Dalma Malhas: Precision, Partnership, and the Pursuit of Excellence

From an instinctive bond with horses to competing on the world stage, the Saudi showjumper’s Dalma Malhas journey is defined by discipline, cultural influence, and elite training across Europe.

An Instant Connection: Where Commitment Began

For Dalma Malhas, horses were never a passing interest. The connection came early and with certainty , the kind of instinct that leaves little room for hesitation. Adventure, challenge, and total commitment have always shaped her personality, and riding quickly became the natural outlet for that intensity.

“I gravitated towards horses immediately. I loved the adrenaline, the connection, the challenge and once I started, I was completely in. That’s very much who I am as a person. I don’t really do things halfway.”

That decisive mindset continues to influence how she trains, competes, and builds partnerships with her horses today.

Rome at Twelve: A Move That Changed Everything

Representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia internationally, Malhas belongs to a generation of riders whose careers are built across cultures. A defining moment came at age twelve when she relocated to Rome ,a transition that demanded adaptation despite her Italian family roots.

“Moving to Italy was definitely a step outside my comfort zone. Even though I had family there, it was a completely new culture, a new language, and a different rhythm of life. It shaped me enormously at a young age.”

The experience accelerated her independence and maturity, both as an athlete and as a person, and marked the beginning of her more serious pursuit of the sport.

Building a Career Between Italy and France

Living and training between Italy and France placed Malhas at the center of European equestrian excellence. Immersed in professional stables and competitive circuits, she developed not only technical ability but also the discipline required to operate at elite level sport.

“Being based in Europe allowed me to learn from world-class riders and experience a very high standard every day. That environment pushes you — you either rise to it or you don’t.”

The exposure to experienced riders, structured programs, and top horses created an environment where improvement was constant and expectations were clear.

A Youth Olympic Breakthrough

Her individual bronze medal at the Youth Olympic Games marked a major breakthrough and remains a milestone in her career. Beyond the podium result, the achievement validated years of work and confirmed that she could compete among the world’s best young riders.

“The Youth Olympics was a wonderful experience and a huge stepping stone. It gave me confidence and motivation to continue toward higher levels in senior sport.”

The result also carried symbolic importance, contributing to the visibility of equestrian sport within Saudi Arabia.

Sport as a Microcosm of Life

Malhas often describes sport as a condensed version of life itsel , a system that quickly reveals strengths, weaknesses, and character. Through riding, she learned that discipline and responsibility are unavoidable if progress is the goal.

“Sport teaches you very quickly that there are no shortcuts. Responsibility, discipline, and hard work go hand in hand. It’s one of the greatest teachers I’ve had in my life.”

She emphasizes patience, resilience, and self-belief as essential qualities — not only for athletes, but for anyone pursuing long-term goals.

Learning Among the World’s Best

Training with Olympic champion Jeroen Dubbeldam and other elite professionals has further refined her competitive approach. The experience goes beyond technical instruction, influencing mindset, preparation, and decision-making under pressure.

“When you work with riders at that level, you learn how much detail matters. It’s not just about talent, it’s about consistency, structure, and the way you think before you even get on the horse.”

Being surrounded by experienced teams has also reinforced the importance of trust and collaboration in a sport where success depends on partnership.

Stepping Onto the Global Champions Tour

Competing on the prestigious Global Champions Tour represents another significant step in Malhas’s career progression. The circuit gathers many of the world’s top riders and horses, offering both exposure and experience at the highest level.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me. To compete at that level with such a strong team around me is something I’m very appreciative of, and I’m really looking forward to the journey.”

Adrenaline Over Fear: The Evolution of Mindset

Despite the inherent risks of showjumping, fear has rarely been central to her experience. Instead, she recalls excitement and connection as the dominant emotions from the very beginning.

“To be honest, I don’t really remember fear. The excitement and the relationship with the horse always overpowered that. As you grow, though, you learn to control emotions better and become more structured and disciplined.”

That evolution — from instinctive enthusiasm to calculated partnership, marks the transition from young rider to professional athlete.

Representing Saudi Arabia with Purpose

As one of the most visible female equestrian athletes representing Saudi Arabia internationally, Malhas understands the influence that visibility carries, even if she approaches the subject with humility.

“I believe being a competitor and being a role model go hand in hand. I don’t necessarily think of myself in that way, but I do believe we all have a responsibility to try to be the best version of ourselves.”

Her presence on the international circuit reflects both personal ambition and broader cultural progress within sport.

Still Climbing: Ambition Beyond Results

Looking ahead, Malhas remains focused on growth, stronger partnerships with her horses, continued learning, and competing at increasingly demanding levels. For her, progress is less about single achievements and more about sustained development.

“Everything starts with a decision, where you want to go and what you’re willing to do to get there. There’s no right or wrong path, but patience, resilience, and belief in yourself are essential if you want to move forward.”

For Dalma Malhas, the journey continues, shaped by discipline, guided by partnership, and driven by the quiet certainty that excellence is always a work in progress.

Valentina Sozzi Ph Stefano Secchi

© Rights Reserved.