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WHENEVER YOU THINK OF SHOWJUMPING IN JORDAN, THE FIRST NAME THAT COMES TO MIND IS BISHARAT, FROM PATRIARCH AND SPORTING ICON CAPTAIN HANI, TO HIS TALENTED CHILD IBRAHIM AND NIECE MAYSAM.
A GROUND BREAKER FOR THE SPORT ACROSS JORDAN AND THE WIDER MIDDLE EAST, IBRAHIM BISHARAT BOASTS A CAREER SPANNING OVER TWO DECADES. HE MADE HIS OLYMPIC DEBUT IN ATHENS AT JUST 19 YEARS OLD, AND HAS SINCE REPRESENTED HIS COUNTRY AT FOUR OLYMPIC GAMES AND FIVE WORLD GAMES/CHAMPIONSHIPS. KNOWN FOR HIS TECHNICAL PRECISION AND ABSOLUTE DEDICATION, AND HIS WITTY SENSE OF HUMOUR, IBRAHIM CONTINUES TO COMPETE AT THE VERY HIGHEST LEVEL OF INTERNATIONAL SHOWJUMPING.
IN THIS HORSE TIMES INTERVIEW, WE CATCH UP WITH THE FAMILY MAN AND DEDICATED RIDER TO TALK THROUGH HIS UPCOMING WEEKEND PLANS AND HIS PREPARATIONS WITH HIS HORSE, LESTHER, ON THE ROAD TO AACHEN.
Ibrahim, congratulations on qualifying for the World Equestrian Championships in Aachen. This will be your fifth World Championships, won't it?
Thank you. It’s very exciting. I competed at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Aachen, followed by Kentucky in 2010, Normandy in 2014 and the Championships in Tryon 2018
How does it feel to look back on all those events and continue representing Jordan on such a stage?
It’s really quite special when I reflect on it. Being part of a major celebration of horse sport is always a privilege. I’m immensely proud to represent Jordan; getting to any international sporting stage is a huge achievement for our country. Aachen is the venue every rider aims for, and representing Jordan there once again is an honour that never gets old.
You’re competing at the CSI5* in Dinard in France this weekend. Is that part of your preparation for Aachen?
Dinard is always a fantastic venue with its grass arena, great atmosphere, and top-level competition. This weekend is all about fine-tuning our routine at the highest level. A 5-star show like Dinard gives Lesther and myself the exact high-pressure environment we need to test our fitness, technique, and rhythm. The focus isn't just on placing well, but on making sure he feels confident and fresh.
Aachen is often considered the home of equestrian sports. How did it feel when you officially secured your qualification?
It was a moment of immense pride and relief. Qualifying for Aachen isn't down to one good round; it’s the result of months and years of consistent work, strategic planning, and building a trustful partnership with my horse. And once there, we’ll simply treat every class as if it’s a 5-star Grand Prix and wish for the best.
Who are you currently training with?
I’m training with Jos Lansink. He co-owns Lesther with me, and his input and experience are invaluable.
How do you manage the pressure at this level?
Good question. I'm not sure there’s ever a time without stress, however the key is simply to take it one step at a time, stay positive, and focus on doing what we do best. Most importantly also is to not doubt yourself and if a moment of doubt comes, act confident and believe in yourself, your horse and team.
We’ve seen you running in riding boots during a Jump & Drive competition. How do you keep fit off the horse?
Alongside riding every day, I go to the gym four times a week. I stick to a balanced diet and focus on staying agile.
How do you like to unwind away from horses?
I love spending quality time with my family; my wife, Aysha, and our two sons and daughter.
Do you have any pre-show superstitions?
I do, actually. I like everything to be organised just right, and I stick strictly to my routine. I also tend to stick to one particular brand of riding kit. I’m definitely a bit of a stickler for detail.
We tried to make this a relaxed and chill interview, so let us ask some fun questions; grass or sand arena?
Grass.
Favourite international show city?
Aachen.
One piece of kit you can’t live without in your profession?
Horse bits. I’m obsessed with testing different types to find the perfect fit. My team always makes fun of me for it!
If you could ride any single horse in the world, which would it be?
Just Lesther.
If you weren’t a professional showjumper, what would you be?
An F1 driver. HT
Photo of Ibrahim and Lesther by Lukasz Kowalski/DET
Ibrahim was born on 22 February, 1984. He is married to Aysha Alqaoud and is father of Hani, Adel and Tara.