Report: Saudi women to be trained in equestrian sports

Jul 16, 2011, 10:31 GMT

Riyadh - Twenty Saudi women are to be trained to compete in equestrian events under a new project aimed at introducing women to the males-only sport in the conservative kingdom, a newspaper reported Saturday.

'This project is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia,' Salma al-Qahtani, who has championed the plan, was quoted as saying by the pan-Arab newspaper Al Hayat.

Women are not allowed on horseback in public in Saudi Arabia. It is also illegal for women to drive, while those under the age of 45 are not permitted to travel unless accompanied by a male escort.

Al-Qahtani said she had secured official approval for the project, which is due to begin in the western city of Jeddah in September.

'Twenty qualified women aged from 18 to 34 have been selected to be trained as horsewomen,' said al-Qahtani.

'These women will be trained for one month at the Royal Equestrian Academy in Jeddah. They will get certificates upon graduation.'

Al-Qahtani said she planned to enter the 'pioneer' riders in equestrian events in the Gulf emirate of Dubai and London.

Saudi Arabia follows a strict interpretation of Islam. Although Islam does not deny women equality in most areas of the law, Saudi Arabia remains the only predominantly Muslim country where women are not allowed to vote.