December 2007 • The Arabian Magazine • 145 The Magic of the Horse
Words by Kit Rolfe

December 2007 • The Arabian Magazine • 145

The Magic of the Horse

Words by Kit Rolfe

Photograph by Tanya Larrigan

On 20 October, Unex Towerlands provided the perfect setting when it hosted Tanya Larrigan’s spectacular production ‘The Magic of the Horse’. Both afternoon and evening performances played to well-filled houses and were received with enthusiastic appreciation from audiences ranging in age from small children to octogenarians.

The staging, costumes, lighting design and music made for a magical atmosphere which enhanced the wonderful performances of all the 40 horses and their numerous talented riders and handlers. This extraordinary equine variety show opened with the Ode to the Horse being read as two proud Friesians stood to attention while being circled by Mini Marvel Warrior, leading the way and followed by Icon, both on long reins.

The action then kicked off with a western reining display from husband and wife David and Sarah Deptford, who proceeded to demonstrate many of the moves that needed speed and precision to cope on the range. This was the first time I myself had seen Quarter horses in action and the display was impressive, despite the fact that Towerlands now boasts such a safe non-slip surface that the horses were unable to demonstrate the famous sliding stop!

Six Lusitanos, their riders in colourful, national Portuguese costume, performed a beautifully choreographed musical ride. While comedy was provided by Tanya working her rather cheeky Andalusian horse, Jacque at liberty. Jacque showed himself as a horse with attitude in this highly comical piece.

For the dressage aficionados among us there was much to enjoy, not least the display given by Paul Hayler and Laura South who rode a wonderful pas de deux as they “danced in the moonlight”. This was dressage with a difference as it was so enhanced by the set. Paul and Laura rode in handsome black outfits, decked out with diamante. The combination created a spellbinding effect.

Working in pairs seemed the order of the day as we were treated to a wonderful show from father and son Idolo and Icon, who showed us their version of pole dancing. The stunning palomino stallion Icon, ridden by Suzanne Keevil, wooed us with his prowess as he performed his part. Icon is no stranger to playing to his public and it was great to see this Arab Horse Society Premium stallion (Icon is Lusitano Arab) working with his sire Idolo, ridden by Tanya Larrigan, which gave us a taste of his charisma and exceptional talent.

More dressage of a high order was enjoyed when para riders Emma Kent and Gentle were joined by Erin Orford and Nirvana. Theirs was a moving display which had the audience itching to show their appreciation, but having to wait, on request, until the girls had finished. Needless to say the roof was raised at the end of their display.

David Deptford returned with daughter Eleanor for the Golden Trail working to Anything you can do, l can do Better. Copying each other through a variety of obstacles that mimicked situations they might meet out on the trail when looking for cattle!

Many of us were waiting for the moment when the famous Mini Marvels would appear and we were not disappointed when they did. Performing their own inimitable version of Riverdance, the Marvels cleverly wove in and out of each other without fear of getting their skilful handlers tangled in their long reins. No mean feat! The Marvels fame goes before them and they were preaching to the converted as they danced their way through their act, the rousing music complimenting their amazing fancy footwork.

History was relived when the Hayler family displayed their wonderful Shire horses to us, firstly pulling logs and then a hay wagon when the arena was filled with horse-drawn vehicles reminding us that once upon a time the horse was the only mode of transport. This tied in to a Step Back in Time with elegant side-saddle ladies Clair Lewis, Paula Keeley and 12-year-old Morgan Schive. This was followed by a highly impressive display from Julie McNally’s brilliant vaulting team. Ex-dressage horse Gigess cantered collectedly for about 10 minutes as the team demonstrated gymnastics of the highest order as they sprung on and off his back, the youngest member of the team being just seven years old.

Finally we were introduced to the dream. Tanya and Idolo entered the arena looking like something from a fairytale: this beautiful Lusitano stallion, just shimmering silver in the spotlight, and Tanya’s magnificent costume, the sparkling skirt lying over his quarters. They entered in passage and proceeded to demonstrate one-, two- and three-time changes to us along with piaffe and a fantastic Spanish walk. This horse just seemed to perform passage so naturally with apparently no effort whatsoever and was ridden in a snaffle bridle with a loose noseband.

As this amazing and moving show came to a close, I was not alone in wiping a tear from my eye at such beauty and harmony between horse and rider. Tanya Larrigan called this production her dream, but it also became the dream of every member of the audience.

This article is the copyright of the Arabian Horse Magazine Dec'07,
written by an unknown  member of the audience!