Seaside Nature Park is happy to inform the public of a very special event coming up: Spanish Fiesta at Seaside Nature Park on Saturday, May 21. Looking at the history of horses on St. Maarten, the connection to the Spanish conquistadores is obvious; they were the first ones to bring horses to the island. Many, many years later, Roderick Halley, locally known as Horseman, did all his horseback-training in Spain. He is an avid admirer of the Andalusia horses, and The Domo Vacquera riding and lifestyle.
At Seaside Nature Park, where Lucky Stables is located, Roderick and his wife Alexandra would like to bring some of this Spanish atmosphere to life for the general public to experience. An afternoon program packed with the different specifics of a traditional Spanish Fiesta and all these great attractions are offered free of charge. Lucky Stables has organized many Spanish horseback riding shows, and the Spanish Carousel group is always a certain factor. In this synchronized riding style, the horses are ridden in pairs, while their riders lead them into graceful figures that make the group look like dancers. The Spanish costumes top off the show.
The current show group at Lucky Stables is a new one: All ladies are living on Sint Maarten and are very involved in horseback riding. Although there are different backgrounds and levels of riding, forming the carousel group brings them together. Show group members are Nataly Dennenberg, Paulien Smit, Sascha Elias, Micheline Mos, Sabine Bordes, Dominique Nebe, Sharon Walker and Alexandra van Luijken. Young riders from the youth show group will also show their talents during this performance: Bobbie Mos, Samantha Rossingh, Samantha Cavalho, Amara Halley, Christopher en Carolina Lourens, Michele Boonstra and Elena Dannenberg.
Both groups have been training for weeks to adjust horses and riders to the right format. This Saturday will be their first public performance as a show group, whereby plans are to further upgrade and expand their show program. The late afternoon and early evening will also be highlighted by Flamenco dancers and a Spanish guitar player. This Flamenco dance is hypnotizing to watch. The dress, the music, the temperament will be a spectacle not too often seen on Sint Maarten!
The Flamenco dance is performed by dancing group Voodoo, under the supervision of Paula Dono. Originally a professional salsa dancer, Paula also studied the specifics of the Flamingo. The event is proud to have Jim Spector, one of the few guitar players, who has mastered the art of playing Flamenco music. Bergee Electronics will guarantee the quality of sound this year, as the group has had difficulties with sound systems, in the past. To experience the true taste of the Spanish lifestyle, Saratoga's top chef John Jackson will provide the tapas for sale in the Beach-bar.
Come with the whole family to this unique event at Seaside Nature Park on Saturday, May 21, from 3:30 to 8:00 pm. Entrance is FREE and there is ample parking! For more information, call 544-5255 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Visit www.seasidenaturepark.com
