Iraq has never had an Olympics dressage rider- I plan to be the first! ZARA MURAD GRIFFISS
Tell us about your love of horses?
I have always been in love with horses from a young age. Seeing how humans could bond and share a relationship with such a powerful animal had me knowing I would never do anything else.
Why dressage?
Dressage is a beautiful sport because it showcases the deep connection, trust, and harmony between horse and rider. It’s often described as “ballet on horseback” due to its emphasis on grace, precision, and fluid movement. I for one feel such a huge connection with my horses when I train them. It feels like we have our own language.
Tell us about your Olympic dream
Iraq has never had a dressage rider at the Olympics and I plan to be the first one!! I am ambitious, driven and I will keep working to get Iraq in the dressage!
Why are you doing this?
Im doing this because I have a vision bigger than myself. As Iraq’s first-ever dressage rider, I’m breaking barriers, paving the way for future generations, and proving that passion, dedication, and courage can defy limitations.
Im not just riding for myself —I’m riding for my country, for those who never thought it was possible, and for the love of the sport. The Olympics isn’t just a goal; it’s a statement. A statement that Iraq belongs in the dressage world, that resilience creates champions, and that history is written by those bold enough to chase their dreams.
What’s the equestrian scene like in Iraq / rest of the Middle East?
Iraq has a deep equestrian heritage, and the sport is growing, with efforts in disciplines like show jumping and dressage. Recent successes, such as Iraqi riders competing internationally, highlight this progress.
The Middle East, especially Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, is a major hub for equestrian sports. These countries host top-tier competitions, invest in world-class facilities, and support disciplines like endurance, show jumping, and dressage.
What legacy do you want to leave behind?
I want to leave a lasting legacy in Iraq by growing dressage and equestrian sports. My goal is to see more equestrian centers, better training opportunities, and a new generation of Iraqi riders competing internationally. By making the sport more accessible, I hope to inspire others and put Iraq on the global equestrian stage.
Who can help you realise your dream?
To achieve this dream, I need sponsors who believe in the power of sport to create change. Sponsorship will help me train, compete internationally, and represent Iraq at the highest level of dressage.
Beyond my personal journey, support from sponsors will contribute to a larger mission—developing equestrian sports in Iraq, building training facilities, and inspiring future generations of riders.
This is an opportunity to be part of something historic: bringing Iraq into the world of dressage and leaving a lasting impact on the sport.
Which riders or other elite athletes do you admire?
I admire Anush Agarwalla because he made history as the first Indian dressage rider to compete in the Olympics. His journey proves that with dedication, resilience, and the right support, riders from non-traditional equestrian nations can succeed on the world stage.
His achievement is inspiring because it shows that breaking barriers is possible, even in a sport dominated by established equestrian countries. Like him, I want to pave the way for future riders from my country and prove that Iraq belongs in the world of dressage.
