Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, December 15, 2019: Saudi women riders are saddling up to make history when they compete side by side with their male counterparts for the first time as they take part in this month’s Diriyah Equestrian Festival. Olympic and World qualification points are up for grabs in the second edition of the festival being held from December 19-21. The festival will feature 120 riders, including 13 Saudi female riders who are excited at the prospect of being able to shine for the first time on home turf. “This is a dream,” said 18-year-old Lama Al-Ajmi. “It’s an international four-star competition and I finally get to represent my country on home soil.” “For me, this is the start. This is the start for all of us. I want to be on top and the Olympic are my dream,” Al-Ajmi added. Sultanah Abar, 32, a graphic designer and former UN employee, will compete alongside her brother Abdel Karim. It will be the first time they ride together in an international competition in the Kingdom. “I started riding when I was four,” Abar said. “But until now, I’ve only been able to compete abroad. Finally, we can compete at home and it makes me proud.” Source: Arab News
Saudi women ride into history with ‘dream’ home debut
