Bahrain: Junior riders set to match skills

Gulf-daily-news.com

12 January 2011

E Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) is organising a 120-km Junior Endurance Horse Ride Championship on Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The third event of the season targets junior riders as the organisers are looking to expand this discipline while searching for young talents to include them in the national team.

Breef's president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the federation is keen to boost the development of riders and endurance horse ride in the kingdom.

He admired the level of competition during the season's early rides, adding that more excitement is in store in future events with top stables from across Bahrain in the fray.

The 120km ride comprises five stages, including 30km each for the first and second stages.

The third stage will be over 25km, the fourth will be 20km and the fifth and final stage 15km.

An additional qualifying ride will also take place on the occasion. The ride, which is open for young riders seeking experience, will cover a total distance of 85km.

It will be divided into three stages with the first being over 30km. The second is also set at 30km while the third will be over 25km.

Meanwhile, it was announced that the veterinary examination would be held on Friday from 4am to 5.30am at the veterinary area in Sakhir.

The organising committee also announced that the maximum weight of the rider should not exceed 70kg, including the saddle.

Shaikh Khalid earlier approved members of the working committees ahead of Friday's event.

Mohammed Abdullwa was named international referee with Abdulsamad Al Busta, Mahdi Al Kelaiti, Fahad Al Rumaihi and Haider Al Zu'bi being the other referees.

Mahmood Abdulsaheb is the international steward, Ghaleb Al Alawi is the technical representative while the veterinary committee is headed by Dr Ebrahim Yousef.

Other committee members are Dr Mohammed Al Hammad, Oman's Dr Thani Al Shakili, Dr Mohammed Al Dhaen of Saudi Arabia besides Dr Khalid Ahmed, Dr Abbas Al Haiki, Dr Ebrahim Yousef, Dr Sabah Al Kaabi and Dr Abdulrahman Abulshouk, all of Bahrain.

The media committee is headed by Tawfeeq Salhi and comprises photographers Mahmood Abdulla, Qamber Mohammed and Hussain Abdulmajeed.

Bahrain TV crew are Sami Yaqoub, Mohammed Jameel, Mohammed Al Shoumeli, Alli Al Shoumeli, Hussain Al Aradi, Saddam Nasser, Fawaz Al Abdulla.