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Once again it was a busy weekend for riding events. As mentioned in my last column, the Twin Palms Dressage League took place on Friday at Shakhoora Riding School.
For those of you who don't remember, the league is spread out over a number of events held during the year at which riders try their best to secure themselves a position within the top four placings, so as to boost their overall position in the final results at the end of the season.
Friday was an early start for all involved, riders and horses were on site and the event kicked off at 9am. The first class of the day was the mixed New Comers (Adults and juniors) where Mariam Al Khalifa on Porcha took first place, Daisy Miller on Shamlan secured second and Paris Delphi came a close third on Troy.
The next class, the Best Turned Out saw Mariam Al Khlaifa once again ride to first place, with Gabriella Scopes on Flicka coming second and Florence on Pepper place third. As the morning progressed the temperature increased and it turned into a very warm afternoon for riders, horses and spectators. Despite the weather, participants continued to show impressive displays of horsemanship.
The junior classes continued with the Preliminary class where Isa Janahi and Maracello came first, Natasha Park on Lucia second and Kate Addison on The Chief came third. Isa Janahi and his mount were in top form throughout the day and went on to secure first place in the Junior Novice class. Andrew Scopes on Porphyry took second place while Elias Mohammed on Irhabi came a very close third.
Not to be outdone by the junior riders, the adults put in a brilliant performance. Helen Blake and Merlin came first in the Adult Prelim, setting the standard for their fellow competitors. Majid Ghuloom and School Apart rode to second, while Anne Koheji and Fine Art took third place. The Adult Novice saw Edith Garrazo and Zingo take first place with Nina Lauri on Trick Boy coming second and Helen Blake placing third on Merlin.
The final event of the afternoon was the mixed Elementary with an impressive display of skill from all riders. There could, of course, only be one winner and that was Nina Lauri on Trick Boy. Britta came a very close second on Gulwing while Trish Fryer and her mount, As Good as Gold, took third place.
A great day out that was made possible thanks to the judges, writers, runners and general volunteers. An event like this takes a great amount of organisation and Twin Palms would like to thank all those involved for their time and effort.
The dressage was not the only event of the weekend.
Saturday was the season's first women's 120 km Endurance Championship organsied by BREEF. Held at the International Endurance Village in Sakhir the race attracted top women riders not only from Bahrain but also Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Always an early event, riders and mounts set of at 6.30am and it was Saudi Arabia's Latifa Al Shaikh who crossed the finish line first, some five hours and 22 minutes later. Latifa just pipped her competitor to the post and Manal Fakhrawi of the Bahrain Royal Endurance Team took second place while Sherine Fayez, also riding with the Royal Team, took third.
So there you have it, an action-packed horsey weekend. Naturally everyone deserves a well earned rest, which means there are no events scheduled for this coming weekend. However, it is an opportunity for the spectators amongst you to get down to a stable and try the sport for yourself!
