42 February 2012 BTM happeningssportsrecreation Alison Coldridge Twin Palms Riding Centre is hosting its first in-house event this month to encourage aspiring riders to get involved and unearth a new hobby. Equestrian is one of the most favoured sports, and pastimes, in Bahrain. People of all ages and social standing can be seen riding horses or watching events as it’s an age-old mode of transport, particularly in this part of the world. There are plenty of places to learn the techniques, the skill and the strength, one of which is the Twin Palms Riding Centre (TPRC), the largest horse riding and training establishment in Bahrain. The centre’s qualified British and European instructors will teach beginners through to competition entrants while providing ponies or horses to suit your needs. Events are regularly held to encourage healthy competition and to provide fun for all the riders, such as the one taking place this month, ‘Twixstead’. TPRC’s first in-house one-day event competition will be a combination show and involve three areas of competition; dressage, cross country and summed up with showjumping. All riders wishing to participate must enter before February 14 into one of two classes, set apart by the height of the showjumping fences. The riders will secondly be judged on the correct turnout of both horse and rider. It’s a great chance for riders of all levels, from beginners upwards, to take part and earn points in the TPRC’s 2011/12 league as there are two categories to enter into — one for newcomers and a second for experienced riders. “This is the first time the centre has held an in-house event and we have great hopes for it going really well. Lots of riders have voiced their interest in the day and in return TPRC will ensure that all participants have a fun day,” says Anki Holmstrom, the centre’s owner and an experienced instructor. The undisputed benefits “Horse riding is a highly recommended hobby for both children and adults to take part. It will keep your fitness levels up and teach you to work as one with your horse. Children particularly learn the discipline and skill in caring for an animal,” Anki outlines. As well as the expected horse and pony riding lessons, TPRC offers lots of other services. One of the favourites is the pony parties that can be booked. “If you child wants a birthday party with a difference, this is the perfect solution. We provide two ponies and two grooms to assist the children for a total of one and a half hours. We can even arrange catering if needed,” Anki explains. E Call 39 566-809 or visit www.twinpalmsridingcentre.com. A Sport Bolting Ahead When? February 17 | Event? Horse riding show | Venue? Twin Palms Riding Centre When? February 4 Event? Horse riding race Venue? Bahrain Int’l Endurance Village His Majesty the King’s Cup ride is the main event. E Call 17 836-569. When? February 5 Event? Ladies’ golf competition Venue? Awali Golf Club The ladies take to the course for an ‘excuse me’ team competition. E Call 17 756-770. When? February 7 Event? Tennis championship Venue? Bahrain Tennis Club 150 local and GCC players are expected to take part. E Call 17 729-561. When? February 10 Event? Golf competition Venue? Awali Golf Club Avid golfers can take part in medal competition. E Call 17 756-770. When? February 16 Event? Running competition Venue? Riffa Views International School The very first Terry Fox run is set to take place on the school grounds. E Email [email protected]. When? February 17 Event? Dressage competition Venue? Twin Palms Riding Centre Show will include dressage, show jumping and cross country. E Call 39 566-809. When? February 18 Event? Horse riding race Venue? Bahrain Int’l Endurance Village Jockeys take to the tracks for the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa ride. E Call 17 836-569. When? February 18 Event? Seniors’ golf competition Venue? Awali Golf Club Senior players can try their hand at a strokeplay competition. E Call 17 756-770. When? February 20-25 Event? Tennis competition Venue? Bahrain Tennis Federation The GCC championships will take place for under 14s and under 18s. E Email [email protected]. When? February 24 Event? Marathon Venue? Al Areen The Bahrain Road Runners take to the tarmac around Al Areen. E Visit www.bahrainroadrunners.com. When? February 24 Event? Golf competition Venue? Awali Golf Club Annual Nass medal competition is a major strokeplay event. E Call 17 756-770.
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