Endurance GB appoints Maggie Pattinson as Team GBR Senior Squad Chef d’Equipe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12 2026

Endurance GB, the national governing body for endurance riding in Great Britain, has announced the appointment of Maggie Pattinson as Team GBR Senior Squad Chef d’Equipe — a key leadership role guiding Britain’s senior endurance riders on the international stage. The appointment follows a rigorous national selection process and places Pattinson at the forefront of Great Britain’s senior endurance programme as preparations begin for upcoming FEI championships.

Her first championship in the role will be the FEI Endurance World Championships for Seniors, to be held in Al Ula, Saudi Arabia, in November 2026. Ahead of this, she will attend the FEI Endurance European Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in Jullianges, France, in 2026 in a shadowing capacity — a strategic move, with the same venue set to host the Senior European Championships in 2027.

A lifetime shaped by horses

Now based in Surrey, Pattinson’s life has been defined by horses from an early age. She first rode at the age of two and has since developed decades of experience across riding, coaching, team leadership and horse welfare.

Her career has taken her across the globe, with riding and professional experience in countries including Canada, Switzerland and Mongolia. She has produced horses to FEI international endurance level and built a reputation for thoughtful, welfare-led horsemanship. “Horses are simply part of my DNA,” Pattinson said. “Everything I’ve done — professionally and personally — has revolved around them.”

Proven leadership on the international stage

Pattinson recently concluded a 12-year tenure as Chef d’Equipe of the England Home International Endurance Team, where she became widely respected for her calm authority, strong welfare focus and ability to build cohesive teams under pressure. She also plays a senior role in the internationally renowned Mongol Derby — one of the toughest equestrian challenges in the world — contributing to rider preparation, welfare oversight and high-level decision-making in extreme conditions. “These environments teach you that pressure changes everything,” Pattinson explained. “Clear thinking, calm leadership and always putting the horse first are essential — especially when it really matters.”

Endurance GB leadership response

Endurance GB Chair Larissa Whiley commented:

“Maggie impressed the interview panel with her depth of experience, clarity of vision and unwavering commitment to horse welfare and team culture. She understands that championship success is built over time, through trust, communication and teamwork.”

Performance Director Annie Joppe added:

“Maggie brings a rare blend of empathy, authority and international experience. Her leadership will be invaluable as we prepare British riders and horses for future championships.”

Looking ahead

Pattinson says her focus will be on both immediate championship preparation and the long-term development of British endurance. “Success isn’t just about individual results,” she said. “It’s about building depth, supporting riders early in their journey and creating teams that truly work together.”

As Team GBR looks ahead to a demanding international calendar, Pattinson will play a central role in shaping Britain’s presence at the highest level of the sport. “I’m incredibly proud to represent Team GBR,” she added. “I want people to feel inspired — to believe that with commitment, teamwork and a genuine partnership with the horse, anything is possible.”

UAE: Dubai Ruler Present at HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup

http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2025-6DubaiRacingCarnival/index.html

Sheikh Mohammed watches on as Hamda and SW Hinkul land showpiece Endurance Cup honours

Januaryt 10 2026

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: When the going gets tough, the tough get going and Hamda Jasim Ahmed proved her mettle amply late on in the flagship event of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Saturday, 10 January.

Victory might have tasted sweeter for the Al Bawadi Stables rider who achieved the feat in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, in whose honour the festival ran for the 19th time in 2026.

Hamda had done well during the course of the day to move up consistently on the leaderboard, but was placed 10th going into the final loop of the 160 km HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup. It was clear either a miracle or a gargantuan effort was needed for Hamda to overhaul the rest of those ahead of her and success miraculously became a reality following a sublime effort from her mount SW Hinkul. Ensuring her 12-year-old gelded partner would pass the vet examination at the end while having to ride hard was always going to be difficult to juggle. However, backed by a solid team, Hamda did just that to win well, completing the six-loop ride in a time of six hours 14 minutes and 19 seconds (6:14:19) at an average speed of 25.65 kph.

Hamda was 36 seconds clear of next best F3 Stables rider Maitha Mohamed Al Qubaisi, who was timed at 6:14:55 aboard Casino. The ladies were followed home by MRM Stables pair Mansour Saeed Al Farsi and Tatarinu. The third-placed pair were timed at 6:15:22.

Hamda began the day placed 24th at the end of the first loop, but gained ascendancy with absolute consistency over the next four sessions to reach 10th going into the final loop over 20 km. There, she revved up her partner in a calculated manner and easily overcame her challengers to win the biggest prize of her career.

