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Feature: Maryam Mubarak A. Al Ali – Female Qatari Rider (Jumping CSI3*)

Maryam Mubarak A. Al Ali is a Qatari equestrian who specialises in the field of Jumping. While she is fairly new to the pursuit, having taken up the sport professionally only three years ago, Maryam has quickly risen to prominence with her impressive dedication and riding skills.

 Maryam Mubarak A. Al Ali is a Qatari equestrian who specialises in the field of Jumping. While she is fairly new to the pursuit, having taken up the sport professionally only three years ago, Maryam has quickly risen to prominence with her impressive dedication and riding skills.
 

Always a keen sportswoman – her father was a professional footballer, and she briefly considered following in his footsteps – Maryam trains twice a day to ensure she is constantly at the top of her game. Her commitment sees her spending the summer season in Europe, where the cooler climate allows her to train outdoors for a longer period.
 

Given Maryam’s strong work ethic and enthusiasm for riding, it is perhaps not surprising that she is currently the highest profile Qatari equestrian sportswoman in a typically male-dominated field. “There are a lot of men in this field and I’m the only female,” she says, “but it’s a big source of pride for me.”
 

She is highly supportive of other Qatari riders, and says the Qatar Equestrian Federation is similarly encouraging. “This season the federation is really promoting female involvement in the sport. However, because of the culture and the time required to train properly, it’s difficult to find someone who can fully commit to the sport in this field, you really have to give it your all.”
 

During CHI AL SHAQAB Maryam is competing with two of her four horses, and while she is hopeful ofachieving a successful result, she has no illusions as to the unpredictable nature of the sport. “You work really hard and everything is going well, then you go to the show and something bad happens, so you’re really disappointed because it didn’t go according to plan,” she reflects. “But it happens – with horses, you can’t predict how they’ll be. Today he’s in top shape, tomorrow he’s not in the mood.”

Maryam, however, is thoroughly enjoying the experience of participating at CHI AL SHAQAB, and is excited about what is to come. “The last two seasons were really good for me,” she says. “They were both very positive and helped me improve. I’m a very ambitious woman. I really look forward to continuing to represent my country in many more big international events such as this.”