Khaled Almobty: A Saudi Star Shining in Global Show Jumping

Khaled Almobty, a 26-year-old rider for the Saudi national show jumping team, has become a rising force in the equestrian world. Competing under the leadership of David Will, Khaled and his teammates have demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience on the international stage. In his own words, Khaled shares insights into his journey, his connection with his horses, and his aspirations for the future.

A Passion That Grew Over Time

Khaled’s introduction to show jumping was far from conventional. “I came from a family that has nothing to do with horses,” he says. “I started riding at a very young age, just for fun. It began as a hobby, but over the years, I grew to love it and decided to pursue it seriously.”

Looking back on his early days, Khaled acknowledges the challenges he faced. “It was very difficult in the beginning to reach where I wanted to be,” he admits. “But with hard work and always trying my best, I’ve reached a point where I am happy at the moment. Still, there is so much to learn, and so much to achieve.”

A Day in the Life of a Show Jumper

Khaled manages a team of four main horses, each with unique personalities. “Each one has their own character,” he says. “For example, Spacecake is special—she’s very kind, smart, and loves people. The others, like Jaguar King and Davenport, have their own quirks, but I do my best with all of them.”

A typical day involves rigorous training, which Khaled values greatly. “In training, there are always ups and downs. You have to do your best at home so you can show your best in competition,” he explains.

Although Khaled trains with Emile Hendrix in Baarlo, the Netherlands, he has to balance his time carefully. “I just graduated in business management and started working with my family’s company,” he says. “I’m not a full-time rider, but I try to spend as much time as possible with my horses.”

The Saudi Show Jumping Scene

Khaled is proud of the strides being made in equestrian sports across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. “The sport is growing so quickly—it’s amazing,” he says. “Back in the day, you’d see one or two big riders. Now, there are so many, especially young talents in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar.”

Reflecting on the Saudi team’s recent successes, he adds, “We’ve achieved incredible results, like winning the gold medal at the Asian Games and the Nations Cup in Morocco. Each rider on our team had major wins this summer. It’s exciting to see the team’s progress.”

A Special Bond with His Horses

For Khaled, the connection with his horses is a vital aspect of his success. “I believe the relationship with your horse is very important,” he says. “Even though I’m not always at home with them, I know if they’re happy or not from how they act.”

Khaled highlights the unique qualities of his horses, particularly Jaguar King, who he rode at the Paris Olympics. “Jaguar King has the best abilities of them all,” he says. “He was a bit green during the Olympics, but he’s gained so much experience since then.”

Spacecake, however, remains his favorite. “She knows she’s special,” he says with a smile. “She’s always awake and active for every class. She gives me such a good feeling in the ring.”

The Olympics: A Defining Challenge

Khaled recalls the Paris Olympics as one of the most challenging moments of his career. Initially the reserve rider, he was unexpectedly called to compete the night before. “I wasn’t prepared mentally,” he says. “I was happy but also nervous. I walked the course and realized the Olympics is a completely different level.”

Despite the pressure, Khaled delivered a strong performance. “It wasn’t the best result, but it was my first Olympics,” he reflects. “I learned a big lesson: no matter how good or brave a horse is, you must always be prepared for anything.”

Looking Ahead

Khaled has ambitious plans for the future. “The main goal is the World Equestrian Games next year,” he says. “We also have the Asian Games, which is a very valuable competition for us, and the World Cup finals this year.”

As he climbs the global rankings, Khaled remains focused on improving and competing at the highest levels. “I’ve applied for big shows like Aachen and Chantilly. If I get the chance to ride in two of them, I’ll be very happy,” he says.

Proudly Representing Saudi Arabia

Khaled expresses deep pride in representing Saudi Arabia. “Any athlete dreams of representing their country in the best possible way,” he says. “Saudi Arabia provides us with everything we need—the best horses, teams, and support. The only way to repay them is by winning, and that makes us very proud.”

As Khaled continues to shine on the global stage, his dedication and passion serve as an inspiration to the next generation of riders in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Ph Stefano Secchi

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