[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Lowveld Equestrian Club introduced Costumed freestyle to music and Pas de Deux classes last year in an effort to lighten up the mood at these shows. What a success it has been!
The fever ran high again at this year’s championships held at Mataffin Riding Club in Nelspruit during the last week-end of October, and riders had enormous fun dreaming up themes and costumes, much to the delight of the crowd, and the judges!
Costumes seen on the day
The Pas de Deux performed by Natasha Whyte and Kraai Kamffer-du Preez on Brandenburg Special Assignment and Lezar Solero dressed as “topless” Zulu maidens brought the house down and also delighted the crowd with a perfectly matched pair and meticulous movements performed to the music of Johnny Clegg and Mango Groove.
Sandra Davids on Kuda Insurance Legacy’s Soraya was the Grim Reaper, and the detail of her costume, with perfectly matching music, was a joy to watch.
Spectacular colour and costumes abounded…Rochelle Riley the Rock Star on Brandenburg Sangiro as well as Sean Eggersglusz the Spanish Matador were among the competitors who also caught the eye.
On a more sober note, Helle Wagner from White River on the 17 year old Namibian Warmblood Voigtkirsh Socrates performed a classical advanced freestyle to music, and received a standing ovation from the considerable crowd for her wonderful test.
Photography: Anita Prinsloo