Khadijah Mellah is the first hijab-wearing jockey in competitive British race horse. Since winning the Goodwood Magnolia Cup in an all-women charity race in 2019, she has been advocating for better representation within the horse-riding industry. In an interview with MWN Hub, Khadijah shares her remarkable journey on becoming a professional jockey rider. She discusses the challenges, how she pursued a degree in Mechanical Engineering and what had inspired her to set up Riding A Dream Academy.

How did your interest in horse riding all come about?

I really, really loved animals when I was younger. We didn’t have a lot of space in the house, but my parents got us a cat, little rabbits, and at some point, we had budgies. Eventually, as I grew up a bit, I wanted to ride a horse because to me that was like the biggest connection a human can have with an animal. Also, when I was younger, I read lots of unicorn books.

I was obsessed with horses, but being from Peckham didn’t have access to horses. My parents had to save up money to take me to Kent to ride a horse, once a month. You couldn’t really learn to ride, you just sort of walked around with the horse. Then we found out about Ebony Horse Club in Brixton - it’s a charity. They do weekly sessions, for £7 pounds, I think now it’s £3, so they have managed to reduce the fees. I became part of the club, got to learn to ride properly; I was really supported there. And every week and during my spare time, I’d volunteer.

How old were you when you learned how to ride?

I applied when I was 10 years old and was put on a waiting list. Finally got accepted to ride when I was 12 years old. I competed here and there. Getting paid to ride professionally began when I was 18 years old.

How did you become a professional horse rider?

An opportunity came about to publicise the Ebony Horse Club. They needed an 18-year-old girl and there was only two of us as it’s a young members’ youth club. So, me and another girl who had experience in racing horses were the only two available. As they wanted someone who hadn’t had any experience in racing, they asked me, if I would be up for the challenge and learn to ride race horses.

When I turned 18, I started my training. I loved my training, but I kind of needed an escape, as I had A-levels and I wasn’t getting on with my dad. I was like this is an interesting opportunity, I’ll take it. Initially it was difficult, I mean I struggled for a really long time, but I fell in love with the horse chosen to ride in the race that I was selected in. That’s where my professional career started.

The accomplishment of winning the race led to a load of interest and I started doing more riding.

I went to university, so there was a 4-year period of non-existent riding in my professional career. From last year, I have been training since.

So, you took a break from riding while studying?

Yes, but I tried to ride here and there whilst doing my degree. Then lockdown happened, so there was nothing go then. It’s hard doing part-time racing, either you’re there or you’re not. I’d say the 4 years I was at university, I was more focussed on uni.

You mentioned that you have struggled for a long time – in what ways?

Initially, I had a lot of debates with my dad because of living away from home and training. Being in a very white dominated space, the culture in racing is very drink-related – it was just uncomfortable. And within racing, I’m a very open and bubbly person, I try to be as approachable as possible, but still felt I really didn’t fit in. Felt a little bit awkward.

Riding was challenging, normally you’d spend at least 10 to 12 weeks at a racing school before you go into the industry to ride, train and get paid. I did 5 weeks at the racing school, so it was all rushed. It meant that my riding suffered for it and fitness. To be honest, my fitness I worked hard and I was already quite fit – I did loads of sports. But my riding really suffered, I didn’t have much confidence, it was a whole new discipline and there was a lot of pressure – quite a lot of pressure.

What made you go back into horse riding and pursue it professionally?

I felt I hadn't explored my own abilities because I didn’t give myself enough of a chance to develop my skills. With only 2 to 3 months of training, I managed to win a race. I created such a shockwave within the industry. It felt like a waste to not explore it further. I did want to continue riding straight after the race, but I felt like I needed to be sensible and go to university, as that was my original plan. And I said to myself, after university I can go back to the sport. In case something happens, I have a degree behind me, just to be safe. At the end of the day, I don’t come from wealth, I didn’t have generational wealth - getting a degree was a priority.

So far it has been really good, I’ve had my ups and downs. I’ve been in hospital a few times because of accidents.

I’ve definitely gained confidence, and am definitely a much better rider. I’ve passed my jockey rider exam, so hopefully I’ll be racing soon. I wanted to give myself a fair opportunity to explore how good I can be and how much progress I can make within the industry.

I have also set up an academy to help young people to try out racing and start a career in racing. However, for me to not have any participation in the sport, doesn’t sit right with me. I want to lead by example essentially.

Let’s hear more about how and why you decided to set up Riding A Dream Academy?

It started in lockdown. Racing has had a big sit down in discussing the issue of diversity – because it is the most behind when it comes to visually having any people of colour in the sport. Of course, there is the environmental factor, where there is a disconnect between the countryside and horses; and urban cities and landscape, which is where people of colour normally reside. That barrier needed to be acknowledged, but also there has never been any sort of outreach.

When I had won that race, my management came up with the idea of starting an academy. I immediately thought that this was such a good idea – use anything, use me in any shape or form to make this happen. Then we sent a proposal, I had support from Naomi Lawson – she completely sorted everything out and created a proposal and pitched it to the funding bodies in racing. They loved the idea and were really supportive and everyone has been supportive since. At the end of the day, it’s a very beneficial initiative, mutually for the young people as they get exposure, free riding sessions and support. We run residential programmes and have 10 available positions. We run two to three residential each year. We do taster sessions and we offer year-long scholarships.

For the racing industry, the current issue is an understaffing crisis, where people have either left the sport or there isn’t enough coming in. In order to help support the sport itself, creating new audiences and coming into the sport – works both ways.     

What have been the key achievements since setting up the academy?

Generally, we have supported and impacted at least 150 students, potentially more. 75% of students on our programme are diverse and ethnic minorities. We had at least 20 of our students that have gone onto doing placements and work experience; and now have careers in racing. It’s really had a long-term impact on the sport and on people’s lives - it’s only been 3 years. I definitely feel like we’ve made a lot of progress, but we could do more – there’s always areas to improve. Now that, we are officially aligned with the British racing sport. We have long-term space in the racing and the racing industry, which is great news.

What are your plans going forward?

My goal is to continue training, but in the winter, I struggle to train in the UK. Riding horses in the winter is tough. I’m hoping to Insha’Allah travel out to any part of the Middle East to do some training there. There is a big racing culture in Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. I’m trying to create links and form networks there and do some training there during the winter. Continuing my work with Riding A Dream Academy. Maybe doing some media and content creation. I’d like to do some charity work to support the people of Gaza and the people of Palestine.

To learn more about Riding A Dream Academy and how to can get involved in this amazing initiative, you can follow them on Instagram.