Horses in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, the horse is an integral part of both culture and sport. The country has become a major force in competitive riding, particularly show jumping, thanks to riders like Abdullah Al-Sharbatly, who have won several Olympic medals since the beginning of the 21st century.

History
What appear to be bridle marks discovered in 2011 on a depiction of an equine saw the birth of a theory of horse domestication around 7,000 BC near Abha in the province of Asir. According to Saudi archaeologists, the al-Maqar civilization was highly advanced during the Neolithic period, notably in its craftsmanship and artistic representations, including a metre-high bust of an equine. This discovery, which has been widely publicized but given little credence by specialists, requires further serious study.

Investments
The Saudi royal family is particularly active in horse racing. In 2009, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia decided to invest $500 million to build up a national show jumping team. In early 2012, in preparation for the Olympic Games in London, the kingdom purchased world-class show jumping horses.

Culture


Horses are considered respectable in Saudi Arabia, and any public mistreatment of this animal arouses indignation. On the other hand, women's access to horse riding is highly restricted: they can only practice the sport within the confines of an equestrian center. In September 2014, a woman defied this law by riding on the outskirts of Mecca. Although a Saudi woman rider took part in the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010, the country was nabbed for non-compliance with the Olympic Charter.

In June 2013, the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh denounced horse statues in the southern province of Jizan as idolatrous. They were then removed or destroyed.

Controversies
Like its neighbors in the Middle East (Dubai and Qatar), Saudi Arabia has been the subject of controversy on the international equestrian scene due to doping scandals.