My kingdom for a horse

The relationship between horse and rider is one made of discipline, respect, love and trust.

Last Saturday, this relationship was put on display when Newcastle Equestrian Club (NEC) hosted a dressage.

Angus Burns, a committee member of NEC, explained dressage was a discipline where riders and their horses had to work together. “They have to perform manoeuvres, which get harder as their skills develop.”

As NEC focused on developing skilled equestrians, Saturday’s dressage proved to be both a celebratory event and a skills development workshop.

NEC officially launched the Heinz Schutte Arena, a new instalment to the NEC, offering avid riders a place to hone their dressage skills.

The track was opened with a morning clinic given by Olga Kopieniak, a skilled equestrian coach from Poland, who assisted locals with their riding ability.

Furthermore, Sally McGrath, a provincial judge from Durban judged riders on their skills, as well as giving them tips on developing their talents to the fullest.

“We focused on three different classes on the day, which were the Walk/Trot Class, the Prelim Class and the Novice Class,” Mr Burns said.

With the classes focusing on equestrians who were still securing themselves behind the reins of dressage, Mr Burns said NEC was hoping to attract further interest in the world of dressage and host further such events.

For information on joining the NEC, Dale Schnuir can be contacted 072 248 9046.