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Sudan's equestrian history is deeply rooted, with evidence of horse use dating back to around 1000 BC. Contrary to common belief, horses were present in Sudan long before the arrival of nomadic Muslim tribes. They hold cultural significance, particularly among tribes in the Darfur region, where horse racing has been practiced since the 16th century. British colonial influence introduced horse racing, polo, and tent pegging in 1929, which persisted after Sudan gained independence in 1956. Efforts to improve horse breeding included importing Thoroughbreds from England in 1944, but this impacted local breeds that have adapted to the environment. Sudan faces equine diseases like African horse sickness and piroplasmosis.
The DAD-IS database lists four horse breeds reported by Sudan: the Dongola or Dongolawi, the Sudanese Country-Bred, the Tawleed and the Western Sudan Pony. The horse population of Sudan (including Sudan and present-day South Sudan) was probably around 700,000 individuals in 2009. Epidemics of horse sickness and drought represent obstacles to its expansion.
Horses are primarily used for transportation and traction in Sudan, with limited leisure applications. They play a historical role in warfare, prized for their agility and speed, though modern conflicts have altered their battlefield significance. Culturally, horses symbolise prestige and authority, celebrated in festivals and events, especially horse racing. Despite betting being prohibited by Islamic tradition, racing remains a popular sport, with Sudanese jockeys well-regarded for their courage.
Equestrian practices are probably very old on Sudanese territory, as evidenced by the discovery of the remains of a Nubian chariot horse, dated to around 1000 BC. [1] According to Mamoun A. Mekki, general secretary of the Sudanese Equestrian Federation in 1994, the horse was in fact introduced by the Nubians around 2000 BC. [2] Contrary to widespread belief, it was certainly present on the territory of Sudan well before the arrival of nomadic Muslim tribes from the Sahara. [3] : 367 The use of cavalry seems historically rare, camelry being preferred, until agility during the battle became critical. [3]
The horse constitutes a cultural heritage, particularly in the Darfur region, among the Missairiyah and the Rizeigat tribes. [4] It appears that horse racing has been practiced in Darfur since 16th century. [5] During the 20th century, a policy of improving breeding was put in place [6] with the support of local tribes, who participated in the establishment of Thoroughbreds, particularly in the Khartoum region. [4] The English imported horse racing in 1929, and built a racecourse in Khartoum, at the confluence of the Blue Nile and the White Nile. [2] They imported other equestrian practices then unknown to the Sudanese, such as polo and tent pegging. While they had no intention of teaching equestrian sport to the Sudanese, this practice survived the colonial period, equestrian sport being in full development during the country's independence in 1956. [2] According to Ahmed Mekki Abdu, first Governor of Khartoum after independence, the English re-sold their horses to the Sudanese before their departure, allowing the maintenance of large stables sometimes numbering dozens of horses. [2]
The veterinary authorities imported Thoroughbreds from England from 1944, with the idea of "improving" the local herd and making Sudan a country exporting horses to Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and Nigeria, whose officials enjoy seeing tribal horse shows. A breeding centre was created in Nyala, capable of receiving 10 to 90 mares every day. [4] This centre became the main supplier of racehorses to Khartoum, and imported 400 to 500 of these animals annually until 1974. [4] Arabian horses were also imported at this time. [7] This breeding is established to the detriment of local breeds, although they are better adapted to their biotope. [7]
The environmental and ecological crisis (desertification of Darfur) impacts domestic animals as much as human beings, reducing horse patrols, polo, and racing. [4]
Horses were used for warfare in the central Sudan region since the 9th century, where they were considered "the most precious commodity following the slave." [8] The first conclusive evidence of horses playing a major role in the warfare of West Africa dates to the 11th century when the region was controlled by the Almoravids, a Muslim Berber dynasty. [9] : 119 During the 13th and 14th centuries, cavalry became an important factor in the area. [10] : 119 This coincided with the introduction of larger breeds of horse and the widespread adoption of saddles and stirrups. [10] : 127–133
Mounted warfare was a prominent feature of Sudanese military strategies. Horses served as cavalry, offering not only mobility but also the ability to charge into enemy lines with force. Cavalry units were known for their speed and manoeuvrability, making them a formidable presence on the battlefield. They played a crucial role in various campaigns and conflicts, contributing to Sudan's military successes. [11] Horses held symbolic significance in Sudanese warfare. They were not only tools of combat but also symbols of victory and prestige. Victorious leaders often paraded on horseback, showcasing their authority and triumph. Horses became a source of pride and a representation of power in Sudanese culture. The use of horses in Sudan's military history also extended to trade and exchange. Sudan imported horses from North Africa and the Western Sahara, often exchanging them for slaves. This trade had significant economic and military implications for the region, highlighting the multifaceted role of horses in Sudanese society. [12]
