Al Habsi proves her mettle in tough conditions

Abu Dhabi rider Hafsa Al Habsi, astride Sylvio, made off with the honours in an exciting finish in the main event of the show jumping competition, hosted by Emirates Riding Centre over the weekend.

Hafsa was one of the 13 top junior riders from the UAE, who were testing their mettle in preparation for the UAE championships, to be held later this month. The youngsters jumped two rounds of obstacles which tried their abilities to the full and only four made it through to the final jump off.

First to go was Saleh Al Habsi aboard Tartichaut, who kept his foot on the accelerator all the way to finish in what would prove to be the fastest time of the competition, 37.62, but an unfortunate pole down cost him dear for four faults.

The next rider into the arena, Hafsa Al Habsi with her horse Sylvio opted for a steady clear round, leaving them up in the slower time of 40.73.

This really piled the pressure on those who followed as they struggled to clear the obstacles. Mohammed Dasmal made a valiant effort but a pole down for four faults left him in eventual third place with Mullochdrin Cantor.

All eyes were on the last to go, Sheika Latifa Al Maktoum riding Living Star. The pair blazed around the jumps, cutting every corner on their way to the finish line but their hopes of glory were dashed as two poles hit the sand for eight faults, leaving them in fourth.

On Thursday, rough winds had riders and their horses battling against the odds. Riders in the C3 section found themselves approaching obstacles that were being held up by grooms to keep them upright.

Many who entered the class were eliminated in spite of their brave attempts and as the competition drew to a close only three riders found themselves in the money.

Adrienne Kettlewell, competing her horse Prakash for the first time in an affiliated competition did well to carry home a rosette, as did John Holmes with his horse Pfiff.

The second class of the morning saw the more experienced 'B/A' riders coping well as the wind raged unabated. With only the slightest touch needed to send the poles flying only three riders managed a clear round as the first pair in, Sheika Latifa Al Maktoum and her horse Living Star rode a faultless round that was hard to follow.

Jumping resumed in the afternoon as the wind dropped, with C2 riders tackling a two phase competition. The early leader was Abdul Rahman Al Kabi, riding Island La Gravelle, who accelerated into the second part with great determination as he cut every corner to finish in a time of 32.29 seconds.

All eyes were on Harriet Brown as she cantered to her first big win on the sometimes difficult Monsborough Squire with a time of 31.19 seconds.