LAHORE: Pakistani equestrian legend Usman Khan has shared his remarkable journey and insights into how young athletes can enter the demanding world of equestrian sports and succeed.
In a podcast, Khan recounted his path from humble beginnings to becoming the first Pakistani rider to qualify for the Olympics, offering a blueprint for aspiring equestrians. Usman began riding at the age of seven at the Lahore Garrison Cavalry Ground, inspired by his father’s Army background. His move to Australia 25 years ago for higher education marked the start of a grueling journey. Working multiple jobs, including delivering pizzas and racetrack shifts at dawn, he funded his Olympic dream without family assets or external support. He emphasized that equestrian sports are often misperceived as a “rich man’s sport,” stressing that his career was built purely on personal savings and passion.
Breaking down the financial realities, Usman explained that horses in Pakistan can cost between 40 to 80 lakh PKR, while imported European horses range from 80 lakh to 1.5 crore PKR. At the Olympic level, elite horses in Europe can cost €150,000 to €250,000 (5–8 crore PKR), underscoring the immense financial commitment required.
His career has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. He qualified for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, but tragedy struck when his horse Kasheer died in a qualifier and Usman himself narrowly survived. More recently, in September 2025, he defeated the Indian contingent in the Asian block competition, reaffirming Pakistan’s presence in the sport. He highlighted the longevity of equestrian careers, citing Olympic medalists competing well into their sixties and seventies.
Looking ahead, Usman outlined a clear roadmap: the Asian Games in Japan (2026) as his immediate priority, followed by the World Championships later that year, the Olympic qualifiers in Europe starting January 2027, and ultimately the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
While he does not plan to open a private academy due to his commitments across Australia, Europe, and Pakistan, Usman is collaborating with the Pakistan Military and Rangers to train soldiers in show jumping and competitive riding.
