Kwara Horse Show to discover new Talents for Nigeria- Organisers
Kwara Horse Show to discover new Talents for Nigeria-Organisers
L-R Dr. Abdulazeez, Secretary Organising Committee; Ambassador Bolaji Magaji Nda, Convener Kwara Horse Show; Dr. Jemilat Abdulhameed Atata, Chairperson of the Organising Committee.
The organisers of the maiden edition of the Kwara Horse Show have revealed that the equestrian-filled competition will unearth a new set of horse race riders for the country.
This was disclosed on Wednesday during a press conference held at the Taiwo Awoniyi Sports Media Centre in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
Speaking to journalists at the briefing, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr. Jemilat Abdulhameed Atata, said the tournament driven by their passion for Horse riding will feature the first-ever horseball competition on African soil.
Atata also revealed that the tournament will feature the Horse Drop game, which involves a jockey dismounting mid-race to pick up a ball and drop it at another point. She described it as a high-energy game that promises to be very entertaining.
Scheduled to hold on Sunday, November 16, at Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin, the competition will be preceded by a 30-kilometre horse marathon on Saturday, designed to explore newly constructed and upgraded roads across the Ilorin metropolis.
According to the organisers, the competition also provides an opportunity for horse riders and enthusiasts in the state to explore other equestrian activities, which until now have mostly been showcased during the popular Ilorin Durbar.
“This is the first time horseball will be played on African soil. It’s popular in America and Argentina. We have studied the game and we know the nitty-gritty,” said Atata, a veterinary doctor, who also revealed that there are plans to launch a polo tournament in the near future.
She added "The competition will help us discover new talents who will go on to represent Nigeria at international tournaments"
The Convener of the competition, Ambassador Bolaji Magaji Nda, described the initiative as a community-driven programme aimed at engaging the youth meaningfully.
Magaji noted that participants are drawn from within and outside Ilorin to showcase their skills.
Ambassador Nda, a seasoned horseman and founder of BMN Stables, has been widely celebrated for his aesthetic and impressive performances, including at the Ilorin Emirate Grand Durbar.
The Kwara Horse Show will feature female, children, and adult categories, with the star prize being a brand-new horse and another ₦1 million set aside for winners.
The organisers also assured adequate security and medical support throughout the tournament. The event is fully supported by the Kwara State Government.
