With Assads gone, Syrians chase equestrian glory

Once tightly controlled by the ruling family, the sport is experiencing a revival

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For weeks, Ziad Abu Al Dahab has been training for gold at an equestrian tournament near Damascus — in a sport once dominated by Syria’s Assad family and their inner circle.

"Results used to be decided in advance, always favouring those close to the government,” the 25-year-old rider said.

“My greatest ambition was to reach third place, but today, I can aim for first and do well with my new horse.”

For decades, former president Bashar Al Assad, his relatives and allies enjoyed wide-ranging privileges before his overthrow in a lightning Islamist-led offensive in December.

Equestrian sports surged in the 1990s under Assad’s late brother, Bassel, who used to take part in tournaments at home and abroad and styled himself as Syria’s “first rider”.

His profile helped shine a spotlight on the sport, which came to symbolise elite status under the Assads.

'Impossible to compete'