Kerala: Galloping fuel prices force Musthafa to commute to school on horseback

THRISSUR: When schools reopened in Kerala on Nov 1, after more than a year and a half, one thing that was bugging most parents was transportation for the kids -- there was no guarantee of social distancing in crowded school buses while more exclusive conveyance would bore a big hole in their already Covid depleted pockets.
Veliparambil Akbar from Chenthrappinni killed both birds (safety and expense) with one stone -- he bought a horse for his son Muhammad Musthafa to ride to Government LP School, Korikkuzhi, where he is a third standard student.“I bought the horse for about Rs 1.20 lakh, and I raised the money by selling my Bullet,’’ Akbar said. He says he has to spend around Rs 180 per day to maintain the horse, and feels it's less expensive than maintaining a sedan. He is also now free from the fear of his 8 yr-old getting infected during the commute to school and back. Akbar’s two elder sons are studying in nearby schools.
The six-year old mare, christened Surumi, is quite docile, and Akbar was able to learn horse-riding by himself. Lessons in the YouTube channels also came in handy and he taught his three sons to handle Surumi at the nearby beach. Akbar, who is working as a construction contractor, uses his horse for work-related travel as well. “I bought the horse from a trader in Palakkad three months ago. My son has already learnt horse-riding. Now I accompany him to school, and bring back the horse after dropping him. Eventually we are planning to tether the horse somewhere near the school and keep some feed and water near it. My son will then be able to ride alone,” Akbar said.
Musthafa of course is ecstatic, not just because of the daily saunter but also the attention it has brought him. “I’m thrilled to go to school on horseback. My schoolmates and teachers are also happy. Some friends are asking me to teach them horse riding,” Musthafa said.
Incidentally, in April 2019, a girl student C A Krishna had ridden a horse to Holy Grace Academy in Mala to appear for CBSE 10th standard examination.