MARGOT CHAZEL

A 28-year-old French rider, Margot Chazel lives in Dubai where she combines her endurance career with her marketing and communication company, Select by Margot Chazel. She met us shortly after she finished third at the 2022 Al Fursan Endurance Cup in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia, one of the most prestigious and richest sporting events in the world. The two-star classification race, recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports, is 120 km over four loops in an average of eight hours through the stunning scenery of the Al-Ula region. Therefore, we asked Margot about her fantastic experience at this year's third edition. 1. Margot, good to meet you! Please tell us a little bit about yourself, your family and your education, just to set the scene with our readers. 1. Hello, everyone! I am a French Arabian horse passionate. I come from an Arabian horse involved family from one part and a humanitarian involved family in the other part. I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Marketing and Event organization business school which I studied in France and Mexico. I have started working in the show business after my graduation thus, I have always followed the industry through my grandmother. I am grateful to HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Thani for trusting the freshly graduated girl I was at the time with the marketing of Al Zobair Stud. 2. When did you first encounter an Arabian horse? What was his/her name? 2. I grew up surrounded by horses and most especially Arabians, this is where my passion comes from. I was lucky to cross the road of plenty of amazing horses but as a young girl I would say the beautiful flea-bitten stallion Nichem which was at our farm at the time has definitely marked me. 3. How old were you when you started horseback riding? 3. I have started horse riding at a very young age. Way before being able to walk actually… I started Endurance at 12 years old, doing my first international competition at 14. 4. You moved to Dubai at some point. What was your main motivation? How does your current business operate there? 4. I came to Dubai the first time with my father when I was 11 years old. It was love at first sight! My goal since then was to move to Dubai. I drove my life toward this goal. Even though my family always thought it was just a child's dream well… I did prove them wrong! I have started working in the show business after my graduation which allowed me to fulfill my dream to move to the UAE. Indeed, the middle east is filled with opportunities for young people and I am grateful to HE Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammad Al Thani for trusting the freshly graduated girl I was with the marketing of Al Zobair Stud. I opened my business in 2020. Thankfully I mostly need my phone and computer to work but I believe it is important to be close to my clients that is why I chose the middle east and especially the UAE. 5. Your recent participation in the 2022 Al Fursan Endurance Cup in Al-Ula was notable. What time did the race begin? What horse did you ride? 5. Thank you! The actual race started at 7am, but you know, a race starts months before with hard work and preparation at home (which I thank the amazing team for the amazing preparation). The mare I was trusted with was named Chaitana Des Chaises. She is owned by H.E Sheikh Abdulla bin Faisal Al Qassimi and trained by Mr Anzaq Mehmood. 6. What was the most exciting or challenging moment while racing? What about the weather or ground conditions? 6. To be honest, the excitement started when my trainer told me I was riding Chaytana. She is one special mare!! During the race, we had to improvise as the race was much more difficult than we thought. We were alone 90% of the race so we both had to keep motivated and focused. I would say that starting the last loop in 3rd position was definitely very exciting ! About the racetrack, I was very happy to ride on such a technical ground. A rider must use its head and feel its horse. The weather was quite cold which we aren't used to in the UAE. 7. How did you feel after the last loop? Do you have any lessons learned from this experience? 7. Well... I was over the moon! Finishing 3rd in such a technical race is a great achievement. Chaytana was a rockstar! The lesson I learnt was to trust my instincts and nothing is earned in advance. 8. Would you recommend the Al Fursan Endurance Cup to other riders? Why? 8. I recommend it 100 % !!! For the experience, for the adventure and for the landscape. Definitely the most beautiful place I have ever seen! Saudi Arabia is a land of wonders. I thank the Al Fursan Endurance Cup Committee for allowing us to discover it through our passion and AQ Stables for giving me the opportunity to participate! 9. Do you have any dreams or goals for endurance racing in the future? 9. I would like to go back to the US to finish the TEVIS Cup which I was able to complete a few years ago to finish my challenge to be the 1st lady to complete the 5 most difficult 160km races worldwide... Otherwise, to continue being trusted with such amazing horses. Every ride small or big is an achievement! 10. Would you like to say anything to the Arabian Horse Magazine readers? 10. Thank you for reading this article and please, DREAM