Equiciety: Helping riders around the world reach their goals

Equiciety’s goal is to inspire, support and encourage the equestrian sport, not only in Kuwait or the Arab region, but around the world. Meet Fajer B. Al-Sabah, co-founder of Equiciety, helping talented riders reach their goals.

By: the Editors
Published: May 18th, 2021

/ Fajer B. Al-Sabah riding her mare Grace de Bory

Equiciety is a family-owned company based in the Arab state of Kuwait. They have about 75 horses, with the majority being trained for dressage. What is unique about their business model is that many of their horses are spread around the equestrian globe, being trained by local talent, all a part of Equiciety’s goal to inspire, support, and encourage the equestrian sport, not only in Kuwait or the local Arab region, but around the world.

Two of Equiciety’s horses living abroad is Niels and New Kid in Town. They are being trained by Cavalier ambassador Zandra Birkeland, at Stall Borre just outside Horten. Together they were qualified for the Young Rider’s World Championships in 2020. Through Zandra we got the chance to talk to Fajer B. Al-Sabah, co-founder of Equiciety, to learn more about their quest to help talented riders reach their goals.

First off, tell us about the concept of Equiciety!

– Equiciety is a family-run horse breeding and trading business, founded by myself and my husband, Sabah M. Al-Sabah. We wanted to create an entity which would nourish equine passion not only for ourselves, but for others who shared our interests and equestrian ideology.

You and your husband are based in Kuwait. How is the equestrian sport positioned in your country, and do you think it is any different than in Europe?

– Kuwait started out as a leader in the region when it comes to equestrian sports, but due to circumstances after the 1990 Gulf War, the country has been going through a transitional period. Our main goal is to enrich the sport locally, as we also try to support the passion internationally. Europe is currently a leader in the equine industry, and we strive to bring some of the knowledge we gain back to our country in hopes of bettering the state of equestrian sports in Kuwait.

You run Equiciety with your husband. It must be great to share such a strong passion with your partner. How is to be both business partners and husband and wife?

– I feel very blessed to have found a life-partner and soulmate who shares my love for horses. However, we are both extremely passionate and therefore it is sometimes hard to cumulatively agree on everything. That being said, it is great to have different opinions and perspectives, and that is why I believe Equiciety is as successful as it is today. My husband is a racing man, and he is a horse owner, not a rider. So, I think our combined interests have led us to diversifying Equiciety with as many disciplines as we can, except for dangerous equestrian sports which pose a risk to the horses.

That sounds like a very good combination of skills and perspectives!
Does that mean you are a rider yourself?

– My first leading lesson was at 4 years old in a local riding club. I have been riding recreationally, never really giving thought to showing or choosing a specific discipline as I find them all equally fascinating! Since 2014 I decided to solely concentrate on dressage, as I realized that the connection between horse and rider is what I love the most. It was by watching Edward Gal with Totilas that the fire really ignited my love for the sport. In dressage, I can fulfill the desire of “oneness” and “coalescence” with my horses.

On the left: “The Flying Ginger” winning her race, on the right: The Royal Ascot with their trainer Amy Murphy and “our super horse Kapono”.

Equiciety encourage other riders by providing sponsorships and support. How do you choose athletes before starting a collaboration and which values do you search for in other riders?

– We are always keeping our eyes open for prospect riders to join our very small family, as we like to keep it. The most important asset to have is the love and appreciation of the horse first and foremost before any sport or discipline. We admire riders who are showing commitment and passion, and those who encourage other riders and share our views when it comes to horses as an animal. Of course, we appreciate everyone who has reached out for sponsorships, but unfortunately, we cannot provide it for everyone, otherwise we lose our small family unit structure. Each rider has their own special requirements and needs, and we try to accommodate to them as best we can.

How many horses do Equiciety own today?

– We currently have around 41 dressage-bred horses, 7 show jumping horses, 6 racehorses in training, and 13 racing broodmares with 8 foals and 4 yearlings. The total is usually around 75 horses. However, we did have a year with almost 120 horses.

Are all your horses for sale – eventually?

– The answer is absolutely not. We do have forever keepers and prefer to have them and retire them ourselves as they mean the world to us! Sometimes we sell, but it must always be to the right prospective buyers.

Which qualities do you look for when buying a dressage or show jumping horse?

– It is most crucial to search for a horse with a good mind for work and a good character. We look for horses who enjoy what they do, and we try to breed horses which we believe possess good minds and of course matched with great, powerful yet supple movement and a fast, strong hind leg.

Do you ever get the chance to visit your horses that are based in Europe?

– My husband and I are big travellers and enjoy road trips. We are often in Europe, as we try to be close to our horses. All our trips are aimed to being closer to our horses always. Unfortunately, Covid-19 has not allowed us to visit in a while, however we do receive almost daily updates on all our horses.

Looking into the future, what are your hopes and goals for Equiciety?

– Our aim is to provide our riders with whatever necessities they have to see them achieve the success they desire. Equiciety was created in the combination of the two words equestrian and society. Our goal is huge, and we shoot for the stars. I believe we are headed in the right direction and will always do better and more with every coming year. We cannot wait to see what the future holds!