in al-Tamhīd (1) from him.

The proponents of this view offer several arguments:

1. It is the very basis and cornerstone of horsemanship.
2. It trains a warrior to charge, wheel about, and vanquish the adversary.
3. The need for shooting arises only at a particular moment (2), whereas riding is required from the first departure for battle until the return.
4. Riding educates both horseman and mount, strengthening the rider and the ridden alike.
5. The Prophet ﷺ once wagered on a horse called Sabḥah, and it outstripped the people; this was reported by Imām Aḥmad (3). No authentic report states that he ever wagered in a contest of archery.
6. His mounted activity exceeded his shooting many times over, beyond reckoning (4).
7. He ﷺ declared that goodness is fastened to the forelocks of horses until the Day of Resurrection.
8. Horses serve both in pursuit and in withdrawal; they are fortresses and strongholds for their riders.