Under the patronage of SME Development Society of Bahrain, Alwane Bahrain (Committee for Economically Independent Women) in co-ordination with Al-Ammer Stable organised a ladies-only Cross-Country Event last Friday.
The event was hosted behind Abbas AlGhuraifi Stable in Saar.
There were two courses available – the original longer course and a new shorter course for younger and less-experienced riders taking part in their first cross country.
The afternoon was a huge amount of fun for everyone concerned; the horses love the cross-country courses, the riders have a blast and the spectators witness serious thrills and, of course, some spills. Two horses managed to unseat their riders and head for home. Thankfully they both arrived back safely, the riders certainly more perturbed than their equines.
Both cross-country courses sported the formidable water jump, which made spectacular viewing for spectators. It was a magnificent double-whammy for Imogen Nell astride Eid, as the pair clinched the trophy for the shorter course. Imogen also took home third place in this class on her second mount of the day, Mohito.
Prior to Imogen’s round, Eid had already been out on the course to find the best route with Kia Jarnfelt. Though it was the first cross-country for Kia, the pair did an outstanding round putting them into runner-up position.
There was tough competition out on the longer course, with everyone giving it their all. The organisers had not made things easy as the first fence consisted of a brightly coloured set of barrels that had a fair few faltering before even starting. Everyone eventually managed the obstacle, but it did add to their time!
This event was one of the last in the kingdom for Mariella Forward, as this summer she is off the UK to school and also to have major surgery that will see her out of equestrian action for about two years. Mariella, riding her beloved No Trix, took the cross-country by storm as the pair literally flew while registering the fastest time and no penalty points. They were not only the first but also one of the few that managed to clear the water jump with absolutely no hesitation to wrap up a brilliant win.
Gina Fourie rode her two mounts of the day both to podium positions, claiming runner-up position on Mohito.
Another double went to Aimee Keen who took home third position with Rio and fifth place with DJ Fleur.
A well-organised and thoroughly enjoyable cross-country event to round off the season, it has certainly left everyone eager for the next.
Results Al Alwane Bahrain & Al Ammer Stables Junior & Adult Ladies Only Cross Country results: Short Course 1st Imogen Nell/ Eid 2nd Kia Jarnfelt/ Eid 3rd Imogen Nell/ Mohito 4th Adrian Morrison/ Onyx 5th Bella Rushton/ Milo
Long Course 1st Mariella Forward/ No Trix 2nd Gina Fourie/ Mohito 3rd Aimee Keen/ Rio 4th Gina Fourier/ Darius 5th Aimee Keen/ DJ Fleur 6th Rania Hanbali/ Bingo
BREEF Summer Training Show Jumping Class 1 85-120cm Special Two-Phase 1st Yahya Ahmed/ Horse Pride I Trust You 2nd Sami Ghazwan/ Raheeb 3rd Hussain Dadalla/ Dilmun Arko 4th Basel Al Dossari/ Laretto 5th Ali Essa/ Onirik 6th Ali Hani Al Yabis/ Ajzal
Class 2 105-120cm Special Two-Phase 1st Ali Essa/ UFO 2nd Sami Ghazwan/ Fayrooz 3rd Ahmed Akbar/ F16 4th Eyad Ahmed/ Barelo 5th Basel Al Dossari/ Dilmun Airforce One 6th Jalal Jaffari/ Lavino
FORTHCOMING EVENT
Dilmun Stables Open Show Jumping on Friday starting at 4pm Class 1 60cm Poles and Uprights Class 2 80/90cm Accumulator Class 3 100/110cm Accumulator Contact Dilmun Stables on 17693766 or email dilmunstables@gmail.com