Sheikh Rashed Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Equestrian Club, Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, Major Gen. Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Rais, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, and Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre), were present at the trophy presentation ceremony.

One of the most prestigious competitions on the world endurance calendar, the festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, a former World Champion and one of the most ardent supporters and benefactors of equestrian sport.

The festival, organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, is held under the patronage and support of Sheikh Mohammed and reaffirms the nation’s commitment to the development of equestrian sport, the delivery of world-class sporting events, and further cements Dubai’s position as the global capital of endurance riding.

UAE: Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares

http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2025-6DubaiRacingCarnival

January 8 2025

MRM win Gamilati after a late charge from Al Bastaki and Bullio Markan

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Late drama turned out to be the order of the third day’s action in the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Thursday, with MRM Stables’ snatching a stunning late victory in the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors courtesy of a fine partnership between Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Bastaki and his mount Bullio Markan.

The pair began the last of the four loops of the 120 km ride fifth - and overcame a 39-second deficit to ultimately post an 11 second success in the third event of the world-renowned festival that carries the name of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Al Bastaki and his seven-year-old chestnut mare were clocked at four hours 26 minutes and 15 seconds (4:26:15) and managed an average speed of 27.04 kph for the ride, their last burst of pace helping them get over the line comfortably with second-best rider Mohamed Saleh Al Attas, riding Al Wathba Stables’ Ro Shy Star, timed at 4:26:26.

One of the UAE’s top riders and last year’s HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares double-winning rider Saif Al Mazrouei, also representing MRM Stables, finished third on Bullio Ahnu, a further three seconds adrift with 4:26:29 on the clock.

The lead changed hands at the end of every loop, with Al Mazrouei putting himself in a strong position to win after seizing the top of the leaderboard going into the fourth and final loop.

The day began with Al Reef Ajban Stables pairing of Ahmed Al Hashmi and Epilobe taking hold of the lead during the first loop spanning 40 km. However, with the pair failing to hold on, the door opened for their opponents and Catalina Llorens, riding Jumeirah Stables’ Sekunda, was quick to take advantage. Al Mazrouei, rooted to second over the first two loops, decided to make his move during the third over 25 km and appeared in a solid position to defend his title.

However, Al Bastaki and Bullio Markan had other plans and having moved with cautious consistency from ninth to seventh to fifth over the first three loops, the pair saved their best for the last phase of the competition over 20 km. There, Al Bastaki really revved up Bullio Markan’s engine and his persistence was rewarded after she obliged by powering home to take a well-earned victory.

Al Bastaki’s triumph in the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares follows the success of Al Mugheer in the Private Stables’ ride on the second day of the festival on Wednesday. The opening day of the meeting on Tuesday witnessed Milena Mendez claim victory in the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ladies Ride.

The five-day His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is organised by Dubai Equestrian Club and concludes with the showpiece His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a 160 km competition, on Thursday 10 January.

MRM Stables pairing of Abdullah Abdulrahman Al Bastaki and his mount Bullio Markan celebrate crossing the finish in the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors

UAE: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Private Stables Ride

www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2025-6DubaiRacingCarnival

January 7 2026

Al Mugheer win Private Stables Ride at HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Al Mugheer were crowned champions of the Private Stables ride on the second day of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Wednesday after Mohammed Rashed Mugheer Al Ameemi and his mount Zeus FF managed to script a narrow six second victory in the 120 km competition.

Emirati rider Al Mugheer and his nine-year-old partner navigated the four-loop event in four hours 30 minutes and 38 seconds (4:30:38), having dominated the second half of the event. The pair seized the lead at the half-way mark of the competition to win with second placed compatriot Mohamed Salem Al Hammadi and First Du Puy, representing Alfawaris Private Stables, in hot pursuit only to fall short by six seconds after completing the ride in 4:30:44. Lebanon’s Aya Ali Akkoumi and At Dial Range Sharjah, riding for Al Khayool Private Stables, placed third with a time of 4:31:11.

After the event got underway, SM Private Stable pairing of Eisa Hamoud Alkhayari and Cadete TB flexed their muscles and took top spot on the leaderboard with a brisk start during the first loop spanning 40 km.

