In the world of equestrian endurance racing — where physical resilience, mental focus, and an unbreakable bond with the horse are paramount — Zubaida Ali has emerged as a true pioneer. In this candid and inspiring interview, Zubaida shares how her journey began in 2010 with a horse named Tattoo and evolved into a full-fledged career that led her to leave dentistry behind.
She recalls the adrenaline rush of her very first race, the defining moment that made her fearless, and the highs of representing Iraqi women on international podiums — from the UAE to Italy and Saudi Arabia.
We also dive into what endurance racing is all about, from 100 to 160-kilometer races, vet checks, and the importance of patience and preparation. Zubaida discusses the sport’s key backers — notably the pivotal role of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum — and offers invaluable advice for young athletes, especially women, who dream of entering the field. With heartfelt gratitude for the trainers and stables that shaped her path, especially Khalid AlSabri, Zubaida opens a window into a life defined by passion, pain, progress, and purpose.
Read the full interview below and discover the spirit of a true endurance champion.
Could you share with us your journey into Equestrian Endurance racing – how did it all begin?
My journey into equestrian endurance racing started around 2010, I had a horse named Tattoo and I had just started learning horse back riding with him. A couple of years later, a friend told me about Endurance Racing and at the time I thought it was not a good sport, due to the long distances horses had to endure at the races. However, after research, I learned that (with the correct care and training) it’s a wonderful sport for both the rider and horse. The horse, in nature, can travel upto 160KMs per day. That’s when I decided, I will do this for fun and a few other years later, it turned into my career. I left Dentistry behind, and completely focused on racing and working with horses.
How did you feel the very first time you competed in an endurance race?
The first time I raced was thrilling. I had fear, but the good kind of fear, like when you’re about to jump out of a plane during skydive or do something that will pump you with adrenaline. I fell off, but stood back up and wanted to continue. I was so excited, and some how that fall made me fearless afterwards.
It also gave me a push, to better myself, as a rider who has to deal with different horse personalities and situtations. Now, racing is a norm for me, like having coffee in the morning.
For our readers who may not be familiar, how would you explain what Endurance racing is all about?
Endurance racing is, in a nutshell, long distance racing that tests patience, horse fitness, rider fitness, and how talented the Trainer of the horse is. Where the horse goes for a minimum 100KM race or maximum a 160KM race. Of course, with breaks in between loops, and in these loops, the horse is presented to Vets where if their heart rate, physical well being, and trot is acceptable, then they are allowed to move on to the next loop, otherwise they get eliminated if found unfit to continue. The last loop is where all the fun and galloping happens. The winners are true endurance champions.
What have been the biggest highs and lows you’ve experienced throughout your career?
The biggest highs are being the first Iraqi woman to ride for some of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum’s Endurance teams (The ruler of Dubai, The founder of Endurance racing) including AA3, Bararri and MRM, Also, the first Iraqi woman to go on multiple podiums (top 3) in the United Arab Emirates, and in Italy once, and the first Iraqi woman to ride in an Endurance race in KSA-AlUla when they started allowing women to ride in races back in 2022.
The biggest lows are a few, mostly dealing with injuries, ruptured muscles and fractured bones, but you know what they say, a horse may break your bones but they can never break your heart!
Who are the main supporters backing this sport within the UAE and internationally?
The main supporter backing this sport within the UAE and internationally is The Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed AlMaktoum. His highness has supported this sport from the beginning, he supports the trainers, stables, and riders, not only in the UAE, but also in Europe, Africa and the South Americas where many endurance horses are bred, trained and sold.
How can someone who is interested get involved in the world of Endurance racing?
If you are interested in Endurance racing its easy to start. The first step is to learn proper riding, and there are many stables in the UAE where you can get the proper training. After that you can do your qualifiers (which are very short distance) in order to be eligible to enter and ride in a race. It takes patience and a lot of experience building.
What advice would you give to young athletes, especially females, who dream of entering this field?
My advice would be do it with passion for the horse, and not for the glory or the wins. Horses will make you stronger, kinder, and fearless. Start with the right people and have a good heart while competing, focus on you and your horse, not on others. Do not be afraid of falling off while doing it, falling only makes us stronger.
Is there anyone special — stables, trainers, sponsors — you would like to thank for supporting your journey?
I’ve ridden in so many stables, and under multiple trainers, all to whom I am very grateful for making me who I am today. However, there is one trainer who shaped my journey the most. Khalid AlSabri, who gave me priceless opportunities, where most of my accomplishments, without him, were not going to exist, and he pushed me to my limits as a rider and as a horse therapy provider. Thanks to him, I am now studying to be a Vet.
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