During the 18th and 19th centuries, horses were extensively used in inter-tribal conflicts in Sudan. Their agility and speed made them invaluable assets on the battlefield, allowing for swift manoeuvres and rapid charges. Horses became a common sight in these battles, as various tribes vied for power and territory within the region. [2]
While horses once dominated the battlefield in Sudan, modern conflicts have witnessed changes in military technology and tactics. The role of horses in warfare has evolved, with mechanised vehicles and modern weaponry largely replacing them. Still, organised armed fighters on horseback are occasionally seen. The best-known current examples are the Janjaweed, militia groups seen in the Darfur region of Sudan, who became notorious for their attacks upon unarmed civilian populations in the Darfur conflict. [13] [14] [15] Many nations still maintain small numbers of mounted military units for certain types of patrol and reconnaissance duties in extremely rugged terrain, including the conflict in Afghanistan. [16]
Sudan has the largest population of domestic livestock (cattle, goats, camels, donkeys, sheep, etc.) in all of Africa, with the domestic donkey being much more present than the horse. [17] Based on figures provided by the Sudanese government in 2009, R. Trevor Wilson estimates, in his study of domestic livestock in Sudan (including present-day South Sudan), that there are 784,000 horses in the country in 2009. [17] The Delachaux guide puts forward a figure of around 20,000 horses in Sudan in 2014. [6]
The indigenous horses of Sudan were of Barb type, quite small, with a light frame. [7] In the twenty-first century, four horse breeds are reported by Sudan: the Dongola, the Sudan Country-Bred, the Tawleed and the Western Sudan Pony or Gharbawi. [7] [6] : 413
The Dongola, named for the Dongola province of Sudan, is an African riding breed of Barb type, possibly influenced by Arabs in the past. It is distributed in northern Sudan, in western Eritrea, and in many West African nations. It has many regional variants such as the West African Dongola and the Bahr-el-Ghazal of Chad. [7] : 462 West African Dongolawi breeds include the Mossi, Yagha, Bandiagara, Songhaq, Djerma, and Nigerian. Known for its convex profile, [18] the Dongola horse is hardy and is used for riding, traction, and pack work. [7] : 461
The Sudanese Country-Bred originated in the early twentieth century through a government programme aimed at improving the breed. Local Barb-type mares, mainly from Dongola and Gharbaui populations, were bred with Arab and Thoroughbred stallions, often at the Nyala stud farm in South Darfur. [19] : 245 Although the resulting crossbred horses were larger, they lost some of the local qualities, such as hardiness and water endurance. By the 1950s or 1960s, most local horses were affected by this process. [20] [21] : 408 In 1994, their population was around 65,000. The breed's conservation status is currently considered "not at risk," according to FAO in 2007 and the DAD-IS database in 2023. [7] : 505 These horses are primarily used for riding, with bay being the most common coat colour. [7] : 221
The Tawleed originated in the Khartoum region from crossbreeding of the Sudanese Country-Bred with imported blood horses, especially Thoroughbreds. [22]
The Gharbaui was developed though a government-led "improvement" program in the twentieth century at the Nyala stud farm in South Darfur. Local mares of Barb type were cross-bred with Arab and Thoroughbred stallions, resulting in larger but less hardy horses. [20] : 408 [19] : 245 By the 1950s or 1960s, few remained unaffected by this cross-breeding process. In 1994, their population was estimated at 8000–10,000. [20] : 408 [23] It is a small horse, standing around 140–145 cm at the withers, resembling the Barb in many ways, particularly in its hardiness and endurance. [23] The legs often have poor conformation. It has a convex profile; coat colour is commonly grey but can also be bay or chestnut. [20] : 408 [23]
Like other countries in North Africa and the Middle East, the Khartoum region is hit by epidemics of African horse sickness, which causes high horse mortality. Majority of the Sudanese horses studied were, directly or indirectly, exposed to this virus. Piroplasmosis is also present, with 35.9% of horses and donkeys tested in 2013 being or having been parasitised. [24] Parasitization by Babesia caballi and Theileria equi is common in 2008, including present-day South Sudan. [25]
The horse is mainly used as a means of transport, traction, and more rarely as a leisure animal. [6] Horse riding is practiced in rural areas of Sudan for transportation purposes. [6] On the other hand, horse was not used, or only very little, as an agricultural aid in Central Sudan. [3] The vast majority of Sudanese horses are used as working animals, with the exception of a minority of sport horses. [6] In addition to its horse racing, Sudan is known for its tent pegging competitions, imported by the British. [4]
The use of mounted police to secure the streets at night, inspired by British traditions, continued throughout the 20th century, before disappearing at the start of the following century. [4]
