A good exercise

Good Morning Bahrain, I do hope you all had a lovely weekend. In last week's issue I raised the matter of fitness, encouraging those of you who were looking for a new form of exercise or hobby to book some riding lessons as a fun alternative to the usual gym session.

Not only is this a great sport but also a therapeutic and remedial form of exercise, not just for able bodied individuals (both adults and children) but also individuals with a range of physical disabilities and mental illnesses.

The horse is a very warm, friendly and responsive animal (despite coming in large sizes), making it a perfect companion for anyone. The trust built up between horse and rider is unique and it is this trust that makes riding such a special experience.

The purpose of this short explanation is to yet again confirm the benefits riding and horses can have upon a person and their physical and mental well being. If this doesn't encourage you to go and try it for yourself I don't know what will.

While living in the UK I used to volunteer at an equestrian centre catering to disabled riders, adults and children, with varying degrees of disabilities. The interaction with horses provided all those that attended the centre access to a mobile world outside that of home, school or hospital. The riding encouraged equal use of both sides of the body and helped to improve circulation and stimulation, as well as improving posture, balance and co-ordination and encouraged efficient use of muscles.

Next week I shall introduce you to a friend that, while living on the other side of the world, rides twice a week despite being diagnosed with a muscle-deteriorating illness.

On a different note, the weekend was an exciting one in terms of show jumping. The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) held a show jumping event at the mounted police grounds on Friday and what a fabulous day to be participating in, or watching, a sporting event. Armed with a fold-down chair and a perfect view of the arena I sat and watched the day unfold.

The junior riders started the morning off with their first event, the Junior 1 (fences sitting between 70-80cm). Riders a little nervous and horses a little unsure of the grass, the pairs did well, providing spectators with some exciting riding.

It was Isa Al Shaikh on Gerlando that scooped first place, with Hebe Lanyon on Missprint coming a very close second. The Junior 2 followed shortly after, raising the fences to 90cm. Jassim Isa on Khaldiya Dar took first place with Maxine Moxon on Osina taking second. The third and final junior event of the morning raised the fences once again and Jassim Isa on Kuwait rode brilliantly to take first place with Ahmed l Alawi on Tyson, hot on his heels in second place.

The adults then took centre stage, kicking off with their first class at a height of 90cm. Muslim Ali on Khalidya Dar impressed spectators and fellow riders with his brilliant horsemanship, riding into first place with Basel Al Dossary a very close second. The next adult class raised the fences once again challenging horse and rider to impress a second time. Ahmed Mansoor on Chamacey Du Paris did exactly that, followed by Khalid Hilal on Bashyer.

The afternoon came to a close with the eagerly awaited Grand Prix. Spectators sitting on the edge of their seats, riders poised, horses raring to go, the fences were raised to 130cm. Always an exciting class, it was once again Ahmed Mansoor on Chamacey Du Paris who took first prize and Khalid Hilal on Bashyer scooped second.

The coming weekend promises further riding events with the 2009 Dressage League being held at Shakhoora Riding Stable on Friday. Do try and visit to show your support for the riders!

Remember, I am still looking for your horse stories, so do please write in.