For the love of the horse - and an amazing partnership between rider and groom.

As we all wait with anticipation and pride to see Emma Booth take to the arena, we interviewed Shahira Ameen, the groom for Emma Booth, on her experiences within the sport. 

Ameen was introduced to the sport of Equestrian through Booth from a young age with Ameen becoming a friend and supporter of Booth’s as a young rider. Their friendship grew over the year with Ameen crediting Booth for increasing her confidence and helping with her career. After competing at Rio five years ago, Booth is back to represent Australia at the coming games with Ameen beside her, and her horse, Mogelvangs Zidane, once again. 

Nowadays, their friendship is stronger than ever.

“We know each other inside and out” Ameen said during the interview. 

Ameen credits the ability of the pair to get into work mode but also relax and have fun as a key to consistency at competitions.  “We can separate work from fun very well.”

Ameen discussed her feelings ahead of this year's Paralympics and the difference in the lead up to these compared with Rio five year ago, and how COVID has affected their preparation 

“COVID lockdowns have tested us,” Ameen said during the interview. “The highlight however, was being able to head to Sydney International for the final qualifying event.

The last couple of weeks has been very exciting and we are looking forward to finally getting to the games after such a long preparation and in an environment of uncertainty.”

Despite the complicated lead up, Ameen praised both Booth’s and Mogelvangs Zidane’s preparation by admiring both for remaining consistent throughout. 

“The horse knows something is coming up.  We try and keep as steady a routine as we can prior to a big trip but we do sense he knows something is going on.”

This will be the second trip to the Paralympics for both Booth and Mogelvangs Zidane after a strong performance at Rio five year ago.

Despite the enormous success Ameen has shared with Booth over the years, her biggest take away is to simply enjoy yourself within Equestrian sport and have fun.

“I do this because I love it, love doing anything with the horses.”

We wish both Ameen and Booth (and Mogelvangs Zidane!) all the best.