“Time management, planning, consistency, hard work and resilience. These are the 5 key elements that I practice every day of my life, literally. Small, yet consistent steps and cover thousands of kilometres in distance, and that is my philosophy”
Global equestrian icon, mechanical engineer, philanthropist and advocate for gender balance, Amna Banihashem is pioneering new possibilities for women across multiple spaces. As an Emirati woman, Amna continues to pursue her vision of representing the UAE as a champion sportswoman and as an intellectual that paves the way for women to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Striving to put the country on the map for female sports, and with qualifications in thoroughbred riding, breeding, horse care, and stable management-certified by the British Racing School, the British Horse Racing Authority, and Godolphin- Amna’s expertise and natural-ability to compete rank her high in the showjumping category, where she often competes both regionally and globally. Adding to her qualifications, Amna holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in the field of oil and gas, as well as a master’s degree in moral economy and sustainability.
Awarded the “UAE Champion” in the 2021 Novice category, and one of the only Emirati females to qualify at the 2022 Fatma bint Mubarak Academy’s (FBMA) International Show Jumping Cup, Amna continues to add to her existing list of equestrian accolades, while furthering her chances of representing the UAE at the Olympics. Through her showjumping determination and perseverance, Amna’s skills have enabled her to participate in prestigious competitions presented by prominent figures such as His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Not only is Amna an equestrian idol, and businesswoman, but she is an international advocate for women’s empowerment, passionately on a mission to dispel gender stereotypes in the region, and paving the way for many women in male-dominated sports. As a competitive shooter, Amna ranks highly amongst shooters of her category in the country.
Our Lifestyle Editor, José Berrocoso catches up with Amna to learn more about her story.
CityPages Magazine: What’s your riding background?
Amna Banihashem: My first ride started at Reem Al Abbar stables. The trainer was a very strong woman, as well as a very talented rider that loved what she did. Her passion was felt by others, and translated into her riding. I will never forget how she taught me how to lead a horse, and how to get on. That memory is ingrained in my mind. My passion began there, however, I moved on to other stables after she moved her horses to compete professionally in Germany and her stables were shut down. I started show jumping in a humble farm stable in Al Ruwayyah where my passion for show jumping began. I did my first competition 3 months later in Abu Dhabi on a horse called contender challenger. I later on progressed to buying my own horse, victorious was his name. I competed with him at a low level for 2 years and after that my efforts were recognized by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, who sponsored me to be a part of his team in flat racing. I later on returned to show jumping a few years later, only to win the UAE championship in my first season back, and I have been competitively show jumping ever since, and hopefully for many more years to come.
CPM: What was it that made you choose show-jumping over any other riding discipline?
AB: I love high-risk, adrenaline-full activities that are short and sweet. So show jumping suited me perfectly and I fell in love with it immediately. The main component for me however is the connection I have with the horse. Every day is unique and that’s what I love the most.
CPM: Roughly how many hours do you think you spend in the saddle a week?
AB: I ride every day for 2 hours so that makes 14 hours a week in the saddle.
CPM: What are your top tips for keeping calm and performing your best at a show?
AB: To perform my best I practice letting go of control and becoming my training. Just going with it and not thinking too much.
CPM: How hard is it to balance a full-time job with a competitive show calendar, do you have any tips for anyone that wants to do the same?
AB: I had to develop discipline and respect for time. I realised that time is very valuable and I need to spend it on something productive. I had a lot of ambitions, so if I wanted to get them done I needed to make the time. Time management, planning, consistency, hard work, and resilience. These are the 5 key elements that I practice every day of my life, literally. Small, yet consistent steps and cover thousands of kilometres in distance, and that is my philosophy.
CPM: What has been the most challenging moment of your show-jumping career so far?
AB: The most challenging moment of my career would be overcoming a near death experience because of an injury.
CPM: What advice would you give to young riders looking to get into show-jumping?
AB: Work hard and manage your time. Don’t waste time on people that drain your energy, you only have a certain capacity per day, so protect that. And work super hard on things that will bring you closer to your vision. Never give up. Life will test you, don’t take it personally. Brush off the dust, learn the lesson and do better next time.
CPM: Why did you go for Mechanical Engineering?
AB: I have always been a science girl! As a young child, I was curious and fascinated about the different parts of the world and how they interacted to make it work the way it does. So it was only natural that I pursued a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
CPM: What is a message that you would send to other young women to encourage them to chase their dreams?
AB: Do something you love, work hard to perfect it and never give up no matter what circumstances you face and no matter what people say.
CPM: What are your future plans? Do you ever want horses to be your full-time thing?
AB: I have many exciting goals and opportunities currently in the pipeline. The one I am most eager about is starting my own business. As for horse riding, my goal is to go international. Riding full time is definitely something I am working towards.
