Bahrain set to stage its first showjumping championship

The first Bahrain International showjumping championship begins today at the Bahrain Defence Force Arena in Raffa. Top teams from the Gulf, Middle East and Europe will take part in the two-day, conducted by the Bahrain Equestrian Association (BEA).

One of the main objectives of this event is to promote Bahrain as a centre of riding excellence regionally as well as worldwide. This event will be give an opportunity to the Bahraini riders to get international exposure.

The riders will compete for $34,000 in prize money besides trophies and cash prizes for the six main competitions within the championship.
President of BEA and Head of the Organising Committee Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa said that the prize money was in line with the event's internationally accredited status.
"The championship is the first in Bahrain approved by the sport's ruling body, the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). This a FEI Category B event and there are regulations governing the prize money we offer in such an event," said Sheikh Khalid.

This event is an important opportunity to show case Bahrain to the international riding community and we wanted to have jumps that not only reflected images of Bahrain, but were made in the country as well. They are visually appealing and have recognisable Bahrain themes, adding colour and flavour to the event," said Sheikh Khalid.

Celebrity riders Nick Skelton, Michael Whitaker and Robert Whitaker flew in from UK to attend the event and perform exhibition rounds. Princess Haya bint Al Hussein from Jordan is taking part with the Jordanian team while Eid, Saudi bronze medallist at the Sydney Olympic games is in the Saudi team.