You’d be forgiven for not recognizing Sameh’s name from British squads, and that’s because until just a few months ago the 36-year-old was flying the flag for his native Egypt. He helped his country achieve Olympic qualification for the first time in 60 years – one of his proudest moments, he says – and he’s jumped at two World Championships. He was propelled into the spotlight when winning the Rolex Grand Slam at Spruce Meadows in 2018 and qualified for this year’s Longines Global Champions Tour Super Grand Prix.
But a dispute with Egypt’s federation over selection for Tokyo not only crushed Sameh’s Olympic dream but led to him switching allegiance. Having been based in Northern Ireland for the past decade with showjumper Joanne Sloan-Allen and her family, whom he describes as “his rock”, Team GB was the obvious choice and he’s been warmly welcomed. But the situation cast a dark cloud over what should have been a milestone year in Sameh’s rocketing career.
“It was the worst moment of my entire life,” reflects Sameh frankly, pointing to the hair he lost through those anxious times. “I still love my country but I also love people that support me and I’ve struggled with my federation for so long. You turn a blind eye and try to focus on your own thing, but when things started with the Olympics…”
Denne historien er fra December 23, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
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Denne historien er fra December 23, 2021-utgaven av Horse & Hound.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Sorry, but I wasn't feeling it'
Fresh from the opening meet, Tessa Waugh hasn't quite yet been bitten by the hunting bug. Without the crisp autumnal air and cheek-pinching cold she hoped for, it's a sluggish start
New pair pull off a win
A former European Championships pony is on form with his new rider, while elsewhere former showjumpers and eventers take ribbons
Lording it over the rest
Horses who have returned from injury, a second generation homebred and a long format specialist score on the final weekend of the British season
Smith hits flying form
A \"her way or no way\" mare helps Zoe Smith to an impressive ribbon haul and a rider beats his own boss to the top spot
Jankorado hits the jackpot
Paul Sims is triumphant despite his interrupted jump-off preparation and a borrowed horse comes up trumps
Peanut
From \"dangerous, scary\" to hedge-hopping brilliance, hunting has been the making of this unstable but very lovable equine character
She's a corker
Communication, says long-standing and highly respected Belvoir master Lady Sarah McCorquodale, is the key to all, as Catherine Austen discovers
Access all areas Cavalier Centre
The Cavalier Centre is a fully accessible, state-of-the-art equestrian centre designed to improve lives through horse-based activities. Ellie May Forrester pays a visit
'Use it or lose it'
Not everyone wants to reach for the pipe and slippers at a certain age. Becky Murray speaks to some veteran horse-and-rider combos for their secrets of human and equine longevity
A new way forward
Worm control in horses is vital, but established methods will not remain effective for much longer. Tim Mair FRCVS explains why and how we need to change
