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Horse competitions
Our long history and tradition of horse riding shapes the competitions in Oman today.
By Aninda Sardar

An inscription at The Horse Park in the state of Kentucky in America states ‘History was written on the back of a horse.’ Although it may sound extremely dramatic, it is not far from the truth. History is replete with examples of the advantages of those who had the equus caballus – the horse – on their side, as opposed to those who did not.
Archaeological and paleontological evidence hints that the first horse was domesticated around 5,000 years ago in central Asia. Since then, there has been no looking back. With the support of these swift animals, a mounted cavalry could take the standards of its civilisation anywhere. In due course of time, others started adopting the horse as well. Horses have played an important role in the history of the Arab world, particularly in combat. Their speed, agility and stamina were often the decisive factor. Although the camel was a more integral part of Bedouin life – being the favoured animal for regular work and travel, the horse was more coveted, a symbol of wealth and nobility.

The sultanate has its own share of horses and horse racing, with no less than five thoroughbred Arabians named in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing. While the majority of these lovely animals are owned and maintained by the Royal Stables or Oman’s Royal Cavalry, there are a few private owners and breeders of horses as well, who take part in all kinds of competitive events – conventional flat racing, entertainment events like show jumping, traditional Omani racing and endurance races.

The Oman Equestrian Federation, under the Ministry of Sports, recently organised the ‘Omani Championship for Horse Racing and Endurance 2006’ at Barka. Beginning at four in the morning, hours before sunrise, the race was to be a test of skill, stamina and endurance of both the rider and his steed.

The uniqueness of the race lay in its unusual format. Instead of being a test of sheer speed, as is the custom the world over, the endurance race is all about perseverance. The rider and horse have to suffer and withstand hours of riding. The race distance of 120km was divided into stages, where competitors had to travel a designated distance over a specified trail in a given time frame. After the completion of this loop, the horse would be brought in for a physical check up by veterinarians from the Royal Stables. Horses that were found to have developed lameness from the long hours, with blood circulation problems, saddle sores, pulse rates higher than 64 per minute and other problems would automatically be disqualified. The objective was simple: test the horses and the riders, but not to death.

If you thought that racing, show jumping and endurance are the only things going on in the sultanate as far as equestrian events are concerned, then it is time to take a fresh look at things. In the heart of the city there are events that involve fun for riders of every skill, of every age as well. The Qurum Equestrian, a stable inside the Qurum Natural Park, recently organised a jumping and fun competition, where nearly 70 riders of all skill levels took part. The show, which was organised for the fourth time this year, usually has show jumping, barrel racing (a modified form of flat racing), dressage and even musical chairs on horseback.

Saleh Mohammad, who manages the stables and is a member of the Oman Equestrian Federation explains, “Chairs are arranged like in a normal game of musical chairs. Music is played, and the same rules apply, except that the participants trot around the chairs on horseback and have to get off and fill up the seats. It’s quite fun and innovative.”

“Dressage is a more specialised event. It involves the rider and the horse describing figures and patterns on a circular track. It is tough and there are many skill levels. But the most important thing for someone who wishes to take part in this event is to develop a close relationship with the steed. Without this even the most experienced of riders might not be able to perform as well as they would have hoped to. The horse will simply not follow the rider’s cues.”

The stable was started in 1998 with just about five horses. Today it has grown to include 30 steeds and an additional 28 horses at the breeding farm in Barka. Where is this all headed? As Saleh puts it, the event started as a small affair – an afternoon of four-legged recreation – but has expanded manifold. “Maybe a few more years later we may have to approach the Federation for permission to make it a fully fledged competitive event. Who knows?”

Other events include horse football and horse hockey, while classes are available for those interested in learning to ride these magnificent animals on whose back has ridden many a civilisation.