The Dismal Reality of Horse Riding in Pakistan: A Sport for the Elite, Paid for by the Common People
A hundred years ago, the landscape of transportation and leisure in Pakistan was vastly different. Horses were a common sight, a necessity for mobility and livelihood, while only the affluent could afford the luxury of owning a car. Fast forward to today, the scenario has reversed dramatically: cars have become ubiquitous, while horses—once a symbol of a common man's life—are now reserved for the wealthy. In today’s market, a decent horse costs around 1 million rupees, a price that is out of reach for most Pakistanis. Beyond the initial purchase, the costs of maintaining a horse, including feeding and care, are substantial, making horse ownership a privilege of the rich. This stark reality highlights the growing socio-economic divide in Pakistan, where even recreational activities like horse riding are becoming exclusive to the elite. Amidst this backdrop, the recent allocation of over 180 million rupees by the sports directorate for the development of horse riding clubs in Khy...