Duaa Anwar
(duaa-anwar.com)
Although I
started riding at the age of sixteen, the love of horses had been running
through my blood since the day I was born. A few months later, in the
winter of 1996, I was the proud owner of Just Gerry, a part-Arab gelding
bred in England.
My main interest was showjumping, though I enthusiastically competed in preliminary
and novice affiliated dressage as well (Training and first level U.S.) Just Gerry had a successful history in dressage up to medium level (3rd level U.S.), and he was not a very brave jumper. Two years later, I was directing all my attention towards dressage, particularly classical dressage.
In November
2003, I bought Fanegro. Finnie, as he's lovingly known, is my first
serious dressage horse. Born in 1999, Finnie is sired by Florestan I, out
of a dam by Sandro. He arrived from Germany to his new home in Dubai,
United Arab Emirates--where I currently reside. Meanwhile, Gerry enjoys
semi-retirement, being lightly exercised by teaching little children how
to ride.
My future goals reach as far as the Olympics. Even farther in the future, I intend to build the first dressage establishment in the Middle East, which will be located in Cairo,
Egypt (my home country). These goals still appear out of reach, but
Fanegro has taken me a step closer. Well, everything begins with a dream, right?
I believe in respecting the horse. Horses give us so much and it is our least obligation to respect them in recognition of their efforts. Classical riding has proved to bring out the best of every horse throughout history, and I intend to spread the word as far as possible. Yes, you may bully the horse into submission, but you will never gain his love or respect. It is time we horse people learn to appreciate this blessing we have - you may love golf, tennis,
or motor racing, but neither the golf club, the tennis ball, or the car will ever love you back.
We have something special. We ought to respect it.
Sincerely,
Duaa Anwar
