A Night to Remember: Horse Riding, Archery, and a Traditional Dinner in Madinah

In the sacred city of Madinah—where history breathes through the streets and serenity blankets the night—I had the privilege of spending an extraordinary evening with companions from our recent Seerah Umrah tour. After the calm of the ‘Isha prayer, when the city had exhaled into peace, we stepped into a different rhythm—one filled with laughter, tradition, and moments that stitched us closer to the soul of this blessed land.

Our evening began with a visit to a local farm on the outskirts of Madinah, and it set the perfect tone for what was to come. We were greeted by several majestic horses—each with its own distinct personality—but one in particular stood out: a graceful mare named Madinah whose calm and wise presence seemed to reflect the essence of the city itself.

Not far off, a playful baby goat—a kid—hopped about cheerfully, winning instant affection. But the liveliest part of our visit came in the form of two monkeys. One was a baboon named Pepsi, charismatic and expressive, who curiously observed us all. The other was a small, mischievous baby monkey who quickly became the center of chaos—darting between our group and persistently chasing the children with impish glee. His antics had us in stitches and reminded us of the unfiltered joy that animals can bring.

After our playful start, we gathered under soft lighting to enjoy traditional Saudi tea and local snacks. The warmth of the tea, steeped with herbs, paired with sweet and savory bites, created a perfect interlude. Conversations flowed, laughter lingered in the air, and a gentle breeze whispered across the open space. It was a moment of pause—simple, grounding, and soul-warming.

With our spirits lifted, we moved on to archery. Set against the backdrop of the desert night, the range invited stillness and focus. Bow in hand, we each took our turn—learning to draw, aim, and release. The silence between arrows was filled with anticipation and camaraderie. Every shot felt like a small triumph, not only of aim, but of mindfulness. Practicing this prophetic tradition beneath the stars gave it a renewed sense of significance—discipline wrapped in joy. And let me tell you, it was not as easy as it looks or seems. 

Next came the most poetic part of our evening—horse riding beneath the celestial sky. Mounting the graceful horses, we rode together across the dimly lit grounds, the cool desert breeze brushing past us. Riding under the stars with the sounds of hoofbeats and distant laughter made it feel as though we had been transported into another time. With each horse carrying its rider with such elegance, they fast became a symbol of the night—strong, serene, and unforgettable.

Just as our ride was winding down, our little monkey friend reappeared, and chaos briefly resumed. The children squealed and scattered as he darted around with newfound energy, chasing after them with wild delight. It was a humorous—and very human—ending to a magical ride.

To close the evening, we gathered once more—this time to share a generous and flavorful dinner. We were served steaming platters of Chicken Bukhara rice, fragrant with spice and full of warmth. The food was hearty and comforting, a perfect end to our night of activity and reflection. As we sipped another round of traditional Saudi tea, we leaned back with full hearts and fuller stomachs, grateful for the bonds we’d strengthened and the memories we’d made.

As we made our way back to our accommodations, well into the night, a sense of quiet contentment settled over us. What began as a casual outing after ‘Isha had unfolded into something far richer—a tapestry of tradition, connection, laughter, and beauty. In this blessed city, even an evening of animals, archery, horses, and shared meals becomes something sacred. We didn’t just experience Madinah; we felt it—alive in the stars above, in the rhythm of the horses, in the mischief of monkeys, and in the joy of being together.