Too Hot To Trot

The Bahrain National Day showjumping competition was held at the beautiful BDF Equestrian Centre located in Sakhir.

It started with two junior classes as everyone took to the arena by foot to walk the skillfully-designed course by master designer Mohammad Dadulla.

The first class was a one round with jump-off with heights of 80-90cm. Of the 15 competitors, only seven made it to the jump-off. Ahmed Essa on Kalalambo came out victorious by capturing first place with a lightning fast round in a time of 32.51secs. Close on his heels was Pippa Fourie on the beautiful chesnut gelding, Guardian, and in third place was Mayoof Al Romaihi on his seasoned horse Granus.

Next was the junior class 2, a two-phase competition with heights of 95-105cm and consisted of 13 fences. All competitors who cleared the first eight fences went on to the remaining five fences which were timed.

First place was captured by Ali Hani Al Yabis on his horse Ajzal with a time of 36.28. For the second time on the day, Mayoof clinched a podium spot for second place with Granus. In third place was the beautiful Aimee Keen on her stunning new horse DJ Fleur Al Fateh.

The first adult class was a two-phase class with heights of 90-100cm. With more than 35 entries, the class proved to be fiercely competitive.

Mohammad Al Jahromi on the lovely Evelyn AKJC came out on top with a time of 34.39. In second place was Basim Mahdi on the beautiful Estrella Al Wardi in a time of 35.80, while BDF rider Yousif Mousa took third place on BDF Skippy.

The adult class 2 was an Accumulator class in which the BREEF team took to the arena to raise the fences to 105-115cm. In an Accumulator there are eight fences and the excitement lies at the last fence. Riders get points for each fence. At the last fence a rider can play it safe and jump the 115cm obstacle or take a chance and go with the joker which is 125cm!

With more than 35 competitors in the fray this proved to be the most popular class. Ahmed Essa on Elcaro Van Papinglo Horse Pride claimed first place with 44 points in a time of 38.86. Saber Salman Faraj, on BDF Noor, quickly secured second place with a time of 41.60 and 44 points also, while the podium was completed by seasoned rider Abbas Al Ghuraifi on his new horse Cash Flow with a time of 41.86.

The last class of the day was the most exciting. All the competitors took to the arena to walk the technical course as the fences were raised to an impressive height of 120-130cm. This class was a one round with jump-off.

As the spectators took to their seats, the contestants began to practice in the collecting ring. With 20 entries, only one rider had a clear round, proving just how difficult show jumping can be.

With skill and determination, veteran rider Basel Al Dosari on Cantacino Al Fatah claimed first place by having the only clear round and a time of 36.99. Sami Ghazwan, on the talented mare Fairooz, had the fastest time of 35.23 but, unfortunately, four faults put him in second place. Following a beautiful round, Fahad Taqi, on his new horse Fear Tru Bandit Al Fatah, took home third place proving he and his mount will be a team to watch this season.

A big ‘thank you’ to the Al Rashid Group for sponsoring this event.

Upcoming events

The Dilmun Stables will be hosting a show jumping competition this Friday starting at 9am. There will be two classes, the first a 70-80cm speed class and the second is an Eliminator. This winner takes all event has a cash prize of BD250 and a trophy. Riders cannot compete in both classes. Entries must be submitted by 6pm tomorrow.

The Dilmun Stables also has a pony camp starting today and will run until December 31. It is BD10 for non-members and BD8 for members from 10am to noon Sunday to Thursday. The camp includes all facets of stable management, hacks and all things involving ponies. Lunch will be provided at the Dilly.

Al Waseem Stable will host their first show jumping competition on January 2 starting at 9am. There will be three classes - clear round 70-80cm, speed class 85-95cm and the Accumulator 105-110cm. Entries should be submitted by 9pm on December 31.

Twin Palms is holding a pony camp on Monday from 9am-noon. Entry is BD20 per child and places can be booked by calling 32261337.