ELLESSE Tzinberg has a dream - to represent Malaysia in equestrian in major sporting competitions such as the SEA Games, the Asian Games and ultimately the Olympics.

The 13-year-old is currently one of the bright prospects of Malaysian equestrian, having won numerous local equestrian competitions which include the National Horse Show Novice Dressage Championships in 2002 and the National Horse Show Jumping Equitation Championships a year later.

Ellesse has not done too bad on the international scene either, with her fifth placing at the FEI World Dressage Final in Hagen, Germany two weeks ago.

That was her best achievement to date.

Judging by her successes, the form two student of Alice Smith British International School in Bangi seems well on course in achieving her aspirations.

Unfortunately, there is a slight hurdle that she must first overcome.
Although Ellesse, who is of American-Filipino parentage, was born in Malaysia, she has yet to receive Malaysian citizenship because she has no Malaysian ancestry.

Her parents are business people. They run a riding lodge, called the Riders Lodge in Kulai, Johor. It is at the Legends Golf and Country Resort.

She has been able to compete in competitions sanctioned by the FEI - the world governing body for equestrian - because under FEI rules, riders can represent their country of residence.

However, that is not the case for major sporting events, whereby a rider must be a citizen of the country that he or she is representing.

"It's ironic that I've been competing under the Malaysian banner all this while but I'm whill regarded as a foreigner here," said Ellesse, who only has a student visa to show for.

Ellesse disclosed there have been offers from other countries for her to ride for them, but she has turned them down because she only wants to ride for Malaysia.

"I could have easily taken up the offers, but my heart lies with Malaysia. I want nothing more than to be recognized as a Malaysian rider," added Ellesse.

Ellesse has appealed to the Youth and Sports Ministry for assistance in at her bid to attain permanent residence status.

"My parents and I are hopeful the ministry would recognize my achievements and how they have raised the country's profile in the international equestrian scene. That would help me a great deal in attaining Malaysian citizenship."