Equestrian centre opens doors

The kingdom’s latest equestrian centre was unveiled over the weekend. Sami Ghazwan, owner and manager of the new facility, opened the doors to everyone on Friday evening and allowed equine enthusiasts the chance to take a leisurely walk through the beautiful and very modern set-up.

He also laid out a wonderful buffet and provided entertainment as visitors of all nationalities strolled through the facility.

Sami, one of the most respected horse enthusiasts on the island, has been involved in the equestrian scene his whole life.

His well-respected father, Mohamed, who opened his own stable in 1969 and remains a well-loved personality amid the horse and pony-loving community having made an impact on the scene since the 1950s, has guided him.

Ghazwan Sr was the first Bahraini rider to travel to the UK in 1975 for training and to enter show jumping competitions. Three years later he travelled once again to Great Britain to train for horse racing and in 1979 returned again to learn more about the sport of polo.

In 1980, he received special recognition from the British Jockey Club and became the first starting gate judge for horse racing in Bahrain.

But my favourite tale about this sporting hero was to find out about his adventure to Scotland on a Arabian horse in 1990 accompanied by his friend Abbas Alghraifi. The journey took them seven months.

Their aim was to prove that the Arabian horse was capable of such a journey as well as a charitable endeavour to raise funds for the handicapped. What a remarkable feat and what a way to make your mark in Bahrain equestrian folklore!

Not surprisingly, Sami has been following in his father’s footsteps. At the tender age of five he started learning the art of a horse racing jockey. At the age of 12 he found his real passion was show jumping and he has been competing ever since, not only nationally but internationally, too.

One of his greatest achievements took place at the Dubai International Show in 2003 where he beat competitors ranked in the top 15 in the world to place second in the 1.40 class.

Only the world number one rider at that time, Rene Taple, managed to edge in front of him. His main goal now is to qualify for the World Cup Finals.

Sami thanked his father for the support shown and described him as his ‘mentor and hero’ and he also acknowledged the help he has received from friends, colleagues and supporters.

The new Ghazwan Equestrian Centre is now open to customers for lessons and for livery services. It provides several packages for the horse-owner looking for a ‘total package in a great riding facility’.

For example, a platinum package includes everything you will need for your horse to a bronze package for the person who prefers to carry out tasks themselves. It’s well worth a visit.

* For further details and prices call 17690448 or visit the stables on Road 4441, Block 444 in the Bahrain Fort area.

Upcoming events

• The Sahara Riding Centre is hosting its first show jumping competition, sponsored by Horse Pride, this Friday at 9am. Class 1 is a clear round contest with heights of 70-80cm. Class 2 is a two-phase event with heights of 80-90cm. Class 3 is an accumulator with heights of 100-115cm and a joker at 120cm. Class 4 is a one round with jump-off and the heights are 115-125cm with jump-off 130cm. Class 5 is a Puissance starting at 120cm. Total prize money of BD1,480 and a brand new saddle will also be awarded to the winner of the Puissance.
• Twin Palms Riding Centre has international dressage rider and instructor Per Wilen visiting until Saturday. There are a few slots still available for lessons. Call 32261337 for appointment.
• Twin Palms Riding Centre will be hosting international rider and show jumping instructor Mia Palles-Clark from next Monday until January 31. Mia is a level 3 coach and BHSII-registered instructor. If you want to ‘up your game’ and learn valuable techniques and skills, call 32261337 to book an appointment.
• Dilmun Stables has resumed its pony club. Call 33309972 to book an appointment.