Q&A with Daya Hujan

It is an honour to be highlighting Event Rider, Daya, following his meteoric start to the 2024 season, securing 2nd place at Ballendenisk International Horse Trials CCI3*L

What age did you start Eventing?

I started competing a bit late compared to some of my peers, eventing in my first BE competition when I was 15.

What are your top tips for a teenager starting Eventing?

Surround yourself with good people and especially a trainer you work well with and understand when having lessons. There is plenty of time to jump bigger fences, so don’t be in a rush to race up the levels. Progressing properly, safely and in a positive way where you and your horse are comfortable and confident are key.

When did you get Icarus HK and what is the most special thing about him?

We bought Icarus HK in January 2019 as a 6 year old. His jumping ability really is something else, he is the horse you want to be riding on the final day of a three day event. He is like a pure showjumper, very athletic and scopey.

What is your favourite and least favourite part of Eventing?

Favourite part:
When you are riding at an international event, it takes a lot of work to be able to achieve that milestone and you usually see many friends from across different nations at these sort of competition’s where many parties, good times and memories are made.

Least favourite part:
How increasingly expensive the sport is becoming. Unless one has a stronger backer, sponsor or secure family finances it is hard for the everyday person to validate the cost of horses and competitions, especially if you want to go up the levels costs naturally increase accordingly.

Where are you and your Horses based?

I am currently based just outside of Banbury at Swalcliffe Park Equestrian, so we are very central and are lucky to have many key competition venues near to us.

In your opinion, what steps can British Eventing make to successfully engage with people from under represented demographics? 

There are several approaches BE could look into for making the sport more inclusive and appealing to all demographics, such as:

Partner with schools, youth clubs and community centres in diverse areas to introduce young people into equestrianism. Simple ideas like ‘come and try/learn days' at riding schools and then maybe professional riders to give young people the taste of how professional full time yards are operated. With something like this things like scholarships and grants could be established with sponsors/supporters to help fund costs of training, transport, equipment etc for these individuals.

What are your plans for the rest of the season?

Icarus HK plans to step up to CCI4*S in the next month, where he will hopefully contest a few more CCI4*S’s before a CCI4*L at the end of the season.

Cornbury House International is a stable in our calendar, will you be attending again this year?

Cornbury is always a favourite, and we are so blessed to have it here in the U.K especially with it being close to home. I am not sure if I will be able to ride there this year with my competition plans, but I will most definitely be over to watch, help out and or lend a hand in the commentary if so needed.

Would you consider representing a developing nation?

I’m always up for a conversation! The line for Team GB doesn’t look like it is going to reduce anytime soon…