Somali Capital Opens First Horse Riding Stable in Recent History
2022-03-09
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1On a tree-lined, dirt road in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, people look out in wonder from their homes to see an unusual sight: two young men riding on horses.
2As they race, it is hard to tell who is winning.
3They are training for what is the city's first horse races in recent history.
4Slowly improving security has fueled demand for sports and recreational activities - and horse-riding has become a hit.
5Watching the men training, mother of five Abshira Mohamed said she was happy to see an activity for young people.
6Yahye Isse, 29, established his stable to offer training in horse riding to the public.
7A stable is a building where horses are kept.
8In the future, he wants to host competitions in Mogadishu between riders from the city and riders from other areas in the country.
9The capital is still often hit by deadly, suicide bombings by the al Qaeda-linked terrorist group al Shabaab.
10It aims to take down the central government.
11Isse said the stable is a belief that violence will not worsen.
12"Horse races are meant for peaceful areas, not war zones," he said.
13He added that children and the old love to see horses.
14He said that horses have a beauty that brings people in.
15During the rule of military dictator Siad Barre, who was forced out of office in 1991, only police were taught how to ride horses.
16But the new stable has attracted tens of young Somalis who have signed up for training, or lessons, and dream of racing in international competitions one day.
17The stable operates out of the Mogadishu stadium and is home to 14 horses.
18More than 30 students have completed a six-month riding class at Isse's stable.
19He currently has eight full-time students taking the classes.
20The students pay $100 each month.
21Isse and his three other trainers do not earn a monthly wage, he said.
22He supports the school financially through his other businesses.
23He said he hoped the government would provide support to grow the stable and develop the sport further in the country.
24I'm Gregory Stachel.
1On a tree-lined, dirt road in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, people look out in wonder from their homes to see an unusual sight: two young men riding on horses. As they race, it is hard to tell who is winning. They are training for what is the city's first horse races in recent history. 2Slowly improving security has fueled demand for sports and recreational activities - and horse-riding has become a hit. 3Watching the men training, mother of five Abshira Mohamed said she was happy to see an activity for young people. 4Yahye Isse, 29, established his stable to offer training in horse riding to the public. A stable is a building where horses are kept. In the future, he wants to host competitions in Mogadishu between riders from the city and riders from other areas in the country. 5The capital is still often hit by deadly, suicide bombings by the al Qaeda-linked terrorist group al Shabaab. It aims to take down the central government. 6Isse said the stable is a belief that violence will not worsen. 7"Horse races are meant for peaceful areas, not war zones," he said. He added that children and the old love to see horses. He said that horses have a beauty that brings people in. 8During the rule of military dictator Siad Barre, who was forced out of office in 1991, only police were taught how to ride horses. But the new stable has attracted tens of young Somalis who have signed up for training, or lessons, and dream of racing in international competitions one day. 9The stable operates out of the Mogadishu stadium and is home to 14 horses. More than 30 students have completed a six-month riding class at Isse's stable. He currently has eight full-time students taking the classes. 10The students pay $100 each month. Isse and his three other trainers do not earn a monthly wage, he said. He supports the school financially through his other businesses. 11He said he hoped the government would provide support to grow the stable and develop the sport further in the country. 12I'm Gregory Stachel. 13Abdi Sheikh reported this story for Reuters. Gregory Stachel adapted it for VOA Learning English. 14____________________________________________________________________ 15Words in This Story 16recreational - adj. done for enjoyment 17zone - n. an area that is different from other areas in a particular way 18stadium - n. a very large usually roofless building that has a large open area surrounded by many rows of seats and that is used for sports events or concerts 19We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page.