Omar Al Marzouqi: “My goal is to build consistency, not just to win”

Omar Al Marzouqi at Le Lame Equestrian Center in Montefalco for the Al Shira’aa Le Lame Sagrantino Show Jumping 2025

We caught up with young rider Omar Al Marzouqi, part of the Al Shira’aa Stables team, at the stunning facilities of Le Lame Equestrian Center in Montefalco, during the first week of the Al Shira’aa Le Lame Sagrantino Show Jumping 2025. This competition, part of the prestigious Al Shira’aa Tour, is a key event for Omar, one he’s always pleased to attend.

“It’s a pleasure to be here. As always, being here is truly enjoyable. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the level of the riders this year is very high—very competitive.”

The last time we spoke with Omar was in May of last year. Since then, many things have changed, and he has gained crucial experience for his development—including one that will forever be a milestone in his career: the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

An Olympic journey and a long-term vision

“We saw each other last year at Piazza di Siena, and that was during my preparation for the Olympics. Even back then, our vision was clear: we were working towards Paris. It was a long journey, supported by the vision of Sheikha Fatima. Competing at the Games was a dream come true. I was only 21, and representing my country on such a major stage was a huge honor. It’s an experience I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life.”

But after Paris, his focus shifted further ahead.

“Now, the goal is Los Angeles 2028. We’re already working with that in mind. But first, we’re focusing on the World Equestrian Games in Aachen. It’s a long road—we’ve got three and a half years of hard work ahead—but we’re ready to take it on.”

You never stop learning

The Olympic experience also left a profound impact on a personal level.

“At the Olympics, you learn to deal with a kind of pressure you’ve never experienced before. It’s easy to feel disappointed if you don’t win a medal, but I’ve learned to always look on the bright side. I’ve come to understand that staying mentally clear—even when things don’t go your way—is what truly allows you to grow. That mindset has helped me a lot, even after the Games, in everyday life.”

Key horses: Enjoy De La Mure, Chacco Bay, and King Leon Z

In Montefalco, Omar is accompanied by three horses:

• Enjoy De La Mure, who was with him at the Olympics and at the World Cup Final in Basel
• Chacco Bay, who starred in this weekend’s 150 cm class and is ready for Sunday’s Grand Prix
• King Leon Z, a six-year-old stallion from the Al Shira’aa stables who stood out among the young horses in the CSIYH at Le Lame

“Enjoy is definitely my top horse, but here at Le Lame I’m trying to rotate him with the others so he doesn’t get too tired. In general, I have four horses ready for the bigger classes, and eight or nine young horses I’m developing step by step. My principle is always the same: I never overload a horse, I rotate them and plan each show based on how they’re feeling. For me, the horse’s well-being comes before anything else—even before winning.”

The power of teamwork

Omar is quick to acknowledge the importance of the team that supports him every day.

“Behind every round, every competition, there’s a huge amount of teamwork. That’s why I’m grateful to Al Shira’aa. There are people who take care of the horses, others who plan the shows with me, and others who support me mentally. I’m constantly in discussion with them. It’s thanks to this shared effort and mutual trust that I’m able to step into the ring for those two minutes knowing we’ve done everything we could.”

Advice for young riders

Finally, Omar has a message for riders from emerging equestrian nations who dream of making it to the top.

“When you’re young, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of winning right away—especially in the smaller classes. But to me, what matters most is building consistency. Getting regular results, placing in the top six or ten again and again. At the Olympics, you don’t win because you’re the fastest—you win because you jump clear rounds, repeatedly. It takes patience. It takes time—with your horses and with yourself. That’s what makes the real difference in the long run.”

Clear-eyed, deeply passionate, and tireless in spirit, Omar Al Marzouqi continues to build his journey with the awareness that talent is only the starting point. As he says himself, the real challenge is staying consistent—day after day.

By Alessandra Ceserani

Ph Helen Cruden

© Rights Reserved.