ALKHOBAR, 22 March 2004 — The Equestrian Arts have been part of life on the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. After the Kingdom began the process of urbanization in the mid-1900s, the horse gradually assumed less significance for most Saudis. Now there has been a revival of interest in these Arabian beauties. With the creation two years ago of a public stable and riding school near Alkhobar in the Eastern Province, local children are once again being exposed to the benefits of interaction with horses.
Najd Equestrian School started its program slowly, but now has attracted groups of students who take classes regularly. The school divides the week into days for bachelors and family days. Adnan Tawfiq Jarrar is frank in admitting that he was quite surprised at the high level of interest from girls in the riding lessons.
“We thought that it would be young men who would want to come out and take lessons for jumping and cross country and that has happened. But there also has been enormous interest from girls in taking jumping and dressage instruction. Their families mention that they are pleased to offer their girls an outdoor activity and we are pleased to facilitate them,” Jarrar said.
Mashael Al-Tamimi, 18, is in her last year in high school. She rides regularly at the Najd Equestrian School and thinks it is good exercise and great fun.
“I have loved horses since I was two years old,” Mashael said. “I began taking lessons when I was 12. I rode first in Jeddah and I also ride in Egypt and in California during the school vacation. When I am on horseback I am happy and I get a great feeling from my contact with the horse.”
“I think that families here don’t encourage girls to be physically active,” she said. “That’s a mistake. It is very boring to be shut indoors all the time. My friends come out to the stables with me sometimes and they think it’s a cool thing to do.
Mashael recommends that anyone who is considering horseback riding take lessons because the sport can have risks for the novice. Even though she is an experienced rider she is still aiming to improve and has begun taking jumping lessons. Last month she competed in an equestrian event for the first time, winning first place. Commenting on that experience Mashael said: “It was one of the happiest days of my life.”
Another girl taking lessons at Najd Equestrian School is 13-year-old Malak Talal Bakhsh. Malak feels that her lessons give her something interesting to do with her time. She rides three days a week.
“Horseback riding is healthy and fun. We have limited physical activities at our school so I need to do something for exercise and to let me breathe the air outdoors,” Malak said. “Most Saudi girls are really lazy. It’s not their fault. They know nothing about exercising and taking care of their body. Too many girls are out of shape though and they are unattractive and unhealthy. I feel sorry for them. For me, I have been riding for a decade and now I am taking lessons so I improve my form. There are some days that I am not in the mood to get sweaty. But usually after I am on the horse for a while I feel better and I like coming here a lot.”
It is beautiful to see the girls interacting with the horses. Many of the young women truly love the animals and the horses respond well to their gentle touch. Fifteen-year-old Jumana Bakhsh is unabashedly in love with her horse. She says that the huge creature is “cute” and she not only rides her mare but washes and grooms her, too.
“Some people think that girls should just sit and watch TV or cook and sew, but that’s wrong. I am lucky in that my family wants me to be a well-rounded individual,” Jumana said. “I am expected to do well in my studies, but my parents also want me to be active and have interests outside school. My horse is named Batul. She is seven years old and is gray in color. Her coat is so soft and her eyes are big and beautiful. I always feel happy around her.”
Jumana explained that she takes lessons so that she learns to handle and work with her horse in the best way possible. She emphasized that the lessons have taught her everything from the importance of safety equipment to the proper way to care for her horse. She recommends riding lessons for all young women.
“I feel more comfortable and happy when I am on a horse than at any other time,” Jumana said. “I wish more women and girls would take up an interest in horses. Even during the time of our Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) women rode horses, so I believe it is something that should be encouraged.”
The Najd Equestrian School has advanced enough that its students are now competing with students from other schools. Last weekend the school took its horses and riders to participate at the Dhahran Arabian Horse Association’s (DAHA) Spring show. All the students were excited with the new experience.
“I think it’s great to see new riders and meet new people,” said DAHA member Maha Al-Jefri, 11. “This is the first time I have competed with riders from another school in the Eastern Province and I really enjoyed it. I have two horses and am currently riding and training with my horse Golden Girl. I take riding lessons twice a week.”
“We have limited physical education at our school and never have inter-school tournaments so an event like this is really fun,” Maha added. “Some people think girls don’t have to do sports but I think it’s good to build up your body and learn something new. Horses are not only great for exercise, they are great companions too. My sisters are in England for their studies and I’m at home. I would be lonely without Golden Girl. She is more than just an animal. She is my friend.”
