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SOURCE: ENDURANCE.NET

AlUla Organizing Committee Commits to Track Modifications Ahead of February Showdown

ALULA, KSA — December 12, 2025 — Following the grueling technical challenge of the November 28th Test Event, which saw a completion rate of just 38% among the CEI 3* field, the AlUla Organizing Committee (OC) has moved swiftly to address the concerns of the international delegation. With the AlFursan Cup in February 2026 serving as the final "dress rehearsal" for the World Championship, the focus has shifted entirely from celebrating the venue's beauty to refining its rideability.

Framing their response to the high attrition rate, the OC issued a decisive statement this morning acknowledging the "unforgiving nature" of the volcanic sectors in Loop 3. "We have analyzed the veterinary data and rider feedback from the November test, and while the technical challenge is intentional, we are committed to grading the volcanic rock sections to ensure the welfare of the horse remains paramount," the statement read. "For the February AlFursan Cup, competitors will see significant adjustments to the footing in the Ashar Valley transitions, ensuring a fairer test that rewards horsemanship without punishing soundness."

This commitment signals a critical pivot for the February event. National Federations, particularly those from Europe and the Americas who struggled with the "concussion zones" in November, can now expect a modified track layout that retains the stunning backdrop of Hegra but offers more forgiving avenues through the infamous "Black Rock" canyons. The AlFursan Cup will now serve not just as a race, but as the final proof-of-concept for these modifications, determining whether the 2026 World Championship will be a race of speed or a test of pure survival.

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Penticton rider qualifies for world’s toughest horse race

PentictonHerald.ca - Full Article

Special to the Herald Dec 5, 2025

Penticton equestrian instructor and horse trainer Michelle Van Baalen has qualified to compete in the 2027 Mongol Derby, widely regarded as the longest and toughest horse race in the world.

The race spans 1,000 kilometres across the Mongolian steppe, with riders spending up to 12 hours a day in the saddle for 10 days. Competitors change horses approximately every 35 kilometres, relying on stamina, navigation skills and resilience to endure the harsh and unpredictable terrain.

“The Mongol Derby is as much about teamwork and survival as it is about racing,” organizers note. Riders must be capable outdoorspeople, prepared to navigate remote countryside and face extreme weather conditions.

Van Baalen’s extensive background in multiple riding disciplines—Hunter Jumper, Rodeo and Endurance—along with her strong outdoor skills, helped her secure a place in the elite international event...

Read more here:
https://www.pentictonherald.ca/sports/article_73ec3141-ab88-4b47-8280-724d83a2679f.html

Saudi Arabia: AlUla's Unique Terrains Offer Ideal Setting For Endurance Racing Ahead Of 2026 Championship

OneArabia.me - Full Article

By OneArabia
Published: November 30, 2025

The AlUla Governorate's diverse landscapes offer a prime setting for endurance races. Its natural trails and unique geological features span valleys, plains, and deserts. This environment is perfect for testing horses and riders to international standards, adding a competitive edge to the sport.

AlUla's racecourses are known for their smoothness and variety. They feature hard sandy terrain, rocky paths, and open spaces. These courses pass through rare rock formations, creating a cohesive natural landscape that enhances the technical level of races and enriches the experience for participants and spectators alike.

In preparation for hosting the 2026 FEI Endurance World Championship, AlUla is developing a new course. This course will traverse the ancient archaeological site of Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. This adds a unique cultural dimension to the event...

Read more here:
https://www.onearabia.me/local/alula-endurance-racing-experience-2026-championship-011-133351.html

Winners Crowned at Saudi Equestrian Federation Endurance Cup

AAWSAT.com

27-30 November 2025 AD ـ 09 Jumada Al-Alkhirah

Representatives from the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation and the Equestrian Development at the Royal Commission for AlUla crowned the winners of the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation Endurance Cup, a 120-kilometer race.

Issa Al-Mazroui claimed first place, followed by Khalifa Al-Amimi in second and Tamim Al-Marri in third.

The race featured 270 riders from 18 countries and received praise from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) for its excellent organization ahead of the World Championship, which AlUla will host in November 2026.

FEI Endurance Director Christina Abu-Dayyeh noted that new technology, implemented for the first time globally in endurance racing, allowed the public to access real-time race information, including horse speeds and veterinary checks.

