On the day there was the chance to meet thoroughbreds, haflingers, cobs, Dutch warmbloods, connemaras, Dales ponies, an Irish Sports Horse, a Hannoverian, an Irish Draft - and a Giant Bunny Rabbit (What?).
The day started with a display of Dressage to Music. Daniel Baddeley rode Monterey, a 7 year old Hannoverian, demonstrating shoulder-in at trot and half passes at trot and canter.
During the day, 2 Riding School hacks started out on a tour around the farm. The day gave a good opportunity to meet the new ponies - Pancake, Crumble, Harold the Haflinger, Ruby and Honey to name a few. There were also 3 familiar faces - Jackson, Bonnie and Dancer.
Later on, the local Pony Club had a Show Jumping lesson. This is the type of event that Honnington livery owners and Riding School clients will be able to join in. The lesson was given by Daniel Baddeley who later gave a Show Jumping demonstration riding Cracker, a 5 year old KWPN Dutch warmblood. Daniel took Cracker around a 4' - 4'6" course. Cracker has recently competed at Hickstead.
Photos from top: Monterey ridden during a Dressage to Music display; Bonnie; Jackson; Sage looking quite resplendent: Demonstration by Gareth Keevil; Honey; Daniel Baddeley warming up Cracker.
During the day, visitors were able to take part in a competition to guess how old Sage is. Sage is a Welsh x Arab and has been at Honnington for quite a few years. He was particularly well-turned out, looking especially handsome on the day. The ages given varied from 7 to 35. It has been reported that Sage was very pleased to hear the lower estimates, but not happy at all about the higher ones. How old do you think Sage is?
A demonstration was given by local farrier Gareth Keevil working on Crumble
Onyx, Prince and Elli were the centre of attention during a display of Parelli. This is the system that aims to build up a relationship of trust, respect and harmony between rider and horse. Pat Parelli has been quoted as saying "Horsemanship can be obtained naturally through psychology, communication, and understanding, versus mechanics, fear and intimidation."
HORSEBALL DEMONSTRATION
A demonstration of horseball followed. Not many goals were scored, probably due to nerves as this was the first time our horseballers had played in front of an audience. But it gave a good idea of the many skills involved. Members of the audience were given the chance to try to pick up the ball from the ground while on horseback.
During the day, there was a flower stand, a tack and gift shop and a bouncey castle. Simon from Broadfeed Limited had a stand where he was able to give advice on the products his firm supplies. His stand was between the Wild Horse Café and the Giant Bunny Rabbit. We are of the firm belief that all top equestrian centres should have a Giant Bunny Rabbit. On the day our Bunny was put to good use organising the Baloon Race.
The day finished with 2 more displays of Dressage to Music. Chester and Rory were ridden to the sounds of Big Brovaz' 'Favourite Things.' Despite regular bouts of giggling by the 2 jockeys, the routine was well received by the audience.
The final demonstration of the day featured a formation ridden to the strains of Gwen Stefani's 'Tick-Tock.' Molly, Chester, Zen, Elli, Bailey, Onion, Bronté, Shamrock, Shannon and Sox took part in an intricate quadrille at trot and canter. The herringbone-style formation ridden at canter was particularly impressive. It was a tremendous way to finish a Honnington Fun Day - the first of many hopefully.
For more pictures from the Open Day:
