Hajj on Horseback
Learn about our project
THE ROAD TO HAJJ
When Dr Abdallah Hernandez found Islam in 1990, he felt so fortunate with Allah’s guidance that the promised Him he will go to hajj on horseback.
30 years later, he established this project with a close friend to fulfil his promised and to replicate the typical hajj journey of the Andalusians more than 500 years since the last recorded hajj journey from Spain.
For this aim, a group of Spanish Muslims intend to go from South Spain to Makkah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, using specialised Arabian endurance horses trained for a journey of this calibre. These horses are from a selection of Arabian endurance horses bred by a reputable Pure Arabian stud farm based in Spain, called La Cañada del Robledo (Cadiz, Spain).
We ask Allah to make this project possible by His Favour and Generosity. Amin.
Pure Arabian Endurance Horses
The project has selected 8 Pure Arabian endurance mares for the journey. Our horses are specially trained for the challenging journey ahead, with a focus on endurance and stamina. They have been carefully selected for their physical attributes, including strength, agility, and speed, and have undergone rigorous training to prepare for the trip. The horses have been conditioned to handle different terrains and weather conditions, and their health and well-being is closely monitored by the veterinary. The horses will also fed a carefully balanced diet to ensure they have the energy and nutrients they need to perform at their best. The pedigree of most of our mares back to the endurance Champion ‘Abu Khamseh’, from La Cañada del Robledo Stud Farm.
Please visit this link for full information on Abu Khamseh’s pedigree:
https:// www.allbreedpedigree.com/abu+khamseh
TRAINING
NORTH SPAIN – SUMMER 2021:
Our first training on horseback across the north of Spain was a challenging and rewarding experience. Over the course of 16 days, we covered 700km, encountering a variety of terrain and weather conditions. This training was essential to prepare us for future expeditions, as we were able to learn about the difficulties of the road, test the horses and heir training, and assess the effectiveness of our equipment. Riding across Spain allowed us to gain valuable experience, improve our horsemanship skills, and build our endurance. It was an unforgettable journey that taught us a great deal about ourselves and our horses, and helped to forge a strong bond between us.
SOUTH TO NORTH ACROSS PORTUGAL – SUMMER 2022
Our second training across Portugal was a challenging and exhilarating experience. Over the course of 14 days, we covered 600km, encountering extreme and dry conditions that put both us and our horses to the test. This journey allowed us to learn more about the endurance capabilities of our horses, and how to manage them in such difficult terrain. We also faced the challenge of navigating through an unfamiliar country where we did not speak the language, which helped us develop our logistical and organizational skills. Despite the difficulties we faced, this training was essential in preparing us for future expeditions, and we came away from it with a greater sense of confidence in ourselves and our horses. Overall, it was an unforgettable journey that pushed us to our limits and taught us invaluable lessons about horsemanship and adventure.
ANDALUCIA WEST TO EAST – WINTER 2023-24
Our third trip was winter training was across Andalucia, from Aracena to Granada. 420 kilometres of sunny days and very cold nights in the mountains. We faced the challenge of cold and damp weather, camping out day after day and warming up with fires. We learned the effect cold weather has on the horses performance, how warm them up every morning and what type of equipment we need to improve our winter equipage.
We arrived in Granada to be received by tens of people waiting for us at the Mirador of San Nicolas, overlooking the Andalusian Alhambra.
lOGISTICS
Although this project recreates a historical journey, trying to imitate, as closely as possible, the lived experience of the old Andalusians, Hajj on Horseback is committed to use the latest logistical technology to take all care and precautions during the journey, looking after the wellbeing of the riders and horses. Therefore, an efficient and skilful logistic crew will accompany us during the entire journey. The crew will include, a professional veterinary, a medical professional, a cook and a fixer, as well as a large overland vehicle, horse transportation and a light all-terrain vehicle to follow the riders closely.
suPPORT
Given the scale and aims of the Hajj on Horseback project, we will require many facilities to accomplish this venture.
At this stage funding is a vital element for the success of the project.
All donations collected are managed by our legally registered non-profit organisation with headquarters in Spain (reg. no. 028347) and used only for the purposes of this project.
We also offer sponsorship packages for businesses and organisations looking to promote their brands. Given the enormous interest of our project in social media and broadcast channels, brands can benefit of high visibility and exposure with Hajj on Horseback.
So far, the members of the team have been paying for all costs, but for the proyect to succeed we need you help! If you are an sponsor and want to support us or an individual who believes we can do it, get in touch and we’ll let you how best you can help us!
