Cerita di Balik Kecintaan Nabila Syakieb pada Olahraga Berkuda:

Behind Nabila Syakieb’s Passion for Horseback Riding: ‘It’s Not Just Sitting in the Saddle’

SARGA.CO – Best known for her roles in Indonesian soap operas, actress Nabila Syakieb leads a life off-screen that few might expect. Away from the spotlight, Nabila nurtures a deep passion for an uncommon hobby—horseback riding.

“It all started with my love for horses. That interest eventually grew and led me to seriously pursue equestrian sports,”

Nabila recalled in a conversation with SARGA.CO some time ago.

From Hobby to Serious Commitment

Nabila’s love for horses began in her teenage years. Between the ages of 16 and 18, she was already training professionally in equestrian—a branch of horseback riding that differs significantly from horse racing.

“Equestrian isn’t racing. In racing, you have to be a jockey, and that’s a whole different level—it takes intensive training and a strong mindset,”

she explained.

Even so, Nabila believes equestrian is a sport open to everyone. “You don’t need to come from a certain background. As long as there’s interest, anyone can give it a try,” she said.

Cerita di Balik Kecintaan Nabila Syakieb pada Olahraga Berkuda: 'Bukan Sekadar Duduk di Atas Pelana'

More Than Just Sitting in the Saddle

Unfortunately, many people still don’t recognize horseback riding as a real sport.

“Most people think the horse does all the work. But as riders, we work just as hard. If you’re just sitting there, the horse won’t move!” she said with a smile.

To Nabila, horseback riding demands teamwork, technique, and mental strength. Rider and horse function as one unit. “You can’t just rely on the horse. There needs to be clear communication and a solid connection with your partner—the horse,” she added.

On Luxury and Cost Perceptions

Equestrian sports are often associated with a luxury lifestyle, but Nabila challenges that perception.

“There are now plenty of training stables that are much more affordable. It’s not as expensive as people think,”

she noted.

She explained that the relatively high costs are largely due to the maintenance involved in caring for horses.

“A horse is your partner. They need to eat, be taken care of, and have regular health checks. So it’s only natural that there are maintenance costs,” Nabila said.

Passing Her Love of Riding to the Next Generation

Nabila is now passing on her love of horseback riding to her two children. From a young age, they’ve been introduced to horses.

“I’ve exposed them to it since they were little. We started with pony rides, then slowly introduced more until they felt comfortable. Around six or seven years old, they can begin proper training,” she shared.

Mental Strength Is Key

For Nabila, mental readiness is the foundation of good riding. Like any sport, horseback riding carries its risks, but these can be minimized with the right environment and a skilled coach.

“What matters is having a proper facility, good training, and a strong bond between rider and horse. That’s where confidence begins to grow,”
she concluded.

SARGA.CO

One key lesson is that horses “speak” through their behavior—and it’s our job to listen.

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