Horse riding?

Question

My boyfriends family are due to move to the UK from Iran next week and are all devout Muslims. His parents, sisters and brothers will be staying in our 2 bedroom semi initially while they sort out their benefits. I need to try to keep them occupied while my boyfriend is at work and I think horse riding could be the answer. I have been told that horses are almost none existent in Iran and this would be a great culture shock for them to ride a great British horse. However, the females of the family insist on wearing a full burkha. Would this cause problems while horse riding? The family do not speak much English so this may cause a problem but I have tried to draw some picture cards in preparation for their arrival - does anyone have a suggestion which picture I could use to comminicate the idea of mounting a horse? Any ideas?

Sorry.. just to make it clear, they are coming to the UK not to America. Although thanks for the idea about the restaurant, I know a good Indian around the corner that I might take them to.

Answer 1

While it sounds like you have good intentions, I'm not sure I would rely on this for an activity. According to some of the websites I'm seeing, certain Muslims will not ride horses. See the link I posted below and do a quick search yourself online.

However, if they do feel comfortable riding a horse, they could always ride sidesaddle rather than having to straddle the animal. In order to convey this, why not look up the Farsi characters to write it out to them? You can find a translation service, or ask your boyfriend to write it. If all else fails and you're still looking for a horse picture, here's one. Just print it up and show it. http://hiddentrails.com/america-central/costa-rica/images/costa-rica-girl-rider-h.jpg

Why not take them shopping? Or to a restaurant or museum? Show them the cultural aspects of the UK. I think they'll get a "culture shock" just by virtue of being in the UK. Good luck.

Answer 2

The middle eastern Arabic culture has produced some of the finest horses that have ever been born and they are the founding stock for the Thoroughbreds of today.
They are very into horse back riding and racing. At least in many of the Arabic nations they are.
however I do not think it would be an appropriate activity for women from there. The Burkas would be a huge handicap in riding and could cause problems with the horse. I do not think they would want to ride astride but maybe side saddle, Do you own a side saddle?
This would be something I would ask your BF about before trying to do as a surprise.

Answer 3

Nah, the ladies will be right mounting the horse. As long as the horse(s) are bomb proof (very quiet, are not easily frightened) they should be OK. Just tell them to wear long pants under their burkhas so as they swing their legs over the back of the horse they won't embarrass themselves or offend their faith. The Arabs have horses, so it would be the same for them to try and mount a horse with a long piece of clothing on. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Okay basic riding equipment would be sensible footwear, with a heel, gloves and a riding hat, the latter is a legal requirement.

The biggest hurdle you will meet will be riding hats, at the end of the days you visitors maybe offended if someone is attempting to 'fit correctly' an important piece of safety equipment.

It might be wiser to just take them to some sort of display, which includes horse-riding

Answer 5

Horse driving is super, yet you will possibly be able to desire to undergo in techniques that it incredibly is greater approximately looking after the animal than the definitely driving area. As Eartha can enable you comprehend, good animal husbandry is taken into consideration one of my substantial concerns.

Answer 6

their dress may be a problem, depending on the riding school and their rules.

Answer 7

good question! No idea

Answer 8

Horses are for eating, not for riding.
Especially the head.

Answer 9

oink oink

Answer 10

you are at it !