With a tricolor in her hand, 20-year-old Saima Syed proudly flaunts her unique achievement: She has become the country’s first One Star woman horse rider. Saima has achieved the feat of becoming a One Star Rider by qualifying with a Bronze Medal in the 80 km Endurance Race in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on 17 and 18 February this year under the joint aegis of the Equestrian Federation of India and All India Marwari Horse Society, Gujarat Chapter.
Saima was being brought up in a small town called Nagaur, near Jodhpur, when she made up her mind that she would become a leading horse rider in India riding on her favorite partner, Aravalli, which is her mare. It was quite rare for a small-town girl to nurture her dream of being a horse rider as this sport is rarely played in small towns and girls’ participation in it is rarer. Saima is now 20 years old and dreams to achieve another feat: “To bag a gold medal for India in an international tournament.” Her achievement in the Endurance Race has enabled her to participate in international events.
In the Gujarat event, Saima covered a distance of 80 kilometers and earned the Bronze Medal. It has made her a Star Category horse rider, which is first for any woman in India. In an event organized by the Equestrian Federation of India, Saima was not rated as a favorite. “But I had my faith in God that He would not let my confidence shake in any case. But, it was challenging as well because covering the distance of 80 kilometers through a curved path was no doubt a difficult task. I had to maintain my confidence and keep my mare Aravalli in good spirits too. Aravalli is my loyal partner. She is originally a Marwari from Gujarat. I was apprehensive that she might get distracted in a new place, but she proved me wrong and was more enthusiastic than me,” Saima shares her experience gleefully.
Saima competed with many renowned equestrian riders in competition and his Bronze Medal was very hard-earned. Before this event, Saima had qualified in 40 km and 60 km races. She had in fact earned a Gold Medal in a 60-km race.
Interestingly, there is no separate Endurance Competition for men and women. They have to compete together. But, Saima proved her mettle and was called ‘wonder woman’. Apart from this accolade, she also won laurels in Show Jumping and other forms of horse racing competitions. Her One Star status will enable her to take part in international events.
Now, the EFI has issued an NOC to Saima to participate in Asian and European countries and wish her a bright future. While issuing the certificate, EFI general secretary Col. Jaiveer Singh said that the FEI has included Saima in its federation on the recommendation of the EFI of India. They are also invited to participate in future international competitions. Now, Saima’s way has been opened to play for the country in the Endurance Race of 100 km and above.
