You’ve been a horsewoman since childhood. What sparked your relationship with horses?
I have been around horses all my life and I know that I always will be. When I was three years old my mother, HM Late Queen Alia Al Hussein, died in a helicopter crash while she was visiting a hospital and this was very difficult for me and my brother. On my sixth birthday, my father, HM Late King Hussein Bin Talal of Jordan, gave me a new-born foal whose mother Qubaila had died giving birth to her in his stables. I called her “Bint Al Reeh” (Daughter of the Wind) and I helped to bottle feed her. Qubaila had won the King’s Cup, which is a mixture of racing, tent pegging and jumping, many times for the Royal Stables, and the grooms were very proud of her. My dream was to become the first girl ever to ride in this competition and to have my father give me the King’s Cup. When I was 12 years old, my dream came true. It was an amazing day and I will cherish it forever.  Ever since these early and amazing experiences with horses, I have been hooked.

Tell us about your memories of the first horse you owned?
“Bint Al Reeh” (Daughter of the Wind) was absolutely beautiful, and because I hand reared her I had a very special bond with her. Winning medals together also meant that we had a close relationship when competing. This feeling as an adult competing on your horse at major events like the Olympics and World Championships is incredible, because it involves so much hard work from you and your team, and of course your horse. The feeling of being “in the moment” when riding, both as a child and now as a mother and wife, is just the best.

You were in Singapore to open the new Equine Academy Building which facilitates equine-assisted therapy for children suffering from emotional and social problems and disabilities. What are your thoughts about equine-assisted therapy?  
Horses are incredible creatures with the power to heal and help you find your strength wherever it lies, whether you have a physical impairment or not. Sport can also change your life forever and give youngsters as well as older generations a sense of community.

The Equestrian Federation of Singapore has been driving a number of campaigns and projects to tap into and promote the positive effects of sport, which have had a direct impact on the development of equestrian sport in Asia. The Federation has also cultivated a culture of inclusiveness with horses not only as partners in sports, but as part of the care and nurture of children and adults who are at risk or have special needs.

The EQUAL ARK - Equine-Assisted Learning for At Risk Kids - has already touched the lives of 800 children who have failed or dropped out of school at a very early age providing them with a greater chance of success in their school, work, and family lives while developing a love for horses. The EQUATE programme - Equine-Assisted Training and Employment for adults with intellectual and mental disabilities - is another great example of how you can make a difference in people’s lives through contact and work with horses. Thanks to this programme, adults with disabilities are given the opportunity of paid, dignified and useful employment, making a huge difference to their lives and those of their loved ones.   

We have so many examples of the benefits of horses, and communicating and collaborating with horses is one of the greatest feelings there is. I am delighted to have spent this precious time in Singapore with such inspirational and supportive people.

Read more about the programmes offered by the Equestrian Federation of Singapore and EQUAL ARK.