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Despite the rain clouds threatening to open up the skies, riders poured into the Al Maha Equestrian Centre ready to battle it out for victory in the four classes the stables had laid out.
The show was sponsored by equestrian store HorsePride, Yousif Ali and Jumping Clay. All three sponsors together provided prizes and cash totalling BD1,250 including a brand new saddle from HorsePride.
Class one was for the juniors with a height of 70-80cm and a one-round speed class. The spectators watched as more than 20 juniors took to the arena with their trusted horse to compete. It was Nidhal Abdul Nabi on Wabiti on his home turf, who took first place with a time of 34.94 seconds. Close behind him in second place was Qassim Abbas on his famous horse Sadona with a time of 37.69. But the fastest time was Mustafa Dadulla with a time of 32.00 but four faults landed him in third place.
Class two was a two-phase one with adults and juniors competing together. The fences were raised to a height of 85-95cm and scary fillers were introduced to the arena as more than 35 riders were ready to battle it out.
Seasoned rider Sami Ghazwan with his new mare Aalia proved the scary jumps were not a problem for them as they had a super fast round of 28.41 to take home the trophy.
Ali Al Yabis on Azjel, who travelled all the way from Hawar Stables, claimed second place with a time of 29.25. In third place was experienced rider Abbas Al Ghuraifi on the talented gelding, Champagne with a time of 29.93
Class 3 began after a short prayer break. The fences were raised to heights of 105-110cm. It was Ghazwan on Aalia who again claimed victory with a time of 35.00. Al Yabis, with his horse Ajzel, also proved his talent by taking home second place for the second time with a time of 36.60. Mohammad Al Jahromi on the beautiful Evelyn AKJC had an amazing round and took home third place with a time of 37.13.
The last class of the day was the much-anticipated Puissance, which is a test of the horse and rider to see how high they can jump as a team. A beautiful wall was put up and several riders were ready to get started and test their ability.
All the riders made it over the wall in the first round and in the second the spectators watched as a couple of riders were eliminated by knocking the top of the wall down.
In the next couple of rounds all watched in amazement as riders and their trusted partners battled it out and cleared the wall over and over again. Eventually only a few riders were left and the wall went up to a daunting height of 160cm.
Ahmed Al Alawi, on his beautiful grey gelding, put in an amazing effort but unfortunately the top rail fell down. Ali Essa on Airforce One and Basel Al Dosari were up next and both riders and their horses cleared the fence. The crowd clapped with excitement as both riders demonstrated how brave their horses were.
Master course designer Mohammad Dadulla then raised the fence yet again to a staggering height of 165cm. The spectators and other riders watched in amazement as both riders prepared to attempt the wall. Ali Essa was up first with the stunning bay gelding Airforce One. Airforce sailed through the air and on the way down clipped the top pole with his back hoof. It was so exciting to watch.
Up next was Basel Al Dosari on Cantaccino. If he cleared then he would be the winner but if he knocks the rail then both riders would go again. Al Dosari approached the wall with Cantaccino determined to get to the other side. Cantaccino was up in the air like a bird and cleared the fence with power and grace. The crowd erupted in cheer. What an amazing ride by all the riders! It was the most exciting show of the season so far.
Spectators were definitely entertained and riders left with a feeling of satisfaction that they did an amazing job. I’m sure that it will be a show that everyone will talk about for months to come.
Upcoming events
l The BREEF will be hosting the Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Show Jumping Championship on Friday at the BDF Equestrian Centre in Sakhir. The event will start at 9am.
l Twin Palms will be sponsoring two professional instructors for everyone to take lessons from.
Professional instructor Per Wllen of Switzerland will be on the island from January 13-23. He specialises in Dressage but has great experience in training horses and riders in all disciplines.
From January 25-31 professional showjumper and instructor Mia Palles-Clark, from the UK, will be available for anyone who wants to take their showjumping to the next level. She is a UKCC-accredited level 3 coach and BHS11 instructor. She teaches a range of students from novice through experienced riders and also actively competes at a high level of showjumping.
For more information, call 32261337 or you can visit Twin Palms Riding Centre on Facebook.
l Dilmun Stables has started its pony club again. To sign your child up for weekly lessons, please call 33309972 or stop by the stables
