I’ve have always dreamed of one day owning my own horse.

Horses are a significant aspect of Qatari culture.

Living here, I saw this as an excellent opportunity to start learning more about them.

My internet search of riding schools in Qatar introduced me to Al Samariyah Equestrian Centre.

So off I went on a new adventure to find this equestrian centre.

I drove south along Dukhan Highway.

I was looking for signage saying: Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum.

The museum is located on the Sheikh Faisal’s property, as is his equestrian centre.

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Amiri Guard

Locating the stable was tricky.

GPS was helpful, but not enough because of constant construction along the way.

I was frustrated after taking so many wrong exits.

I decided to try an exit near the sprawling landmark – The Amiri Guard Camp.

I hoped I would find a sign to the stables to point me in the right direction.

An Amiri Guard was parked outside the camp entrance.  

I pulled up behind him and parked my car.

With my Canadian politeness, I walked up to the driver’s side window of the red SUV.

I was nervous because the Amiri Guard are elite soldiers if the Emir.

He rolled down his window and smiled. He was very happy to show me the stable’s location and would lead the way.

I hopped back into my car feeling excited with the bit of privilege because I had an Amiri Guard escort/guide.

He navigated through the maze of busy construction sites.

Then, he turned down a nondescript dirt road. This road brought us to the first entrance of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum.

he pulled up to a weather beaten sign indicating the museum is down this road.

It was here where he waved his goodbye, and left me to find the rest of the way.

As I drive down this road, I took the first road on your left, off of this main one.

I arrived at a guard station. If you take a right, this takes you to the museum. To get to the stables, you turn left. You drive to the end of the road to a parking lot. There, you will find the many buildings of the equestrian centre.

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The Stables

Today was my first visit Al Samariyah Equestrian Center.

I stood in awe, looking around at the magnificent stable, unlike any I’d find in Halifax.

I was approached by a no-nonsense Welsh woman with a great sense of humour named Peggy.

Peggy runs the stables. She arranged for me to join a small group of women who take riding lessons on Saturday mornings.

I met a woman named Tara.

She is from the UK and has been riding since she was four years old.

Tara works in finance but spends her spare time at the stables. She rides three times a week.

Tara showed me around. She introduced me to some of the horses. She kindly let me borrow a pair of chaps for my first lesson.

S, 🇶🇦

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Young Fillies & Colts

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