ICYMI: An emotional and exciting performance for the SA Lipizzaners
KYALAMI – It was an emotional and exciting day when the Lipizzaners could again perform in front of an audience following five months of no performances due to lockdown restrictions.
The South African Lipizzaners hosted their first training show on 2 August following five months of lockdown.
The Kyalami-based Lipizzaners were given permission to have their show in front of 50 members of the public, adhering to strict social distancing rules.
Volunteer Gina Boxley commented, “What a show it was. The riders and stallions performed their hearts out to a wonderful audience who understood that we had some youngsters performing for the first time.”
Boxley said the highlight of the show was seeing young colt Siglavy Odaliska 1 run free in the arena while students observed his movement and working progress.
“When our boy was called back to rein, he decided that he was having so much fun, he sidestepped the students and did his own lap of honour, much to the audience’s delight and laughter.”
She added, “The younger carriage stallion, Conversano Eles, also showed his proud new training in great form with the guidance of the students and Tess Hellman. As always, the final dance of the white stallions is always a hit and a few tears were shed as they performed in all their glory.”
The audience was given a clear explanation of all the movements that the Lipizzaners displayed.
After the performance, the audience were invited to the courtyard to feed the stallions their much-loved carrots and interact with the trainee riders.
“The cacophony of noise as the stallions banged at the doors, neighing for more attention and carrots, was wonderful to hear after the silence of the past five months.”
The team at the South African Lipizzaners look forward to welcoming more members of the public to their performances in the coming weeks.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making this day so incredibly special. Well done to all the trainee riders who are new to these performances and showed incredible talent, commitment and courage,” concluded Boxley.
Please pre-book your seat for the weekly performances by calling 072 739 8275. Tickets cost R150 per person and the performances begin at 11am on Sundays at 1 Dahlia Road, Kyalami.
