Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
A flurry of activity took place in the equine world with the Dilmun Riding Stables hosting the first of its in-house Show Jumping League events, Writes Helen Blake.
The league has started strongly with 18 riders both junior and adult in the fray for the end-of-season top rider trophy, with more likely to join as the season continues.
Friday afternoon started off with a Green Horse class and, for some, it was greener than others with Sam Bicknell riding her brand new horse of only a week, Kismet, in his inaugural show.
To her delight the duo jumped a clear round gaining their first (of many more to come) rosettes.
Aurora Ihalainen, also competing for the first time, went clear on Jellaby, as did Fahad Aldosseri, Sharon Nicklin and Mia Vita, Liz Sinclair and Neptune, Charlotte Gunby and Coco, Ellie Wagner on veteran Nelson, and Sami Mendis started Skippy off on his winning streak of the day.
Sami, having only ever competed in one previous in-house show, gave an outstanding performance with the talented Skippy, and took first place in the Junior 1 class. Kathryn Spink, on an invigorated Spirit, came in close on his heels. Hannah Van Der Eyken with her first placing of the afternoon, glided Toto in third. However, this was just the start for Hannah as the pair went on to beat the field and take the highest podium position in the Junior 2 class.
Gabby Chakkos and Tashan took the first of his day's placings and commanded second place. Joint third were Aimee Keen aboard Sedona, with Skippy this time securing a prize for Tamara Alomary.
The adult classes followed. Andrea Gowdy steered Tashan to his second victory, the only clear round of the class. Fran Downes and Lollypopp Man came second and the invincible Inca brought Anne Dunlop into third position.
Kismet made his second appearance of the day with Basel Al Dosseri providing a fourth place rosette to his new mum's collection. Brilliant, two rosettes in his first ever show, what a superstar.
The show got the league off to a flying start, with everyone eager to participate in the next event. Taking the lead after this debut show is Hannah Van Der Eyken in the junior section and Andrea Gowdy in the adults.
All in all, it was fabulous day thoroughly enjoyed by all who participated. The second of these events is scheduled to be held on January 28.
Friday was also a busy day as Al Jazira Stable & Twin Palms Riding Centre ran the second of 2011's Show Jumping events. The first class of the day was also the most popular with 25 entrants, including many new horses and riders.
Some prime jumping ensued with 12 making it into the jump off. It was inspiring for everyone to see Leo and Jerry Taylor in their first show jumping event being placed fourth, along with Tracey Bulger to be placed in her second show jumping event on Jasper. The ever-talented Muslim Ali brought a very green Bin Muktar to the class and skilfully claimed first prize.
Class 2, equally as popular, had some 20 riders vying for pole position, however, it was again Muslim Ali (this time with Bailey) who claimed his second first place of the event. He was closely followed by yours truly (yes, Merlin and I didn't lose our stirrups, or our way, this week!) to snag second place.
Class 3 moved up several notches in technicality and height, still attracting another 15 hopeful challengers, however, the class only produced five clear rounds for the jump off.
I would like to sincerely thank the organisers of both these events for ensuring that riders and horses have some goals to aim for and work to do.
