USA: Jamie Saults to Manage USEF Endurance

Lexington, KY
Jamie Saults, who was USEF Director of Reining for three years, has returned to manage the USEF Endurance High-Performance program through this summer's 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany. Jamie takes the program over from Mary Lutz, Director of Endurance and Para-Equestrian, who tragically died in a riding accident on June 9th.

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Endurance Sports - Tevis in Top 10 of all ....

For those with a hankering to see how far their own personal envelopes can go, we've compiled the Top Ten Toughest Endurance Races in a slide show. Held from Alaska to the middle of the Atlantic, they run the gamut from horseback riding to mountain biking, canoeing to sailing, running to triathloning, and everything in between. Just bring your willpower and plenty of fluids--you're going to need 'em.

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GBR: 2006 WEC Team announced for Aachen

The final horse and rider assessment for team selection before the 2006 World Equestrian Games was held during the Cirencester Park Ride on Saturday 17 June and gave the selectors the opportunity to see many aspiring International riders from all three international Squads under very testing competitive conditions....

For Aachen the team squads comprise 6 horses and 5 riders rather than the usual 6.

The combinations selected to represent Great Britain are:

Sally Hall and Bob?s Your Uncle
Linda Hams and Perfeq Hidden Challenge
Tricia Hirst and Vlacq Khamul
Ann Jobson and Samson
Chris Yeoman and LM Taquillero/ Farouk De Lozelle

Non-travelling joint reserves:

Avril Bruce and Auchendean Khalif
Sophie O?Hara Smith and Sky Consort
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GBR: Long riders put up a great show

Two Powys riders are celebrating impressive performances at a major international Endurance Festival. Llansantffraid rider Gail Andrews and Meiford?s Trica Hirst both produced great performances in Cirencester, the latter doing enough to book her place at the World Equestrian Games.

Competing in the National Championships, known as the Summer Solstice over a 100-mile testing course, Andrews finished third riding Vlacq Gilfae.

The race started at 4.30am and temperatures hit a very humid 28 degrees during the day.

Hirst, meanwhile, produced the goods in the FEI three star 100 mile race ride.

This was the final selection ride for the British senior team squad of five to go to Aachen in August for the World Equestrian Games.

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Summers Wins Final Endurance Observation Trial

Susan Summers won the third and final 100-mile observation endurance ride to put her in contention for a spot on the U.S. Endurance Team at the World Equestrian Games.

June 16, 2006 -- Susan Summers, riding Mags Motivator, finished first in a ride time of 9:54:59 at the CEI*** 100-mile endurance ride in Ashland, Mont., on June 11. Her average ride time of 10.48 miles per hour put her four minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Heather Stevens, riding RSA Count Laquen.

Forty riders took the trail in the 4:30 a.m. eastern Montana dawn. The trail would take them over ranch land and through the Custer National Forest. Twenty-six Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) riders began this third and last observation ride, hoping to land one of the coveted slots on the U.S. Endurance Team that will compete at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany, in August. A total of 16 riders finished the combined AERC Open, Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region 6 Championship, and FEI/CEI*** ride, including 11 riding the FEI division.

Summers rode much of the trail in the company of her husband, Dennis, who was eliminated after the fourth loop. "I had a plan," she said. "I wanted to finish in 10 or 10.5 hours with my horse looking good, eating and being sound. I had all the confidence in the world in my horse to do the speed that I asked of him today." Summers also won the Region 6 AHA Championship, as well as a Kanavy saddle for best condition, which was awarded after the final inspection on June 12.

Summers was happy with the team coaching and support she's gotten as a member of the National Training Squad. "They are people that can appreciate what we're doing and will consider our ideas," Summers said. "We've had good farrier help this year."

"We always enjoy sharing our part of the country with other riders," said Ride Manager Jan Stevens. "We had riders from Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, California, Texas, Canada and the Middle East. It was well attended, and the weather cooperated for the most part." She thought the 40 percent completion rate was partly due to the weather. "We had cool days leading up the ride but the heat the day of the ride was more than we anticipated."

