If you have ever driven through Subhan on a Friday morning and noticed rows of parked cars near a sand arena, chances are you passed Messilah Equestrian Club. It is not as loud or as Instagrammed as Kuwait’s malls or beach resorts, but for anyone with even a passing interest in horses, MEC is one of the most active spots in the country.

I got curious about the club after a friend mentioned her daughter had started riding lessons nearby, and once I started asking around, it became clear this isn’t some niche hobby corner. Kuwait’s equestrian scene has been growing steadily, and Messilah Equestrian Club sits right in the middle of it.

What Is Messilah Equestrian Club?

Messilah Equestrian Club (MEC) is a showjumping and riding club based in the Subhan area, one of Kuwait’s dedicated equestrian districts on the city’s outskirts. The club regularly hosts local showjumping competitions and championships, drawing riders from clubs across Kuwait. According to Kuwait Times coverage of past events, the club’s chairman has spoken about the growing number of beginner riders joining the sport and the club’s role in developing local talent through regular tournaments.

Quick Facts

What Actually Happens at MEC

Most people assume an equestrian club is just stables and quiet trail rides. MEC is more competitive than that. It regularly runs showjumping tournaments broken into height categories, so both beginners and advanced riders have a division to compete in.

Typical Height Categories at MEC Competitions:

This tiered structure is actually one of the more rider-friendly aspects of the club. A child who just started lessons and an experienced adult rider can both compete on the same day, just in different height brackets. It’s a format used by many of Kuwait’s equestrian clubs, but MEC has built a reputation for organizing these events with proper officiating, including a dedicated judging committee for each tournament.

Who Can Ride at Messilah Equestrian Club?

Here’s where I’ll be upfront: pricing, membership requirements, and whether walk-in beginners can simply show up and book a lesson are not consistently published anywhere online. 

What is clear is that Kuwait’s equestrian clubs generally cater to a range of riders:

• Children starting their first riding lessons
• Teenagers training for junior showjumping divisions
• Adults riding recreationally or training competitively
• Riders with special needs, since some Kuwait riding facilities maintain arenas specifically designed for this

Best Time to Visit or Watch a Competition

Kuwait’s outdoor sports calendar runs opposite to a lot of the world. Showjumping seasons at clubs like MEC typically run through the cooler months, roughly October through April, when riders and horses aren’t dealing with peak daytime heat. If you’re planning to watch a competition rather than ride, early evening tournaments tend to be more comfortable and better attended.

A few practical notes if you’re heading out there for the first time:

• Arrive a little early since parking near the arenas fills up fast during championship weekends
• Bring water and sun protection even in cooler months, since the arenas are fully outdoors
• Check the social media pages of the club for competition schedules, since these shift throughout the season
• If you’re bringing kids to watch, treat it like an outdoor sports day rather than an indoor entertainment venue

Why Subhan, and What’s Nearby

Subhan has become something of an equestrian hub in Kuwait, home to multiple riding centers within a few kilometers of each other. If you’re making a day of it, the area isn’t far from some of Kuwait’s better-known coastal spots. Messilah Beach itself is a short drive away and has become one of Kuwait’s most talked-about family destinations after its recent redevelopment, and Fiesta City at Messilah Beach adds a festival atmosphere nearby during the cooler months. If you’d rather turn the outing into a full day, it’s worth checking our post on Messilah Beach Opens: Kuwait’s New Escape before you go.

Families who enjoy pairing outdoor activities often combine a morning watching a showjumping event with an evening at one of the best beach destinations in Kuwait nearby.

Messilah Equestrian Club vs Other Kuwait Riding Centers

Subhan is also home to Kuwait Riding Center, one of the country’s oldest private riding schools, established in 1996. It’s worth knowing the difference if you’re trying to figure out where to inquire about lessons versus where to watch competitive events.

Key Takeaways

• Messilah Equestrian Club is based in Subhan and is best known for hosting local showjumping competitions with tiered height categories from 65cm up to the main event at 130- 135 cm.
• The club plays a real role in developing Kuwait’s next generation of riders, not just hosting elite competitions.
• Membership details and lesson pricing aren’t consistently published, so confirm directly with the club before visiting.
• The cooler months, roughly October to April, are the active competition season.
• Subhan’s location near Messilah Beach makes it easy to combine a visit with other family plans.

Summary

Messilah Equestrian Club isn’t a tourist attraction in the traditional sense, but if you’re curious about Kuwait’s equestrian culture or considering riding lessons for your kids, it’s one of the more established names in the Subhan area. Between its regular showjumping tournaments and its proximity to Messilah Beach, it makes for an interesting addition to a weekend itinerary, especially for families who like mixing sport with the outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Messilah Equestrian Club located?
It is located in the Subhan area of Kuwait, one of the country’s main equestrian districts.

Can beginners take horse riding lessons at Messilah Equestrian Club?
The club’s core activity is showjumping competitions rather than public lesson bookings. 

What competitions does Messilah Equestrian Club hold?
MEC regularly organizes local showjumping championships with height categories ranging from around 65cm for entry-level riders up to a 130- 135 cm main event.

Is Messilah Equestrian Club open to the public?
Competitions are generally open to spectators, though exact visiting policies should be confirmed with the club beforehand. 

What is the best time of year to visit Messilah Equestrian Club?
The competitive season runs through Kuwait’s cooler months, roughly October through April, which is also when most tournaments take place.