Dressage in Makawao

My friend from work, Shaina, and I have bonded over horses, and we have both expressed interest in getting back in the saddle.  Shaina had called a dressage trainer from Makawao who told us to come out and check out the dressage show yesterday.

Shaina picked me up early in the morning, and we headed upcountry.  The dressage show was held at the Haku Baldwin Center in Makawao.  The organization is a non-profit that specializes in therapeutic horseback riding for the disabled as well as pet therapy.  They have rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, chickens, ducks and dogs that they use with patients to improve their wellness.

The facility also has an equestrian center that has two areas--one outdoor grass arena, and one indoor arena (Maui's only indoor arena).

Shaina and I arrived at the Haku Baldwin Center midway through the show.  We had missed the First and Fourth Level competitors, but we were able to watch most of the Training Level riders.

{judges set up at C}

The day was overcast and cool.  When we arrived, there was a light, misty rain.  Such a pleasant departure from the brutally hot Lahaina sun.

{spectators taking a seat in the grass}

The show was a mellow, casual affair--so different from my show days back in Mexico City.  The atmosphere was laid back, and the sense of community there was so welcoming.

{a Western Pleasure rider taking part of a pas de deux during the break}

We were told that earlier in the morning, the Western Dressage riders had done their tests.  I had never heard of this event, but apparently Western Dressage is becoming a more popular event on the Mainland.  The tests seem the same as those ridden by English Dressage riders at the lower levels.  I'm not sure how things change as the skills get more advanced.

{Dressage--Maui style}

{the scoreboard}

{the outdoor arena at the edge of the pasture}

{rolling fields and cloudy skies}

{great sign at the hot dog stand}

{hot dogs!!}

{water trough}

{fancy chicken}

{kale garden, fancy chicken with the rabbit hutches (the green mesh structures to the right) in the background}

Shaina and I left the show after watching all the intermediate Training Level riders.  As we walked back to her car, we introduced ourselves to a woman who turns out to be a dressage and hunter jumper trainer.  She gave us her flyer advertising lessons and horse leasing.  Over lunch at the Italian restaurant Casanova's back in the heart of Makawao, Shaina and I discussed calling this lady up and setting up some horseback riding lessons.  

Who knows?  Maybe I'll be back in the saddle sooner rather than later after all.