Top performance

The Dilmun Stables started its Easter fun with a Show Jumping event. With so many riders focusing on the in-house league in recent weeks, it seemed like a good idea to shake it up a bit, and put on a show with a difference last Friday.

There was bareback jumping for example, which proved tricky for some, especially those that had got their horses silky smooth earlier, so staying on was definitely a challenge!

Sharon Nicklin managed to stay astride Mia Vita to win, sticking close on Tutu was Ahmed Abdul Nabi who clinched second place, and hot on his hooves was Hamed Almalki on Leon.

After this class the competitors were allowed to don saddles and prepare themselves for the Relay Race. In teams of three they took to the arena and it was a close call with riders and horses trying flat out, determined to succeed.

With her second win of the day Sharon took pole position in the top team, this time with the lovely Tess, her teammates Hamad Fakhrawi with the talented Tashan and Basel Aldosseri aboard Tayar.

Though this was no easy battle. Hamad Almalki and Leon took second prize of the day home as part of the runners-up team alongside team mates Aimee Keen on Sedona and Amelia Boyd on Rangerino.

The older, more experienced riders now had time for a little reprieve. The Novice Barrel Race was next and offered a fabulous chance for some of the younger members to make their show debuts.

Taking away first place in this class was Ali Almaqabi in his first-ever show. A brilliant performance with Leon, I predict a successful career awaits this young man.

This event was a real family affair, mother and daughter Marie and Charlotte Pilgrim both taking away prizes in the class. It was particularly fantastic for Marie who has only been riding a very short time.

Keen to keep it in the family was Fran Downes with Charlie and Lola both competing. Lola was on track to follow in her mum's very nicely placed footsteps. The Nicklin family was also on a winning streak on Friday as Sharon's daughter Ella added to the booty pile.

Next up, the experienced barrel racers took their starting posts. Off they went, it was nothing short of hair-raising as they practically flew down the course.

Competitors had to be nifty on their hooves, taking calculated twists and fast turns to win in this class. Doing it in style was Amelia Boyd with Rangerino and Fran Downes, under pressure to keep up with her daughter's win, steered Fallah into the placings. Aurora Ihalainen came into the fray to be placed, getting her warmed up and ready for the final class.

Puissance is always a hugely popular class but can prove to be a nail-biting experience for spectators perched on the edge of their seats. When the riders approach the fence not a whisper can be heard until the shrieks and cheers abound when a fence is cleared.

Friday was no exception. Entrants in this class were all Dilmun liveries, apart from just one ... Aurora Ihalainen who that took the wonderful Nelson to amazing heights winning the class to the absolute delight of everyone - competitors, audience and judges. They all took to their feet, overjoyed at a fantastic end to what had been an amazing, and above all, fun day.

The Dilmun is going to continue its fun activities tomorrow with a Master Class for livery horses only. A course will be set up, all entrants names will be put in a hat and drawn out randomly to make it fair.

The first rider entering the arena, has to choose a fence, any fence, which is then raised by one hole (approx 10cms). The rider must then clear the whole course to stay in the competition. The second rider then enters the arena and they have to choose a fence, again any fence, BUT, if they want to, they can choose to raise the same fence as the first rider and the pair have to clear the course to remain.

The last rider to enter may find the whole course has been raised if each previous rider has chosen a separate jump to raise, or they may find there is one enormous fence in the course to jump!

This event is similar to the puissance with riders staying in the competition as long as they clear the course. Last rider clear WINS.

It sounds like an event not to be missed - spectators are welcome.

* Twin Palms Riding Centre has postponed its Evening Dressage Show, until Thursday, May 5, giving entrants an extra week to practice. The show will run from 4pm. For more information contact 39566809 or email Twin.Palms.Riding.Centre@hotmail.com and all information regarding the show and all tests can be found on the website www.twinpalmsridingcentre.com

The show will encompass Working Equitation A & B, Preliminary A & B, a Novice A and Elementary A Tests.