When it comes to riding, 14-year-old Tasmina does not horse around. Born to a poor family in Northern Bangladesh, the teenager has been gaining widespread recognition for her exceptional skill in stamping all over the male competition in horse racing. A documentary based on her life and success, titled "Tasmina: The Horse Girl," was recently nominated for and won several awards after garnering significant attention from the international film community.
Despite being a seventh grader, Tasmina is already the primary earner for her family
Dhaka TribuneTasmina is a 7th grade student at Shankarpur High School in Naogaon, yet prize money from her victories at the races has already become the primary source of income for her family. The young horse-racer’s family hopes to get support from government or non-government organizations to help her master the craft and race on international platforms.
A documentary based on Tasmina's life recently won the award for 'Best Documentary Short' at the Women’s International Entertainment Film Festival
Dhaka TribuneThe film featuring her has won many awards, including “Best Documentary Short,” at the Women’s International Entertainment Film Festival. The film was among the official selections at the Los Angeles CineFest and the Transylvania Short Film Festival, among others.
Tasmina’s father Obaidul Haque is a farmer by profession. He used to own a horse, and that is when Tasmina first became interested in horse-riding. Much to her dismay, her father had to sell the horse to keep up with household expenses. However, seeing her talent in horse-riding, locals bought her a horse for a loan of Tk.20,000. Since then, her father has taken her to many competitions across the country.
Naogaon social and cultural organization Ekushey Parishad President DM Abdul Bari said: “A lot of people are interested to see her race. The way she wins the competitions is truly remarkable.”
Despite being a seventh grader, Tasmina is already the primary earner for her family Dhaka TribuneTasmina is a 7th grade student at Shankarpur High School in Naogaon, yet prize money from her victories at the races has already become the primary source of income for her family. The young horse-racer’s family hopes to get support from government or non-government organizations to help her master the craft and race on international platforms.
A documentary based on Tasmina's life recently won the award for 'Best Documentary Short' at the Women’s International Entertainment Film Festival Dhaka TribuneThe film featuring her has won many awards, including “Best Documentary Short,” at the Women’s International Entertainment Film Festival. The film was among the official selections at the Los Angeles CineFest and the Transylvania Short Film Festival, among others.
Tasmina’s father Obaidul Haque is a farmer by profession. He used to own a horse, and that is when Tasmina first became interested in horse-riding. Much to her dismay, her father had to sell the horse to keep up with household expenses. However, seeing her talent in horse-riding, locals bought her a horse for a loan of Tk.20,000. Since then, her father has taken her to many competitions across the country.
Naogaon social and cultural organization Ekushey Parishad President DM Abdul Bari said: “A lot of people are interested to see her race. The way she wins the competitions is truly remarkable.”