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Twin Palms Riding Centre hosted an extraordinary Open Day on Friday. Extravaganza was perhaps an understatement as the stable was a hive of industry with face-painting, decorating horseshoes, hoopla, a range of second-hand goods on sale and much more taking place, intermingled amongst a variable abundance of cakes and culinary treats.
The immensely popular free pony and horse rides also gave a taste of what was in store throughout the day.
The starting event was a Pas De Deux – two riders performing a duet to music. Aiming high, Lucy Lunt Bell gave a fantastic performance of Mongolian Archery on horseback before Mariella Forward took to the arena with No Trix and displayed the amazing Spanish Walk. Instructor Elaine Galbraith demonstrated riding techniques with a lunging display.
Six talented young riders executed the first of the quadrille performances – with six-plus riders executing dressage moves to music. These young ladies were superb.
Beautiful Arabian horses in traditional dress later donned the arena prancing and dancing and traditional Bahraini cowboys impressed the audience with their skilful manoeuvres. Gymkhana games had the crowd roaring support for the contestants and those willing to dress to impress were all in the Fancy Dress Parade bringing the audience to the penultimate event, the Aladdin Quadrille.
Gifted narrator Pam Kamal enlightened the spectators as the story of Aladdin was performed on horseback. Introduced as Princess Jasmine’s protectors, five pairs of riders astride their mounts mesmerised everyone with a stunning quadrille performance, concluding in a bitter jousting battle. With Aladdin triumphant and galloping off with his princess, the audience were in raptures.
Ben Murphy expertly concluded the events with a spectacular Puissance performance. Putting Sirocco through his paces, the pair jumped magnificently and under Ben’s expert guidance Sirocco appeared to grow wings and fly. An amazing day all round, enjoyed by all.
