‘I feel it’s fairly particular’: British equestrian to be Iraq’s first worldwide dressage rider

A British-based equestrian is to be Iraq’s first ever worldwide dressage rider, having taken twin citizenship as we speak (13 February).

Zara Griffiss went to the Iraqi embassy in London, the place she was granted citizenship, which she’s going to maintain alongside her British standing. She is half Iraqi as her father is from Baghdad.

“I’m going to be the primary ever worldwide dressage rider for Iraq – we’re all so excited,” Zara instructed H&H. “They’ve received an equestrian federation, and a few showjumpers and endurance riders, however they’ve by no means had a dressage rider.”

Zara stated that when she began in FEI competitors, she had dreamed of using for Britain, however thought which may not occur.

“Then I believed ‘I’m wondering if I may trip for Iraq’,” she stated. “This was about six months in the past; I discovered their contact particulars, rang them up and stated ‘Hello, my title’s Zara, can I trip for you?’!”

Zara stated she “can’t thank the Iraqi federation sufficient”, for his or her assist at each stage; she has additionally met the nation’s Olympic committee.

“They stated ‘We’re going to see you on the Olympics’,” she stated. “They’re going to assist me a lot.”

Zara stated her first essential objective is the Asian Video games in two years’ time, however she additionally has larger goals.

“That’s at small tour stage, which is what I’m going out at now,” she stated. “So my intention is to get out at huge tour; I’ll begin with the internationals on this nation, then go overseas.

“But in addition, as a girl using for Iraq, it is a huge push in the fitting path. I’d wish to encourage different riders within the area, to say ‘You are able to do this too’. I’ll be pushing and inspiring different riders – I’m adamant that someday I’ll get a crew collectively! – and it solely takes one little lady with a pony to say ‘I dwell in Iraq, possibly I may trip for Iraq’.

“I gained’t get into politics however I feel for them to encourage this western lady and assist her trip for Iraq says nice issues for the nation.”

Zara added that she could in future assist different riders in Iraq or go there to show.

“I don’t know the place this may take me,” she stated. “I feel folks may wish to be a part of it as I feel it’s fairly particular.

“They’ve by no means gained an equestrian medal; possibly I may win the primary! You by no means know, however somebody’s received to start out it.”

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H&H information editor

Eleanor is an skilled journalist who spent over eight years working for native and nationwide newspapers earlier than becoming a member of H&H as information editor in March 2016. Captivated with equine welfare and exposing the reality, Eleanor has reported on all points of the trade, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage guidelines to mules. Her sport of alternative is showjumping, by which she competes her personal horses, and she or he additionally enjoys reporting at native leaping exhibits via to worldwide championships.