The pair were however disqualified at the end of the second loop over 35 km after Cadete TB was declared unfit to compete further following gait issues. That witnessed the lead passing on to Uruguayan rider Federico Ferber, who partnered Al Ain Endurance Stables’ HC Nael. A further amendment took place and the lead changed hands for the second - and final - time when Al Ameemi took charge during the course of the third loop spanning 25 km. Al Ameemi started the day in fourth and had moved up one place during the second loop and climbed a further two spots during the second loop to seize the initiative going into the final loop over 20 km.

And both he and Zeus FF showed much resilience to thwart challenges from their opponents and win the race which carried a unique incentive to encourage Emirati breeding of endurance horses.

Al Mugheer Private Stables’ victory follows Milena Mendez’s success in the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ladies Ride on Tuesday. The five-day His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is organised by Dubai Equestrian Club and comprises a further two rides with the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors (120 km) scheduled on Thursday, 8 January, before the meeting concludes with the showpiece His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a 160 km competition, on Thursday 10 January.

Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, the General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, presents the trophy to Al Mugheer Private Stables, winners of the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Private Stables Ride.

UAE: HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Ladies Ride

http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2025-6DubaiRacingCarnival/ January 6 2026

Goldstream flows for Mendez and M7 on opening day of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The 19th His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival got underway at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Al Salam on Tuesday, 6 January, with M7 Endurance Stables rider Milena Mendez dominating the meeting’s opening event, the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ride for Ladies sponsored by Azizi Developments.

Argentina’s Mendez is no stranger to the sands of the United Arab Emirates and her experience in the saddle of Goldstream (trained by Mohammed Ahmad Al Subosi) showed as the pair overcame an early deficit to stamp their authority on the 120 km four-loop ride. Mendez and Goldstream registered an average speed of 27.51 kph to clock the best time of four hours 21 minutes and 45 seconds (4:21:45) and win with over three minutes and four seconds to spare from second placed M7 teammate and Emirati rider Shamma Darwish Alshihi, who rode SW Ikran (4:24.49).

Finishing third was Sara Mohammed who rode ABH Endurance Stables’ Rushoz Lieutenant in 4:25:11.

Mendez finished with the eighth best time at the end of the first loop spanning 40 kms, a stage that saw Maryam Ahmad Al Tamimi seize the initiative on the back of Zabeel Stables’ Castlebar Shindagha. Al Tamimi and her mount lost ground, slipping one spot on the leaderboard to second as Mendez and Goldstream snatched the summit and stayed rooted throughout giving the rest of the competition no chance as they kept moving further away to finish well ahead.

Mendez’s teammate Alshihi and her partner SW Ikran did well to finish second after finding themselves 28th at the end of the first loop. They moved up five spots during the second loop spanning 35 km and were up to ninth at the end of the third loop over 25 km. Alshihi revved her mount further to eventually take second place on the podium.

Third-placed pair Sara and Rushoz Lieutenant started at sixth, dropped to 13th and moved up to seventh before settling for the final podium spot.

Mirwais Azizi, Founder and Chairman of Azizi Group, presented the winners with their silverware in the presence of Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, the General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, and Dr Ghanem Al Hajri, Secretary General of the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation.

The five-day His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival is organised by Dubai Equestrian Club and comprises a further three rides with the Private Stables competition (120 km) hosted on Wednesday, 7 January, followed by the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares sponsored by Al Tayer Motors (120 km) on Thursday, 8 January.

The Festival concludes with the showpiece His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a 160 km competition, on Thursday 10 January.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 to begin on 6 January

Festival brings together the world’s leading endurance riders, placing Dubai at the centre of the global endurance calendar

19th edition opens with the 120 km Ladies ride, the first of four events on the festival programme

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 5 January 2026: Dubai is set to host the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival 2026 at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) in Seih Al Salam, with the competition set to begin on 6 January.

Held under the patronage and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the festival will bring together the world’s leading endurance riders, placing Dubai at the centre of the global endurance calendar.

One of the most prestigious competitions in the sport, the festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, a World Endurance Champion whose long-standing support has played a central role in the development of equestrian sport. The festival reflects the UAE’s commitment to the development of equestrian sport and the delivery of world-class sporting events, while further reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for endurance riding. Since its inception, the festival has attracted elite riders and leading endurance stables from around the world.

Organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, the 19th edition gets underway on Tuesday, 6 January with the 120 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Ladies, sponsored by Azizi Developments. The Ladies ride is the first of four events on the festival programme and will be followed the next day by the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Ride for Private Stables over 120 km. The competition includes a dedicated incentive to support Emirati 

breeders.

