FINDING THE ONE: HOW TWO SAUDI SISTERS ARE DIGITISING THE HORSE-RIDER PARTNERSHIP (PART 2)
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FOLLOWING OUR FIRST INSTALMENT POSTED LAST WEEKEND, WE CONTINUE OUR CONVERSATION WITH SAUDI SISTERS NAJLA AND NJOOD, THE FOUNDERS BEHIND 'YOUR HORSE MATCH'. IN THIS SECOND PART, WE DELVE DEEPER INTO THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE EQUESTRIAN PARTNERSHIP, EXPLORING HOW THEIR PLATFORM PRIORITISES HORSE WELFARE, NAVIGATES THE COMPLEXITIES OF THE GCC MARKET, AND CHAMPIONS THE EVOLVING ROLE OF WOMEN WITHIN THE INDUSTRY.
1. How do you evaluate compatibility between a horse and a rider?
We evaluate compatibility by first understanding the rider’s profile whether they are an amateur, a professional, a junior or child rider, or a rider with special requirements. From there, we assess riding level, goals, experience, confidence, and expectations, alongside the horse’s temperament, training, soundness, and suitability. The goal is always to create a balanced match where the horse supports the rider’s development, safety, and enjoyment, while ensuring the partnership is realistic, sustainable, and in the best interest of the horse.
2. What data or criteria are most important in your selection process?
It depends entirely on the client’s needs and riding profile. Some clients prefer young horses, typically 2–3 years old, where competition results are not yet applicable; in these cases, evaluation focuses on pedigree, conformation, movement, and overall quality rather than performance records. Professional and international riders, on the other hand, generally look for horses with proven competition records that indicate the potential to perform at a high level. For beginners who are still learning and require a more forgiving partner, competition results are less important than temperament, rideability, experience, and suitability to support confidence and development.
3. How does your platform improve horse welfare compared with conventional trading methods?
We always aim to find the best possible home for each horse, prioritising the horse’s welfare above all else. This means carefully considering the rider’s experience, environment, and long-term goals to ensure a smooth, responsible, and lasting transition of ownership. Our focus is on creating sustainable partnerships where the horse can thrive, feel secure, and continue its development in a positive and supportive setting.
4. Do you believe better matching reduces training issues or re-sales?
Generally, yes. But sometimes riders are not fully aware of their own capabilities or needs when approaching the bespoke equine service, and that is often one of the challenges that comes with owning a horse.
5. As Saudi “female founders” in equine tech, what challenges have you faced?
We have faced challenges, as any founders do, especially in a fast-evolving and highly specialised industry. However, having a strong and supportive team has allowed us to approach these challenges proactively. As founders, we actively research, evaluate, and engage with emerging equine technologies to understand which solutions are relevant and how they can be applied responsibly within our ecosystem. For example, we explored AI-based lameness detection by engaging directly with specialised companies, assessing their solutions, and exploring potential collaboration models always with the aim of creating added value for both our clients and suppliers. This hands-on, forward-thinking approach enables us to stay innovative while remaining practical and ethical in our decisions.
6. How does the sibling bond enhance leadership and decision-making in a professional context
Our partnership is built on mutual trust, clarity, and open communication. We value constructive dialogue and actively consider different perspectives to reach well-informed decisions and effective solutions. Each of us leads a specific area of the business, while continuously consulting with our advisory team to ensure strategic alignment and sound governance.
7. How do you see the role of Saudi women evolving in the equestrian sector?
Female riders are increasingly establishing a strong presence in competitions, consistently delivering impressive results. Beyond the arena, women are also playing a vital role in the equestrian industry by successfully leading and managing events, and contributing professionally as journalists, stable owners and media specialists. As equine projects continue to expand and evolve, we strongly believe that female equine enthusiasts will take on even greater leadership roles, becoming a key driving force behind the long-term growth and success of the equine industry.
8. What message do you hope your story sends to young Saudi riders and entrepreneurs?
The message is that everything is possible, even when it feels impossible at first. The hardest step is always the first one but once you start and commit to building your path, progress follows. Challenges and obstacles are part of the journey, and every rejection is simply a redirection toward something better.
