Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Alysha Henry, who previously wrote the Too Hot to Trot column, has moved to Qatar. We all miss her very much. Hopefully, though, she and family will be making regular return visits to us and perhaps bringing with her equestrian news and views from her new abode.
So here I go on my endeavour to bring you an as equally good column. Who am I? My name is Helen Blake, I have been in Bahrain since 2002, with husband and two sons, Thomas and Harrison, though since then we have acquired a few additions to our family, another son, Joshua, born here in Bahrain at Awali hospital, plus two dogs, cats, budgies, hamsters, rabbits, terrapins and even a hedgehog!
Oh, of course, not forgetting - how could we - another local born-and-bred member of the family, my super gorgeous horse, Merlin.
Horses are what this column is all about and my aim is to bring you all the equestrian news and views, forthcoming event information, reports on shows and events, from showjumping, dressage and any other matters equestrian happening here in Bahrain, or maybe even further afield!
I am more than willing and happy to put in any information you may have about forthcoming events, just email me and let me know, or if you have a story you feel would be of interest, I am open to suggestions, and would, of course, welcome any feedback.
Perhaps, the first mention is the BREEF (Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation) who have made big changes to the way they are operating this season and implemented a points scheme for both horse and rider.
All riders and horses wishing to compete at the BREEF shows have to be registered and categorised.
For more information on their new system check out the website www.equestrianbahrain.com, go to the showjumping section and you will find all the updated information and current points.
The BREEF have held two shows since the start of the season, BREEF's Season Opening and the 'Home Centre Showjumping Championship' both run over two days last month.
These shows were well attended and produced excellent horse riding skills. The next show is scheduled for November 20-21 - the 'BREEF Showjumping Championships'. We are all looking forward to this event and I will bring you a full report.
Twin Palms Riding Centre recently started their season off with a 'Fun Showjumping' event at its premises in Saar. It was a huge success with competitors and supporters alike, running four classes with both a junior and adult section in each, the show's emphasis was on fun and having a go.
The first and third classes were run on a two-phase basis. The competitors jump the first eight/nine fences and providing they have no faults, no refusals or knockdowns, they can carry straight on into the 'jump off' phase, where a further six/seven fences are to be jumped. This second phase is timed and the fastest with the least faults wins.
The second and fourth classes were run as Accumulator with Joker, a fabulous spectator class. Each fence is worth its number in points, eg. fence 1 = 1 point, fence 2 = 2 points etc., and providing the competitor jumps clear the points are added as they go round the course. Knock a fence and you lose however many points the fence was worth. However, the final 'joker' fence is the one to watch, as riders have a choice of two fences, one worth a regular amount of points - for example fence 9 worth 9 points - or the joker which is worth double - 18 points!
Be warned things are fine as long as you do not knock the fence down, you get double points - woo hoo - but knock it down and it takes the double points off your score!
This is a fantastic class for both riders and spectators alike, exhilarating and a great fun class. The show produced some wonderful riding from all the competitors and superb spectator sport for a Friday afternoon.
Well done to everyone who took part. There was stiff competition, everyone rode brilliantly, a fantastic start to what promises to be a fabulous season.
For full listing of winners see the Twin Palms Riding Centre website: www.twinpalmsridingcentre.com
Signing off until next week's update, till then TTFN (ta ta for now).
WINNERS
Class 1 Junior: Gabriellla Scopes riding Porsha
Class 1 Adult: Hamad Fakran riding Cupids Ray
Class 2 Junior: Annabel Manly riding Dilmun Fallah
Class 2 Adult: Carina Gutteridge riding Dilmun Waif
Class 3 Junior: Hadi AlAfoo riding Rikki Tikki Tavi
Class 3 Adult: Muslim Ali riding Al Jouf
Class 4 Junior: Astrid Jespers riding Onyx
Class 4 Adult: Mulsim Ali riding Kuwait.