National Chef d'Equipe Tom Johnson wants the entire experience to be a positive one for the National Training Squad.

"In general all of the nominated riders who presented at the three Observation Trials were very well prepared for the challenge," Johnson said. "Many of the teams have been working toward this goal since last year [via participation in the selection rides in 2005, and participation in the training clinics], and that preparation showed. I believe that we have the deepest pool of talented teams from which to pick that we have ever had--the selectors will be facing some tough choices to select the best from these best. While it will be a challenge, having so many good teams from which to choose is a very good problem to have."

Jennifer Niehaus of California won the first observation ride on her nominated horse, Cheyenne XII, in a ride time of 9:49:39 on May 20 in Oreana, Idaho. Joe Mattingley of Illinois won the second ride on May 27 in Rapid River, Mich., aboard SA Laribou in a ride time of 9:15:53.

The National Team selection process will narrow the competitors to a pool of 12 horse/rider combinations and six ranked alternates. This short list of riders will attend one of two training events on July 1 and July 8. The team of riders selected to represent the United States will be named following the training events and will depart for Aachen, Germany, the first week of August. The 100-mile world endurance championship will be held August 21. Watch for exclusive coverage of the championship on EquiSearch.com.

The United States Equestrian Federation is the governing body of U.S. endurance competition at the international level. The American Endurance Ride Conference is the national affiliate of endurance in the U.S. and governs the sport at the national level.

Riders fail endurance challenge

BAHRAIN's Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and the four-member Bahraini team were disqualified during the Cirencester Endurance Race yesterday in the UK.

Shaikh Nasser, who represented the Sandhurst Military Academy where he is studying, was unable to complete the 115-km four-stage event after his horse Antara failed the veterinary tests at the end of the third stage.

Bahrain's team, comprising of Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Yousef Taher, Khalid Al Ruwaihi and Hamad Al Meraisi were also disqualified for the same reason.

But Shaikh Nasser said the race was a useful experience for him as well as the Bahraini riders who are preparing for the World Championship in Germany in August.

Shaikh Daij, Taher and Al Ruwaihi all bowed out of the race after the first stage as their horses failed to pass the veterinary tests.

Shaikh Nasser completed the first stage on top in one hour, 45 minutes and two seconds with an average speed of 16.05 kmph while Al Meraisi was third in 1:51:29.

The Breef chief and Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain maintained his momentum to stay in the lead after the second stage with a total time of 3:53:42 and a 16.23 kmph average speed. Shaikh Nasser was followed by Al Meraisi who managed to stay in the race clocking a total of 4:12:37.

Shaikh Nasser was unfortunate not to continue his good run as he was disqualified after the third stage while Al Meraisi managed to complete the stage on top in 7:06:08.

However, Al Meraisi was disappointed after the fourth and last stage as his mount Kajo failed the veterinary test at the end of the race.

USA: 2006 WEC Short List Announced

The United States Equestrian Federation® is pleased to announce the selection of the National Endurance Team/Short List for the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games. Twelve horse and rider combinations and six ranked alternates were selected to continue training for the traveling team that will represent the U.S. at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, Germany, August 20 ? September 3. The endurance competition will begin on August 21, 2006, the first competition of the Games.

The top 12 horse and rider combinations are listed alphabetically as follows:

- Betty Baker             Synematic, a 9-year-old Arabian gelding
- Julie Bullock           Iron Wyll, a 9-year-old Arabian/Quarter Horse gelding
- Kathryn Downs           Pygmalion, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding
- Joseph Mattingley       SA Laribou, an 11-year-old Arabian gelding
- Jennifer Niehaus        Cheyenne XII, a 14-year-old Arabian gelding
- Stephen Rojek           Finch, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding
- Christoph Schork        Taj Rai Hasan, a 7-year-old Arabian gelding
- Margaret Sleeper, DVM   Shyrocco Troilus, a 14-year-old half Arabian gelding
- Joyce Sousa             LV Integrity, a 13-year-old Arabian gelding
- Susan Summers           Mags Motivator, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding
- Barry Waitte            LV Cambridge, a 14-year-old Arabian gelding
- Susan White-Hedgecock   AA Montego, a 16-year-old Arabian gelding

