Stable platform for women and children
▶ Jameela Al Ameri’s equestrian club is helping women over early hurdles into the sport, writes Haneen Dajani
Globe-trotter Jameela Al Ameri has made horses her passion, and she is now on a quest to help other women saddle up for success.
The Emirati rider has travelled the world to take part in races, winning a clutch of awards. She even represented Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in his endurance races after a chance meeting at an event in Jordan in 2011.
Al Ameri has jumped many hurdles to enter a world often dominated by men, but she says many other women did not have that chance – so she opened an all-female stable.
“Many women and young girls used to tell me how much they wanted to learn horse riding, but couldn’t because most stables are mainly dominated by men,” she says.
“Only in rare cases some families approved of their daughters being coached by men or at common stables. I also used to feel shy and hesitant when my male coach would fix my posture or compliment me on my skills.”
Al Ameri was granted land in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi in 2013, and turned it into a horse haven for women and children.
The feminine touch is evident at Al Darban Equestrian Club. The walls are decorated with festive lights as women head to the stables with their children. The indoor arena has mirrors all over the walls for the riders to check their posture.
There is also an outdoor arena, a pool for the horses and a mini lounge.
“Soon we will be adding a cafe, mini gym, beauty centre and an outdoor cinema,” Al Ameri says.
The stables do not have the usual horsey smell. The animals are spotless and their coats are shiny.
“I take care of the horses and train them personally,” Al Ameri says. “I use horse whispering.”
She pulls out a photo of herself sharing an apple mouth-to-mouth with a horse: “They brought me this horse and it was very stubborn.”
The stable is still to open officially, but 10 women train there regularly. Classes for women and children are held on weekdays and families can book to train on weekends.
“Now we have 10 classes because I’m the only trainer,” Al Ameri says. “We will have more coaches soon.”
Rawda Al Ameri walks in carrying her baby on her shoulder.
“I started horse riding when I was a child,” the Emirati housewife says. “I used to participate in jumping competitions. The equestrian world gives a woman courage and charisma.
“I will start again today and I chose this place because it is for women only, so I can feel more free and wear whatever I like and take pictures. It is more comfortable this way.
“I know many women who were looking for a ladies-only place because our traditions don’t allow them to go to mixed places.”
Emirati Sara Al Jahoori arrives with her twins, aged 2, who she puts on ponies.
“I started horse riding eight years ago at Bu Theeb stables in Al Wathba, but I stopped two years ago because I gave birth through a Caesarean section,” says Ms Al Jahoori, 30. “I will start again today.
“My older children, 8 and 10, started training here as well. My husband doesn’t have time to take a family class with us. We come here only with friends and children. It is like break time for us. I plan to develop to a professional level from now on.”
Emirati poetess Arwa Al Ali, 29, a horse rider since 2010, came across Al Darban while searching for a “suitable place that will provide more care” for her horse.
“I called the information centre and they told me there is a woman who started an equestrian club and stables in Al Wathba,” Ms Al Ali says. “They said there is a place managed by a woman, so I came to check it out and immediately saw the difference.
“I saw the grass they use, the bathing equipment, the hygiene and health of the horses, and since then I’ve been here. When I saw Jameela’s trophies and that she used to compete for Sheikh Mohammed, I thought this is the type of person we need. Since that day I moved my horse here.”
Ms Al Ali is also the head of the youth council at the National Qualification Authority and plans to carry out joint activities between the two.
She helped to organise an event for people with special needs at the club, where they had an open day of horse riding, food and activities.
“You will see the place transform into a hub soon, there will also be a play area for children,” Ms Al Ali says. “We are also planning an event for orphans and we will hold a horse auction in the summer.”