Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Good Morning Bahrain, I do hope you are all well rested and ready to tackle 2009 head on.
I must, before going any further, thank all of you who wrote to me last year. I very much enjoyed reading your e-mails and look forward to receiving more this year.
It is in fact your emails, coupled with the following short story, which has provided me with some inspiration to get you as readers, to interact and respond to the column. Before I explain further, I shall tell you my short story.
During one of my walks to the stable, with my trusty pup Odi, I met a little boy who stopped to chat and tell me all about the pony Santa had 'rented' for him and placed in his stocking (I am still trying to work out how Father Christmas managed to fit a pony in his stocking and squeeze it under the tree).
He was extremely excited with his new gift and spends most weekends grooming, cleaning and feeding his new pony a mixture of carrots and polo mints (both healthy and refreshing).
In horse terms, 'renting' refers to the lease of a pony, or horse, during which time you treat it as if it were your own, cleaning, feeding and riding it. This is a brilliant way to ensure that children and adults are indeed ready to take on the responsibility of a horse/pony.
I am aware that not everyone will have received a new pony for Eid or Christmas, however, I'm certain you all have a story that involves one and it is this aspect that I am interested in.
During the next week you will have time to gather your thoughts, rattle your memory boxes and send an email telling me about your funniest holiday moments with your pony. If it does not involve a pony of your own, it may be someone else's, or it may be a story from your recent holiday over the December period (you may have met a famous horse or rider you want to tell me about).
Whatever it may be, please write in and I shall share your story with Bahrain in the coming issues. This is, of course, open to adults too!
On a separate note, if your 2009 resolutions include either getting fit or taking up a new hobby then what better way to do so than by taking a few riding lessons.
This month sees the return of Ian Wright, a successful event rider, show jumper and dressage rider, who has spent a great deal of time training with Bertie Hill, the Olympic three-day event gold medallist and Olympic team trainer.
Ian will be visiting during the end of the month and will be holding a clinic, open to all ages and abilities. He will be based at Twin Palms, where lessons are booked up very quickly indeed, so be sure to book early so as to avoid disappointment. You will need to call Twin Palms on 39566809, fax: 17612739 or email: Twin.Palms.Riding.Centre@hotmail.com
So, thinking caps on readers, I expect lots of stories. Enjoy your weekend.
