A Shropshire-based equestrian has made history at the NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage today (Friday), by representing Iraq at the country’s first ever international dressage competition.
Competing in the Hazlewoods CDI1* Prix St-Georges with her own and Patrick Leg’s 17.3hh chestnut Irish draught gelding Allegro (aka Leggy), Zara scored 61.794%.
Zara Murad took dual citizenship in February. She is half Iraqi as her father is from Baghdad and holds Iraqi citizenship alongside her British status. Zara had initially dreamt of riding for Britain but thought that might not happen so made a call to the Iraqi equestrian federation. She visited the embassy in February to make the process official and has been supported throughout the process, even meeting with the president of the country’s Olympic committee.
Iraq has an equestrian federation with fourteen riders, mostly consisting of showjumpers and endurance riders, but they’ve never had a dressage rider.
Speaking after her test, Zara said: “I’m so proud of Leggy. He was originally bred for hunting by Patrick and sent to me to school. He isn’t so keen on jumping but has taken to dressage well and is a quick learner. He is a star.
“I love Hartpury and am so excited to make my international debut here. When we started talking about international competitions, I put Hartpury in the calendar right away. The arenas and surfaces are amazing. I used to attend the Festival of Dressage as a spectator so riding here is a dream come true. We felt so welcome, coming through the gates and seeing the Iraqi flag flying – it’s so heartwarming.
“The Iraqi federation has been incredible and so supportive and only have one thing on their mind – the Olympics and are trying to do whatever they can to help me get there.”
Zara and the Iraqi federation now have their sights set on the Asian Games in 2026 and Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. Zara has a number of young horses ready to fill Leggy’s hoof prints should the opportunity arise.
Rosie Scott-Ward, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Hartpury University said: “It’s a real privilege for us to share in this momentous piece of equestrian sporting history, with the flag of Iraq flying alongside the other nations represented here this week.
“As champions of sport and equal participation for all, this feels like a particularly noteworthy occasion, and we will be following Zara’s progress in the months and years to come. We’re honoured that Zara has chosen to make her international debut for Iraq here with us this week.”
The NAF Five Star Hartpury Festival of Dressage is an international equestrian competition running until Sunday (7 July). The week-long show has also seen several para dressage riders preparing for this summer’s Paris Paralympic Games.
