His love for horses at the age of three led him to the US where for 15 years he mastered the skill of equestrianism on a professional level and returned to the Kingdom only to represent the country at various top level international equestrian competitions, including at the Beijing Olympics last year. Adnan Al-Baitony, 38, is among the few Saudi top riders who also trains students at The International Equestrian School in Riyadh, where he is the head trainer and manager. The International Equestrian School in Riyadh was launched 42 years ago by Prince Turki Bin Mohammed Bin Saud Al-Kabeer along with Yacoub Al-Baitony and sons. Ask him about horseback riding, which has become his passion, and he brightens up saying: “It's a family tradition started by my father and I have been inspired by his love for horse riding.” Al-Baitony, who is in the Kingdom for a short time as he has been competing internationally for the past 15 years was recognized by PCHA in 1999 as the No.1 trainer in the US. “The sport is not getting enough exposure here. We are now asking the media to give more coverage to equestrian sports at a local level,” he said. “Moreover,” Al-Baitony said, “other than few clubs and schools, there are not many places here to practice with the horses. The Kingdom offers great potential for equestrian sports. The public needs to be exposed to the events so that those who are interested in horses are educated.” In 2003, when he came back after his professional training in the US, he joined the International Equestrian School where he currently conducts training classes based on “both the American and European schools.” The classes at the equestrian school, from the beginners' level to the top level, start with lessons in safety around the horses, balance, coordination and dressage. The trainees get free evaluation to know just how to start in the correct way. “I teach for my love of the horses and the sport, and to train Saudis to compete at professional and top levels to represent our country all over the world,” Al-Baitony said. Al-Baitony and his brothers are major players in the investment horses industry of Saudi Arabia which internationally represents a million dollar business.”We buy, breed and sell horses. The young horses are trained according to the client's needs,” he said. Expressing hope and belief in the Saudi equestrian scenario, Al-Baitony said: “For those who don't know, we do have the sport, top level riders and internationally acclaimed riders.” The Arabian horse, famous for its intelligence, adaptability and stamina, is very popular in its homeland - the Kingdom. However, he said the most ideal horses for show jumping are the warm blooded ones, such as the European horses. “The Arabian, American and other western horses are more preferred for pleasure riding. Choosing a horse ultimately depends on your discipline,” Al
