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Friday proved to be the biggest weekend for horse riding events since the season started in October. With two stables hosting different competitions and horse racing in the afternoon, there was something for everyone.
Sahara Riding Centre hosted a show jumping competition that will stay fresh in the memory for some time. It not only had show jumping but also a demonstration of the dancing Andalusion owned by Abul, the stable owner.
Abul is well known for his ability to train horses in the art of dressage to the highest standards. He brought a beautiful grey stallion to the arena and between show jumping classes gave everyone a demonstration of an Andalusion’s grace and beauty.
Also on display were beautiful Arabian horses with both horses and riders adorned in beautiful costumes. The riders guided their horses around the arena in a synchronised pattern to display just how majestic the Arabian horse is. The breed has a long-lasting connection to the kingdom and the horses are admired for their beauty and loyalty.
The show jumping began with Class 1, a clear round class. Everyone had a chance to go around a series of jumps and, if clear, they collected a rosette.
Class 2 was a two-phase one with fences at 80-90cm. Out of 29 riders it was Ali Alyabis on Ajzal who had the fastest time and claimed the title. Close on his heels was Muslim Ali on Mobily and, in third place, was Ahmed Alalawi on Tyson Two.
Class 3 was an accumulator class with heights of 100-120cm and a joker fence of 125cm. Muslim Ali on the famous Pascal bagged his second trophy of the day by taking first place. Sami Ghazwan, on his new horse Miss Aalia, came second and junior rider Ahmed Essa, on his horse Kalalambo, beat 23 adults to take third place.
Class 4 was a one round with jump-off. The fences were raised to an impressive height of 120-130cm.
The riders took to the practice arena to warm-up their horses before Ghazwan, on Miss Adary, claimed victory with a time of 30.2 secs. Basel Al Doseri, on Chika, came second and Muslim Ali took third spot on Pascal.
The last class of the day was the exciting Puissance. It started with a height of 120cm. More than 15 riders tried their luck and spectators watched in anticipation as their favourite riders and horses bravely approached the fence with determination.
After several exciting rounds from the kingdom’s top riders, it was Ghazwan on Queen Fairooz who stole the show and the duo were champions of the day.
Jumping an impressive height of 165cm the horse and rider showed great class and cleared the fence with room to spare. Queen Fairooz has proven once again she is a horse to be reckoned with.
The Sahara Riding Centre showjumping competition, sponsored by Horse Pride, had the most prize money and prizes given so far this year with a pot of BD1,480, plus a new show jumping saddle awarded to the Puissance winner.
Sahara Riding Centre show jumping results:
Class 2
Class 3
Class 4
Class 5 Puissance winner
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Twin Palms Riding Centre hosted international trainer Per Wilen last week. He was able to share his wealth of knowledge and experience with several riders in Bahrain.
On Friday, Twin Palms staged a dressage competition to allow riders and horses to display the improvements made following all the hard work following lessons with the expert.
Twin Palms is continuing its training theme by hosting another international instructor and rider, Mia Palles-Clark.
Mia is a UKCC-accredited Level 3 coach and BHSII Instructor. She is an experienced rider and is actively competing herself at a high level.
She is visiting for a week until January 31. To book a lesson, visit the Twin Palms Riding Centre Facebook page or contact Elaine on 32261337.
Results from the Twin Palms Riding Centre.
Beginners preliminary
Junior Preliminary
Senior Preliminary
Visiting Riders Preliminary
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Upcoming event
*The BREEF will be hosting the Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Show Jumping Championship on Friday from 9am at the BDF Equestrian Centre located in Sakhir.