Most importantly, become the change you want to see in the world around you. If you have passion and genuine love for the sport, and a desire to create positive impact, you will find your place whether as a rider, entrepreneur, trainer, or in any role that contributes to the industry. Growth is continuous, and with perseverance, you can always evolve, improve, and make a meaningful difference.
9. Who are your main users today — amateur riders, professionals, breeders, or stables?
As of today, mostly amateur riders and professional riders, but we already have a strong connection with international stables and prominent breeders.
10. Which disciplines are most represented on the platform (showjumping, dressage, endurance, etc.)?
Mostly Showjumping and dressage.
11. Have you observed trends in what riders are looking for in horses in the region?
Yes, definitely. The most desired horses for show jumping are easy, forward, non-stopping, and scopey. In dressage, demand in the region is still limited, but buyers are mostly looking for horses that are expressive and flashy while remaining easy to ride and supple.
12. Are you already seeing international interest beyond Saudi Arabia?
Yes, there are requests from outside the Kingdom, mainly from Middle East and Europe.
13. What has been the biggest milestone since launching ‘Your Horse Match’?
One of our most notable milestones is achieving a 90% service satisfaction rate, a benchmark that is rarely achieved within the industry.
14. What lessons have you learned from the equestrian market that surprised you?
It can be a complex industry when it comes to understanding intentions. Commercial pressures may sometimes take priority over ethical considerations, which reinforces the importance of awareness, due diligence, and maintaining strong professional standards.
15. What are your expansion plans in the GCC or internationally?
We believe the future holds many opportunities, and that growth and expansion will come naturally as we continue to keep our goals and vision clearly in focus.
16. How do you see digital platforms transforming horse sales in the next decade?
We think online sales will dominate the market and have the largest market slice, and that whoever resists this change will fall behind, as the world as a whole is moving toward digitalization.
17. What would your ideal global horse-matching ecosystem look like?
Fast, transparent, innovative, easy process and equal opportunities to everyone.
18. If each of you had to describe the perfect horse-rider match in one sentence, what would it be?
Najla: I believe that the main component of a perfect match is having a horse that is healthy and stress-free. When the horse is treated as a partner and respected as such, it gives back in countless ways. From there, the horse-rider journey can be filled with success, with success being subjective and dependent on the individual goals of each rider.
Njood: I see it as a mix of several checkpoints. First is understanding the rider’s current level. Second is identifying their goals and past experience. Third is assessing the horse’s personality and temperament to determine whether it would be a suitable match for the rider and their goals. These are just some of the key checkpoints I would consider in the matching process.
19. Which horses or riders inspire you personally?
There are many names currently shining and achieving remarkable success. Among the riders, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Richard Vogel, and Ramzy Al Duhami stand out for their consistent results at the highest level.
In terms of horses, exceptional performers such as the phenomenal dressage horse TSF Dalera BB, and Valegro and showjumpers Lord Pezi Junior, United Touch S, and Enjeu de Grisien, continue to set benchmarks for excellence in the sport.
20. What is your long-term dream for ‘Your Horse Match’?
To become a leading global equine solutions establishment and a smart gateway for sourcing exceptional sport horses.
21. In five years, what impact would make you most proud?
In five years, what would make us most proud is having contributed to a more transparent, ethical, and accessible equine market, where riders feel supported, horses are treated as partners, and informed decisions are the standard rather than the exception. Knowing that we helped shape better practices, empowered riders, and created long-term, responsible matches between horses and riders would be our greatest achievement.
22. Do you remember how you two connected with me?
We do actually. We connected with you recently as we are based in the same geographical location in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. We know you have a strong presence in the region and have contributed significantly to GCC teams and riders, earning a well-established reputation within the industry. Having you contribute to our business model adds real value through strong connections and access to experienced professionals, and we continue to learn from your long-term experience in the equestrian industry. HT
See Your Horse Match here
See Part 1 here