As of 2014, Horse races are still organised in the Khartoum region. [6] Horse racing is a popular and vibrant tradition in Sudan. These events not only showcase the speed and agility of horses but also provide opportunities for social gatherings and cultural expression. [3]
Betting is prohibited in horse racing, in accordance with Islamic laws. [2] The racing season takes place from October to June, due to the heat. [2] People suspected of betting despite the ban are regularly arrested. [2] Sudanese jockeys, renowned for their courage and combativeness, are recruited by racing stables in Gulf countries. [2] In 2012, the African Union proposed the organisation of horse races in Nyala, in South Darfur, as a factor of cohesion and peace between peoples. [5] Maintaining the races also supports cohesion and morale among the Sudanese population of Khartoum since the secession of South Sudan. [26]
Sudan's horse culture dates back centuries, with horses being highly prized and associated with wealth and power. Particularly, ethnic groups in the Darfur region, such as the Missairiyah and Rizeigat tribes, have preserved their historic connection with horses, considering them a part of their identity and heritage. [27]
Horses are a symbol of power in Sudanese culture. Only the wealthy and powerful could own horses, and rulers like the Soso king Soumaoro Kanté showcased their authority through impressive cavalries. [28]
According to researcher Humphrey J. Fisher, of the University of London (1974), traditional festivals and ceremonies seem to constitute the main use of the horse in Sudan, as well as the first vector of transmission of knowledge in terms of horsemanship and horse care. [3] The major limit to equestrian practices seems to lie in the cost and availability of equestrian equipment. [3] There is also a restriction due to a stream of radical Islam, which considers ownership of a horse unacceptable, and the practice of horse riding suspicious. [3]
Sudanese culture celebrates horses through various festivals and events. The horse is often mentioned in traditional Sudanese poems and songs. On the occasion of festivals, particularly weddings, riders accompany the processions. [4] The Sudanese also make numerous references to the important role of the horse in the Koran and Islamic conquests. [2] The horse has always represented a prestigious gift or tribute. [3]
Horse breeding is reproduction in horses, and particularly the human-directed process of selective breeding of animals, particularly purebred horses of a given breed. Planned matings can be used to produce specifically desired characteristics in domesticated horses. Furthermore, modern breeding management and technologies can increase the rate of conception, a healthy pregnancy, and successful foaling.
The history of Sudan refers to the territory that today makes up Republic of the Sudan and the state of South Sudan, which became independent in 2011. The territory of Sudan is geographically part of a larger African region, also known by the term "Sudan". The term is derived from Arabic: بلاد السودان bilād as-sūdān, or "land of the black people", and has sometimes been used more widely referring to the Sahel belt of West and Central Africa.
The demographics of Sudan include the Sudanese people and their characteristics, Sudan, including population density, ethnicity, education level, health, economic status, religious affiliations, and other aspects of the population.
Nyala is the capital of the state of South Darfur in the south-west of Sudan.
Darfur is a region of western Sudan. Dār is an Arabic word meaning "home [of]" – the region was named Dardaju while ruled by the Daju, who migrated from Meroë c. 350 AD, and it was renamed Dartunjur when the Tunjur ruled the area. Darfur was an independent sultanate for several hundred years until 1874, when it fell to the Sudanese warlord Rabih az-Zubayr. The region was later invaded and incorporated into Sudan by Anglo-Egyptian forces in 1916. As an administrative region, Darfur is divided into five federal states: Central Darfur, East Darfur, North Darfur, South Darfur and West Darfur. Because of the War in Darfur between Sudanese government forces and the indigenous population, the region has been in a state of humanitarian emergency and genocide since 2003. The factors include religious and ethnic rivalry, and the rivalry between farmers and herders.
The Cleveland Bay is a breed of horse that originated in England during the 17th century, named after its colouring and the Cleveland district of Yorkshire. It is a well-muscled horse, with legs that are strong but short in relation to the body. The horses are always bay in colour, although a few light hairs in the mane and tail are characteristic of some breed lines. It is the oldest established horse breed in England. The ancestors of the breed were developed during the Middle Ages for use as pack horses, when they gained their nickname of "Chapman Horses". These pack horses were cross-bred with Andalusian and Barb blood, and later with Arabians and Thoroughbreds, to create the Cleveland Bay of today. Over the years, the breed became lighter in frame as they were employed more as carriage and riding horses. The popularity of the Cleveland Bay has greatly fluctuated since it was first imported to the United States in the early nineteenth century. Despite serious declines in the population after the Second World War, the breed has experienced a resurgence in popularity since the 1970s, although only around 550 horses existed worldwide as of 2006.
