(22 Nov 2019) LEAD IN: A showjumping event was held in Benghazi, the first of its kind in Libya.
The tournament showcases the talent of women and girls.
STORY-LINE:
Women and girls are training for the first tournament of its kind in Libya.
In Benghazi, they will soon be competing in an equestrian show jumping event for women.
The tournament is a unique sporting event held at the Equestrian Martyrs Club under the title "Horsewomen of Libya."
On the schedule is a brief horse talent show by a professional horseman, before the Small Tour eve.
"The tournament has two categories for the Small Tour - the small tour 85 centimetres and 80 centimetres (34 inches and 31 inches), to give the girls who have no previous official participation the chance to participate," explains Hisham Hashem, a tournament organizer.
An Arabian horse show follows the Small Tour, and then it is time for the Big Tour, where advanced show jumpers can show their strengths.
Under the flood lights, accomplished riders enter the arena.
"This type of competition will be held for the first time, the six bar," explains Hashem, referring to the six bar obstacle course.
"It will have horsewomen participating from all over Libya, there are international riders who came from Tripoli, including Sabrin al-Megrahi, and also horsewomen from here, from Benghazi, who also are not to be reckoned with," he says.
And for an event showcasing women and girls' talent as horse riders, a range of organisational aspects of the event were carried out by women.
"The idea of holding this tournament is first of all to encourage female riders, and secondly, to encourage women in general, so we have assigned female police, we thank Captain Maria (Head of the Policewomen Force), as well as the organizing committee," says Hashem.
"We like to convey the message that Benghazi and Libya have changed, God willing," he adds.
The tournament exceeded expectations when it was approved by the Steering Committee of the Libyan General Equestrian Federation.
It also attracted sponsorship.
"In terms of support, there are companies that supported us with prizes and coupons, such as the Hashem brothers and the Trade and Development Bank," explains Hisham Hashem.
The riders are delighted with the event.
Sabrin al-Megrahi is a participant from Tripoli.
"We are proud that we are participating in an event like this," she says.
"It unites horsewomen by mutual knowledge and harmony, this is something we have wanted for a long time."
Nada Hassan is a local horse rider who also loved the idea of the event.
"I respect those who came up with this idea, because it encourages people to introduce their daughters to equestrian sports, so I loved this idea," she says.
For Hassan, this event is just the beginning.
"My ambition is to become a well-known international jockey," she says.
And while there are people with ideas that women should not ride horses, she wants to prove them wrong.
"People often have wrong ideas about girls' equestrian sports. I like to show them that it's just like any other hobby," she adds.
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