AND THE GROUND TREMBLED WITH THE POUNDING OF HOOVES … The NARA Racing Education/Information Day

Jill Colwell and Aloha Desert Jewel

It’s easy to become focused on the work to be done around the farm every weekend. Often it becomes easier to continue with the same old habits and forget there’s more to life than fixing fences, mowing grass etc. etc. So last Sunday, thanks to Jay Randle for a message reminding me, we flung off the chains and attended a fascinating seminar on Arabian Racing at the fabulous Sonador Lodge situated South-west of Toowoomba.

Al Barnes of Cassals Racing (left) and Col Parker of Sonador Lodge (right)

This was an official NARA (The National Arabian Race Horse Association) Seminar. NARA should be commended for giving an interested group of people an insight into what is expected of you as an owner, trainer or jockey of an Arabian Race Horse. There should be more of these hands on seminars for breeders. I wish there had been more attending but it was a perfect size group of just over twenty people. (I didn’t make a head count) For me it was a treat to catch up with friends.

The ever enthusiastic girls Lyn Hall (left) Deb Watson (middle) Wendy Keller (right)

The morning consisted of rules and regulations, race day protocols and what is expected of a race horse owner, trainer or jockey. While the afternoon was focused on barrier training the correct tack to be used and the barrier trials. Sonador Lodge has its own racetrack so the barrier trials were interesting. Jill Colwell on the lovely Aloha Desert Jewel and Isabelle Teh on the stallion Djehlbi worked around the track before culminating in a jump from the barriers and race to the finishing post.

Learning about Barrier loading with Col Parker

I feel very excited for Arabian breeders, what an opportunity Arabian Racing is for them … Take a moment to think about what Racing has to offer the Arabian breed. The more ways we can enjoy and use our horses is such a bonus for the breed.  Racing is still in its infancy so what a great time to become involved in something that can offer a return. Oh, I must mention after chatting to several people on the weekend racing your Arabian may not be as expensive as you might think.

Aloha Desert Jewel and Djehlbi past the post

Of course my desire to attend the information day was twofold. Not only did I wish to gain an insight into Arabian Racing but I also wanted to know some of the correct terms and protocols of Arabian Racing for the murder-mystery I’m writing at the moment. My brain is in overdrive with lots of different angles for my story!

Isabella Teh on Djehlbi (pron Jelbi)

A huge thank you must go to Jill Colwell and Al Barnes of Cassals Racing. www.facebook.com/pages/Cassals-Racing/511209752318638   Col Parker of Sonadar Lodge shared his wealth of knowledge about horse racing and with the other presenters gave us an informative outline on the rules and regulations but also some insights into racing horses in general.

Jill Colwell and Aloha Desert Jewel

A fabulous day, and another huge thank you to NARA and all concerned.