From European Triumph to Olympic Dreams: An Interview with Amina Yesey

Almaty-based rider Amina Yesey first got in the saddle at the age of three and acquired her first competition horse at eleven. Last summer, she made the European equestrian community take notice of Kazakhstan. During her European tour, the Kazakh flag was raised six times in celebration of her victories at major competitions, including a triumphant gold medal at the final event in the Netherlands.

In an exclusive interview for the Equestrian Federation’s official website, Amina shares insights into training in Europe, introduces her “fabulous five” horses, discusses her demanding schedule, and talks about preparing for the Kazakhstan National Show Jumping Championship.

European Training Camps and Invaluable Experience

— Amina, how did your summer in Europe go? What did you learn from your training camps?

— We spent two and a half months in Europe. We flew there in early July, immediately after an important competition in Akbulak (Almaty Region — Ed.). Our competition schedule was incredibly busy, with events every single week. Each competition took two or three days, usually covering Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

I was accompanied on this important trip by my coaches, Asset Tolkumbekov and Dayana Onayeva. While we were there, we also trained extensively and learned from local European specialists, including Mr. Albert (Albert Smith — Ed.).

— What surprised you most about training in Europe, or changed the way you approach it?

— After this trip, I began looking at training from a completely different perspective. I finally understood why we need to practice simple, basic exercises that might seem pointless to an outside observer.

For example, when you’re just riding around the arena or repeatedly performing small circles, known as voltes. In reality, these exercises have a deeper purpose that isn’t immediately obvious. They make an enormous difference when it comes to controlling your horse on a show jumping course.

Training in Europe gave me even more motivation and a stronger desire to train, improve, and work on myself.

Show Jumping, Adrenaline, and the Personalities of Horses

— Why did you choose show jumping? What attracts you to this discipline?

— I chose show jumping because I absolutely love adrenaline. But behind those beautiful jumps lies an enormous amount of self-discipline.

Show jumping requires much more than physical strength. You need to maintain your composure, keep perfect balance, and, most importantly, understand your horse’s personality. You have to learn how to work together as a team.

— You now have quite a team of equine partners — five horses. Tell us about each of them.

— Yes, I have five wonderful horses, and they’re all very different.

Bordeaux is my very first horse, a Hanoverian stallion by the famous Baloubet du Rouet. He’s big, impressive, and very calm. But he’s not the type of horse who immediately comes looking for affection. With Bordeaux, you have to invest time, gradually build a relationship, and earn his trust and affection.

Tiësto van d’Abelendreef is the first horse we brought over from Europe. He’s a son of the legendary Diamant de Semilly. His dam, Nanini van d’Abelendreef, is a direct daughter of Kannan.

He’s kind-hearted but incredibly energetic in the competition arena. Tiësto is exceptionally talented and has enormous sporting potential.

I won’t hide the fact that I consider him my most promising partner. My biggest dream is to become an Olympic champion one day, riding Tiësto.

Subzero Blue is a young, four-year-old grey stallion, also a son of Baloubet du Rouet. He’s only just beginning his journey, and so far, I’ve ridden him in training only once.

Cherry JVH Z is a mare from Europe, a daughter of Cigaret and granddaughter of the legendary Clinton. She’s incredibly affectionate, experienced, and kind.

You can always rely on her. Cherry can literally save you in a difficult situation on course, and she’ll always be there to support you.

United Special Z is our youngest partner, just three years old. He’s a chestnut stallion by the renowned United Touch. He’s currently in Europe, where he’s growing, developing, and gradually preparing for his future sporting career.

— How do you spoil your horses? Do you have any special rules at the stables?

— I always bring treats to the stables — apples and carrots. My horses absolutely love eating!

But I have one strict rule: if a horse is already saddled and ready to go, I only give it a sugar cube.

When a horse has a bit in its mouth, feeding it apples or carrots simply isn’t safe.

A Demanding Schedule, School, and Preparation for the National Championship

— Six victories in Europe, five horses to look after, constant training… How do you manage to combine all of this with school?

— I always try to do very well at school, so I have to manage my time very carefully.

To fit everything in, I arrive at school early in the morning for extra lessons with my teachers. As soon as school finishes, I head straight to the stables, and I do some of my homework in the car on the way.

I don’t get home until nine or ten in the evening. Then I sit down at my computer again, finish my homework, and study new topics.

I spend my entire weekends training, from morning until evening. And I don’t just ride — I genuinely enjoy taking care of my horses myself.

The stables are also where I meet and spend time with my friends. So equestrian sport really is my whole life.

— The Kazakhstan National Show Jumping Championship is taking place in Astana. What are your thoughts and feelings as you approach this competition?

— I’ve been preparing intensively for this championship all year.

To be completely honest, I’m experiencing two very different emotions right now: nervousness and enormous happiness.

I’m happy because I’m finally here, at the competition venue, after everything my team and I have worked towards for so long.

At the same time, I’m nervous because I really want to demonstrate everything I’m capable of.

I want to show technically correct riding, proper teamwork, and, most importantly, that perfect connection with my horses that we’ve spent months developing.