BARKA: Al Rahba Equestrian Arena hosted a training show jumping competition that brought together 45 riders, including both men and women, with a total of 61 horses taking part. The event attracted some of the country’s most prominent trainers, among them Ziyad al Balushi, coach of the Seeb Equestrian School stables. The competition was officiated by local judge and Director of Equestrian Activities, Khalid al Saifi, who supervised the proceedings and assessed the riders performances.
Coach Ziyad al Balushi emphasised that such training competitions play a vital role in developing the skills of both riders and horses. He noted that overcoming challenges, such as a horse’s hesitation at certain jumps, requires patience and gradual training, Al Balushi also expressed optimism about the future of show jumping in Oman.
"This training competition is designed to prepare riders and horses for future official tournaments. By simulating the conditions of larger competitions, the event gave participants valuable exposure and a chance to test their skills under real pressure, trainers took the opportunity to guide their riders directly, offering corrections and encouragement as they navigated the course."
The competition welcomed riders from different age groups, ranging from young beginners to experienced equestrians, creating a diverse and engaging atmosphere. For many horses, it was an essential step in developing their confidence in the arena, as the rhythm of competition helps build trust between rider and horse.
Although smaller in scale than formal championships, the event still drew a supportive audience whose encouragement provided an extra boost, particularly for the younger riders making their early appearances, the organisers emphasised that such training sessions are not about titles, but about building experience and preparing a new generation of competitors.
Speaking about the role, Khalid al Saifi highlighted some of the difficulties that judges encounter during competitions, “One of the most challenging situations arises when unexpected incidents occur in the ring, such as a horse hesitating before a jump or a rider losing rhythm, In those moments, the judge must act quickly and decisively to ensure fairness while also safeguarding the welfare of both horse and rider.”
Added that effective judging requires not only strict application of the rules but also a balanced human approach that promotes both discipline and sportsmanship.
When evaluating the overall level of the participants, Al Saifi was optimistic: “The technical standard of local competitions has improved noticeably year after year, we see now many promising young riders demonstrating skills that could enable them to compete at the regional level, what they need most is greater exposure through participation in international events, where they can sharpen their abilities and gain valuable experience.”
He also pointed out that the horses themselves showed encouraging readiness, especially those under consistent training programmes. According to him, the gap between local and international performance is less about talent and more about sustained practice and adapting to the pressures of high level competitions.
Al Saifi expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of show jumping in Oman and the wider region, “There is a growing interest in equestrian sports across Oman, enthusiasm of young riders is an excellent foundation for the future. Oman has the tradition, the passion and the resources to become a significant hub for equestrian sport, provided that efforts continue in training, infrastructure, and technical development.”
He further emphasised that collaboration between official sporting bodies and the private sector will be crucial for expanding sponsorship opportunities, enhancing prize pools, and boosting media coverage, all of which can elevate the sport’s visibility and popularity.
The training competition concluded with friendly rounds that highlighted both talent and determination, leaving riders and trainers with valuable lessons for the upcoming season, organisers reaffirmed their commitment to holding similar events regularly, recognising their importance in building confidence and raising standards in the sport.
The atmosphere at Al Rahba underscored the growing vitality of show jumping in Oman with committed trainers, dedicated officials, and passionate riders all working together, the sport is steadily moving toward a brighter future one that promises not only national achievements but also opportunities to shine on the international stage.
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