate but fell two seconds behind despite a valiant effort. Ali White, on her debut show, came third.
The final class involves two riders entering the arena. They must start together and then jump the course and, according to the rules, must never be any more than one fence between each other.
It’s the most nail-biting fun for horses and riders alike, plus the spectators have an absolute blast.
Twin Palms Riding Centre will hold its next in-house event on May 24, the final Twixstead of the 2012/2013 season.
