Kirkuk hosts first equestrian festival for female riders

KIRKUK — Spectators in Kirkuk were captivated by scenes of female riders, neatly dressed, galloping on their horses to the sound of music blasting from speakers. The horse saddles, adorned with local designs and motifs, added to the vibrant atmosphere.

Female riders from Kirkuk, Duhok, Sulaymaniyah, and Diyala provinces showcased mainly Kurdish and some Arabian purebred horses at the North Oil Club Stadium in the Arfa area of Kirkuk.

This event was part of the “Purebred Kurdish Horse” festival, held for the first time in Kirkuk, with over 60 horses participating.

Hastiar, a female rider, shared her excitement with 964media: “It is the first time such a large festival dedicated to original Kurdish horses has been organized here. Similar festivals have been held in Sulaymaniyah and Erbil.”

The festival, organized by the Iraqi Olympic Committee and the Kurdish Horse Organization, attracted families and youth from Kirkuk and other cities.

Khanda Kirkuki, a Kirkuk resident, thanked the organizers of this equestrian festival, the first of its kind in Kirkuk, and the participants who put on a wonderful show.

The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as the event kicked off.

Harbi Khaled, Chairman of the Olympic Committee in Kirkuk, stated: “Everything is ready, and hopefully you will see something beautiful.”