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THE Dilmun Riding Stables hosted its seventh In-House Show Jumping Event on Friday and the weather was kind to the competitors, writes Helen Blake.
Thankfully they were able to dodge the showers and the day remained much cooler than late, allowing for a far more relaxed atmosphere to prevail.
Competitors and spectators were happy to take it easy and enjoy the proceedings without rushing off to find somewhere cool to escape the heat. It's such a shame this wonderful weather is so short-lived.
This week's event was sponsored by Shaikh Hassan bin Rasheed Al Khalifa and the starter class of the day - the Green Horse/Rider Clear Round - saw a lovely clear for Charlotte Gunby on Coco, and witnessed Louise O'Nolan perform her third clear on Pastiche. The next show will hopefully see these two make their debut in a higher competitive class.
In the junior classes a good natured, though extremely serious contest, reigns. The pack is striving to catch up with Kathryn Spink who continues to remain firmly in first place, a clear 10 points in front.
However, this week's competition saw a swap between Tamara Alomary and Aimee Keen in the league. Despite Aimee's fabulous win on Sedona in Junior 2, it was the consistency of Tamara's second placing in both the Junior 1 and 2 classes that enabled her to take second place on the leader board. With only two points separating the pair, the next show could tell yet another story, especially since Hannah van der Eyken is coming on strongly now, claiming both second and third position in the Junior 1 class with Toto and Nelson respectively.
Gabby Chakkos held on to her fourth place. Gabi Scopes is also making her mark and her name comes up regularly this week, claiming fifth place in Junior 1 as well as fourth place in Junior 2 with Billy. Aurora Ihalainen with Nelson collected the third place in Junior 2, Alex Warren riding Neptune going home with fifth place.
The adult competition saw more leader board movement, although the placings are much closer, meaning that just about anything can happen to change the final result.
Amelia Boyd, with her stunning Rangerino back in action, was quick to take first place in Adult 1. She followed this triumph in Adult 2 by taking third with Kuwait and sixth again on Rangerino.
Fran Downes was also back on track with Lollypopp Man taking second place in Adult 1, moving herself up into fourth on the leader board in the adult section of the league.
Fahad Aldosseri, having to settle for third spot in Adult 1, came back with a vengeance astride Tayar by taking prime position in Adult 2.
Sharon Nicklin's consistency in the adult classes keeps her in third place in the league. This week it was fifth place in Adult 1 and fourth in Adult 2 with Mia Vita and Billy.
Andrea Gowdy and Tashan were fifth in Adult 2, and this means that she has now been nudged off the podium in the league placing, and it is Hamad Fakhrawi with his fourth place on Tess in Adult 1, along with a fabulous second placing astride the talented Kuwait, which now takes him into the lead.
However, it is only a three point difference separating first and second place, and a total of nine points between the five leading contenders. There's everything to play for here.
League results can and do change after each show, giving everyone the chance and opportunity to pull something brilliant out of the bag.
There are another four shows scheduled for the league, and the overall winner may be any one of the top-end riders. It only takes an off-day for someone or, more to the point, an awesome day for someone else, and the leader board can change.
So, we eagerly await news of the next show which is scheduled for May 13, however, I did hear a rumour it may take place earlier. I'm not sure the competitors are able to wait a whole month before being able to put their skills to the test again, we shall see.
Contact Helen Blake with your equine news by emailing helen2blake@hotmail.com
