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CATTLE-RANCHER Jerri Taylor aims to lasso in horse and pony enthusiasts living on the island with her news and views on equine matters and encourage others to take up the sport.
GulfWeekly’s new Too Hot To Trot columnist, who owns five horses, believes the animals can play an important role in child development and offer a cure for adult stress.
“Horses are for everyone,” said the American mother-of-three who now lives in Bani Jamra. “They are amazing creatures who love us and want to make us happy. They look forward to all the people who come to visit them at the stables. And, horse riding for hundreds of years has been proven to be wonderful for people. It helps with depression and anxiety.
“It gets children out of the house too and teaches them balance and coordination. And, at the same time they get to bond with a wonderful animal and learn how to respect animals.
“It also teaches them discipline and focus. They will learn how to have responsibilities and they will enjoy those responsibilities. It can also take children and adults with disabilities and give them a goal and a smile.”
Jerri took over the reins of managing The Dilmun Stables in July and says she has loved horses from the day she was born. “I was raised on a large cattle ranch in Oklahoma and got my first pony when I was two.
“I was born with a love for horses – some might say it’s in my genes and was passed down from many generations of horse-lovers – only people with the same mentality will understand.
“My world would be a difficult place without horses in it. They have been a part of my life from the beginning. I was raised quite poor, almost all cattle-ranchers from where I came from struggled. I didn’t have a television or AC. I didn’t even have hot water. Water had to be boiled on the stove for the bath. But I didn’t know I was missing anything.
“I loved my life, it was great! Imagine, thousands of acres to ride on every day and hay meadows to gallop my horses through.
“I went to rodeos throughout my whole teenage years and never even heard of drugs or alcohol. It was such a simple way of life. I can’t even explain the beauty of my dad’s cattle ranch. It truly is heaven on earth and I think of it every day.
“I have so many wonderful memories of horses growing up. I use to barrel race and show cutting horses but, I guess, my most memorable times were practicing team-roping with my dad every Tuesday and Thursday.
“I would be so proud to be on my dad’s team. It was quality time. My dad is a very quiet, humble man – a true, living John Wayne. He still doesn’t have a cell phone.”
Jerri is still stocking up the horsey memories though. Her favourite moment in Bahrain on a horse was winning the Chase Me Charlie on Airforce One.
“I only had Airforce about six months and had only been jumping for that same period of time. I jumped 1.45 that day. My horse was amazing!”
Airforce One is a Westphalian warm-blood gelding, bay in colour. He is 13-years-old and stands 16.3 hands tall.
“I bought him from Raja Kyani,” Jerri explained. “The first time I spotted him, I had to have him. He is just amazing. He has the best personality and loves everyone. He is able to compete in the 1.50 class with an experienced rider.”
Her other equine wards are Cortez, an eight-year-old, 16.3 hands tall, grey Holsteiner Stallion, Arko, a 10-year-old, dark brown Holsteiner Stallion standing 16.2 hands tall, Manny, a stunning 17.2 hands tall, nine-year-old Palomino Hanoverian gelding and, Sky, a nine-year-old 17 hands tall chestnut thoroughbred gelding.
Jerri is also enjoying her new role at the Dilly Stables. “I hope to fill the stables with happy horse-loving people,” she said. “I aim to provide a safe and happy environment where people and children can enjoy a day out with the horses and leave with a smile on their faces.
“My favourite thing is to see children and adults excel – to go from walking and being a bit afraid to having so much confidence that they can canter around with huge grins. There is no better feeling than to see people so proud of themselves for accomplishing their goals. I am so fortunate to be a part of that.”
And, she’s also looking forward to highlighting the local equine scene on this page. “I’m looking forward to covering all the horsey events on the island,” she admitted. “I can’t wait to see all the exciting events and write about all the wonderful prizes won and all the fun to be had!”
* Email your news to jerritaylor72@yahoo.com or dilmunstables@gmail.com and check out her Facebook page, or call 33309972.
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TWIN Palms Riding Centre held a Halloween ‘Spooktacular’ Show Jumping competition on Saturday.
The event was an outstanding success with more than 20 horses and riders taking part. Prizes were awarded for best costume, and competitors made an incredible effort with outfits for both horse and rider.
The competition was aimed at novice junior riders. The first class was a ‘treasure hunt’ where riders choose their own course, and the jumps were allocated with secret points. Class 2 was a clear round jumping and class 3 was one round of show jumping with a jump-off.
After the show jumping many scared themselves silly by walking through a haunted passageway, created by Sharon Henry.
RESULTS
Fancy Dress
1st Pippa Fourie and Soda
2nd Kiana Haseid and Nafa
3rd Immy Rushton and Maisie Brandreth with Murphy (joint)
Class 1 Treasure Hunt:
1st Daisy Denison and Milo with 300 points
2nd Marie and Eid with 285 points
3rd Yasmeen and Ruby with 255 points
4th Klara Maresschova and Ruby with 180 points
5th Kiana Haseid and Nafa with 130 points
6th Imogen Rushton and Murphy Brandreth 115 points
Class 3 One round with Jump Off:
1st Pippa Fourie and Bingo
2nd Luna Dreyer and Calypso
3rd Jameela Haseid and Rio
4th Imogen Nell and Mojito
5th Audrey Maingot and Onyx
6th Pippa Fourie and Soda
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Twin Palms Riding Centre Open Day Extravaganza to be held on Friday starting at 10am, an all-day event which will feature pony rides for children and ‘have-a-go riding’ for adults, an Arabian Nights quadrille display, cowboys, side-saddle demo, plus stalls of all descriptions. For more details, call 39687755
BREEF Show Jumping Championship on Saturday, November 14
