END-OF-SEASON-BASH

THE 2010/2011 equestrian season has drawn to an end and the questions remains ... will equestrian events ever return to normal?, writes Helen Blake.

At the end of last year many hoped that events would recommence after the 2009/2010 season was cancelled in the April due to the emergence of the equine disease Glanders in Bahrain.
 
Unfortunately, this was not the case. Bahrain Equestrian & Endurance Federation (BREEF) officially cancelled the 2010/2011 show jumping season with an announcement in December.
 
It has been 15 months since the discovery of Glanders in Bahrain, and with the current movement ban on horses now extended to November is there an end in sight?

No-one can answer that at the moment, only time can tell. Personally, I feel all anyone can do is hope the situation is resolved as soon as possible, bringing back normality – whatever that may now be!

However, it is overwhelmingly apparent, that in times of adversity, people band together to make the very best of exactly what they have got.

This has certainly been proven by every column I have written reporting on in-house events since the situation arose. 

There have been so many brilliantly innovative events organised by local stables as they rallied together producing amazing in-house events, that have more than kept riders interested, motivated and, above all else, able to enjoy their horses.
 
The Dilmun Stables show jumping league, for example, has risen like a phoenix to become the most prestigious of its many events. Although a very serious contest, the fun was not forgotten when all of those competing in the final donned fancy dress.

A presentation evening was staged at the Dilmun Club on Thursday where the league’s star performers received their trophies. Among the guests was GulfWeekly’s Editor Stan Szecowka who handed over the coveted and prestigious Too Hot To Trot champion of champions trophy.

A special crystal horse ornament was also presented to Lisa Powick, stable manager at the Dilmun Riding School, who will be returning to Australia in the summer.

Lisa said: “I will officially be leaving my role as manager on August 11 and returning to Australia at the end of that month. We have bought 10 acres of land in the Araluen Valley on which we will be building a house in the near future. 

“Once the Glanders ban is lifted I will be sending for my horse Tayar but, for now, he will remain at the Dilmun Stables.

“I’ve been managing the stables for two and a half years and enjoyed every day of that time.  I will be sad to leave the team and the riders but I know next season will be as successful as this one.”

It was not only the Dilmun that carried on regardless, everyone did! Shakhoora Riding Stables, Twin Palms Riding Centre and Al Jazeera Stables all continued with a multitude of in-house events, ranging from fun gymkhanas, show jumping with quirky additions that will undoubtedly be repeated, dressage in fancy dress, in-house hacks around the paddocks, pairs and pizza evenings, curry and quiz nights, pony camps, sleepovers, BBQs, visiting trainers, stable management courses, along with countless shows encompassing all levels of riding.
 
A great job has been done by all the stable owners and managers to ensure the best for riders and horses alike.

The season continued to be thwarted as a result of to the unfortunate unrest when many people left the island, but again brought to the fore the resilience of human nature, with people finding themselves doing the most random of tasks, with experienced riders taking over riding lessons just one of many examples.

As everyone prepares to leave for the summer,  whatever else this season has produced it will have produced life-long memories of thrills, spills, tears and, above all, laughter, alongside the knowledge that whatever happens you can’t keep this equestrian community from doing exactly what they do best – ENJOYING and LOVING their horses.
 
Enjoy your summer everyone!