Somali Capital Opens First Horse Riding Stable In Decades

Somalia is training for what would be the city’s first horse races in decades.

As the country slowly improves on security, the demand for sports and other leisure activities have increased– and horse-riding has proved a hit.

Citizens have commented on how happy they are to see an activity that inspired young people and entertained parents like her.

Yahye Isse, 29, established his 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.

The capital is still frequently hit by deadly suicide bombings by the al Shabaab terrorist group, which has worked tirelessly 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.”

But 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.

More than 30 students have completed a six-month riding course at his stable, and Isse has eight full-time students currently enrolled, each paying $100 per month. Isse and his three fellow trainers do not earn a salary, he said, and he funds his school through his car hiring and land leasing business.

Many hope the government would provide support to grow the stable and develop the sport further in the country.