In a quiet, rural part of Oman, the energy in the open field is clear to see. The sun is shining, a gentle breeze stirs the air, and a group of young girls buzz with excitement as they try something new—something deeply traditional, yet refreshingly modern. They’re learning to ride horses and shoot arrows, combining skills that have been part of the region’s history for thousands of years. It’s an unusual sight — a modern training ground for ancient sports, full of hope and curiosity.
Oman has a long history of horsemanship and archery. It’s a place where riders once fought in battles, and where the bow was a symbol of precision, patience, and honour. These skills were passed down through generations, from tribal warriors to royal knights. Over time, they became part of cultural festivals, celebrations, and traditional storytelling. Today, these ancient traditions are finding new life among young people who want to connect with their roots whilst building confidence and strength.
In recent years, the picture has started to change. Instead of being exclusive to men or only seen during special events, horsemanship and archery are now being seen as skills anyone can learn—especially for girls. More and more young women are eager to pick up these skills, seeing them as a way to challenge stereotypes and gain new opportunities.
In Nizwa, a popular city in the centre of Oman, a local riding school called Al Bayan organised a special workshop. It was held in a spacious outdoor arena, surrounded by mountains and lush farmland. The girls arrived eager and excited, knowing this was a chance to try something different. As they mounted their horses, the atmosphere was alive with anticipation. They clutched bows, aiming carefully at targets set up at various distances, all whilst riding steadily on the horses’ backs.
One of the girls taking part was Duha Ambuali. She admits she’s passionate about riding, and she was eager to try archery on horseback. “It was a very demanding experience,” she says, smiling. “Balancing on a moving horse whilst aiming an arrow takes full focus and control. It really pushes you to be in tune with your body and your mind.”
Her sister, Farha Ambuali, shared her thoughts too. “It was amazing,” she says. “Controlling the horse and shooting accurately on the move made me feel really powerful. I was nervous at first, but once I tried it, I realised how much I could do when I put my mind to it.” Both girls said that trying something so different gave them a new sense of confidence they hadn’t felt before.
Other young girls, like Areen and Rudaina Al Salmi, tried mounted archery for the first time. They described their experience as “awesome” and “artistic.” Though they felt a little nervous at first, they finished the session proud of themselves. “Most people don’t get to try this,” Areen says simply. “It’s a new skill and something most girls don’t usually do.”
What the girls shared most was how much the experience boosted their confidence. Hitting a target whilst riding a horse isn’t easy — it requires patience, balance, focus, and determination. Farha said, “When I hit the target, I felt like I’d achieved something big. It gave me a feeling I’ve never had before, like I can do anything now.”
This kind of activity doesn’t just teach physical skills. It’s also about breaking barriers. Traditionally, horsemanship and archery have been seen as “men’s sports,” sports of strength and endurance. But these young girls are proving that these skills belong to everyone. Participating in them helps challenge stereotypes and shows that girls can be just as brave, skilled, and confident as boys.
The organisers of the workshop hope to run more sessions like this. Many of the girls already said they want to keep learning and even try future competitions. For some, this experience has opened a whole new door—one they want to walk through.
The success of this workshop also hints at a bigger picture. As these old skills become popular again, they could be featured more in movies, TV shows, or even fashion, bringing them into the mainstream. Showing young people the excitement of horsemanship and archery can inspire more to take an interest, blending history with today’s culture.
Learning to ride and shoot requires more than just physical ability. It teaches patience, persistence, and resilience—qualities that are helpful in everyday life too. These skills remind us that traditional arts are still relevant and powerful tools for growth and empowerment.
Stories like these show how ancient skills can be refreshed and shared with a new generation. They also serve as a reminder that cultural traditions are not fixed in time — they evolve and adapt, shaping the way young people see themselves and their opportunities. Through activities like this, girls in Oman and across the Middle East are rewriting their futures—confident, capable, and proud of their heritage.
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