Nearly two years after the Parisian adventure, the bond between Al Marzooqi and Enjoy is stronger than ever. "In Paris, we were still relatively new to the highest 1.60m level, but my faith in him was unwavering," the rider reflects. "Back then, I could count on him 100%, but today, that feeling has evolved into blind trust. We know each other’s breathing, every subtle signal. That is the growth you experience after such an intensive journey."

The 22-year-old show jumper now serves as a worthy ambassador for equestrian sports in the Emirates. According to him, the current flourishing period is no accident, but the result of years of vision and investment. "The sport has undergone an enormous evolution in our region. Over the past ten years, a foundation has been laid that is unprecedented, largely thanks to the tireless support of  HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and her father, His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. They saw the potential when the rest of the world was still skeptical."

The passion for horses is deeply rooted in the Al Marzooqi family. "I fell into horses thanks to my father's passion," Omar says. "He was my initial mentor and trainer, having received his own education from legends like Jan Tops. Today, we work closely with British top rider William Funnell. For me, it is not only educational but also heartwarming to see how my father’s philosophy on riding and horse welfare aligns seamlessly with William’s. That harmony between my roots and the international elite brings me immense peace and focus. While they each have their own nuances, they share the same fundamental vision: the horse always comes first."

Europe remains the look-to reference!

Although the Emirates are making great strides, Europe remains the undisputed epicenter of the sport in Al Marzooqi's eyes. He sees the collaboration between both worlds as a necessary cross-pollination. "The initiative of the Al Shira’aa Tour to support iconic competitions in Europe is a beautiful exchange. On one hand, it is a tribute to European equestrian tradition, but on the other, it gives us direct access to a vast reservoir of knowledge and experience."

During events in Abu Dhabi, he sees the impact of this openness firsthand. "When top names like David Will, Constant van Paesschen, Shane Breen, and Daniel Deusser compete here, it is a masterclass in practice for us. We observe everything: how they warm up their horses, how they handle morning schooling, how they deal with setbacks. Furthermore, European riders are incredibly accessible. If you ask a question, they are happy to share their knowledge. That significantly accelerates our own development. We must learn from these established figures, because riding is ultimately a sport of feeling. It is a craft that requires generations of experience."

Horses are a part of the Arab culture

In Arabic culture, however, the bond with the horse is more than just sport; it is a spiritual legacy. "Horses are in our DNA, our heritage, and our religion," Omar explains. "Of course, winning is important in a competitive setting, but in our culture, the connection with the horse carries more weight than the color of the ribbon. Horses are not machines or instruments; they are living beings with souls. My first priority with a new horse is always to understand its character. Only once I understand what makes a horse happy can we build a partnership. Sporting success is a logical consequence of that bond."

His loyal partner Enjoy remains the heart of his stable. "He is much more than a sport horse; he is a friend and a national pride. In Paris, he proved to be a fantastic ambassador for the UAE. What this horse does for me and my country every day... I can do nothing but adore him."

Looking to the future, Al Marzooqi remains both humble and ambitious. His goal for the coming season is consistency, with the welfare of his horses as the highest priority. "Finally, I want to express my gratitude to Al Shira’aa Stables. Their noble initiative to keep the sport accessible and of high quality, both in the Gulf region and in Europe, is essential for the future of our sport. That is a vision we must all cherish and support."