JEDDAH, 9 February 2005 — The only stables in Saudi Arabia equipped with custom-built facilities for disabled riders are being demolished. The complement of over a 100 horses, many thoroughbred Arabians with unique bloodlines stretching over centuries, is housed in the complex. The threatened closure comes less than a week before the start of a major “Riding for the Disabled” program intended to build the confidence of disabled and handicapped children.

At about 10.30 last Saturday morning, five mechanical diggers moved on to the premises located off the Madinah Expressway near the northbound Haj Terminal exit. They began knocking the exterior walls down, sending the horses and other livestock into a panic. The staff desperately attempted to calm the animals and rushed to fill every available container with water to preempt the lines being damaged or the water being turned off by the contractors.

Several of the animals had to be hooded to prevent them from damaging themselves in their stalls while mares walked protectively round and round their foals. Trees were uprooted and both internal and external walls destroyed, along with pens containing gazelles and goats. One digger pushed its way into the main arena, tearing down the gate on the way.

Several owners of the horses stabled on the premises rushed to the aid of their animals. One was distraught. “These people do not give a ‘darn’ about the animals,” he said. “Such noise and disruption could permanently damage highly strung animals like these.”

One of the senior handlers was deeply concerned about the welfare of one animal which, he thought, might have to be put down as it was already unwell. Other heavily pregnant mares were in danger of premature delivery. In the event, one mare suffered a cut on her leg while others were stressed to the point of foaming at the mouth.

Police from the Briman police station arrived on the scene and diplomatic negotiations led by Gen. Jamil Al-Sulaimy eventually calmed the situation and restored order, but fierce arguments continued between the operator of the stables and the representative of the company sent to tear them down. The staff was told to remove the horses immediately though they attempted to explain the impossibility of arranging transport and alternative facilities at such short notice. This did not deter the contractors from the Jeddah municipality who were operating under official orders from a Jeddah court. They had been told to begin demolishing the stables and other shelters without regard for the welfare of the horses or any other animals.

According to a source at the municipality, Khaled Al-Haddad, the stable owner, had been given advance warning. The area that the stables are located in is under development with paved roads and building plots laid out for construction. However, Al-Haddad told Arab News that the case is still in the courts and consequently, he could not believe that Saturday’s events were legal. He pointed out that over the years he has been operating the stables, land prices have risen dramatically.

The Al-Aadeyat Arabian Stud and Equestrian School stables have been developed over the last seven years to accommodate all aspects of equestrian training. Recently added custom-built facilities for the disabled, a show ring with grandstand and commentary facilities plus modern stable blocks are all under threat, along with a popular recreational facility and training area.

Since last May, a therapeutic riding program has been developed that was to culminate in the launch of the “Riding for the Disabled” program. Al-Haddad provides all the facilities and use of horses without charge, asking only a contribution to the fee of the qualified instructor who supervises the training.

After protracted negotiations on the site, the contractors were called off temporarily and the operators were given three days to remove all livestock and equipment.

On Tuesday Arab News learned that the case before the courts has now attracted the attention and support of senior government officials and that due process of law is expected to be observed.

“The immediate threat has been temporarily lifted,” said Al-Haddad, “and our ‘Riding for the Disabled’ program can go ahead for now.”