Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Unfortunately we start this week on a distressing note, the Breef Show Jumping event scheduled for last Friday was cancelled due to a mysterious equine infection which, so very sadly, has meant two horses have been put to sleep.
It is reported that 10 other horses are unwell and being closely monitored - blood samples from them have been taken and sent to UAE for specialist analysis.
It is not known if the infection is viral or bacterial. We are awaiting updates and further information, once the blood test results come through.
As always prevention is better than cure, and the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry are recommending all reasonable precautions should be taken.
Stables are being advised and urged NOT to move their horses, from stable to stable, and not take part in competitive sport, until authorities are in a position to correctly advise how to deal with the situation.
Due to the illness the Dilmun Riding Stables closed last Wednesday, re-opening on a limited basis on Sunday. The Dilmun has implemented specific rules and general precautions such as entry and exit to the stables through a solution of disinfectant, which is a simple but very effective precaution, sanitisation of hands, again something that should be done as a matter of course.
All members will have received details of the rules being implemented during this period, if you currently ride at the Dilmun it would be advisable to call them prior to your lesson to ensure it is going ahead.
All the other riding facilities will be implementing their own general precautionary rules, along similar lines. If you are unsure as to what precautions have been taken then speak to your stable manager/owner.
As the owner of a horse you will know if it is unwell or not. I am able to tell if my horse is not right - he may be off his food, he may be tired/lethargic when ridden, he may be sensitive to touch in certain areas, perhaps he is coughing more than normal or sneezing or appearing generally stressed or distressed, or has an unusually raised temperature, or a runny nose.
If the equine sickness situation is not resolved it is possible that further shows will be cancelled. But, fingers crossed, all will be well and hopefully the final shows of the season will be able to go ahead.
More next week on this issue, until then, take care.
One of the events lined up for next week is an auction of Arabian Horses at the Aali Stud. However, it would be advisable to check with the organisers as this may also be cancelled. The auction is scheduled to take place on April 29 starting at 4pm. Registration closes on Saturday. For more information contact Khalil on 33919901 or visit the website www.aalistud.com.
Looking for a horse to travel
I AM again putting out the request for anyone who may be interested or know someone who may be interested in moving their horse from Bahrain to Belgium. Please contact me at my email above as soon as possible. Preparations are underway for the other two horses that will be moved.
