Jordanian and Egyptian clubs provided the crowds at the Arab Women Sports Tournament 2018 (AWST) with a superb range of riding skills in the show-jumping events to clinch gold medals in individual and team competitions of the fourth, and largest, edition of the tournament, which runs until February 12. Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) and Chairperson of Sharjah Women's Sports Foundation (SWSF), this year's AWST has seen some thrilling equestrian contests. The Intro Showjumping competition, with fence heights of 90-100cm, worth a total of AED 50,000 prize money, was fiercely contested by 20 riders, 12 of whom reached the final. Riding her horse Kissinger, Equestrian Lian Al Momani from Jordan's Arabian Horse Club finished first in 33.008 seconds, winning the gold medal and a cash prize of AED 12,500. Emirati rider Methaq Al Hajiri, riding ‘Belize', finished second with a time of 35 seconds, winning the silver medal and a cash prize of AED 10,000. Another Emirati, Kenna Al Hashimi, came third on her mount ‘Kambiana' completing the course in 35.026 seconds and no faults, taking home AED 7,500. Eleven top Arab riders competed in the Grand Prix event, with fences 120-125cm, worth a total of AED 75,000 prize money. Ten jockeys reached the differentiation round, with Egyptian Farah Mustafa and ‘Kwabitola' taking first place with a time of 39.01 seconds. She was awarded the gold medal and AED 20,625. Just two seconds adrift was Jordanian Olympic rider Sara Al Armouti on ‘Tokyo', who finished in 41.017 seconds, with a silver medal and AED 15,000. On her horse, ‘Dogara' Emirati rider Iman Al Muhairi finished third in 41.03 to win a bronze medal and a cash prize of AED 11,250. Champion equestrians from Jordan's Arabian Horse Club won the gold medal in the team show-jumping competition, followed by Sharjah Sports Women's Club, who came in second place and the horse riders of Sharjah Equestrian and Racing Club who secured bronze. Egypt's Mostafa celebrated her victory with her family, especially her twin sister Fagr, who also competed in the same race, and officials of the Egyptian Equestrian Federation including its president Hisham Hatab. The 18-year-old prodigy said that this achievement was her first biggest ever. ‘I am really glad I did it. The competition wasn't easy but I am really happy. Now, I am so ambitious and hope more to come.' Her coach Mohamed Al- Gayar also revealed that Farah's achievement was really great considering that she was riding a borrowed horse. ‘All competitors were riding their own horses except the Egyptians. We borrowed the horses from the Sharjah Club only 48 hours before the competition and Farah and the rest of our girls did their best to train during these two days on those horses. This is what makes the achievement astounding.' Al- Gayar said. Gold Medals in Show-jumping
