womanthismonth.com | DECEMBER 2025 INTERVIEW 8 Riding for Bahrain With talent, discipline and unwavering national pride, Aneesa Al Mahmood stands at the forefront of a new era for Bahraini women in equestrian sport. For Bahraini dressage rider Aneesa, the dream has always been clear. “I am a rider who wants to give it her all for her country and sport,” she states. Today she is based in the Netherlands, representing Bahrain on the international dressage circuit and carving out a pathway for future riders from the region. Aneesa’s love for horses began long before she entered the competitive arena. Growing up in Bahrain, she spent much of her childhood around ponies, supported by parents who encouraged her passion from the start. Her training years with Al Fursan from 2013 onward solidified her commitment to dressage, as daily riding and competitions nurtured both skill and conviction. Her decision to relocate to the Netherlands was a turning point. As one of the global centres of dressage, the country offered world class coaches and challenging opportunities. “I wanted to challenge myself, push my limits and learn from the best,” she explains. The move placed her in an environment where she could train at the standard required for international sport, and it has transformed her as a rider and athlete. Aneesa now works with a growing team of horses, each shaping her journey in a different way. Her main competition partner, Handsome, carried her into the international arena, enabling her to compete in Young Riders and CDI shows and secure qualification for this year’s Asian Championships in Thailand. She credits her sponsor, Shaikha Noora bint Hamad Al Khalifa, for making this partnership possible. Alongside Handsome, she rides Special For You, a 10 year old gelding who helped her find her footing across national shows in Europe, and Sir Pleasure, a promising three year old stallion she hopes to develop through the young horse classes. The path has not always been straightforward. As a Bahraini woman pursuing a full time athletic career abroad, Aneesa has had to overcome cultural expectations and personal barriers. “Prioritising sport over studies is unusual for a girl coming from a local family,” she says. Navigating a European environment where Middle Eastern female athletes remain underrepresented has demanded confidence and resilience, shaping her into a stronger competitor and more grounded person. Among her proudest milestones are competing internationally at Hartpury and Hagen, riding her first CDI in Aachen, and taking her place at the second edition of the Asian Championships this month. Looking ahead, she aims to step into the U25 category and represent Bahrain at the Asian Games in Japan next September. Through it all, Bahrain remains her anchor. She stays connected to home and carries her culture proudly across European stables and arenas. For Bahraini Women’s Day, her message to young girls is heartfelt: “Take the risk and follow your passion. With consistency, dedication and belief, anything is possible. Your journey can inspire others and help pave the way for the next generation.”
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