JAKARTA - On a tree-lined, unpaved road in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, people duck out of their homes to stare in awe at the unusual sight: two young men on white horses, racing, in training for what would be the city's first horse race in decades.
The gradual increase in safety has fueled demand for sporting and recreational activities, including horseback riding which has recently proven to be popular.
Watching the training, mother of five, Abshira Mohamed, said she was happy to see activities that inspire young people and entertain parents like her.
Yahye Isse, 29, set up his stable to offer riding lessons to the public and eventually hosted a competition in Mogadishu, between riders from the city and from the semi-autonomous region of the country.
Meanwhile, the capital area is still frequently hit by deadly suicide bombings by the al-Qaida-linked al-Shabaab group, which aims to overthrow the central government. Opening an equestrian training ground is a bet that the instability will not worsen, Isse said.
"Horse racing is meant for peaceful areas, not war zones. Children and parents love to see horses, they have a beauty that attracts people," Isse said as quoted by Reuters on March 7.
It is known that during the era of military dictator Siad Barre, who was overthrown in 1991, only police were taught to ride horses. But the new stable, which operates outside the Mogadishu stadium and accommodates 14 horses, has attracted dozens of young Somali who have signed up to study and dream of competing in international competitions one day.
To date, more than 30 students have completed a six-month equestrian course at his stables according to Isse, with eight full-time students currently enrolled, each paying $100 per month.
Isse and his three co-coaches don't get paid, he says, and he funds his schooling through car rental and land rental businesses.
He hopes that the Somali government can provide support to further grow and develop equestrian sports in their homeland.
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