Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Good Morning and what an action-packed weekend I have to report on. As mentioned in last week's column, the Kings Cup Show Jumping competition was held at the Mounted Police Section in Budaiya.
It was a spectacular event with 12 Gulf states taking part, sending their top riders to compete against one another. The riding was superb, the fences incredibly high and the atmosphere electric.
The weekend opened on Thursday with the aptly named small, medium and large classes. The small class had fences reaching a maximum of 1.10 metres, while the medium class was 1.20m and the large 1.30m. For some of the more experienced and advanced riders, these classes were a warm up for the weekend's later events while for those less experienced riders, or riders introducing their mounts to international show jumping for the first time, the classes provided a perfect opportunity for experience.
The FEI World Cup Qualifier for the Grand Prix class was held on Friday. Fences were raised to a height of 1.40m and all 60 riders were racing against the clock (making for impressive viewing). Spectators were treated to a display of beautiful mounts ridden by experienced riders, some of whom are world champions.
Only 25 riders from the qualifying class went on to the World Cup Grand Prix competition, held on Saturday. Once again, the event had everyone sitting on the edge of their seats as fences were raised to a maximum height of 1.60m. The class began with the first round with the usual rules where time faults and pole knockdowns helped to cut back the competition for the jump-off. With only eight riders left to battle it out in the jump-off this was certainly a class that had everyone holding their breath with anticipation!
There was a magnificent display of horsemanship from all riders, however, it was the UAE's Mohammed Al Hajri and his mount Shakira that took first place. As the pair leapt over the final fence, the audience rose (well actually jumped) out of their seats with excitement to show their support for the superb effort from both horse and rider.
Jordan's Saeed Al Aboura then entered the arena amidst cheers, looking calm and collected on his mount Liberty. Another superb display of horsemanship, making it the second clear round, although not quite as fast as his compeitior, Al Hajri, Al Aboura secured second place. Finally, third place went to Shaikh Ali Al Thani of Qatar, riding Brigade.
The winners of the weekend's event will go on to compete for best rider in the FEI World Championship Finals in Las Vegas in April. Good luck to each and every one of you!
Before closing for this week I have some good news to share. Ian Wright is to return for his second visit of the year, to run show jumping and dressage clinics at Twin Palms Riding School in Saar. Ian brings with him a wealth of experience, holding numerous equestrian diplomas and has trained with the world famous three day eventing Olympic gold medallist Bertie Hill.
Ian holds a National Hunt Professional Jockey's Licence, being placed on numerous occasions in flat, hurdle and steeplechase races. His career took a natural progression from competing to full time coaching and training of show jumping riders and horses such as the German Olympic gold medallist Andreas Kreig.
Deciding to start his own business in 1989, Ian specialises in selecting, breaking and preparing horses for all disciplines. He also breeds and produces competition horses for the British Horse Society in all disciplines and is one of the most sought after judges for dressage and show jumping competitions in the south of England.
Ian's approach to training is holistic and simple, concentrating on the relationship between horse and rider. "I don't believe in having a set idea of how a horse should perform. Horses are individuals and, given the opportunity, they will show you where their individual talents lie and how best to ride them," he says.
This is an opportunity for all riders to improve themselves and their horses in both dressage and show jumping. Ian will be visiting between March 22 and April 1, this year.
Places go very quickly so to avoid disappointment please book as early possible. Further information can be obtained from Twin Palms Riding Centre on 39566809 or to book your lessons immediately please call Helen Blake on 39087724.
Oh, and a quick reminder, show jumping this Friday at Shakhoora Riding Centre in Saar. See you there!
