Omani horse shows mix showmanship and tradition

By Imad Blake in Muscat
For Al-Shorfa.com
2010-07-22

[Abdullah al-Shehhi /Al-Shorfa] Spectators watch a horse show during a social occasion in Jaalan Bani Bu Ali wilaya.

Rashid Rasbi finds pleasure at the end of each week by watching horse shows, an authentic tradition Omanis pass down from one generation to the next that combines art and sport.

Rasbi, who hails from al-Kamel Wal-Wafi in the Sharqiya region, does not even own a horse, unlike others who own dozens. "Horse owners are the rich," he said. But he still enjoys watching horseback riding.

The wilayas (districts) of the Sharqiya region are famous for horse breeding. During Cyclone Juno, which struck in June 2007, dozens of horses were lost because of the difficulty of rescuing them in the surging water.

Life in Oman changed a great deal during the last quarter of the 20th century, but many traditions remained the same.

The tradition of horse shows continued as a method of providing entertainment while forgoing competitions and awards. Elders say the purpose of the shows is to highlight the skill of the riders and the beauty and comportment of the horses. Riders move very quickly without competing, riding one after another.

"The survival of traditions, such as horses and riding are a reflection of the personal interest of Sultan Qaboos, who was known for his love of horses and traditional life," said Abdullah al-Shehhi, a professional photographer who specializes in horse races.

Qaboos developed Omani horse traditions by introducing camel and horse races, which were not part of Oman's history. Festivals are now held annually, especially the annual horse racing festival that the Sultan sponsors and attends each January. A cavalry unit honoring the sultan was founded for the event.

"Traditional sports are the horse show and camel show, but the races are something new," said al-Shehhi.

He added, "Horse activities are held throughout the year while camel activities are limited to cold weather seasons. In the past horse shows were held on religious holidays and at circumcisions and weddings. Now it has become a festive scene, in addition to its continuing presence at weddings and a diminished presence at circumcisions."

Prior to Muslim holidays, Omanis open popular markets known as "habtat", featuring shopping, entertainment and horse shows.

There are established traditions at these horse shows, such as wearing folk costumes, reciting popular poems and circling the field followed by riders galloping in procession.

Many are impressed by the hypnotizing of horses, where riders display their ability to put horses to sleep. The horse will lie on the ground voluntarily.

"The interest in horses in the Sharqiya region created related industries such as saddles and bridles, which are made from pure silver," said al-Shehhi.

The primary purpose of these industries is trade, as citizens and tourists are eager to buy horse-riding paraphernalia as decorative items for their homes.

In Muscat, where space for raising livestock is limited and is prohibited by law, some residents have not seen horse shows in person.

Kamal al-Hassani, a resident of Dar Seit near Muscat, said, "I have not seen horse shows except on television, but I enjoy them."

Hassan Gad, an Egyptian who worked previously as an Arabic language teacher in the wilayas, said he often watched horse shows, which he enjoys after the work day is over.

Riders at the shows may be the sons and relatives of horse owners, but modern schools established to teach horsemanship have generated greater interest for the sport, as seen at al-Asayel school in Jalan Bani Bu Ali wilaya, which graduates child jockey trainees.

Majid Rasbi from Al-Kamel Wal Wafi said, "Love of horses is rooted in the soul since ancient times."

He added, "Our parents taught us this from a young age, and we will continue to cultivate this love in the hearts of our children."

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