ONE TEAM

Azerbaijan is one of those countries where horses were domesticated and horse-breeding began to develop. Since ancient times the Azerbaijani people have elevated the horse to a symbol of honour and the country's natural geographical conditions and its concern for sport have become the basis for the sound development of this sphere. Source documents indicate that Azerbaijani horses played a part in the shaping of the breed of Arab and thoroughbred British racehorses, which have become widespread in the world. Horses have been exported to Iran, the Arab countries, Russia and Europe from Azerbaijan since ancient times. All this shows the deep roots of cultural horse-breeding in the country. It is not by chance that of the 260 breeds of horses there are now, two - the Karabakh and Daliboz - that belong to the Azerbaijani people.

Despite the rapid development of science and technology in the world, there has always been an interest in horse-breeding and it has become one of the most lucrative types of business. This is due, mainly, to the development of pedigree horse-breeding. Over 75,000 horses are raised at all categories of farms in Azerbaijan. Every year, with the organizational support of the country's Equestrian Federation, up to 60 pedigree horses are put through their paces at racecourses.

Mention should be made of the participation of Azerbaijani horses in international competitions. In 2006, Azerbaijani and Russian horses shared first place at the competitions in Moscow in honour of the president of the Russian Federation.

When one speaks about equestrianism in Azerbaijan, the first name that springs to mind is Camal Rahimov, who has represented our country at Olympic Games in Beijing and London. Named the best showjumper in the country in 2013 he is regularly among the medallists in international competitions. In an interview with R+ he spoke about his most recent competition, about his favourite horse and his future plans.

- Last year was a successful one for you. How do you estimate the hopes for equestrian sport in general in 2013?

- Yes, last year was a successful one for our federation. We had the Baku international tournament. Our riders have ridden well for their country in a number of international competitions. We have put together a team of fine riders and we shall also be competing in team competitions. So we can look back on 2013 as a good year. Last year I qualified for the world championship. I also won through to the World Cup which will be held this year. Generally speaking, this year will be a crucial one for us.

- At the tournament in Spain there was considerable competition in the star category, but you manage to win a medal.

- I won a bronze at the big competition in Bilbao. Competition was so high that a number of the top riders didn't make it to the podium. So everyone hailed my achievement. This type of sport is in the development stage in Azerbaijan. Besides, it is very difficult to rise to fame in equestrianism in a short period of time. It is great that our state and our federation are doing so much to develop our sport. And we riders will do all we can to justify these hopes.

- Let's be realistic. What kind of result are we capable of achieving at the world championship?

- Equestrianism is different from other sports. The point is you have two living participants - much depends on the horse as well as the rider. The fact that Azerbaijan is competing at the world championship is considered a success. Having said that, we shall be battling to the end at this competition. If we make it to the top 25 we will have a chance of reaching the final. I'll be very happy if we can reach the final.

- But do you reckon we have a chance of making it in the final?

- Anything can happen in the final. A lot depends on the state of the horse and the mindset of the rider.

- I expect one of your main goals is to take part in the 2016 Olympics…

- As a rider I know that success at the Olympics can't be compared with anything else. All the conditions have been created for me and I must repay that by putting up a good show. We shall be training for the summer Olympics, too. But no-one can predict what will happen there. I set out to win at every competition.

- When do you think you will have a real chance of winning an Olympic medal - in 2016, 2020 or some time later?

- If I am not mistaken, the oldest participant in the Olympic Games was 72 years old. He rode in 12 Olympics but never won a medal. But he still carried on. I, too, will carry on, while there is still a chance. The main objective is to win an Olympic medal. And when that happens we'll be very happy.

- How many horses are you currently using in competitions?

- I have two horses. My main one is Warrior. We understand each other really well. I have ridden him at all the major competitions. I had success with him in the five-star category competition in Spain. My other horse - Eksenel - is a little younger, so we are training with her for future competitions. I was on Warrior at the London Olympics. One of my horses is Dutch and the other Belgian.

- 2014 is the Year of the Horse. Do you think it will be a successful one for you?

- Inshallah [God willing]. The horse is a symbol of wishes. It is my dream to do well in all competitions.

- Which competition will you be taking part in the near future?

- In April I shall be taking part in the World Cup in Lyon. Then there is the world championship in August. I am the first Azerbaijani to win the right to appear in both these competitions. Since January I have been in Spain where I competed over six weeks. I did well, finishing second twice in the Grand Prix. These competitions were also a preparation for the World Cup and the world championship.

- Is the experience of the rider or the speed of the horse more important to achieve success in this sport?

- In equestrianism rider and horse must work as a team. We are like one team. I might do something wrong or the horse will make a mistake when taking a hurdle. Although the rider plays a big part in controlling the horse, a mistake by either one of us could spoil everything. Equestrian sport is an extremely difficult but interesting sport. It takes years to achieve success in it.

- Which was your favourite horse?

- Every horse on which I have competed has been dear to me. I also never forget the horses I have ridden in training. We have had quite a lot of problems. Horse and rider take the hurdles together. If you can't make friends with your horse you'll find it hard to compete.