Shakhoora Riding Centre has established its own In-House Show Jumping and Dressage League and plans to stage two shows each month.
Following on from a successful opening dressage spectacular seven days earlier, show jumping took centre stage on Friday.
The event was sponsored by Gulf British Drilling and allowed both juniors and adults to compete together.
The morning’s event started with a class specifically for newcomers to jumping – a Clear Round Class. Riders and horses that went clear won a rosette.
Class 2 was a Clear Round with Jump-off with fences at 80cms which inspired Ashraf Atabani to set off on a winning streak on the day. He took Udrigus into a very respectable fourth position in an event which witnessed Jerri Taylor, on the fabulous Airforce One, clinch third spot.
In the junior’s section, young Ellen Goode skilfully guided Mystery into second place. Sara Al Mutawa riding the gorgeous Bart claimed the top podium position.
Class 3 was another Clear Round with Jump Off Class this time the fences were raised to 100cms. The format remained the same, those clear in the initial round went on to ride a shortened version, against the clock, meaning the fastest with the least faults would win.
Ashraf, pulled out all the stops as he piloted Udrigus to victory. Impressively. he even managed to beat himself in this class as he had also entered Uno Van De Zannehoeve, the pair secured second position.
Valerie Puls with her lovely horse Pippa, had a superb round, the pair starting their consistent performances of the day with third place in this second class. Again, it was back to the winners’ enclosure for Jerri and Airforce One as they added a fourth to their row of rosettes.
The final class of the day was an Accumulator – a class where each fence has a set amount of points and each fence cleared has that set amount of points added together.
However, if the fence is knocked down, it is that amount of points that are deducted from the overall score, the final fence in this class is what’s known as a joker – though invariably, it’s not funny!
Usually higher and more technically difficult than any of the other fences in the class there is an option to jump the joker, or another final fence although the joker boasts a minimum of double the amount of points than the ‘normal’ final fence.
The whole class is timed and the winner is the pair that completes the course in the fastest time with the most points.
In so many cases it’s this final joker that makes or breaks the competitors. This is a really exciting class to take part in but also a great one to watch, it’s a total spectator special!
Jerri Taylor took Airforce One to his third class placing of the day, beautifully taking their second fourth position of the morning.
Valerie Puls, with the beautiful Pippa also executed a fabulous round, though it was Sarah Al Mutawa and Bart who pipped the pair.
However, with superb technique and finess, it was Ashraf astride the magnificent Uno Van De Zannehoeve who took home the trophy.
Ashraf with his tremendous success, four placings on the day, also took home the best overall adult-of-the-day -award.
Young Ellen Goode, proudly took home the award for best overall junior of the day.
Everyone, horses, riders and spectators alike, all had a truly excellent day. It was a great start to Shakhoora’s show jumping season.
There are now three local stables all hosting In-House Show Jumping/Dressage Leagues, namely The Dilmun Stables, Twin Palms Riding Centre and Shakhoora Riding Centre.
Whilst competitions are not allowed outside their dedicated areas, it just goes to prove that the competitive spirit of the equine community in the kingdom is still just as fierce as ever.
The Dilmun Stables will be hosting the third of its In House Show Jumping League events on Friday. Twin Palms Riding Centre will stage its second on December 9.
Results
Class 1 Clear Round with Jump Off 80cm:
1 Sara Al Mutawa / Bart,
2 Ellen Goode / Mystery,
3rd Jerri Taylor / Airforce One, 4th Ashraf Atabani / Udrigus
Class 2 Clear Round with Jump Off 100cm:
1st - Ashraf Atabani /Udrigus
2 Ashraf Atabani / Uno Van De Zannehoeve, 3rd Valerie Puls / Pippa,
4 Jerri Taylor / Airforce One
Class 3 Accumulator:
1 Ashraf Atabani / Uno Van De Zannehoeve, 2nd Sara Al Mutawa / Bart
3 Valerie Puls / Pippa
4 Jerri Taylor / Airforce One
The best overall Junior was Ellen Goode
The best overall adult was Ashraf Atabani
