Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
AS the clock struck eight and the cafŽ opened (serving coffee, tea and delicious chocolate donuts to bright-eyed parents and spectators) the first bell of the day rang at Twin Palms.
A feeling of nervousness and excitement among the riders made for an explosive performance on the show jumping front. In the junior pre-novice Hadi Al Afoo on Rikki scooped first place and in the adult pre-novice Fayyadh Fafeed on Burkhan took first place.
The more advanced riders had an opportunity to put their experience to use in the junior and adult novice class, which raised the fences to a height of 80 centimetres. Ahmed Al Alawi on Tyson took first place in the junior novice while Sarah Parker on Malika showed the adults how it was done. A great start to a very exciting day.
As midday approached, the fun classes kicked into action. First off was the Treasure Hunt, a class that called for some creative thinking from the riders.
Fences were allocated an undisclosed number of points and competitors were asked to jump eight fences, in any order, in an attempt to earn as many points as possible. To add to the fun, course organisers threw in a few red herrings such as the black and white spotted fence (which not only drew extra glances from some horses but posed as a potential big earner in terms of point scoring). It was Mariam Al Khalifa on Porscha that hit the jackpot, winning first place.
No sooner had the treasure hunt finished, than the Horse and Hound event began. Riders and mounts danced excitedly in the starting box, runners poised, hounds pulling on their leads and the bell rang!
Riders whizzed from the starting box, jumping eight fences at incredible speed, racing back to the start to hand over to runners and hounds who galloped over the same eight fences and then raced feverishly for the finish line. Phew! What an event and what a team Helen Blake on Merlin, Shaun Macpherson and (the intrepid) Odi made, as they sprinted into first place. No doubt, the prize money will be spent on hay and bones.
Just as the crowd thought they could relax, the seventh class of the day began, Pairs. Two riders, two horses, eight fences and a stop-watch make for some seriously quick riding.
Horses screeched around corners, riders were flat to their saddles and the duos rode at a lightning-like pace, leaving the crowd windswept.
The overall aim of the game was to ride the eight fences as a pair, as fast and with as little faults as possible. Congratulations go to Hebe Lanyon on Miss Print and Rania Al Rashoodi on Nafa as the fastest class winners (indeed, but for the railings Hebe & Rania would still be galloping around Bahrain somewhere).
Pulses still racing, the day came to a close with the 'Chase me Charlie' class. Riders jumped a single fence that rose by 10 cms each time. Eight very nervous competitors lined up and a silent crowd sat poised ready to scream with excitement.
The first rider approached the 90cm fence and with only one opportunity to clear it, the pressure was on. Before I knew it, the fence was soon sitting at 140cm and there were four riders still going strong (I cannot say the same for my nerves). The only rider to clear the fence was Mahesh Amritlal on Pascal, who was in fact the class sponsor. However, Mahesh was a fantastic sport and refused to accept the prize money, handing it to second place, Yayha Ahmed on Mazyoon (who cleared the fence on his second attempt).
Well, ladies and gents, this was definitely a day that had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats (and saddles). Before I sign off, the show organisers, Anki Holmstrom, Yvonne Addison and Helen Blake would like to thank all the riders, supporters and everyone else who helped to make the day a success. A final big 'thank you' to the sponsors, Arabian Horse and Amritlal Jewellers.
The Dressage leagues took place on Monday with a display of horse athleticism and rider precision.
OK, got to trot on now - see you next week.
