PHNOM PENH: On a tree-lined, unpaved road in Somalia's capital, people duck out of their homes to stare in awe at an unusual sight: two young men atop white horses, racing neck and neck, in training for what would be the city's first horse races in decades.
Slowly improving security has fuelled demand for sports and leisure activities – and horse-riding has proved a hit.
Watching the training, mother of five Abshira Mohamed said she was happy to see an activity that inspired young people and entertained parents like her.
"’This is very interesting; I am very happy to watch this. I encourage them to keep up the horse racing and I thank him for training the youth and entertaining the parents," said Abshira.
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 Qaeda-linked al Shabaab, which aims to topple the central government. The stable is a bet that instability will not worsen, said Isse.
"In the past Somalia was famous for horses. Traditionally Somalis love horses, we are now training youth so that in the near future we can get Somali teenagers who can participate in horse racing competitions," he said.
During the era of military dictator Siad Barre, who was toppled in 1991, only police were taught horseback riding. 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.
"I want to develop the Somali horse to international standards. In the world, horse races are funded by big companies and since our country is reviving from numerous setbacks, I am determined to develop horse racing,” he said.
Isse said he hoped the government would provide support to grow the stable and develop the sport further in the country.
