Mona Touka

Libya —In a society that has long associated courage with masculinity, the horsewomen of southern Libya have emerged to prove that strength is not measured by the body - and that even a conservative region can become the cradle of a quiet revolution led by girls who hold the reins in one hand and write the outlines of a new future with the other.

Equestrianism has never been just a sport in southern Libya; it has long been a symbol of manhood and a field closed to women. Yet, Wahat Fezzan Equestrian Club decided to open its doors to girls — marking the beginning of a new chapter. From Shahd Hameed, who nurtured her dream since childhood, to Abrar Omar, who overcame her fears, and Jidaa and Ilaf, who challenged deep-rooted traditions, the story of the horsewomen of the South mirrors the courage of young women determined to write a new reality with the hoofbeats of their horses on the soil of Sabha.

At Sunset, the Story Begins

At six in the evening, in the arena of Wahat Fezzan Equestrian Club in Sabha, the sky turns golden as the sun begins to set. Beams of sunlight slip between the horses’ legs, and the rhythmic sound of hooves striking the ground fills the air with confidence and wonder.

In this dust-tinted scene, a group of girls in white riding uniforms stand out — their faces a mix of excitement and awe. Their hands, though small, hold the reins firmly, as if they’re grasping the threads of their own freedom emerging from the heart of Libya’s conservative south.

These are the horsewomen of Wahat Fezzan Club, the first club in southern Libya to train and coach girls in horseback riding and show jumping — a groundbreaking step that shattered one of the most deep-rooted social stereotypes: that horseback riding is for boys only.

A Childhood Dream that Grew with the Horses

“I’ve been training at the club for eight years,” says Shahd Hameed, one of the earliest riders, with a proud smile. “My first show jumping experience was in 2020. My love for horses began in childhood — we grew up loving them, wanting to be around them.”

As she gently strokes her mare’s neck, she continues, “I competed in my first race while still a student — I was just ten years old. Since then, I’ve participated in several competitions, breaking the stereotype that girls don’t ride horses. And we’re not stopping here — we’ll keep going in show jumping until we master the sport I love with all my heart.”

Convincing the Family Comes First

Jidaa Ahmed, who started her training journey this year, laughs as she recalls her early attempts to convince her father. “When I first came to the club, it wasn’t easy. My father wasn’t convinced at all. But I kept talking to him every day until he finally agreed — once he saw how passionate I was. Then my mother joined in to support me.”

She adds with a smile, “Even my friends at school were surprised at first — but soon they started asking, ‘Why not? Why can’t we ride horses too?’”

Jidaa speaks excitedly about her first experience: “I competed in a local tournament here in Sabha — it was unforgettable. Equestrianism is not just a sport; it’s courage, discipline, and confidence. I encourage every girl to try it — it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.”

Between Ambition and Breaking Routine

For Ilaf Omar, horseback riding was more than just a passing hobby — it was a way to break life’s monotony. “I joined the club because I love trying new things. I don’t like routine — I seek challenges and self-discovery,” she says confidently.

“I took part in a competition held in Misrata at the Maghreb regional level. I didn’t win, but it was my first participation, and I learned so much,” she adds.

Like her fellow riders, Ilaf believes that horseback riding goes beyond being a physical sport — it’s a deeply human experience. “Being around horses teaches patience, calmness, and responsibility. I feel like I’m growing with them day by day. I dream of improving and becoming a professional rider — maybe even a trainer someday.”

The First Fear… and a Beginning that Never Stopped

The youngest among them, Abrar Omar, just 14 years old, says shyly yet passionately, “I’ve loved horses since fourth grade. My first time riding was scary, but my mom and sister encouraged me — and my dad always supported me too.”

Smiling as she looks at her mare, she adds, “I’ve been training at Wahat Fezzan Club for four years. I learned how to handle horses and build trust in myself. Horses can sense fear — so you need to be strong, not just in body but also in heart.”

Breaking the Silence

Wahat Fezzan Equestrian Club became more than just a training ground — it turned into a space of freedom for the women and girls of the South. Here, they’ve managed to break the social silence surrounding them and prove that horseback riding isn’t reserved for men.

Since its establishment, the club has embraced the idea of empowering girls, despite early criticism and objections from the community. Over time, the horsewomen became role models in Sabha and across southern Libya.

For these girls, equestrianism is now more than a hobby — it’s a new identity that challenges tradition and opens windows of hope in a world still full of barriers.