Australian born dressage rider Gabrielle Zaal is an Emirati national, living and training in Dubai. The owner of GZ dressage, the first private dressage facility in Dubai, Gabrielle has horses ranging from four to -sixteen-years-old, all at different levels. She says “our aim is to set a benchmark for correct training and horsemanship in the region”. A mother to three boys, Gabrielle also works with her husband in real estate and hospitality. Of her horses, Gabrielle says “My heart horse: San Diamond is a 16yr old Sansisco X Don Vino x Donnerhall. I also have some young horses in Holland that will come to Dubai when they are ready to begin their training journey. I’m currently in the UK escaping the hot summer months of Dubai and I have my 5 top horses with me.”
Take us on the dressage journey from the beginning
Gabrielle and her mare Sic Sarasota
At the age of twenty five I told my husband how much I miss riding, it was something I did as a young child but always had a deep love for. He pushed me to start riding lessons and not long after I was hooked. My first horse at the age of twenty five was a 21 year old eventer, I enjoyed hacking and caring for him but soon realised my real passion was for the sport. From then it snowballed. I did a bit of jumping but after having my first child lost a lot of confidence to jump and found dressage. I have travelled to train in Holland, Germany and the UK where we are now based for the summer. I have been very lucky to be given the most amazing opportunity with one of the most talented horses I have ever known, Superhorse Landlord by Dante Weltino and we are working towards our goal of competing at the 2026 Asian Games in Tokyo. He can 100% get me there and I now need to work overtime to catch up on all my missed years in the saddle.
Who do you train with?
I have international rider Alexandria Barr who works for me full time. She helps me on and off the ground and is a vital member of my team. We also work very closely with Pia Kjellström who is based in Sweden but travels to train regularly with us. Pia has been instrumental in my journey from a very early stage and has provided a wealth of knowledge to the sport, the horses, the training and to general horsemanship. Superhorse Landlord came from Christa Lamouyeur and she is still involved with his training and mentorship.
What do you love about riding and why dressage?
abrielle with San Coeur at the UAE team training camp
I am madly in love with the feeling of getting a training technique right. It’s the moment between horse and rider where everything you have worked on comes together and you both just work in harmony, I live for this. I also love the way my horses feel proud to do their job, this gives me great pride too. I also really love the feeling of the energy running through a horse from its hind legs into a nice supple connection, the way that energy can be collected and controlled with such minor aids from my body, and then building on that by adding in moves and still keeping the power alive is the best feeling. I used to surf, and I’ve always said the feeling of a horse’s power is a bit like getting dumped by a wave, the feeling of the ocean wave powering through you is not dissimilar to the power a horse gives, but on a horse you can control and use the power to dance and make magic. I think I could go on for ever about what I love about riding and dressage.
You run GZ Dressage livery yard, the first boutique livery yard in the UAE, where did the inspiration come from?
I built GZ dressage out of a need. There was no facility for me to keep my horses that was even close to what I knew we needed to pursue the sport and keep sport horses. I have a few liveries on site who are mostly friends and/or likeminded sportspeople, but we are very much a private facility and do not advertise as a livery yard. I was lucky to see and visit so many of the top dressage stables in the world and from that I took inspiration to build from.
What do you think it takes to excel in dressage?
Without stating the obvious you need a horse that has the ability to do it both mentally and physically, you need a dedicated support network, and you need the time.
What are your future aspirations?
Gabrielle and Superhorse Landlord at their debut competition where they came away winning the class
I am just starting my journey with young horses which I am very much looking forward to producing and bringing on some of my own top sport horses.
I am also working towards representing the UAE internationally for Asian Games 2026 with Superhorse Landlord which is a goal that has really kickstarted my career into being what it is today.
Highlights to date?
My highlights are in the day-to-day training and just horse life in general. I love every moment with my horses. Cantering through the desert in Dubai, hacking through woodlands in Holland or the UK, sitting in the barn with them, I love being reunited after I travel and love what they teach me about myself.
Competition highlights would have to be my first season competing last year with my mare Rose. It was my first ever season on the circuit and we came away with some great results in the Advanced Medium class with a PB of over 70%. I’m also really loving the Small Tour journey. I love pirouette training and tempi’s but totally nerd out on how you get there first by producing an amazing canter.
It takes a team to do dressage, who is in your support team?
My support team consists of my yard manager Amanda Harvey who joined us recently but comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience, my amazing grooms who keep the horses in the best shape mentally and physically. Pia Kjellstrom who helps with the training, Alex who is my trainer and travels with us all, she dedicates so much time and energy to helping us all be where we need to, lastly my husband who helps me stay on track with everything and is my rock.
Your Top Tip
Would always be to put the horse first before the sport. Be true to yourself. Don’t compare yourself to others and to enjoy every moment, it’s the least we can do considering all the horses do for us.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
From my husband: “anything is possible”
Want More?
If you enjoyed meeting Gabrielle you might like to view more dressage rider “chatting with” interviews here. You can keep up with Gabrielle’s progress and visit her instagram page here