THE last person I remember discussing his 'orses with such enthusiasm was Hi-De-Hi's Fred Quilley, and the fictional jockey would have been in his element with this magnificent display of horseflesh.

A packed, enthusiastic arena cheered every flourish from five royal horse breeds either mounted or led by some of Europe's most skilled riders and trainers. Spanish Andalusians, Belgian Arabians and lipizzaners, Dutch-bred Friesians and Portuguese lusitanos produced dressage to die for plus the many balletic and human-inspired tricks taught to man's four-legged friend. There are times when you catch yourself wondering why people are applauding a horse and rider jogging around a sand-covered rink, but the presentation of lights, music and groomed glory is hard to resist. Despite the beauty of four jet-black Fresians among 33 stallions on display, it's the tiny Shetland pony Lady which earns the oohs and aahs as she's led through her paces by Hermann Werehof.

And for those who hark back to the days when high-speed horsemanship and stunts meant all, Chkimbo Reda, Khalil Rheda and Alex Willms tumbled in and out of the saddles of the fiery Arabians. Times have changed to such an extent that when a ring-side spotlight is sent flying, your hopes are that it is man rather than beast who is limping afterwards. One thing that Europeans can agree on is that we love our 'orses to the point of apassionata.

Published: 12/04/2005