Dubai-based show jumper Haysam Eid ran 135 miles through the Jordanian desert for equestrian charity JustWorld International...

“Whether it is through riding or running an epic race, anyone can push and fight for what they want to achieve. You have your good days and bad days, but if we don’t keep pushing and fighting for our goals, we will never move forward.”

Second in a series of interviews with exceptional equestrians, we introduce you to amateur Dubai show jumper Haysam Eid. Always an avid competitor, Haysam carried that same spirit into another sport - long distance endurance running.

Last year, Haysam signed up to compete in the Ultra X Jordan; a physical and mentally-gruelling ultramarathon.

Along the way, he learned some incredible lessons about the connection to the horse and human spirit, setting goals and never giving up.

Like many other young riders, Haysam had the support from his parents early on and his mother would drive an hour every day to help encourage his riding habit.

To this day, Haysam still exhibits that same daily dedication to his horse riding.

Training with top-rider Abdullah Al Marri, and competing at the 1.40m level with his two horses, he wakes up and rides early in the mornings before heading into work as a professional business owner and founder of hair-tools brand, Eideal.

Haysam’s competitive nature and determination led him to a completely different sport - endurance running.

He said:

“I always wanted to challenge myself and push myself beyond my limits so I decided I was going to make the leap and sign up for a race."

This wasn't just any race. The Ultra X Jordan consists of a 155.35-mile race through the scorching Jordan desert with temperatures ranging from 24-34°C (75-93 F).

He said: “I started training four months before the run and I just went and did it.”

During his training, Haysam found many similarities between Jumping and endurance running.

For both athletes and horses, it’s all about the training and goal setting.

“The common thing is definitely discipline with a dedicated training regimen; it’s having to get up every day and do what you need to do to achieve your goals. It consists of mental stamina, commitment and communication,” he said. “I ended up running sometimes seven times a week, often very early in the morning, around 4am or 5am because of the summer heat of Dubai.

“Regardless of how strong you are or how good of a runner you are, you’re going to feel exhausted at some point and it’s usually at an early stage.

“It’s mainly the discipline and commitment and remembering why you started this journey that keeps you going. I think the same applies for horses.

“There are ups and downs, highs and lows - the highs are really high, and the lows are really low. Especially when you’re dealing with horses - you need to understand them; you need to understand they have good days and bad days as well as you.”

Haysam’s epic journey was about more than just completing this once-in-a-lifetime feat; he also set a goal to help thousands of children around the world along the way.

It was through his trainer Abdulla Al Marri and Sheikha Latifah Al Maktoum, two JustWorld Ambassadors, that Haysam first learned about non-profit JustWorld International in 2014.

The mission: unite the equestrian community to help fracture the cycle of childhood poverty around the world.

Haysam said:

“Like riding, philanthropy keeps you humble. You must overcome obstacles and work with others to reach your goals of giving others a better life.

“It’s inspiring to see people all around the world work to help people in need. It makes me want to do more. Because of this, I decided to use the Jordan Ultra X as a platform to raise awareness and funds for some of the most vulnerable children around the world.”

Haysam shared the journey leading up to the race throughout his social media, showcasing how his passion for helping the JustWorld programs turned into fuel for this impressive feat.

“When I announced that I was doing the race for JustWorld, people started looking from a different perspective and appreciated what I was doing more,” he said.

Haysam learned just how important it is to stay motivated when pushing yourself to the limits. What inspired Haysam the most throughout the rigorous training process and each mile of the race, was knowing he would be encouraging people to support the JustWorld programs and give children served at these programs hope for a brighter future.

“I would imagine thousands of children’s faces cheering for me at the finish line and this encouraged me to keep going throughout the entire course,” he said. “Giving up was never an option.”

Haysam is a shining example of what incredible things you can achieve when you set goals and push yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Among seventy-three competitors, Haysam valiantly finished in seventh place - crossing the finish line to allow JustWorld to better serve children in extreme poverty.

“There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. You decide what you want to do in life and you make it happen.”

JustWorld International is the official charity partner of the FEI. View the original article on the FEI website.