Straight From the Horse’s Mouth | An Interview with Imtiaz Anees

Riding Free is the story of a young boy with an impossible dream – competing at the Olympics. In this book, Imtiaz re-traces the major milestones of his riveting twenty-year-long journey. The stories he tells are heartfelt, emotional and inspirational for the next generation of dreamers-a way to ‘give back’, in small measure, the enormous goodwill and help he received from all kinds of people in his Olympics journey. Behind Imtiaz’s success are also the struggles and setbacks that pushed him to work harder and achieve peak performance.

Find out more about the equestrian, straight from the horse’s mouth!

1. You were four years old when you first began riding. What drew you towards it?

Everyone in the family rode, grandfather, mum, sister. So we grew up being with horses. My attraction towards them came naturally and since we owned a horse, I spent a lot of time with them besides riding. I loved being around horses, brushing, bathing and taking care of all their needs.

2. You are the only Indian rider to complete an equestrian three-day event at the Olympics. What lessons do you think you’ve learned from the sport?

Yes, I am.

Wow, so many – patience, working hard, there truly is no short-cut, keeping the faith, keeping calm with every downfall, perseverance, keeping your head down, and keep going. Dreams do come true if you believe in yourself.

3. How much did life change for you after the 2000 Olympics?

Well, life pretty much went on. Of course, the appreciation and accolade followed and yes, it will remain truly special as it was my childhood dream that became a reality. But then I didn’t stop – I wanted to be the first Indian to represent India at the World Championships, which I also accomplished two years later riding for India in Jerez, Spain 2002.

4. If there’s one thing you could change over the past two decades, what would it be?

Absolutely nothing, I have been very fortunate to have lived my dream and now run my own business doing what I love – riding, training horses, and helping other riders reach their full potential. I was helped by so many to achieve mine and it is time now to give back. I was fortunate to not only ride at the World Championships but at many other international events in the USA, as well as the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials in the U.K. I have always had amazing support and more importantly, a wonderful relationship with all my horses.

5. What advice would you give to aspiring equestrians?

I don’t think the youngsters of today can be advised. Jokes apart, like I said before, there is no replacement for hard work. You have to be committed to what your goal is and never let any hardship let you deter from it. I didn’t own a horse till I was 23 and everyone around me did and if I had given up because of that we would not be having this conversation. It isn’t about the horses, or the money or the opportunities it is about determination, discipline and dedication. It about being persistent and not giving up.

6. In a country where only achievements are celebrated, do you think we will continue to struggle in a sport like Equestrian?

I don’t think it’s entirely true. I have come back after living abroad for over 25 years. The sport has really made its way to the mainstream with so many kids riding and competing. It’s definitely very encouraging and one of the reasons I have started my own Equestrian training facility. Having said that there is a lot that needs to be done to give a push to the sport in form of sponsorships, facilities, trainers, media outreach, etc. especially now when it’s open to civilian participation. Of course, any success gives a natural push so fingers crossed with Tokyo!

7. After 21 years, another equestrian, Fouaad Mirza, has qualified for the Olympics. What’s your take on his game and future?

It truly is a proud moment, I am so rooting for his success! He is a hard-working talented rider with a good horse.