Postcard from Tunisia: Horse riding gallops from elite sport to popular pastime

More people are now taking up the pastime, thanks to an increase in equestrian schools offering affordable lessons

Young riders during a lesson at L'Etrier equestrian club at La Soukra, near Tunis. Ghaya Ben Mbarek / The National

Tunisian teenager Youssef Guesmi fell in love with horse riding, despite being thrown off on his first attempt six years ago.

Youssef's father had taken him to the famous Ksar Said equestrian club in Tunis, where he was placed on an Arabian named Hilal Al Noor –Crescent Moon in English – for his first lesson.

“The first time I rode him, I took a fall as he did not accept me, but from that moment I fell in love with horses and could no longer live without them,” Youssef, now 16, told The National at a farm in Bizerte, about 80km north of Tunis of the Mediterranean coast, where he now takes equestrian lessons.

“If you are feeling angry or upset, all of those feelings would vanish the moment you get on your horse.”

Horse riding, both for leisure and as a sport, had long been considered the preserve of the wealthy in Tunisia. But today, thanks to the rising popularity of green tourism, there are an increasing number of farms and ranches that offer Tunisians the opportunity to take up riding at rates that are generally considered affordable by many.

“Here it is not expensive, it costs 100 dinars ($32) maximum per month,” Youssef says as he washes one of the horses at the Montazah Errif Ranch in Bizerte.

“Many people now train and become passionate, compared to a few years back. You can even buy a horse if you try saving money.”

He says he knows of many people like himself who chose horse riding over other sports because of the freedom it offers and the special relationship that develops between rider and horse.

Youssef Guesmi trains a horse at the Montazah Errif ranch at Bizerte, northern Tunisia. Ghaya Ben Mbarek / The National

Riding for everyone

“Today, many people have started to recognise the beauty of these animals and the sense of peace riding them offers,” says Fahd Mrad, 26, whose parents own the Montazah Errif Ranch.

Since he began riding in 2008, Mr Mrad says his relationship with horses has developed into a lifelong dedication to equestrianism as a sport and a job that he enjoys doing every day.

Youssef Guesmi bathing a horse named Neirouz at Montazah Errif ranch at Bizerte. Ghaya Ben Mbarek / The National

He says the sport used to be quite unaffordable due to the high cost of keeping horses – including food, veterinary care, stables and training space.

But since Mr Mrad’s family grows their own feed on the ranch, they are able to offer visitors the chance to try horse riding at a lower price, starting at 70 dinars a month.

“We try to make subscriptions to this activity affordable for everybody, so even those who do not have much money can try it once in their lives,” he says.

“There are some people who came to us and learned how to ride at 60; there is truly no age limit for this sport and we try to cater to everybody.”

Overcoming hurdles

Despite being one of the native countries of the Barb – a North African horse breed known for its strength and stamina – Tunisia has never provided much state support for equestrian sport, leaving those who take it up reliant on their families and sponsors to be able to compete internationally.

Amor Aouida, who has 10 years' experience as a coach and a judge at international equestrian competitions, says the number Tunisians in the sport has quadrupled over the past 12 years

He sees this as proof of how the sport's profile is rising in Tunisia, but says it is not enough to raise a generation of potential Olympians.

“Unfortunately, this sport needs lots of sponsoring,” he tells The National at L'Etrier equestrian club in La Soukra, near Tunis, where he trains riders.

“But since we do not even have the primary resources to compete, sponsors reject helping them.”

Amor Aouidi training a student at L'Etrier equestrian club at La Soukra, near Tunis. Ghaya Ben Mbarek / The National

Mr Aouida says the Tunisian Equestrian Federation cannot even help riders with the cost of transporting their horses to take part in competitions abroad, leaving them reliant on the host countries.

The UAE's leadership are among those who have helped Tunisian riders, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

“A few years back, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid sent us an aircraft to transfer our horses and give our equestrians the opportunity to participate at an international competition in Dubai,” says Mr Aouida.

He remains hopeful that horse riding will one day enjoy greater recognition and support, not just as a sport but also as a form of therapy for people with conditions such as Down syndrome and autism.

“My own nephew has autism, so this aspect is something that is dear to me. The results that we have seen from this therapy are breathtaking,” says Mr Aouida.

“Horses are such intelligent animals, they build a special bond with their rider and I have seen children who are usually timid or aggressive become more sociable, make friends and even enter competitions.”

Mr Mrad believes that with the increasing popularity of horse riding, more Tunisians are starting to recognise the value of horses.

“Whoever enters the field of equestrianism, it is impossible for them to leave,” he says.

A student training with her horse at L'Etrier equestrian club at La Soukra. Ghaya Ben Mbarek / The National