Sanjay Bagai

Sanjay Bagai is a distinguished professional with a unique blend of expertise in the equestrian world and finance and technology. His journey began with a profound love for animals, particularly horses, a passion he shared with his father. This deep-seated affinity for equines has been the cornerstone of his life.

Equestrian Accomplishments

Between 2003 and 2017, Sanjay accumulated an impressive 991 national showjumping starts. His participation spanned various categories:

  • 120m-125m: 107 starts
  • 130m-135m: 546 starts
  • 140m-145m: 224 starts
  • 150m-155m: 44 starts
  • 160m: 6 starts
  • World Cup: 1 start

From 2013 to 2017, he further distinguished himself with 61 FEI event participations, including:

  • 160m: 2 starts
  • Championships: 2 starts
  • Other FEI starts: 55

His international experience is vast, having competed in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, Portugal, Monaco, Germany, Belgium, Italy, and France. Alongside Phoebe, Sanjay has owned young horses that participated in the Bundeschampionat and World Championships for young horses. Their involvement extends to national, international, FEI, and Global Champions Tour events.

Sanjay's equestrian education is notable, with eight years of training under esteemed professionals such as Karsten Huck, Herbert Meyer, Eddie Macken, Harrie Smoulders, and Bernie Traurig. Together with Phoebe, he owns all their horses. He has managed a sales stable that has bought and sold nearly 40 horses from renowned stables like Poul Schockemöhle, Ben Maher, Tim Stockdale, Harry Smoulders, Poul Esterman, Simone Blum, Simone Delestre, Enda Carroll, Peter Wienburg and numerous amateurs and breeders all over Europe.

Breeding and Facilities

Sanjay's dedication to the equestrian field includes an intensive study of the German Verband system, passing the Hanoverian Verband breeding course, and working with Dr. Bada from Celle to master the German breeding methods. He has engaged with breeders across Europe and attended numerous auctions.

Sanjay and Phoebe built a world-class facility from the ground up, demonstrating their commitment to top-tier horse care and management. Their stable houses 9-10 horses for competition and sale, and they are deeply involved in all aspects of their horses' daily care and management. Their contributions to the equestrian community include sponsoring riders, horses, horse shows, classes, and awards and writing and featuring in articles.

Passion for Education and Welfare

Sanjay's greatest passion lies in promoting educated and kind welfare for horses. He is dedicated to encouraging global involvement and education in equine care, focusing on teaching children and fostering their love for horses. He believes horsemanship is a lifelong pursuit and dedicates his life to this noble discipline.

Professional Career

Despite his deep involvement in the equestrian world, Sanjay's professional career in finance and technology spans over 20 years. He has worked in 11 countries across 18 industry sectors for leading companies such as Safeway, Sega, Nellcor, Apple, DenMat, Kransco, P. Leiner, Lufthansa, Scancem, Skanska, FL Smidth, Aker, Procter & Gamble, General Electric, and Enron.

In 1990, Sanjay's inaugural venture successfully implemented ERP, CRM, and SCM software for IBM and Computer Associates, leading to significant technological breakthroughs and a prestigious client base. In 1998, he founded Zeitgeist Capital, advising on structured finance transactions and expanding to 31 balance sheets in 6 countries with a team of 72 employees.

Notable Achievements

Sanjay qualified and participated in the 2014 World Equestrian Games in Caen, France, marking him as the first East Indian to achieve this milestone. He holds licenses for offshore sailing and is a certified deep-sea diver.

Advocacy and Vision

In showjumping, Sanjay is passionate about three key issues:

  • 1-Transparency: Advocating for greater transparency in the sport to encourage growth and ensure due credit and remuneration for those dedicated to horse breeding, welfare, and training.
  • 2-Welfare and Care at Shows: Pushing for substantial improvements in the welfare and care of horses at shows to enhance conditions and standards.
  • 1-Training and Organization: Promoting more training, encouragement, and organization levels for all equestrian professions and expanding participation globally.

Sanjay believes the love for horses must be central to all equestrian endeavors, a sentiment he hopes to promote, especially among children and young adults.