Shukri Osman Muse, a 25-year-old woman in Mogadishu, Somalia, has become the country’s first female equestrian. Dressed in all black with a cowboy hat, she rides her chestnut horse through the city streets, breaking societal and gender barriers in the conservative Muslim country. Despite facing obstacles, Muse persevered and overcame challenges to achieve her dream of becoming a skilled equestrian.

Muse’s achievement has inspired many in Somalia, with her trainer Yahye Moallim Isse calling her an inspiration to all Somali people. Her sister Nadifo Osman Muse expressed pride in her accomplishments, noting that their family business, a beauty salon, has received a boost from customers who love taking photos with the horse. Muse’s presence on the streets of Mogadishu is seen as a symbol of peace in a city that has struggled with civil war, poverty, insurgency, and climate disasters.

For residents of Mogadishu, seeing a woman confidently riding a horse through the city represents a sense of newfound peace and security. Some locals, like Abdifatah Abdi Haji Nur, have returned to the city because they believe it is safe again. Mohamed Adam Hassan, inspired by Muse’s example, expressed a desire to learn horse riding himself and move away from using tuk-tuks, seeing her as a symbol of hope and progress in Mogadishu.