The six ranked alternates are as follows:

1. Heather Stevens        RSA Count LaQuen, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding
2. Valerie Kanavy         Bahia Gold, an 8-year-old Arabian gelding
3. Dennis Summers         SHA Ebony Rose, a 14-year-old Arabian cross mare
4. Sandra Connor          Elegant Pride, an 11-year-old Arabian gelding, owned 
by Lana Wright
5. Candy Barbo            CR Windsor, an 8-year-old Arabian gelding
6. Sara Hunt-Engsberg     Koweta Vanna Kaye, a 12-year-old Arabian mare

Endurance Rider Susan Summers Wins Third and Final CEI*** Observation Trial

By Pam Burton

Susan Summers, riding Mags Motivator, finished first in a ride time of 9:54:59 at the CEI*** 100-mile endurance ride in Ashland, MT, on Sunday, June 11. Her average ride time of 10.48 miles per hour put her four minutes ahead of second-place finisher, Heather Stevens, riding RSA Count Laquen. Forty riders took the trail in the 4:30 a.m. eastern Montana dawn. The trail would take them over ranch land and through the Custer National Forest. Twenty-six FEI riders began this third and last observation ride, hoping to land one of the coveted slots on the U.S. endurance team that will compete at the FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany, in August. A total of 16 riders finished the combined American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) Open, Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Region 6 Championship, and FEI/CEI*** ride, including 11 riding the FEI division.

Summers rode much of the trail in the company of her husband, Dennis, who was eliminated after the fourth loop. ?I had a plan,? she said. ?I wanted to finish in 10 or 10.5 hours with my horse looking good, eating and being sound. I had all the confidence in the world in my horse to do the speed that I asked of him today.? Summers also won the Region 6 AHA Championship, as well as a Kanavy saddle for best condition, which was awarded after the final inspection on Monday.
Summers was happy with the team coaching and support she?s gotten as a member of the national training squad. ?They are people that can appreciate what we?re doing and will consider our ideas,? Summers said. ?We?ve had good farrier help this year.?

?We always enjoy sharing our part of the country with other riders,? said Ride Manager Jan Stevens. ?We had riders from Virginia, New Jersey, North Carolina, California, Texas, Canada and the Middle East. It was well attended, and the weather cooperated for the most part.? She thought the 40% completion rate was partly due to the weather. ?We had cool days leading up the ride, but the heat the day of the ride was more than we anticipated.?

National Chef d?Equipe Tom Johnson wants the entire experience to be a positive one for the national training squad. ?In general, all of the nominated riders that presented at the three Observation Trials were very well prepared for the challenge,? Johnson said. ?Many of the teams have been working toward this goal since last year (via participation in the selection rides in 2005, and participation in the training clinics), and that preparation showed. I believe that we have the deepest pool of talented teams from which to pick that we have ever had ? the selectors will be facing some tough choices to select the best from these best. While it will be a challenge, having so many good teams from which to choose is a very good problem to have.?

Jennifer Niehaus of California won the first observation ride on her nominated horse, Cheyenne XII, in a ride time of 9:49:39 on May 20 in Oreana, ID. Joe Mattingley of Illinois won the second ride on May 27 in Rapid River, MI, aboard SA Laribou in a ride time of 9:15:53.

The national team selection process will narrow the competitors to a pool of 12 horse-and-rider combinations and six ranked alternates. This ?short list? of riders will attend one of two training events on July 1 and July 8. The team of riders selected to represent the United States will be named following the training events, and will depart for Aachen, Germany, the first week of August. The 100-mile world endurance championship will be held August 21.

