Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Dressage – a dance between rider, horse
place on the Sunday, which Norton thinks is the most exciting.
To encourage new spectators to the sport and educate them about what they are seeing there will be volunteers on hand to explain and answer questions and some of the riders – and their horses – will be doing meet and greets.
Dressage is a social and lifestyle occasion, with strong fashion connections.
A market will provide food and wine as well as retailers. Societi Bistro is a sponsor and owner Peter Weetman does dressage himself. “On a personal note it, is my midlife crisis,” he confessed. “I used to ride as a junior but stopped riding 25 years ago and retired both my horses.
“Thanks to a really strong team at the restaurant and a loyal public I finally have the time again.”
Having returned to the sport just under a year ago, Weetman said of all the equine sports dressage is the most expressive, and the kindest. “I think it really encapsulates the true spirit of horsemanship which requires real skill and empathy for the horse. It’s understated, it’s elegant, and it’s got that kind of relaxed feel to it so it’s a good fit for us at Societi.”
Entry to the event is free but there will be exclusive VIP marquees like the L’Ormarins MCC Grande Marquee on Saturday, Nov- ember 5 from 11am till 4pm. Tables of eight are available at R700 a person which includes unlimited bubbly and canapés. On Sunday, November 6, a seated lunch will be served in the Blaauwklippen Pony Express Pavilion. Profits from both the events will go to the Carthorse Protection Association. To book email tjarla.puttick@gmail.com. For more information see www.sadressagechamps.co.za.