A show of skilful jumping!

The show jumping scene in the kingdom is riding high and the skills of local riders continue to excite and excel on a global stage.

A prime example of this exporting of talent is exemplified in one show jumper who is currently flying the Bahraini flag in the United Arab Emirates.

Hamad Fakhrawi and his special mare, Saba, have been jumping to new heights and they continue to deliver on his promise that he ‘will win more podiums for Bahrain’.

He recently brought home silverware following the Longines Emirates Season Show. Hamad and Saba jumped the small tour to 5th and 9th place in Al Ain and took third place in Abu Dhabi during another recent challenge.

Hamad juggles two careers, one as an aircraft engineer with national carrier Gulf Air and, the other, as an international show jumper.

His horse-riding prowess took off thanks to his sister Manal, herself an acclaimed endurance advocate who was placed first in the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies Championship.

“She drove me to my first lesson when I was only 10,” revealed Fakhrawi. “Just being in the presence of horses mesmerised me and I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life; it made sense to me even at such a young age. I don’t remember being out of the saddle since!

“There is an old saying; you don’t remember days, you only remember moments. I clearly remember the first time I won my first 1st place aged 11 on Justin, a horse that was owned by the Al Salam Stables.

“I think I have been working hard to replicate that moment of success, with the help of all those who have supported me since my very first trot.

“It is necessary to highlight that ‘support’ is key for any athlete on a roadmap to higher places. Although I work full-time in order to cover costs, my family and sports manager are currently working on securing corporate sponsorship to help me focus and improve my game, my mare and my riding.”

He says his greatest accomplishment to date was having the opportunity to jump in the presence of His Majesty King Hamad and Queen Elizabeth at the esteemed British racing home of Windsor where he was placed second.

“It gave me and my family great pride to represent our kingdom in Windsor and to take home a trophy for my country,” he said. “I believe that whatever we do, we should do it with a collective spirit as that is what makes Bahrain and Bahrainis special.”

He looks at the sport’s leading international competitors for inspiration and says he is drawn by the technique of Germany’s Marcus Ehning. The sportsman is known for his incredibly ‘quiet’ riding style, said Fakhrawi, which is something he can relate to.

“When he is riding, it looks like he is doing absolutely nothing while remaining in utter harmony with his horse. The beauty of this sport is that anyone can learn the skill but that feeling is not something you acquire, you either have it, or you don’t. Marcus definitely has it!” Fakhrawi said.

“He also has the heart of a winner. He rides a jump-off with sheer determination that is hard to beat. Quiet and determined – those are two extremely inspiring traits, in my opinion.”

Fakhrawi’s short-term goal is to continue competing with Saba in regional competitions. “We have been consistent in the past few weeks, placing every weekend in the local UAE season and I intend to continue this positive streak onto international shows in the coming months,” he said.

“In the long term, I plan to train and work toward qualifying for the next Asian Games. I’m determined to keep working hard and smart to improve and learn, as one never seizes to learn in this sport. There are always new techniques to adopt for bettering one’s skill-set and horsemanship.”

Fakhrawi has strong hopes for Bahrain’s equestrian scene to continue its development and for its competitors to challenge for further honours.

“It makes me proud to see equestrian ambassadors of Bahrain, riders and horses, all around the world representing our kingdom,” he said. “The private sector is also playing a crucial role in support of our sport. However, this support, if applied with a longer-term vision, will have even greater return for the next generation of riders.

“Bahrain is rich with talent and with adequate support our talented riders will be able to convert their dreams into reality. It’s a dream we all have … and that is to carry our Bahrain flag in glory on the podium.”

* If you would like to sponsor Fakhrawi or would like more information on how to support the nation’s leading riders, please drop me an email and I will forward on your contact details.