Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
The Dilmun Riding Centre had to sadly postpone its rodeo event to allow riders making a mass exodus off the island to snowier climes for Christmas to take part on their return, writes Helen Blake.
Organiser Lisa decided not to disappoint and move the event to a date to be confirmed in the New Year. So don't pack the spurs away just yet, just hang them next to Santa's stocking.
The centre has also decided in the current absence of external shows to run its own Show Jumping League for Dilmun riders. The aim is to 'jump start' some competitive spirit and give riders something to aim for.
Also, once Bahrain is finally classified internationally as Glanders-free and competitions involving all stables are running again, then riders will have kept their hand (or hoof) in and won't be too rusty.
The League will run from January to June over 11 shows. Riders will accumulate points as they go, the first six places in each class will earn points, and a trophy will be awarded to the top junior and top adult rider at the league's conclusion.
Each show will also have a green class which will not attract points; all shows will be run on Fridays, with entry forms will be made available on the previous Sunday.
The league sounds brilliant, a really great way of getting everyone into the swing of things in the ever optimistic hope that show jumping will once again resume normally across the island.
Contact The Dilmun on 17693766 or email stables@dilmun-club.com for details.
Twin Palms Riding Centre, meanwhile, has 'kicked off' the Christmas holidays with a whole mirage of events for children.
Pony Camps started on Sunday and Tuesday and a third kicks off on December 28.
The camps for the 5-11 age group run from 9am to 12.30pm and include lunch.
Twin Palms have also introduced 'Own a Pony Days' running from 8.30am to noon. Children get to see what it's like to own their own by being shown how to muck out a stable, check the drinking water, catch the animal, groom and tack it ready to ride. And, afterwards how to put the pony, all its tack and utensils away and to ensure it is happy before retiring.
Spaces are available to book an 'Own A Pony' session later today (always worth a call in case there are some left), tomorrow, December 27, 29 and 30. It is open to children aged seven upwards and costs BD10.
Contact Twin Palms Riding Centre to book on 39566809, or email Twin.Palms.Riding.Centre@hotmail.com.
