Abdel Saïd: champion show jumper and visionary equestrian

Abdel Saïd has become a household name in the world of show jumping, combining exceptional talent with entrepreneurial spirit. Born in Egypt in 1989, Abdel’s passion for horses was evident from a young age. His journey began in earnest when his family made the life-changing decision to move him to Europe at the age of 11, giving him the opportunity to train with some of the best in the sport.

Over the years, Abdel has represented Egypt and later Belgium at the highest levels, building a career defined by remarkable victories, including a World Cup win in Verona and a string of successes in Doha. In addition to competing, Abdel is the founder of AS, a thriving equestrian business that combines training, breeding, and sales. His work ethic, combined with a sharp eye for talent, has earned him a reputation as both a world-class rider and a visionary leader in the equestrian world.

Abdel now resides in Belgium, where he manages his career and business while continuing to compete internationally. With an unwavering dedication to his craft, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring riders and a respected figure within the global equestrian community.

“Hard work is the foundation of everything,” Abdel begins, echoing a lesson instilled by his father during his formative years. This mindset has fueled Abdel’s extraordinary career and led to the creation of AS Horses, his own equestrian business. Balancing the demands of competing at the highest level with running a successful venture is no small feat, but Abdel credits teamwork as the secret to his success. “I’m lucky to have a great team of people around me. In any big organization or club, good teamwork is essential.”

The Path to Success

From a young age, Abdel was surrounded by equestrian influence. At just 11 years old, his parents made the life-altering decision to move him to Europe to train with the Hendrix  family. “My parents made huge sacrifices for me. They invested so much in my training and provided horses when I was a junior and young rider. They’re the reason I am here today.”

Abdel also acknowledges the role of influential mentors throughout his career. “Princess Haya supported me early on, and I’ve been fortunate to work with trainers like Emil Hendrix , Jos Lansink, and, currently, Marcus and Meredith Beerbaum. Each one has shaped my journey in meaningful ways.”

Selecting and Developing Top Horses

Over the years, Abdel has developed a keen eye for identifying talent in horses. His partnership with exceptional horses such as Bonne Amie and Arpège du Ru has led to remarkable victories. Abdel stresses that a horse’s mindset is often the defining factor in their success.

“The mind is one of the most important things a horse can have. Sure, they need raw talent and power, but I’ve seen so many horses with the right mind go far, while those with talent but no mindset don’t succeed,” he explains.

Abdel recalls a pivotal moment with Arpège du Ru, a mare whose potential wasn’t initially apparent. “A good friend, Marlon Zanotelli, encouraged me to try her. Honestly, I wasn’t convinced at first, but I trusted his advice and bought her. At the time, I thought she’d be a ranking horse or maybe a junior horse. Now, at 15, she’s performing better than ever. Her mindset and incredible brain have brought her so far.”

Staying Ahead in a Competitive Sport

In a sport as dynamic as show jumping, Abdel emphasizes the importance of adaptability. “You have to keep questioning yourself while staying confident in your abilities. Evolution and development are key,” he says. He also credits the camaraderie within the sport for fostering growth. “We’re lucky to be surrounded by so many talented riders. The younger generation is open and collaborative, which helps everyone improve.”

Abdel’s decision to own and ride his horses exclusively has also shaped his approach. “I’ve had experiences where I produced a horse, only for the owner to sell it. That’s why I decided to only ride horses I own. It’s a balance between running the business and investing in my sport, but it keeps me focused.”

Memorable Victories and Inspiring Venues

When asked about his most rewarding wins, Abdel highlights two moments. “Winning in Doha at the start of 2024 was emotional. It was my first big win after moving to Belgium, a very competitive country, and it gave me confidence for the year. Another special moment was winning the World Cup in Verona—it was unexpected but unforgettable.”

Verona holds a special place in Abdel’s heart. “I’ve always loved the show—the atmosphere, the crowd’s passion, and the equestrian culture. Walking around the shops, seeing every brand represented, it’s inspiring. Italy has a rich horse history, and events like Rome and Verona are exceptional.”

He also mentions the prestige of Aachen. “For us, Aachen is like Wimbledon. It’s a venue where you truly feel like an athlete, and everything else—business and logistics—fades into the background.”

Advice for Aspiring Show Jumpers

Abdel’s advice to young riders is simple but profound. “Hard work is non-negotiable. If you want to make it to the top, you have to be dedicated and resilient. There will be doubts, but you must stay calm and confident. Find your path and stick to it.”

He adds with a laugh, “And forget about holidays. If you want a vacation, do something else!”

As the interview wraps up, Abdel expresses gratitude for his journey. “I’ve been blessed with incredible opportunities and people who believed in me. Every day is a new challenge, but that’s what makes it exciting.”

With his relentless work ethic, passion for horses, and commitment to excellence, Abdel Said continues to inspire and pave the way for the next generation of equestrians. “Yesterday’s victories are great, but today is a new day. We all start from zero again.”

Valentina Sozzi | Ph @ctanierephotographie

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