Bahrain to organise an international endurance horse ride

Bahrain is organising an international endurance horse ride on May 12 in the UK on the sidelines of the 2013 Royal Windsor Horse Show. The ride is one of a variety of equestrian competitions that will take place over four consecutive days in this year's festival, set to commence on May 8. In this regard, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa met show organisers Simon Brooks, Michael Shephard, Sarah Rutherford in London. During the meeting, the show organizers presented Shaikh Nasser with details of the programmes and activities. Shaikh Nasser said the Kingdom of Bahrain Ride will see the cream of endurance riders from Bahrain, the UK and other countries across the world competing it out for glory. Shaikh Nasser affirmed Bahrain's keenness to be part of this wonderful festival, to be held at the private grounds of Windsor Castle and is patronised by Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth. The Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain also stressed on His Majesty King Hamad's directives to promote the civilisational and development achievement of Bahrain in international events. On his part, Brooks expressed appreciation to Shaikh Nasser for his efforts in supporting equestrian sports in Bahrain, which had astonishing sporting achievements in the past years thanks to the continued backing of His Majesty King Hamad. This year's show celebrates its 70th anniversary, having started in 1943 to raise money for the war effort. The four-day festival has a wonderful mix of International Carriage Driving, Showing, Equestrian Displays and first class Jumping. There are classes for the grass roots competitor right through to top international riders. There are four arenas at Royal Windsor all with a full programme of national and grass roots show jumping as well as Military Services and Pony Club jumping competitions. Royal Windsor is the first major event of the equestrian showing season. It has 117 showing classes with an additional 20 championships. Over 3,000 horses and ponies compete at Royal Windsor in very prestigious classes. As for the RWHS British Riding Clubs Championships, it's a unique grass-roots competition offering both riding club and non riding club competitors the once in a life time chance to compete at Royal Windsor. Qualifier rounds take place around the country throughout the year, with the finals and championships being held in the prestigious Castle Arena at Royal Windsor in 2013. The Royal Windsor Horse Show hosts one of the most important driving events in the UK. The Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix includes an FEI World Cup Qualifier for the Four-In-Hand class. Over 80 competitors from 18 nations take place in this event with the most popular phase; The Marathon taking place on May 11. The President of the show will be His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who still takes an active part in the event. From BNA