Leighton awarded US$407 million equestrian centre project in Qatar

Published: Thursday, 15 June, 2006, 12:37 PM Doha Time
Leighton Asia (Southern) has been awarded a US$407 million contract for the construction of the Al Shaqab Equestrian Academy in Qatar for the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development.
Operating as Gulf Leighton, Leighton is responsible for the construction of a world-class equine management facility that will include:
An equine breeding facility, an equine hospital, an Olympic-standard indoor arena with adjoining outdoor arena.
A members? clubhouse and stables for members? horses.
Apart from these top class facilities, it will also have state-of-the-art stables including separate facilities for different categories of Arabian horses such as breeding and show horses; endurance horses; dressage horses; and showjumping horses. Staff accommodation, with entertainment facilities and a museum.
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Bahrain Endurance site opened on Net

AN ENGLISH interface of an endurance website for Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa was officially launched on Sunday.

The website 'www.alfurrsan.com', sponsored by MTC-Vodafone, was launched at a reception ceremony held at the Royal Endurance Team Stables premises in Sakhir.

"The Media Office and Information Centre is honoured to welcome our endurance fans to the Al Furrsan website and conveys appreciation of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa," said centre director Tawfeeq Salehi.

"This website will serve the fans with all information they need about comprehensive activities of Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid," added Salehi.

Salehi extended his appreciation on behalf of the federation and the Bahraini riders to MTC Vodafone for sponsoring this website which will become beneficial for the sport fans.

"Endurance riding is a traditional sport, known as the supreme test of horsemanship for the knowledgeable rider," said Salehi.

The rider's efficiency and capability to bring his horse through a hard day of riding over a long distance and variable types of terrain without being detrimental to the horse's health, and providing it with qualities of hardness and endurance, are tested.

"Endurance rides not only test the stamina of the horse but also the skills of the riders and the support crew," he added.

Salehi said endurance riding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. Bahrain saw the real birth of this sport in its soil on April 7, 2000.

"Endurance activities in the kingdom enjoys the whole-hearted support of His Majesty King Hamad. By visiting the championships regularly and extending full support to the riders, His Majesty the King inspired them to achieve higher goals," he said.

"Without the extensive support and the encouragement of His Majesty the King, this sport in Bahrain would never have reached to this level of professionalism and worldwide recognition. The riders and the people of Bahrain are proud of their ruler, His Majesty the King who extends his unlimited support to this sport," said Salehi.

Races

His Majesty King Hamad instructed to organise the Bahrain International Endurance Horse Riding Championship, the first-ever event held in the kingdom, as two separate races for the riders from UAE and Bahrain.

The distance was 120km and the aim was to create a pool of knowledge for the participants and help them to realise their pitfalls as well as potential.

UAE's veteran rider Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the winner from the UAE riders and Shaikh Salman bin Sager Al Khalifa reached first place among the Bahraini riders.

Inspired by the success of the First International Championship, the Kingdom began to organise various types of championship from October to May every year. To gain more confidence and experience, the Royal Endurance Team is regularly participating in endurance championships and training camps in Europe. During the last three years, the Royal Team achieved remarkable results in championships held in France and Ireland. According to the leader of the Royal Team, Shaikh Nasser, endurance riding is a test of discipline, stamina, fitness, strength and patience.

Abdullah and Faisal make UAE proud

Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed from the Al Reef stables rode Tora Blar-Zay to victory in the Seniors' section of the historic Tom Quilty 160km endurance ride in Australia.

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By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter


Abu Dhabi: Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed and Shaikh Faisal Bin Abdullah Al Qasimi did the UAE proud by winning the Senior and Junior rides at the historic Tom Quilty 160km endurance ride in Australia on Saturday.

Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed from the Al Reef stables rode Tora Blar-Zay to victory completing the 160km distance in a timing of 9hrs 15 mins.

Shaikh Faisal, who won the silver medal at the World Junior Championship held in Bahrain, finished on top in the junior section, riding Kaysand Farrah to victory.

Shaikh Faisal took 10 hours 39 minutes to win the junior title. The Tom Quilty endurance event is the national endurance riding championship of Australia and is held annually in a different state.

Yesterday's ride was held in Boonah in south east Queensland.

