I was very lucky to have an idyllic childhood; I grew up on a farm in the West Country of England and aged six my grandfather bought my sister and I a pony who went by the name of Smoky. He was everything a little girl could want and we spent a great deal of our time outside trotting about, leaping over jumps and hedges and grooming Smoky. This was a love affair that was never going to die but of course the teenage years came along and suddenly boys and discos were more interesting and poor old Smoky was sold to another little girl who thankfully loved him!

Fast forward a large number of years and I have just reignited not only that love for a horse but, also for being outside doing something just a little bit different off the beaten track of Dubai. This week saw me visiting Mushrif Park for the very first time (embarrassing I know, given how long I have lived here but…) and what a wonderful surprise. The park is set in 1000 acres and has lots to offer everyone from swimming pools and miniature houses to a riding school called Mushrif Equestrian Centre, which is where I found myself early one morning.
 

I have ridden sporadically over the years but had got bored riding here in Dubai as the riding was somewhat limited to hacks around the stables and in the ring, none of which lived up to my memories of riding either in the UK or New Zealand. So I was delighted to find the Centre which is run by the wonderful Lisa who hails from New Zealand and is a very accomplished rider with bags of experience, she is assisted by two equally excellent Horse men, Andy and Jonathan who come from Zimbabwe and really look the part with their cowboy hats!

Lisa has been careful to get the right horses and the centre has horses that are suitable for all levels of rider which means if you want a “real” ride you will get that, no plodding around feeling bored.  The Club also offers Polocrosse which is suitable for children and adults.

I had dug out my jodhpurs (Not a pretty sight), and hence no photographs! boots and hat and was all ready to get going, my horse was called Carrer and I surprised myself by being able to mount without assistance, the gap between the floor and the stirrup did seem huge but hey ho I was up.

Lisa and I set of to explore the Park and it really was magical, the birds were singing and there were simply lots of options and routes to take, we started our ride through trees and scrub and in minutes I had forgotten I was in Dubai. Carrer knew exactly where he was going and we were soon cantering through the scrub with not another person in view and I was having the time of my life.

After about half an hour we rode down into a Canyon like area (yes in Dubai) and though lots of boulders, not what I was expecting at all. From there we came back up on the desert side of the park and then the fun really started…  With ears back Carrer took off at a gallop, when Lisa came up alongside us the race was on, there was no way we were going to be last. It was really exhilarating and we seemed to gallop for a very long time before slowing down and heading for home.

It had happened again I was in love with riding…… If you have ridden before you will know exactly what I mean when I say what an amazing feeling it is to experience a good gallop and if you haven’t then I would strongly recommend you go and have a go.

The Mushrif Equestrian Centre has put together a two hour package for both newcomers and more experienced riders and during this time you will get the opportunity to have a 90 minute hack followed by the chance to shower and groom the horse. If nothing else it is a wonderful way to see a different part of Dubai and also experience some outdoors life so what are you waiting for? Click here and enjoy a wonderful morning.

In addition to the above Polocrosse has just been introduced to Mushrif Equestrian centre, a game that can be taught for all levels, is great fun and sure to improve your riding skills in no time. An excellent spectator sport, b-b-q spots provided and a guaranteed fun
family evening out!

Give the Club a call on 04 257 1256/050 103 0243
www.mushrifec.com