Horse riders from across Bahrain dressed up as cowboys for a unique competition held at Karbabad beach in the Seef district on Friday (April 3).

Sixteen riders took part in the event organised by the Bahrain Horseman Committee (BHC) in co-operation with Muhana Studs Bahrain.

They performed stunts and were tested in barrel racing, racing around cones and picking up objects while riding.

Fadhel Almahasnyah was named winner, while Saad Mubarak and S Ahmed Albeladi won second and third prizes respectively.

'The feats put to test the ability of both the rider and his horse and the whole event is a treat to enthusiasts because of the celebrated cowboy attire and riding style,' organiser and BHC board member Husain Fateel told the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

The BHC, which was formed last year, has 300 riders as members, aged between 18 and 45.

Fateel said the cowboy riding games were popular among Bahrainis who gathered in hundreds at yesterday's event.

'The cowboy riders are known for their styles, right from their hat, vest and boots. It is the easy style and look which these attires give the riders combined by the skilled riding which enthuse the crowd.'

The BHC aims to become an official cowboy riders club in Bahrain and secure a plot of land for its activities. "We hope to have a small piece of land of our own so that we can have our own place to have this sport and for practice," stated Fateel.

'Usually what is needed is just a 60mx60m plot of land and this would mean safety for the riders, horses and spectators," he noted.

'Now when we conduct such races, especially on beaches and in villages, we have safety barriers to protect the spectators," said Fateel.

'Once we have such a facility we aim to train ourselves and put Bahrain on the map of international cowboy games and events," he added.

The BHC, he said, also organises rides across villages every two weeks, which usually has a participation of 300 riders.-TradeArabia News Service