Trotting in heaven

This week I would like to dedicate my article to some simply wonderful ponies that have sadly lost their lives due to no fault of their own but because of this horrible disease that is currently prevalent in Bahrain - glanders.

It is a contagious zoonotic disease, that there is no known cure or vaccination for, that affects specifically equines.

Infected horses can quickly die or they become carriers, and it sadly seems that infected animals somehow came into Bahrain and have spread this disease. The only way of ascertaining if the disease is present in horses if they are not sick or showing symptoms, which many are not, is by a blood test. The authorities are currently blood testing every horse in Bahrain.

Twin Palms Riding Centre's beloved Rocky, Pepper, Rambo, Geni and Dakota all had to be put to sleep, because they came into contact with a glanders carrier and despite not being sick or showing symptoms they tested positive twice as carriers, and as per the current government guidelines had to be euthanised.

It was simply one of the saddest days ever.

These wonderful ponies had been at Twin Palms in some cases forever. Geni was born at Twin Palms, quite a surprise for all at the time, as no one knew his mum Flicka was even pregnant. Not showing any signs she went from being ridden out on a hack one afternoon to producing baby Geni that night!

Simply magical, hence his name. Born and bred at Twin Palms, Geni was one of the most versatile and reliable of horses; he must have taught hundreds of riders to jump. He loved to jump, and was one of the quickest in 'jump off' ever - and I can personally vouch for that. He, for me, as I am sure with many others, was the first horse I managed to win a show jumping class on, beating stiff competition.

He was also amazing on lunge and was completely awesome for perfecting riding positions. Geni would be used for everything - being a larger pony he was used for very small to adult beginners, and experienced riders, a fought-over favourite for bareback riding being so comfortable. Being apt at lessons, hacking, jumping, dressage, endurance and polo crosse, there probably was nothing this horse could not turn his hoof to.

Pepper, another old-timer, spent some 20 of his 25 years at Twin Palms and was probably the most popular pony ever. He was used by everyone for everything, and had taught thousands of children to ride over his time at TPRC, taking children, including my own, into their first competitions, as he did for numerous other young riders across Bahrain and probably the world as these children left and carried on their riding careers in other far flung countries.

So reliable, he, like Rambo and Rocky, would know who was riding - if they were a scared first timer or a confident competitive rider - and would behave accordingly.

Rocky, Rambo and Pepper would also do exactly as they were told by their beloved owner Anki. They were the most perfect of school ponies and had massive personalities too, being cheeky, but in such a fabulous way.

Rambo, a real showman, would escape in order to be chased, and would indignantly return if nobody bothered to come for him. He had been known to escape from his stable and join in other lessons; he would tag along and do what all the rest were doing, thoroughly enjoying himself.

Rocky was totally bomb proof, in all his school years he had never spooked at anything, inside or out ... but if, by default, he ended up in the lead of the group, would promptly trot to the back of the group, rider not given the option, he liked being at the back ... simple. He was once again happy. Rocky also had the funniest of habits of standing over the top of the water barrel making everyone think he was stuck, but he wasn't, he was again, just happy.

Dakota, another firm favourite, arrived at Twin Palms all the way from Australia when she was just two years old. She was a feisty little thing who went on to prove herself as an amazing all-rounder. Dakota loved, like Geni, to jump and was the most comfortable and reliable horse to jump, (although I did manage to fall off her the first jumping lesson I ever had!).

Dakota, the Barbara Streisand of the stable, was totally amazing at endurance. Once she set off she just kept going. She also loved to swim. On a beach hack one day, the first time she had ever seen the sea, she just had to get in and roll. Her rider at the time was not impressed at what proved to be a very unceremonious dismounting! Dakota was another totally versatile and amazing horse; she even turned to jousting when called upon.

I could talk all day about these ponies and horses, there are so many wonderful, funny, even naughty stories to tell, all individuals that had instructors and children clamouring for them.

They loved to work and they worked hard, but they did it because they enjoyed it, willing, reliable, and always fun, they are completely irreplaceable and are so very sorely missed by everyone, the pony stable is so very quiet.

All of us at Twin Palms wish that these truly amazing ponies and horses are now happy in the fields in heaven where each and every one of them belong.

Rest or Play in Peace and Happiness, you will NEVER be forgotten by us all. We will always love you. God Bless.