As a child I enjoyed Horse Riding – and occasional jumping. Perhaps it was this enjoyment of riding that attracted me to Camel Racing in Oman . Though of course not as skilled as the 9 year old children who enter the show jumping events at the UK’s Pony Club I cannot recollect a serious fall. While Camels don’t jump they manage most other things , including beauty competitions.

The start of this years Camel Racing Season in Oman marks a departure from previous years. The jockeys – young Bedu boys from the local communities close to the race, with all their swagger and bravado have disappeared, to be replaced by Robots.

I will certainly miss the cultural interest in future Camel races – and hope that the Pony Club in England doesn’t eject the youngsters from their saddles in favour of robots.