Syrians chase equestrian glory in sport once dominated by Assads

Ziad Abu al-Dahab, a 25-year-old equestrian, is training for gold at a tournament near Damascus, amidst a sport historically dominated by Syria’s Assad family. Under the previous regime, results favored government allies, making competition nearly impossible for others; however, following the family’s decline after Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow, new riders are emerging, like Munana Shaker, who is returning to the sport her father once forbade her from entering. With growing interest and fresh talent, the equestrian scene is experiencing a revival, exemplified by trainers seeing their children succeed on horses once associated with the Assad regime.