For one day only Tanya Larrigon and her team put on a ‘wow factor’ display guaranteed to entertain the crowds – whether they were horse lovers or not! Due to popular demand, the former Olympic team member, dressage rider Tanya brought back her spectacular display to the Towerlands arena, Braintree for another year.
Before the curtain came up so to speak, the audience waited in their seats with baited breath, and as a first timer to the show, I couldn’t wait to see what would be on display. The lights were dimmed and black eyed peas ‘Tonights gonna be a good night’ blared out on the sound system – and the show began.
The host of the evening Karl Martinez burst onto the stage, warming up the crowds and promised we were in for ‘an equestrian feast!’
Larrigon is the driving force behind The Magic of the Horse, which has been going since 2006, and she dedicated the show to her late stallion Idolo.
First into the arena and fresh from the H-Factor at the NEC in Birmingham was the Saffron Walden Quadrille team, who put on a very polished performance proving to their home audience just why they got over two-thousand votes in the recent competition.
Shortly following the opening act was Louise Talintyre riding her talented quarter horse Copy. Dressed up to the nines in western gear, the audience were treated to a demonstration of the life of a western horse. Copy, who is used as a display horse for Monty Roberts when he is in the UK, proved his obedience by opening and shutting gates, walking over bridges, reining back, and a variety of other spectacular movements all on command.
Louise Talintyre riding her talented quarter horse Copy
The Donkey Breed Society were next in the arena, and they displayed all the different ways in which donkeys can be used both in the past and present. I think I am not alone in saying that I fell in love with an adorable pair of donkeys, ‘Jeeves and Worcester’ who showed it’s not just horses that can pull a cart – donkeys can too!
Next was something a bit different; the act entitled ‘Horsepower’ was an exhibition of horse power and their relevant motor power. The cars, which were provided by the sponsor of the evening Car Capital included a jaguar which was compared with the speed of a thoroughbred, a people carrying Range Rover, and not forgetting a mini which was of course likened to one of the Mini Marvel shetlands!
The fifth act in the spotlight was international para rider, Natasha Baker making her debut at The Magic of the Horse, she was joined by her trainer Sasha Hamilton in a moving display in tribute to the para horse. Natasha, who is aiming for the Paralympics 2012, rides using the power of her seat and her voice, did a beautiful display of dressage to a Westlife song.
International para rider, Natasha Baker
Next up were the pocket rockets – more commonly known as Tanya’s famous Mini Marvels – a shetland pony display team who toe tapped their way through a Cotton Eye Joe routine.
Driving at top speed into the show was Kate Spillit and the minature ‘Prius Jupitar,’ displaying some fine driving skills. Her pony ‘Jupe,’ is not only broken to ride and drive, but also show jumps with a tiny jockey. She was swiftly followed by world champion driver Karen Bassett who, with four in hand, tested her horses to the limit with some tough turns and spirals. She then turned the speed up a notch, by now having audience members on the edge of their seats, as she expertly wove the carriage through a course of obstacles and cones. By the end of her demonstration, she had the horse literally turning on a six pence at breakneck speed, illustrating her skill and accuracy in the driving seat.
There were a few fun elements thrown into the course of the evening, which kept all ages of spectator entertained, including the next act, the polo Fluffies.
Members of Old Surrey and Burstow Polo Club had come up to Essex for the weekend to demonstrate the basics of a polo match by playing a shortened six minute game in the arena. This really got the crowds applauding as polo stars of the future battled it out to win the match.
Cartwheeling into the arena for an outstanding presentation was the Great British vaulting team along with their trainer Julie Newall and their seventeen-year-old horse ‘Go For Gold.’ The team performed to a medley of musical literally dancing on horse back incorporating some impressive gymnastic routines.
Stepping back in time for the finale of the evening, it was the turn of The Knights of Middle England, who put on a action packed display which had a comical elements and included jousting, hoops of fire, sword fighting and some jaw-dropping stunts. This was the act that really had the audience in raptures and the audience were on their feet applauding after watching some truly superb horsemanship.
Knights of Middle England
The evening was capped off with a reading of a beautiful poem entitled ‘Ode to the horse,’ which moved every single member of the audience, as we all fell in love, again, with the pure magic of the horse. I would definitely recommend a visit to the next performance of The Magic of the Horse, it is an unmissable evening of entertainment that the whole family – horse lovers or not – can enjoy.
By Abbey Wass
The Magic of the Horse was kindly sponsored by Essex based company Car Capital Ltd www.carcapital.co.uk
To see more photos, please visit: http://www.hookedonhorses.co.uk/2010/magic-of-the-horse-at-towerlands-photos
For more information about The Magic of the Horse please visit www.themagicofthehorse.com
