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NEWCOMERS to Bahrain should giddy-on down to their nearest stables and join the growing number of expats and locals enjoying an exciting equestrian experience.
And one thing's for sure, they won't be taken for a ride over the cost.
Endurance racing, show jumping, dressage and horse racing - the sport of kings - are all important. And for most riders in the kingdom the horse riding experience is not a domain for the super rich as riding lessons, livery and all things equestrian appear much cheaper in Bahrain than many other places in the world.
Private lessons for children start from just BD5 for 30 minutes and go up depending on the instructor and the kind of lesson. There are a number of riding schools in Bahrain offering private and group sessions such as the Awali Riding Club, Twin Palms Riding Centre, Country Club and Dilmun Club, to name but a few.
Twin Palms Riding Centre (TPRC) has 60 horses and ponies and six instructors and during a normal season, from September to June each year, TPRC teaches a minimum of 100 hours per week, with up to 300 regular riders - approximately 200 families - per week.
"It's a fantastic hobby for the entire family with parents and children alike riding to different equestrian disciplines. Riding in Bahrain is a hobby that can be enjoyed by all as it is far cheaper to ride here than in any Western country," said Helen Blake, administrator at TPRC.
"For example in the UK a lesson with a top instructor will cost around £60 for 45 minutes (BD41). Here a lesson with a top instructor will cost BD10-25 generally with prices being at the cheaper end of the scale.
"But whilst horse riding is cheaper in Bahrain the standard is not compromised in any way. Livery - looking after the horse - is far cheaper here with costs ranging between BD100-200 per month which includes air conditioners during the summer, food, care of the horse and stable, mucking out and leading in and out of the paddocks. Whereas in the UK, do it yourself livery costs approximately BD100-135 per week."
"Riding is very popular here at the club and we have a waiting list for all our lessons," said Serina Rolph, manager of the stables at the Dilmun Club in Saar. "It's the sort of hobby that an individual can do for a bit of exercise or go all out and get really involved and enter in competitions,"
Serina has been riding since the age of two and came to Bahrain last year to discover that her passion for equestrian activities had a much lower price tag on the island.
Country Club's membership secretary, B Nair thinks that because horses are so steeped in the Arab culture it is not solely a pastime for the rich and accessibility is there for all. "Our stables here have seven horses and they keep busy throughout the year with daily lessons running through the year for children and adults," he said.
With riding lessons and stables aplenty, outlets catering to the equestrian needs of horse lovers do slick business on the island. "Riding schools and stables are a dime a dozen in Bahrain because it is an affordable pastime. But there are few outlets on the island that cater to the complete needs of the horse and the rider and that is where my outlet - Horse Pride - comes in," said Huda Janahi, 41, owner of Horse Pride on Budaiya Highway.
Mrs Janahi, businesswoman and mother-of-three, started riding five years ago and owns three horses which she houses at Al Maha Riding School. She started her outlet four years ago and, apart from catering to the local market, she has clients across the Gulf.
The outlet has a variety of products - branded and affordable - ranging from saddles and bridles to riding boots, hats and gloves in different colours and fabrics. "We offer services like colour coordinating the rider and the horse and have riding gear made especially for female riders keeping in mind the local tradition. In fact, our last collection featured a pink saddle for little girls," she added.
The outlet and its owner pride themselves on being competitively priced and while there are other outlets doing business on the island, Mrs Janahi understands the needs of a rider for different equestrian disciplines and personally tests the products before offering them to her clients.
"Because I'm passionate about horses, personalised service and quality are the hallmarks of my business which is very close to my heart," she said.
Groom Mohammed says farewell to club
After 19 years of working at the Dilmun Club stables, head groom Mohammed Farooq has left the club to join a family construction business. Mohammed has been a friendly face about the yard and helped riders of different abilities and ages.
In addition, he took care of the club horses and livery horses with the utmost care and attention.
Members said Mohammed's experience of both stables and clients is unsurpassed and he will be greatly missed.
