In a special interview Diana Untermeyer, the wife of the American Ambassador to Qatar, expressed her confidence that Doha is capable of organizing the 2016 Olympic Games, which Qatar has entered the race to host. “I was always an optimist about the Asian Games, but Qatar's success surpassed even my expectations. From the world class sporting venues to the outpouring of hospitality, Doha has shown they can accomplish any goal they set,” she said enthusiastically.

Mrs. Untermeyer praised this QNOC website, which she finds informative and easily navigated, to follow local and international sporting events.
In Qatar Mrs. Untermeyer rides horses every day in a variety of disciplines, but she focuses on endurance. In January 2007 she won third place in the Gulf Cup 120 kilometer marathon on Sheikh Mohamed bin Faleh’s horse, Mebrouk. On 24 February, 2007, she came fifth in the international 120 km race and her teammate came first on Mebrouk.

Because she is a dedicated athlete and a supporter of equestrian activity in Qatar, we made this interview with her to find out how she developed a passion for horses.

How did you develop your love for horses?
I was born into a family where the horse was integral. My family were cowboys operating a series of large-scale ranches (like farms, but focused on livestock) in the American West. My grandfather gave me “Snip” an outstanding, but retired roping horse when I was born. This big black horse with a broad white stripe on his face taught me to ride with the help of a former rodeo rider, named Bill managing one of our ranches.

This first gift from my grandfather gave me a mystical tie to the world of horses. When I was a young child, riding Arabian horses across the desert with the wind whipping their manes was the dream of my life. This dream has come true here in Qatar.

I believe horses are a gift from Allah and have the power to bring peace and healing. They are widely used for therapeutic purposes. There is a spiritual connection between horses and people. Horses can absorb pain and replace it with well-being. Both mentally and physically handicapped people have benefited from riding programs. Al Shaqab Stud has an active program of this type and there is room for growth in this area.

While horses have always been an important part of my life, I did not start serious competition until arriving in Doha in 2004. I have ridden in the international festival for Arabian horses on the Al Shahania stallion, High Voltage, as well as in numerous endurance races here and in Bahrain.

What appeals to you about endurance riding?

Although endurance is an individual sport involving one horse and one rider, it’s also a team sport. A successful race is not limited to what the rider does with his horse, because the crew does everything from lighting the course with headlights in the dark to passing water bottles to cool the horse to caring for the horse in the vet checks.

What do you think about the Qatari equestrian scene?

Equestrian sports in Qatar have great support and facilities, and this is leading to great success. The first gold medal at the Asian Games was won for Qatar by the three-day eventing team. The show jumping team also won gold. Sheikh Hamad bin Ali leads the Qatari Equestrian Federation which is now fondly known as the “golden” federation.

What is the future for women in this sport?

Worldwide there is a special connection between girls and horses. So, inshallah, we will see more Qatarias having the opportunity to ride either recreationally or competitively. The new facilities give privacy to those who desire it. Competent female coaches will be critical to the involvement of women in equestrian activities.

Can you tell us about her training program?

There are certain inviolable rules in life -- most notably that there are only twenty-four hours in each day. If we dedicate a lot of time to achieve success, then we have to give up something else. I give up sleep, so I can spend more time with the horses, usually beginning before dawn. I ride 3-6 hours a day, plus spend time in the gym, before beginning my official schedule.

While we have been talking all about horses, my family of course comes first! I make a point of picking my daughterr up from school everyday. We also ride together. Actually my daughter is a better natural rider than I am, mashaallah!

What do you think about the Asian Games Doha 2006?

They really were “The Games Of Your Life”. The bar for future Asian Games has been set very high by Qatar. I'm so proud that I was a volunteer with the equestrian sports. During the Games, I had emails from home that showed that the whole world was aware of them

The Games debuted Qatar on the world scene outside the more rarified areas of intellectual activity and business. Sports have universal appeal and speak a universal language. Qatar’s flame burned bright, which will have long-lasting and far-reaching results.

What were some of the highlights?

The coming together of so many people for sports and cultural sharing was really wonderful, but one of the most dazzling moments was the dramatic opening ceremony when His Excellency Sheikh Mohamed Bid Hamad Al Thani rode his horse to light the Torch. It was an amazing act of courage and a unique display of showmanship!

What about the application that Qatar submitted to host the 2016 Olympic Games?

Qatar’s successful hosting the 2006 Asian Games, which surpassed all others, shows that it has the will and the way to host the 2016 Olympic Games.

What is the message that you want to direct to aspiring female athletes in this interview?

I think that the necessary ingredients for success are the same for men and women. First, have a dream; don’t be afraid to set a high goal. Second, be willing to sacrifice to achieve that goal; dreams don’t come true easily. Third, learn all there is to learn. 

Never think that the athletic part of the sport is the only aspect. In tennis, learn how to string your own rackets and learn what it’s like to be a line judge and a ball boy. With equestrian sports, learn how to care for the horse. Learn nutrition and grooming, muck out the stalls, sit with the veterinarian and the farrier. Every detail is important.

And finally as in the beginning, follow your dreams.