VOA新闻杂志2022--索马里开设近代来首个马场

On a tree-lined, dirt road in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu, people look out in wonder from their homes to see an unusual sight: two young men riding on horses. As they race, it is hard to tell who is winning. They are training for what is the city's first horse races in recent history.

Slowly improving security has fueled demand for sports and recreational activities – and horse-riding has become a hit.

Watching the men training, mother of five Abshira Mohamed said she was happy to see an activity for young people.

Yahye Isse, 29, established his stable to offer training in horse riding to the public. A stable is a building where horses are kept. In the future, he wants to host competitions in Mogadishu between riders from the city and riders from other areas in the country.

The capital is still often hit by deadly, suicide¹ bombings by the al Qaeda-linked terrorist² group al Shabaab. It aims to take down the central government.

Isse said the stable is a belief that violence will not worsen.

"Horse races are meant for peaceful areas, not war zones," he said. He added that children and the old love to see horses. He said that horses have a beauty that brings people in.

During the rule of military dictator³ Siad Barre, who was forced out of office in 1991, only police were taught how to ride horses. But the new stable has attracted tens of young Somalis who have signed up for training, or lessons, and dream of racing⁴ in international competitions one day.

The stable operates out of the Mogadishu stadium and is home to 14 horses. More than 30 students have completed a six-month riding class at Isse's stable. He currently⁵ has eight full-time⁶ students taking the classes.

The students pay $100 each month. Isse and his three other trainers do not earn a monthly wage, he said. He supports the school financially through his other businesses.

He said he hoped the government would provide support to grow the stable and develop the sport further in the country.

Words in This Story

recreational – adj. done for enjoyment⁷

zone – n. an area that is different from other areas in a particular way

stadium – n. a very large usually roofless building that has a large open area surrounded by many rows of seats and that is used for sports events or concerts

1 suicide   

n.自杀，自毁，自杀性行为

参考例句：

• The number of suicide has increased.自杀案件的数量增加了。
• The death was adjudged a suicide by sleeping pills.该死亡事件被判定为服用安眠药自杀。

2 terrorist   

n.恐怖主义者，恐怖分子

参考例句：

• Without the gun,I'm a sitting duck for any terrorist.没有这支枪，我就成了恐怖分子下手的目标了。
• The district was put on red alert during a terrorist's bomb scare.这个地区在得到恐怖分子炸弹恐吓后作了应急准备。

3 dictator   

n.独裁者，爱发号施令的人

参考例句：

• We felt quite impotent to resist the will of the dictator.我们感到无力抗拒独裁者的意志。
• A dictator must have a firm hand.独裁者的手段是很厉害的。

4 racing   

n.竞赛，赛马；adj.竞赛用的，赛马用的

参考例句：

• I was watching the racing on television last night.昨晚我在电视上看赛马。
• The two racing drivers fenced for a chance to gain the lead.两个赛车手伺机竞相领先。

5 currently   

adv.通常地，普遍地，当前

参考例句：

• Currently it is not possible to reconcile this conflicting evidence.当前还未有可能去解释这一矛盾的例证。
• Our contracts are currently under review.我们的合同正在复查。

6 full-time   

adj.满工作日的或工作周的，全时间的

参考例句：

• A full-time job may be too much for her.全天工作她恐怕吃不消。
• I don't know how she copes with looking after her family and doing a full-time job.既要照顾家庭又要全天工作，我不知道她是如何对付的。

7 enjoyment   

n.乐趣；享有；享用

参考例句：

• Your company adds to the enjoyment of our visit. 有您的陪同，我们这次访问更加愉快了。
• After each joke the old man cackled his enjoyment.每逢讲完一个笑话，这老人就呵呵笑着表示他的高兴。