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I’ve have always dreamed of one day owning my own horse! Living in Qatar, where horses are such a part of their culture, I thought this would be an excellent opportunity to start learning more about them.

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

Today I drove south to find the stables, located on the property of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum off of Dukhan Highway.

Locating the Stables With the Help of the Amiri Guard

Locating the stable was a bit tricky. GPS was helpful, but not enough because of construction along the way. Frustrated after so many wrong exits, I decided to try an exit near the sprawling landmark, the Amiri Guard Camp, in hopes 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, but nervous as the Amiri Guard are elite soldiers, I walked up to the driver’s side window of the red SUV and said hello!

He rolled down his window and with a smile, was very happy to show me the stable’s location! He would lead the way to the proper exit! I hopped back into my car feeling excited with the bit of privilege because I had an Amiri Guard escort/guide!

He drove through the maze of construction to a dirt road leading towards the entrance of Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum. There is a 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 you drive down this road, take the first road on your left, off of this main one. You come to the end of this short road where there is a guard station. If you take a right, this takes you to the museum. To get to the stables, you turn left and drive to the end of the road to a parking lot and the many buildings of the equestrian centre.

The Stables

The stable was unlike any I’d find in Halifax because, well a Sheikh owns it and the stalls are filled with expensive, hot-blooded Arabian or Thoroughbred horses!

I was approached by a no-nonsense Welsh woman with a great sense of humor named Peggy. Peggy runs the stables, and arranged for me to join a small group of women learning to ride on Saturday mornings.

I immediately bonded with a woman named Tara who is from the UK, has been riding since she was four years old, works in finance but spends her spare time at the stables – riding three times a week.  She showed me around a bit, introduced me to some of the horses and kindly let me borrow a pair of chaps for my first lesson!!

Watch the Young Thoroughbred and Arabian Horses Run!

A Young Thoroughbred and Arabian Play Together!

I was thrilled to start my riding lessons at this incredible stable!

If you want to read more about the equestrian centre, you can click on the links I’ve provided below!

Click here to read about my first riding lesson!

Click here to meet Mafnood and see more horses!

Click here to read about a hack ride on Mafnood!

Click here to read about a hack ride on Bay Mare!

Click here to read about a hack ride on Patcher!

Click here to read about a riding lesson where I fall of Farfoor!

S, 🇶🇦🐎