That's my boy!

Last weekend was a busy one for both the Dilmun Stables and Twin Palms Riding Centre, and coming up this weekend it will be a case of 'Friday the 13th ' proving lucky for some!

The eighth Dilmun Show Jumping League event will start at 4pm as the mornings are now too hot for competition. Everyone is looking forward to seeing if this show will change the league placings.

Thursday evenings are also becoming popular event days at the stables. The Dilmun recently hosted a Show Jumping Class for in-house liveries only, held over four rounds.

The riders, on entering the arena, had to choose a fence to be raised by 10cms and then had to complete the course. If the rider knocked a fence down they were penalised with four faults and if they knocked down the fence they had chosen to be raised they were penalised with eight faults. All faults were carried through to the next round, however, a dismount, or the usual two refusals in a round, resulted in elimination.

A seriously compelling competition to both participate in and watch, spectators were on the edge of their seats.

The class started with six entrants: Hamad Fakhrawi with Kuwait, Sam Bicknell, of course, taking part on Kismet and Amelia Boyd with Rangerino all did amazingly well, but were beaten by Sharon Nicklin and MiaVita who claimed third place, Basel Aldosseri and Tayar who took home the runners-up place, and the winner of the night was young superstar Aimee Keen on the very talented Sedona. It proved to be a huge success and a great evening's entertainment and one to be repeated, for sure.

Last Thursday saw two events taking place, again at the Dilmun. Joaquin Tinao, trainer to the Bahrain Show Jumping Team, came along to host two clinics. Both were fast moving and extremely entertaining and consisted of five riders in each of the groups being put through their paces with a mixture of exercises.

All students felt they had learned some valuable lessons and picked up new ideas. The riders participating in the clinic were Anne Dunlop on Waif, Hamad Almalki on Tayar, Aimee Keen on Sedona, Aurora Ihalainen on Nelson, Gabi Scopes on Billy, Hannah van der Eyken on Tess, Sharon Nicklin on Mia Vita, Fran Downes on Kuwait, Andrea Gowdy on Tashan and Kathryn Spink on Spirit.

Please note the Dilmun Pony Club will finish at the end of May, but will be restarting in September.

Last Thursday also witnessed the Twin Palms Riding Centre's third in-house dressage event of 2011. The afternoon got under way in one arena with Working Equitation A, which I am hugely pleased to report was beautifully won by young Harrison Blake (woo hoo!) astride an immaculately turned out MissPrint - absolutely no apologies for being biased!

A very proud mum took an extremely happy young man home with his inaugural first place rosette, very much looking forward to his next event.

The second class of the day Working Equitation B, which consists of both flatwork movements, obstacles to be negotiated and fences to be jumped, saw Keisha Smith astride Luna skilfully manoeuvre the course to claim first prize.

The Preliminary A class, also started the afternoon off in a second arena. This is a fierce competition to find the best and started off a 'family affair' winning streak as Virginie Dreyer stormed into first place with the extremely striking Athos. Close on their hooves was husband Stephane on Angel.

With mum and dad taking the podium it was only fair, and totally justified, that daughter Luna helped with the hoards of rosettes taken home that night by taking second place in both Working Equitation A and B.

Not to be thwarted in Preliminary A it was Nina Owen with the stunning Otto and Jan Hodgson with the exquisite Cash who shared third. Also placed in this class were Sue Parker and Poncho and Keisha Smith this time astride Rackard. Newcomer to dressage, Saeed, brought Marlboro into his first-ever class and performed superbly. He now has the bug and is anxiously awaiting the next show.

Preliminary B saw the Dreyer clan claim victory as winning combination Virginie and Athos again took the top podium position in a beautifully ridden test.

This class proved an excellent arena for Ellie Harding to bring the stunning Twice As Nice to perform. They claimed second place in this, Ellie's second dressage event. This pair will go far. Jan Hodgson consistent with Cash once again took third spot followed by yet another Dreyer placing as Stephane and Angel clinched fourth place.

Novice A and Elementary A were ridden to perfection by Yvonne Addison with The Chief. Excelling in both classes she joined Virginie in their claim to double first prize rosettes. The Chief out-manouvered Idrak Alaquel with Ecco in both classes, though Idrak took second place in both classes. The Novice provided Woody his opportunity to shine - the first time in this class - it was a very pleased and happy Lydia Martin who steered him into fourth place. The event was immensely enjoyed by everyone.

Twin Palms Riding Centre will hold an in-house Show Jumping event on Friday, May 20, with more information to follow.