Too Hot To Trot

The Bahrain Horse Society (BHS) needs you! Last week I mentioned the organisation’s revitalised efforts to attract the support of new members.

The question is: Do the people of Bahrain want to lose one of the most important cultural roots which make the country unique in the Gulf… the horse community?

The horse community is under serious threat of being pushed away from the mainstream of society, according to many involved in equine sport, and the fear is that future generations will no longer see or easily be in contact with these beautiful animals.

We believe horses are an integral part of the heritage of Bahrain.
 
On June 4 a meeting was held at vice president Ali Al Aali’s stable for stable owners to familiarise themselves with the aims of the society and what the committee has tried to achieve since it was formed in 2009.

At an earlier independent meeting in January 2011, a 29-point document was compiled of issues which all felt should be given support and consideration by the ministries. 

Following this a meeting was set up with senior figures and the Ministry of Agriculture. However, at this time, the principal topic was the Glanders epidemic and the need for measures to stop the spread of the disease and its prevention, as well as a strong emphasis being placed on the issue of the appalling quarantine facilities.
 
This was all reported at the time and the authorities promised to address the main issues, particularly with regard to allocating land to stables which were under threat of eviction.

Currently, some of these issues remain and are becoming more serious as time passes. 

The BHS is trying to obtain recognition of the riding community as an industry since it is not under the umbrella of any ministry, though it is becoming extremely difficult to achieve this.

It is believed that such a measure would open doors for assistance from sources such as Tamkeen for young people training as farriers, saddlers etc, since there appears to be a lack of formal education in these fields. It would also hopefully encourage investment in the industry.

At present the society is trying to convince the most influential people in the riding community to support it and will hold a members’ meeting when the current membership drive is well under way.

The current executive committee consists of president Fawzi Abdulla Nass; vice president Ali Al Aali; general secretary June Al-Saffar; public relations Hisham Al Haddad; financial controller Yousuf Al-Issa and members Huda Janahi, Khaled Mubarak and Esmat Fakhro.

Current membership stands at 50 members.

In January 2015 there will be an AGM when a new board can be voted in.

* Membership forms are available from Things To Do on the Budaiya Highway, in both Arabic and English. There will also be a stand/booth at the Arabain Show at Sahara Stables on Friday and further information can be obtained from there.

Recently, top teenage owner/rider Aimee Keen found herself in another plaster cast! To her rescue came veteran rider Pam Kamal, who owns First Aid Box, and supplied her with a DRYPRO Waterproof Protector.

It’s an amazing way to protect casts and bandages and enable horsemen and women to continue with their horsey tasks as well as shower, bath and whatever you want to do (well, all the things that you can do with an injured limb!)
Made of durable high quality latex, it can be used daily for a long time and comes with a special non-skid grip that protects the sole and prevents slipping, and is simple to use. Sheer brilliance!

If you’ve suffered a break or strain contact First Aid Box, located in Seef Mall, on 39363622 or email firstaidbox.bahrain@gmail.com or check out www.first-aidbox.com