• Turkey's first Paralympic horse rider Tolga Dokuyucu stands next to horse Balfi after training at the Equestrian Sports Club in Ankara, Turkey, 14 June 2022 (issued 16 June 2022). Dokuyucu started horse riding at the age of seven and later joined the apprentice jockey school. At the age of 30 he was seriously injured as a result of falling off the horse during the Ankara 75th Year Racecourse, when he lost his sight due to head trauma and broke his leg. After three expensive medical treatments, Dokuyucu started working in the streets of Ankara, selling lighters, wet wipes and pens at subway exits. He did eventually return to horse riding, becoming a member of the Equestrian Sports Club. Married and father of two, Dokuyucu is currently training to compete in the France 2024 Summer Paralympics in the Dressage category as Turkey's first Paralympic horse rider. During an interview with epa, he said: ‘After the accident, I thought I would not be able to ride a horse again. Now I am preparing for the Paralympic Games. My goal is to return home with a medal. Horses are a light for me. ’ EPA / SEDAT SUNA ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET
    Turkey's first Paralympic horse rider Tolga Dokuyucu stands next to horse Balfi after training at the Equestrian Sports Club in Ankara, Turkey, 14 June 2022 (issued 16 June 2022). Dokuyucu started horse riding at the age of seven and later joined the apprentice jockey school. At the age of 30 he was seriously injured as a result of falling off the horse during the Ankara 75th Year Racecourse, when he lost his sight due to head trauma and broke his leg. After three expensive medical treatments, Dokuyucu started working in the streets of Ankara, selling lighters, wet wipes and pens at subway exits. He did eventually return to horse riding, becoming a member of the Equestrian Sports Club. Married and father of two, Dokuyucu is currently training to compete in the France 2024 Summer Paralympics in the Dressage category as Turkey's first Paralympic horse rider. During an interview with epa, he said: ‘After the accident, I thought I would not be able to ride a horse again. Now I am preparing for the Paralympic Games. My goal is to return home with a medal. Horses are a light for me. ’ EPA / SEDAT SUNA ATTENTION: This Image is part of a PHOTO SET
  • Dokuyucu started riding at the age of seven and joined a prestigious riding school.
    Dokuyucu started riding at the age of seven and joined a prestigious riding school.
  • But at 30, he was seriously injured after falling off his horse during a race in Ankara, losing his sight.
    But at 30, he was seriously injured after falling off his horse during a race in Ankara, losing his sight.
  • After three expensive medical treatments, Dokuyucu started working in the streets of the capital, selling lighters, wet wipes and pens at subway exits.
    After three expensive medical treatments, Dokuyucu started working in the streets of the capital, selling lighters, wet wipes and pens at subway exits.
  • He eventually returned to horse riding, becoming a member of the Equestrian Sports Club in Ankara.
    He eventually returned to horse riding, becoming a member of the Equestrian Sports Club in Ankara.
  • A married father of two, Dokuyucu is training for the 2024 France Paralympics in the dressage category.
    A married father of two, Dokuyucu is training for the 2024 France Paralympics in the dressage category.
  • "After the accident, I thought I would not be able to ride a horse again. Now I am preparing for the Paralympic Games. My goal is to return home with a medal."
    "After the accident, I thought I would not be able to ride a horse again. Now I am preparing for the Paralympic Games. My goal is to return home with a medal."
  • Dokuyucu (C) chats with his trainer, Irina Shishigina, at the Equestrian Sports Club in Ankara. "Horses are a light for me," he said.
    Dokuyucu (C) chats with his trainer, Irina Shishigina, at the Equestrian Sports Club in Ankara. "Horses are a light for me," he said.

MENA

Meet Turkey's first Paralympic horse rider - in pictures

Tolga Dokuyucu started riding at the age of seven and later joined the apprentice jockey school

The National

June 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic
Updated: June 21, 2022, 7:40 AM
PhotographyTurkey