Somalia: Horse riding course Increases

More Students in Somalia have embarked on Horse Riding Course as the first Horse riding stable was opened in the country. Each student paying $100 per month.

People came out of their homes to watch two young men atop white horses, racing neck and neck, in training. Watching the training, mother of five Abshira Mohamed said she was happy to see an activity that inspired young people and entertained parents like her.

The new stable, which operates out of the Mogadishu stadium and is home to 14 horses, has attracted dozens of young Somalis who have signed up for lessons and dream of racing in international competitions one day.

Yahye Isse, 29, a horse trainer, established the stable to offer riding lessons to the public and to eventually host competitions in Mogadishu between riders from the city and from the country’s semi-autonomous regions.

Slowly improving security has fuelled demand for sports and leisure activities , most especially horse-riding.

The capital is still frequently hit by deadly suicide bombings by the al Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, which aims to topple the central government.

“Horse races are meant for peaceful areas, not war zones,” said Isse. “Children and the elderly love to see horses, they have a beauty that attracts people.”

It is  hoped that  the government would provide support to grow the horse stable and develop the sport further in the country.

Reuters/Olajumoke/ Qasim