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This week the BDF Equestrian Ground at Al Riffa witnessed the very best of the coveted Arabian breed in the Late Shaikh Faisal bin Hamad Al Khalifa Arabian Horse Show.
With a distinctive head shape and high tail carriage, it is one of the most easily recognisable horse breeds in the world. It is also one of the oldest, with archaeological evidence of horses in the Middle East that resemble modern Arabians dating back 4,500 years.
Throughout history, Arabian horses have been used to improve other breeds by adding speed, refinement, endurance and strong bone. Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horse.
The Arabian developed in a desert climate and was prized by the nomadic Bedouin people. Selective breeding for traits including an ability to form a co-operative relationship with humans created a horse breed that is good-natured, quick to learn and willing to please.
The Arabian also developed a high spirit and alertness. This combination of willingness and sensitivity requires modern Arabian horse owners to handle their horses with competence and respect.
Arabians dominate the discipline of endurance riding and compete today in many other fields of equestrian activity. They are one of the top 10 most popular horse breeds in the world.
The event to highlight the breed was held over two days and witnessed an incredibly high standard. There were 14 classes held ranging from yearling colts/fillies to nine-year-plus stallions and mares.
Arabian Horse Show results
Stallions
Arfan Al Shaqab - Gold Champion
Preemium - Silver Champion
Safir Al Shakhoura - Bronze Champion
Mares
Naif by Naadia - Gold Champion
Maleeha Alrashediah - Silver Champion
Shirin - Bronze Champion
Colts
D Meras - Gold Champion
Mizo - Silver Champion
S S Zilzal - Bronze Champion
Fillies
Dreem Alrashediah - Gold Champion
Desira - Silver Champion
Deem Alrashediah - Bronze Champion
* The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation Show Jumping Championship will be held on Saturday. The first class will be for Juniors followed by a second fun class – a mixed speed event. After this entertaining break, a mixed two-phase competition will heat up the action with fences up to 110cm. A further two adult classes will follow, the final one being the Grand Prix.
A great deal of work has been undertaken by the show jumping community of Bahrain to ensure these events are successful. The day also features a host of fun-filled activities for all the family with stalls, entertainment and refreshments.
* On Friday, the Muharraq Horse Riding School will host an equine extravaganza, starting at noon, culminating at 7pm with a fashion show.
The equestrian section will see a variety of games and events, including an Arabic show featuring traditional costumes. From 2pm cowboy games will commence. Entrance is free for the horse/cowboy show and there will also be a traditional market, pony and trap rides, as well as many other activities for all the family, with an emphasis on entertaining the children.
The school is situated behind Bahrain International Airport in Qalali. Call 39858770/33858700, Instagram mhrschool, or see the Facebook page Muharraq Horse Riding School for more details.
The horse show will be followed by a Fashion Show ESTBYTHELNA, created to showcase a cowboy/ circus/ carnival theme. It promises to be a fashion spectacular and one certainly not to be missed. Tickets are BD15 for adults and children over 10 and includes a buffet and soft drinks. Tickets will not be sold at the entrance so those interested should purchase their tickets in advance. Today is the last day of sale. Call Elzette (Liz) on 36665130 for more information.
* The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation Show Jumping Championship will be held on Saturday. The first class will be for Juniors followed by a second fun class – a mixed speed event.
After this entertaining break, a mixed two-phase competition will heat up the action with fences up to 110cm. A further two adult classes will follow, the final one being the Grand Prix.
A great deal of work has been undertaken by the show jumping community of Bahrain to ensure these events are successful. The day also features a host of fun-filled activities for all the family with stalls, entertainment and refreshments.
* Accomplished dressage rider Oliver Walter will be visiting Bahrain from March 8-14. He owns two livery yards, one in England Cobham Manor EC, and one in France Pay’s De La Loire, specialises in dressage and has a string of dressage horses that compete from Medium to PSG (Priz St. George).
Check out his website www.oliverwalterdressage.com
This is a wonderful opportunity to learn from a top professional. To book lessons contact Jerri Taylor on 33309972 or email jerritaylor72@yahoo.com
* With all this equestrian furore, don’t forget the Horse Racing, that is held at Shaikh Rashid Equestrian and Horse Racing Club every Friday starting at 2pm. Entrance is free, and there is entertainment and attractions for all the family.