Speaking to Gulf News from Boonah, Abdullah Khamis said he was very happy with the win. "It was wet and cold and we had a mid-night start. There were over 150 riders in the fray," he said.

"This is one of the most prestigious rides in the world and I am yet to get over the win," said Abdullah, who pushed Australian Howard Harris on Harmere Turfan to second place with Brook Sample on Brookleigh Mozart in third.

Abdullah Khamis has won quite a few rides here in the tough domestic circuit including the prestigious President's Cup.

"It was a very challenging ride and the rain had made the track very treacherous," said David Marshal, a former endurance trainer here in the UAE.

"Both Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed and Shaikh Faisal displayed a lot of maturity to emerge the winner from a quality field," said Marshal, a New Zealander.

"With over 300 riders in total taking part in this ride, this is without doubt the biggest event and the two UAE riders winning here once again go to demonstrate the strength of UAE in the endurance sport," he said.

Results

Seniors:

1. Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed (Tora Blar-Zay) 9hrs 15 mins.
2. Howard Harris (Harmere Turfan) 9:25.
3. Brook Sample (Brookleigh Mozart) 9:48.

Juniors:

1. Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qassimi (Kaysand Farrah) 10 hrs 39 mins.
2. Sasha Laws-King (Tubbarubba Cheval) 11.02.
3. Helen Toft (Don) 11.11.

Horses are stars in Humboldt

Casey Allen

Did you know that Humboldt County is home to some of the biggest sports stars in the world? It's true and those stars are horses. The sport in this case is called endurance riding. It is a timed, long distance event where horse and rider travel anywhere from 25 to 100 miles in one day. It is not really called a race although riders do sometimes race each other the last few miles to the finish. There is also no 'winner'. The first place rider got just that, first place. This is because the sports motto is ?to finish is to win.? The most coveted prize in endurance riding is the ?best condition? award. This is decided by the ride veterinarians who evaluate the horses before, during and after the ride. The combination of the vet score, finish position, and weight of the rider and tack contribute to who will be awarded ?best condition.? Only the top 10 finishers can qualify for best condition judging. Most riders are only concerned with finishing the ride without mishap or injury to horse or rider. Awards for accumulated distance over a ride season are given and recognition for outstanding careers are rewarded.

Humboldt County's local endurance riding club, Redwood Empire Endurance Riders (REER) is sanctioned by the national American Endurance Riders Conference (AERC). AERC records ride statistics and make the rules. REER hosts 4 local rides each year. One on the Chalk Rock Ranch in Bridgeville. Two in Redwood National Park staging at Orick and one at Cuneo Creek in the Redwoods State Park, west of Weott. There are also scores of rides through out the western region and across the nation. You can see the whole ride schedule and more at http://www.aerc.org/.

The stars of this sport are the Arabian horses who dominate over all other breeds. Although all equine breeds and mules compete in endurance, the Arabians ability to work hard and recover quickly keys their dominance. All endurance horses are well cared for and well conditioned where training miles easily exceed competition miles.

A typical ride begins with participants camping with their horses the night before the ride. Horses take their pre ride vet check, receive their vet score card, and get a number painted on their butt. Riders attend the ride meeting and receive their course map and instructions. Then everyone tries to get some sleep amid all the ride camp sounds of horses snorting, stomping, and whinnying. The rhythmic munching of grass hay can be hypnotic and put you to sleep.

Before light the next morning, as the first riders stir, you can hear the whole camp awaken. The horses are talking, usually in response to a fresh flake of hay. Riders greet each other in nervous whispers as they prepare their gear. They try to eat but not too much drink. They don't want to stop on the trail.

The start of the ride is a pre-determined time and those who are competitive start on time but take it slow, it will be a long day. Most of the riders start at their leisure and it may take 20 minutes for everyone to leave.

In a typical 50 mile ride the first vet check could be around the 12 mile mark with the lunch stop and vet check at 25 miles. Another vet check after lunch and on to the finish back at camp. After a final vet evaluation is passed, horse and rider win a completion certificate. The top ten riders show their horses for ?best condition? and awards are given out after a hearty dinner.

