From Facebook to formal trade post
‘First project of its kind’: Horse auction initiative revitalizes Hawija’s equestrian scene
KIRKUK — Horse enthusiasts in Kirkuk marked a milestone with the establishment of the first-ever horse auction in Hawija district. The initiative, launched by local resident Ahmed Al-Gharib, garnered notable attention and participation.
The auction addresses a longstanding gap for the city’s equestrian community, which had previously relied solely on Facebook pages to buy and sell horses due to the lack of dedicated facilities.
Over the past ten years, the number of horses in Hawija district has surged to over 800, thus becoming a key hub for horse trading. However, the city lacked a horse auction until Al-Gharib’s project.
“This is the first project of its kind in Hawija, and we are proud of this achievement. The turnout exceeded our expectations,” Al-Gharib told 964media.
“Our main goal is not financial; it’s about supporting and encouraging this noble sport and providing the much-needed backing for equestrians, ”Al-Gharib added.
For years, horse owners in Hawija showcased and sold their horses on Facebook or traveled to other governorates to participate in auctions. Abu Nimer Al-Hamdani, a horse breeder, emphasized the auction’s value in enhancing the market.
“This project allows us to showcase our horses and increase their market value while attracting breeders to a central hub,” Al-Hamdani said.
The initiative also coincides with plans to establish a stable and an equestrian training club.
Mohammed Khalil, a breeder of Arabian horses, highlighted ongoing efforts to expand the equestrian scene in Hawija.
“There’s a project underway to create a stable and open a club for horseback riding lessons under professional trainers,” Khalil said. “This will give enthusiasts a chance to learn and practice, even if they don’t own a horse.”
Khalil called on the government to support the sport by building a dedicated racetrack. “Current horse races lack proper organization due to insufficient backing for breeders,” he noted.