The Barb or Berber horse is a North African breed of riding horse with great hardiness and stamina. It is closely associated with the Berber or Amazigh peoples of the Maghreb. It has influenced a number of modern breeds, including many in northern and western Africa.
The Lusitano, also known as the Pure Blood Lusitano or PSL, is a Portuguese horse breed. Horses were known to be present on the Iberian Peninsula as far back as 20,000 BC, and by 800 BC the region was renowned for its war horses. The fame of the horses from Lusitania goes back to the Roman Age, which attributed its speed to the influence of the West wind, who was considered capable of fertilizing the mares. When the Muslims invaded Iberia in 711 AD, they brought Arabian horses with them that were crossed with the native horses, developing a horse that became useful for war, dressage and bull fighting. The Portuguese horse was named the Lusitano, after the word Lusitania, the ancient Roman name for the region that modern Portugal occupies. There are four main breed lineages within the breed today, and characteristics differ slightly between each line.
Geneina is a city in West Darfur, part of the dar Masalit region, in Sudan. It joined British Sudan at the end of 1919 through the Gilani Agreement, signed between the Masalit Sultanate and the United Kingdom, according to which it became a territory.
The Shaigiya, Shaiqiya, Shawayga or Shaykia are an Arabized Nubian tribe. They are part of the Sudanese Arabs and are also one of the three prominent Sudanese Arabs tribes in North Sudan, along with the Ja'alin and Danagla. The tribe inhabits the region of Dar al-Shayqiya, which stretches along the banks of the Nile River from Korti to the end of 4th Nile cataract and includes their tribal capital of Merowe Sheriq and parts of the Bayuda desert.
The American Warmblood is a horse of warmblood type, intended primarily for the traditional sport horse disciplines of dressage, show jumping, eventing and combined driving.
The Tawleed is a Sudanese breed of sport horse. It derives from the Sudanese Country-Bred through cross-breeding with imported blood horses, principally of Thoroughbred stock. It is found mainly in the Khartoum region of Sudan.
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed developed for horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed. Thoroughbreds are considered "hot-blooded" horses that are known for agility, speed, and spirit.
The Sultanate of Darfur was a pre-colonial state in present-day Sudan. It existed from 1603 to 24 October 1874, when it fell to the Sudanese warlord Rabih az-Zubayr, and again from 1898 to 1916, when it was occupied by the British and the Egyptians and was integrated into Anglo-Egyptian Sudan. At its peak in the late 18th and early 19th century it stretched all the way from Darfur in the west to Kordofan and the western banks of the White Nile in the east, giving it the size of present-day Nigeria.
The Anglo-Norman horse is a warmblood horse breed developed in Lower Normandy in northern France. A major center of horse breeding, the area had numerous regional types that were bred to one another and then crossed with Thoroughbreds to form the Anglo-Norman. Various body types developed within the Anglo-Norman breed, two of which were split off to form the Norman Cob and French Trotter. The remaining types were eventually standardized, although there remained some criticism of the "hybrid" nature of the breed's conformation. However, it is successful as an international sport horse, especially in the sport of show jumping. The Anglo-Norman also contributed to the development of several other breeds in Europe and Asia.
Western Sudan Pony is an exonym for a Sudanese breed or group of breeds or ecotypes of small horse or pony. These are distributed principally in southern Darfur and south-western Kordofan, extending into southern Chad, and are known generically as Gharbaui ("western") or by a variety of regional names including Darfur Pony and Kordofani.
The Dongola or Dongolawi is an African breed of riding horse. It is predominantly of Barb type, though there may have been some Arab influence in the past. It originated in the Dongola province of Sudan, for which it is named. In eastern Africa it is distributed in the northern part of Sudan and in western Eritrea; it is also present in several West African countries including Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic. A number of local West African breeds or types derive from it; they may be regarded as sub-types, or may be reported as separate breeds.
Omer Ihsas is a Sudanese singer, composer and bandleader from South Darfur. Since 1987, he has become known both in Sudan and internationally for his music, based on different folk music styles from his home region, as well as for his social activism, calling for reconciliation and peace in Darfur, as well as in all of Sudan.
The history of horses in Cameroon is linked above all to the traditional presence of this animal in the northern regions of the country, around Lake Chad from the 16th century, then in Adamawa, as well as in the Garoua and Maroua regions. Traditional equestrian practices in Cameroon, such as horse parades and horse dances, have more recently been joined by equestrian activities, under the influence of Western expatriates and investors, notably in Yaoundé since the 1990s. The main use of horses in Cameroon is in agriculture and transport fields.
The Sudanese Country-Bred is a Sudanese breed of light riding horse. It was bred in the twentieth century by cross-breeding local mares of Barb type with imported Arab or Thoroughbred stallions.