Horse and rider are required to start their timed break after the horse meets pulse criteria of, usually, 60 beats per minute at each vet check. Horses that go too fast can actually lose time trying to calm down. Good riders guide their mounts at a pace that eats trail at a relaxed rate, arriving at the vet check meeting the pulse criteria.

Vets evaluate each horse and their ability to continue. They look for injuries, lameness, and metabolic problems like dehydration and colic. If the veterinarian deems a horse unfit to continue, for the safety and well being of the horse, it is pulled from the ride and gets a trailer ride back to camp.

Riders must be able to take care of themselves and their horses out on the trail. Some loops can be 25 miles long and a long way from help. Riders always help each other on the trail but lot can go wrong besides throwing a shoe or taking a stumble or fall. There are snakes, bears, and even mountain lions. Bees are good for spicing up a ride.

When everything is right, horse and rider become one, both wanting the same goal. It is a wonderful, almost powerful feeling and the bond developed between horse and rider during all those training miles is full of emotion.

Humboldt County is home to some big stars in endurance riding, like Joyce and Dennis Sousa. Joyce has over 16,500 career miles and seventy 100 mile starts completing 60. Her horse, Jim Bob, was recently inducted into the AERC Hall of Fame. Dennis has over 11,000 miles and thirty 100 mile starts completing 25. Both were invited to compete in the United Arab Emirates and the ancestral home of the Arab horse.

Karen Fredrickson and her world class crew, husband Duane, like multi-day rides ( five 50 mile rides in five days). She completed two XP rides. One follows the pony express path, cross country, from Kansas City, Missouri to Sacramento.

Ted and Joan Ruprecht have over 27,000 endurance miles between them. Joan at 75 years old riding a 25 year old Arabian mare placed 5th at last years Redwood Ride II 50 mile ride. I was working the finish line when Joan and her horse crossed. She dismounted, handed me the reins, and said she was dizzy. ?Weeeeee? she cried as if enjoying a roller coaster. She was just fine and I can only wish to be that tough.

Many local riders have completed the toughest endurance ride in the world called the Tevis Cup, a one day, 100 mile ride across the Sierra Range from Truckee to Auburn, Calif. Wow!

Look for more in the coming months on endurance riding, the riders and of course, the horses.

For more information and how to join REER go to the web site www.redwoodendurance.org or contact Elaine Kerrigan at 707-443-0215 orfahim@humboldt1.com. See you down the trail.

Riders pass French test

BAHRAINI riders Yousef Taher, Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa and Khalid Al Ruwaihi made a successful appearance at the Plesidy Endurance Race in France.

Being among 35 top class riders from France and the UK, the Bahraini trio managed to complete the race which was over 130 kms with Taher finishing ninth overall, Shaikh Daij 10th and Al Ruwaihi 11th.

Raed Mahmood and world junior champion Fahad Ismail, were unable to complete the race with both riders forced to withdraw with one stage remaining.

Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan said the race was part of their preparations for the upcoming World Championship which takes place in Germany on August 24.

The event comprised four stages with the first stage covering 32 kms, 33 kms for the second, 40 kms for the third and 25 kms for the fourth.

Hassan confirmed that the Bahraini riders were not aiming to win a place on the podium and their strategy was to keep a limited speed in each stage to maintain the health condition of their horses and pass the veterinary examination.

"The team produced good performance at the race and their French coach Ivon was concentrating on the physical and psychological preparation of his riders," said Hassan.

Standard

Commenting on the standard of the race, Hassan said it featured gruelling competition specially in the third stage during which many riders, including Mahmood and Ismail, were unable to continue due to the rough turf conditions.

"This race was the first for our riders since the season was over two months ago. So we are quite satisfied with the individual results, taking into consideration the level of the other riders who were in the fray," added Hassan.

"We decided to participate in this event as the race course here is very much similar to the course in Aachen in Germany which will host the world championship." Hassan confirmed that the team will continue their preparations for the Germany event by taking part in other races in the next two months under the captaincy of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.