WELCOME to 2015! To kick-start the new year, Twin Palms Riding Centre held an impromptu In-House Show Jumping Competition, a motivational Christmas cobweb-clearing exercise!
The first class was a clear round with fences standing at 60cm. Taking Mylo round his first ever show jumping course was Bella Rushton and the pair jumped beautifully. And, making his debut was Yatzy ridden by Aimee Keen - certainly a little superstar in the making, a fabulous fun class to start the day.
The next class, mixed one round with jump-off, again at 60cm, saw more than 20 riders in the fray, with 15 making it through to the jump-off. With some tricky turns and skilful riding it was Nadya Tsvetkova, in her first ever competition on Bella, who took top podium position. Hot on her hooves was Ulrike Niedermeier with Skinny, and taking third place was Aimee Keen on Yatzy.
Making her debut in this class was Cara Mattius astride the lovely Boeing, along with Melanie Spink riding Rio for the first time in a competition, Ward Mohamed with Piso and Anne Dunlop riding Darius all made double clears and certainly went home smiling.
The fences were now raised to 70-80cm, once again this was a clear round class, with 20 riders taking to the arena. There were eight who went clear, including Cara with Boeing and Nadya and Bella.
The final class was a mixed one round with jump-off with fences at 70-80cm. Out of a dozen riders, seven went clear into the jump-off. Clinching this class in the final round, now astride her beloved Rio, was teenager Aimee, who just pipped Andrea Puciarelli with Piso, and taking third placing was Idrak Alaquel with Ecco.
This event has started the ball rolling for Twin Palms, which will host the first of its Open Show Jumping Events this Friday. It’s open to all and the show will start at 9am. Entries must be submitted by 6pm today.
Making a return to Bahrain is top international show jumping trainer Ben Murphy who was hugely successful in his inaugural visit to the island recently. Ben will be here from January 15, (just in time for the BREEF Show Jumping on January 17) until February 3.
Ben has competed at Grand Prix level for many years, training with Eric Lemaze, the Schockemohles and many other top Olympic riders, as well as riding on the European Team. Currently he runs his own livery yard in the UK training from beginners to international circuit level and recently had 12 horses qualify for HOYS (Horse of the Year Show).
With his wealth of knowledge he is eager to teach and this is a wonderful opportunity to hone and perfect your show jumping skills just before the season starts. To book a lesson call or message Jerri Taylor on 33309972, or email jerritaylor72@yahoo.com
* Reminder for riders who are interested in training at the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation Equestrian Centre, should email breefshowjumping@gmail.com with CPR numbers immediately – riders will be informed accordingly if they have gained a place.
TWIN PALMS RIDING CENTRE IN-HOUSE SHOW JUMPING RESULTS
Class 2 – One Round with Jump Off 60/70cm: 1st Nadya Tsvetkova Bella 2nd Ulrike Niedermeier Skinny 3rd Aimee Keen Yatzy 4th Luna Dreyer Calypso 5th Pippa Fourie Soda 6th Imogen Nell Dollar
Class 3 – Clear Round 70/80cm: Mariella Forward No Trix Luna Dreyer Calypso Aimee Keen DJ Fleur Andrea Puciarelli Piso Nadya Tsvetkova Bella Idrak Alaquel Ecco Virginie Dreyer Athos
Class 4 – One Round with Jump Off 70/80cm: 1st Aimee Keen Rio 2nd Andrea Puciarelli Piso 3rd Idrak Alaquel Ecco 4th Ulrike Niedermeier Skinny 5th Romy Moussallem Maggie