The 120 km Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, sponsored by Al Tayer Motors, will take place on Thursday, 8 January, with the festival concluding on Saturday, 10 January with the 160 km His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Over the years, the festival has played a significant role in raising competitive standards while showcasing the UAE’s advanced organisational capabilities in hosting major equestrian championships to the highest international standards.

Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Board of Dubai Equestrian Club, said the festival has continued to evolve and strengthen its global standing thanks to the unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, reflecting his vision of establishing Dubai as a leading global destination for endurance riding.

Ahmed Rashed Mohammed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said preparations have been completed at the state-of-the-art Dubai International Endurance City to welcome riders from around the world. He noted that the festival represents a key fixture on the international endurance calendar and that DIEC provides a highly competitive environment for athletes, while offering an engaging experience for spectators and guests.

Al Kaabi said Dubai Equestrian Club continues to play a key role in advancing endurance riding at the international level, with the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival reflecting the UAE’s leadership in delivering competitions that meet the highest standards of the sport.

Adil Al Ghaith, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations (Centre), said: “We are proud to sponsor the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a landmark event on the global equestrian calendar that reflects His Highness’s vision to advance endurance riding and elevate the sport’s international standing. This sponsorship is a natural extension of our long-standing commitment to supporting heritage sports that are deeply rooted in our identity and values, that reflect the discipline and excellence we uphold at Emirates.

“The event also reinforces Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for world-class equestrian competitions, bringing together elite riders and horses from around the world. We look forward to yet another exciting edition of the championship that builds on its strong legacy and delivers a high-calibre sporting experience for participants and audiences alike.”

Farhad Azizi, Group CEO of Azizi Developments and Azizi Group, said: “We are proud to once again be part of the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, one of the most prestigious fixtures in the global endurance calendar. Equestrianism is deeply embedded in the UAE’s culture and heritage, and Dubai continues to exemplify world-class hospitality and leadership in

hosting events of this scale. Sponsoring this festival for the ninth consecutive year reflects our enduring commitment to initiatives that unite communities, celebrate excellence, and enrich lives.”

Al Tayer Motors and Defender will sponsor the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares for the 15th time and will be giving away vehicles, including Defenders, as prizes to the winners.

Mona Hasan Sadoun, Vice President Customer Experience and Marketing, Al Tayer Motors, said: “We are honoured to be part of this iconic festival, reaffirming our commitment to the UAE’s equestrian community and local sporting events. Beyond showcasing our Defender range, renowned worldwide for their durability and all-terrain capability, we take pride in supporting initiatives that celebrate heritage, foster community engagement, and strengthen the spirit of sportsmanship across the nation.”

At the 2025 edition, MRM Stables claimed both the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup and the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, following victories by Saif Al Mazrouei riding Magic Glenn Torque and Bullio Ahnu, respectively, while the Ladies Cup was won by Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables after Zamzam Hamad Al Hosani secured victory riding Dorzok.

The Private Stables competition was claimed by Al Awasif Stables, with Ali Mohammed Al Blooshi taking the title riding Sandine Raptor.

Top photo Left to right: Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, HE Khalifa Thani bin Obood Al Falasi, Board Member of Dubai Equestrian Club, and Dr Ghanem Al Hajri Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation (UAEERF)

Great Britain: Chichester rider and former racehorse shortlisted for national equestrian award

Sussexexpress.co.uk - Full Article

By Henry Bryant
Published 22nd Dec 2025

A West Sussex endurance rider and her former racehorse are celebrating national recognition after being shortlisted for one of British racing’s most respected honours.

Alex Embiricos, from Kirdford near Chichester, and her horse Cru Bourgeois have been named finalists for the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Charitable Trust RoR Partnership of the Year Award at the 2026 RoR Awards, supported by The Jockey Club.

The award recognises inspirational partnerships involving former racehorses and celebrates not only sporting success, but resilience, welfare and positive impact beyond racing.

Cru Bourgeois arrived in the UK from Ireland as a failed racehorse and faced serious health challenges. He was underweight, lacking confidence and later developed severe abscesses diagnosed as keratoma, followed by stress induced laminitis.

Under Alex’s care, alongside specialist veterinary support, Cru recovered and began an entirely new career in endurance riding...

Read more here:
https://www.sussexexpress.co.uk/news/people/chichester-rider-and-former-racehorse-shortlisted-for-national-equestrian-award-5451566