From hooves to heritage: in Garoua, Oumarou raises racehorses like one cultivates a family treasure.
From passion to profession. This is the journey of Oumarou Alhadji Bindoho, who has dedicated a significant part of his life to breeding racehorses. The cultural heritage passed down by his father, which he himself received, has guided the steps of this native of Garoua, who has now become a leading figure in the care of horses destined for equestrian sport.
The horizon brightened for Oumarou Alhadji Bindoho in 1998. That year, he dedicated himself to breeding racehorses. Before that, the native of the North region had already developed an aptitude for horses; he himself came from a family that owned a stable and kept horses as family pets. Oumarou settled in Garoua and decided to continue the family tradition. He acquired horses and set up his own stable. Little by little, like a bird building its nest, Oumarou established himself and gained recognition. Today, he owns about twenty horses. Equestrian sports practiced in the North and even in Nigeria hold no secrets for him. Not being a racer himself, he makes his horses available to competitors. For several years now, his horses have been in demand for races. Equestrian sport demands rigorous health and quality nutrition, a fact the breeder recognized early on. This is why he emphasizes the health of his animals. His stable receives regular veterinary visits.
Despite this, the animals often suffer from indigestion caused by certain nutrients found in seeds, as well as illnesses caused by worms. Measures are taken periodically to address these issues. He explains that the horses’ primary food source is grass, and his animals consume at least 80% of it. However, he also laments injuries as a major challenge. The animals regularly suffer muscle injuries during training and competitions. His stable collaborates with two major chiefdoms in the North region: Gashiga and Garoua. These traditional chiefdoms are renowned for regularly organizing equestrian competitions. Horse breeding is first and foremost a passion for Oumarou, so much so that he has decided not to draw any income from his horses, which are sought after for competitions. His horses are not put up for sale. This unique approach sets him apart from many other stable owners. He intends to continue nurturing his passion, paving the way for his offspring who could carry on this legacy into the future.
