Meta Halloween Show, 25th October, 2009

An absolutely fantastic turn out for the META Halloween Show! A huge crowd of spectators – over 300 – jostled to get a good view of the proceedings as the Fancy Dress Parade took place. The Gymkhana was about to begin and suddenly the atmosphere was expectant.

Ten children, including Angel and Jorge, our special needs pupils, were taking part in the Gymkhana. Kiki and Mimi from Partyland, Angel’s brother, Pedro, little Thomas from Polaris El Valle, Isabel and Lauren and Thomas Brindle who were over for half-term hols, were all first time competitors. We were also pleased to welcome Fionn Storey, a young rider from a neighbouring equestrian centre run by Harald Bonsack and his wife, Regina. Here I must say a word of thanks to Regina for being as always, an excellent Judge of Proceedings.

All the children did wonderfully well and proudly took home their META Halloween trophies.

In the Novice Show Jumping class our youngsters demonstrated quite clearly that their riding is really coming on.
3rd place - Natasha Turner Cascales on Molly
2nd place - Blossom Storey, Fionn’s elder sister, on her beautiful pony, Beyoncé
1st place and winner - a very happy Georgia Pearson on Lily
Noa, Lauren , Jasmine and Chloe, separated by only a matter of seconds from the winners, all received Halloween Rosettes.

After a round of pony rides, our more advanced riders were challenged by Blossom Storey on Beyoncé and by Blossom’s mum, Lisa on her horse Darcy, during a thrilling Chase Me Charly.

The overall results of the Intermediate Show Jumping class were:
3rd place - Sophie-May Clarke (a disappointing result for a very talented rider after so much hard work, but Midnight is an extremely difficult horse and I would defy any professional to do better)
2nd place - Lisa Storey on Darcy
Our brilliant Halloween winner - Leah Twomey riding the veteran – Ecolo IV.

In the meantime tea, coffee and Liz’s Halloween cakes went down a treat whilst the BBQ Bar kept the beer circulating to wash down hot dogs and sausage and bacon rolls. The Face Painting corner was literally mobbed. Susie and Becky of Fiesta Faces were kept busy all morning. The kids loved it. They also had a great time painting ceramics. Last, but not least, was the Terrorific expedition to the Horror Lab where Rubén (the corpse) scared the life out of visitors as they plunged their hands into blood and gunge!

A great day was had by all. We were very happy to raise 80€ in our raffle, which is to be donated to MABS Mazarrón Cancer Support Group. Many thanks to all our helpers and Sponsors:-
Anne, Kim, Moisés, Inma, Alberto, Rubén, Alicia, Brianna, Andrea and Kevin (Henrietta Foundation), Rathnait and Rod (Camposol District Journal), Susie and Becky (Fiesta Faces). A special thanks to Partyland, A Caballo Tack Shop and as always, thanks to Harald and Regina and to the Costa Cálida Chronicle for their support.

And now to start planning our Grand Christmas Spectacular!