She stressed that this innovation is the result of ongoing collaboration between the FEI, the Saudi Arabian Equestrian Federation, and the Royal Commission for AlUla.

FEI and Yamamah join forces to transform global Endurance data access

Inside.FEI.org

27 November 2025

The FEI has partnered with the Yamamah App, a leading mobile application in the Endurance community, which delivers real-time data on competitions across the globe, making it a go-to resource for following live events.

Fans, athletes, and officials can track loop progress, speeds, eliminations, and key performance metrics as competitions unfold, offering an unprecedented level of insight into the sport. With this partnership, the application now also incorporates publicly available FEI data, including athlete and horse profiles, qualification statuses, and penalties alongside its existing information, all presented in an intuitive, mobile-friendly interface to further enrich the fan experience.

Rashid Al Abbar, the UAE-based entrepreneur and digital innovator behind Yamamah, sees the collaboration as a natural extension of his commitment to advancing the sport through technology.

“When I launched the Yamamah App in 2017, it was a passion project, born from my love of horses and my fascination with digital innovation,” Al Abbar said.

“My vision was to create a platform where fans, athletes, and officials could access information such as horse pedigrees, results, and rankings in one user-friendly place. Seeing how quickly the community embraced the app has been incredibly rewarding, and the FEI’s support now allows us to take this engagement to a whole new level.”

Highlighting the value the application brings to the sport, FEI Director of Endurance Christina Abu-Dayyeh said, “By making structured, reliable data easily accessible, the Yamamah App transforms the way fans follow the sport. The information provided through the app fosters informed discussions, strengthens transparency, and helps build a knowledgeable, connected community that truly appreciates the complexity and excitement of endurance riding...”

Read the rest here:
https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/fei-and-yamamah-join-forces-transform-global-endurance-data-access

Elite field assembled for Pattaya’s FEI Endurance Asian Championship

Inside.FEI.org - Full Article

20 November 2025
Author: Bella Fricker

The FEI Asian Championships 2025 in Pattaya (THA) are set to welcome 22 Endurance athletes from five nations for the 120km CEI2* Championship Ride taking place on 29 November, with both team and individual medals awarded on 30 November. With four full teams and several world-class combinations, the field promises a compelling blend of experience, youthful energy, and championship pedigree.

The Endurance Championship sits alongside Dressage, Para Dressage, Jumping, and Eventing as part of a comprehensive schedule spanning from 26 November to 7 December. Set in the picturesque countryside east of Pattaya, the Thai Polo Club is one of South East Asia’s premier equestrian destinations. The venue includes permanent Coss-Country and Endurance courses, quality arenas, polo fields, modern stabling, and extensive wash, training, and warm-up areas. Founded by Harald Link and Mrs Nunthinee Tanner, Thailand’s first female polo player, the facility has grown into a central hub for equestrian sport in Southeast Asia.

“The Thai Polo Club has been purpose-built with the horse at the centre,” said an event organiser. “We are proud to welcome athletes from across Asia and provide a world-class environment for both competition and horse welfare.”

Top-tier veterinary support will be provided throughout the Championships, led by Dr Ali Tweissi (JOR) as President of the Veterinary Commission and Dr Bashir Ahmad Fateh Mohamed as Foreign Veterinary Delegate. They will oversee a team of three FEI-accredited veterinarians from multiple countries...

Read more here:
https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/elite-field-assembled-pattaya%E2%80%99s-fei-endurance-asian-championship

Bahrain: BREEF launches qualifying endurance events for 2025–2026 season

BNA.bh - Full Article

15 Nov 2025

Manama, Nov. 15 (BNA): The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) organised the qualifying endurance events marking the start of the 2025–2026 season, with wide participation from riders representing stables across the Kingdom.

The events were held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village and included 100km international and local races, as well as 80km and 40km competitions.

The federation noted that these qualifying events form part of preparations for the new season, which is expected to feature strong competition as riders seek to qualify for upcoming local and international championships...

Read more here:
https://www.bna.bh/En/BREEFlaunchesqualifyingenduranceeventsfor20252026season.aspx?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDsnQmJiMWNHQ7INvmVI1V4A%3D