Catherine's success story

Hello readers. I did promise two weeks back that should you write to me with your December pony story I would share it with Bahrain. One reader did exactly that and I want to say a very big thank you to Catherine Khoury, aged 13.

Catherine is a big horse lover and used to visit a friend's stable every day after school to groom the horses. During her visits, she fell in love with a horse named Shaheen.

Catherine was soon allowed to ride Shaheen and it soon became her regular routine, home from school, homework done and then off to the stable to exercise her new best friend.

New rider and horse enjoyed each other's company immensely, however, while Catherine showed her excitement with carrots and hugs, Shaheen chose to show her excitement by bucking and misbehaving. Not put off by this behaviour, Catherine persevered and soon the pair was back on track, riding together as a team.

A few months later Catherine arrived at the stable only to be faced with some bad news. Shaheen's owner had decided that it was time for Shaheen to go and live with him. Not one for sad endings, I have some good news!

Catherine was determined to find out where the horse she had worked so hard with, had been moved to. So, she slipped into detective mode and soon discovered that Shaheen's new home was directly behind her own house, fantastic!

The pair were reunited and soon back on track. However, this time around exercise entailed long hacks along the beach (as there was no paddock at Shaheen's new home). Neither of the pair minded very much, they were simply over the moon about being reunited.

In fact, Shaheen was so excited to have Catherine back, that while out hacking one day she decided to test Catherine's jockey abilities and took off at the speed of light. Although a little frightened at first, Catherine said that the incident has made her a far more courageous rider. No longer afraid of speed, rider and mount quite enjoy a weekend gallop along the beach (be sure to wave as you see the pair whizzing past).

Our contributing author ended her story by telling me that the whole experience has taught her never to give up. I know many of you horse readers will have experienced something similar. It may not be an unexpected gallop along the beach, but I'm sure a lot of riders have had a horse or pony that misbehaves sometimes making you feel a little upset and frustrated.

Remember Catherine's story, don't' give up. As the saying goes if at first you don't succeed, try try again! What a great lesson that can be applied to absolutely anything, whether it is horse riding, school or work.

On a different note, I did mention in last week's issue that the 2009 Dressage League would be taking place on Friday, January 23. I must apologise as the dates did change and this is now scheduled for two weeks' time.

This Friday sees another Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) show jumping event at the mounted police section. So once again, if you haven't yet been to visit then you must do so. If you are a regular then I very much look forward to seeing you all there to cheer on the competitors! Until next week, enjoy your last few days at work.