Who: “I am a rider, I am Fayiqa Halim,” gleams the proud 14-year old from Loreto House every time you meet her. And why not? She dared to tread a path not frequently travelled, in India at least. From casually participating in regional horse shows, she has raced her way to the Nationals in Delhi, winning the title of The Best Senior Child Rider, securing a position in the Indian team, children’s category.

Why: Enterprising as her entire family seems to be, riding was introduced to her by her mother as a hobby at age 10. It soon became an obsession. “My interest in the sport grew fast and so did my love for the animal. Even before I knew, I was too drawn to the sport to come out of it,” says Fayiqa.

How does a girl her age manage to balance her acts so well? First, there is her undying desire to be the best, coupled with her talent. Next, is an enthusiastic mom who always accompanies her to events — even if that means starting at 6am and sitting around till late in the night — and a dad who calls her every day there is a competition for “little pep talks to calm my nerves”. A family so proud, it’s difficult not to flaunt!

Where: Started her training in Tollygunge Club but soon shifted base to Fort William Riding Institute where she now lovingly devotes three afternoons (sometimes even evenings) every week to get her posture right and movements tight. Whenever she can, she heads to Gaya to practise at the ASC Centre North with her mentor, Col P.P. Singh, who has been with her from the very beginning of her journey. “I wouldn’t have been successful if it had not been for my coach Col P.P. Singh’s constant hard work and encouragement. He has always put in a lot of effort to help me perfect my technique and get me to where I am now,” says Fayiqa.

Style: This John Whitaker worshipper in style and form is determined to train hard to reach perfection and attain the versatility essential for this sport. “I participate in all events like dressage and show jumping, but prefer the former as it is more adventurous and involves manoeuvring the horse through a set of fences where the horse is supposed to jump over them without dropping the bars!” she explains.

Next: Having broken regional boundaries, she now hopes to fly the flag on foreign shores, going all the way to the Asian Games and Olympics. As if that wasn’t enough, she also wishes to “open a riding school of excellence, introduce and encourage more children to adopt this fantastic sport”.

Jump high, girl!