Malaysia: YDSM Positive On M'sia Hosting FEI World Endurance Race

Bernama.com

From Rozaini Ahmad

PARIS, March 31 (Bernama) -- The Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan (YDSM) is confident of securing the right to organise the World Endurance Race Championship 2008 (WEC) based on the direct involvement of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin in bringing the prestigious meet to Malaysia.

YDSM Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor said the involvement of Sultan Mizan, who is the Sultan of Terengganu and Chairman of YDSM, has convinced the Federation Equestre International (FEI) that Malaysia is committed to organising the championship which also has the backing of the federal and Terengganu governments.

"His Royal Highness Sultan Mizan has taken on the responsibility of bringing the organisation of the WEC, held once in four years, to Malaysia in 2008. He was given that mandate while attending the Annual General Meeting of FEI in Compein, France in 2005.

"His Royal Highness is also an avid endurance rider. His involvement in the sport has instilled confidence in all parties, including FEI, that Malaysia is ready to host the WEC," he told Bernama here.

Salleh is in Paris on behalf of Sultan Mizan and YDSM for a flag handing over ceremony where Malaysia will officially be given the right to organise WEC 2008. The ceremony takes place at the end of FEI's two-day World Forum which begins today.

According to Salleh, on the second and last day of the forum tomorrow, Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) President Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, who is also Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, will outline Malaysia's preparation for WEC 2008 which will be held in Lembah Bidong, Merang, Setiu in Terengganu from Nov 8 to 10 next year.

"This is the first time that the championship will be held in a tropical country and FEI wants to ensure that the organiser will do its utmost best for the horses, the riders and the whole aspect of the championship.

"It is a challenge to us due to the fact that FEI still has certain reservations towards our capability in organising the world event. We will use the forum as a platform to convince them," he said.

Salleh said several official trial runs would be organised at the newly opened Terengganu International Equestrian Park (TIEP) to ensure that the infrastructure is fully tested and ready for the WEC next year.

Sultan Mizan will participate in the YDSM-Penn Endurance Challenge 2007 which will be held over two days from May 4 at the TIEP. The event will offer qualification points for the WEC 2008.

Salleh said the WEC 2008 would be held during Visit Terengganu Year 2008 and he expected the championship to draw tourists to the state, which is known for its diverse natural treasures and tourist spots.

-- BERNAMA

FEI Endurance Forum: Day 1

FEI World Endurance Forum opens in Paris




Some 70 delegates representing 31 National Federations have gathered in Paris for the FEI World Endurance Forum from 31 March to 1 April 2007. Placed under the motto “Consolidation, Cooperation, Creation”, this event is the starting point of an in-depth review of this FEI discipline.

The basis of the current FEI Rules for Endurance came into being over 20 years ago; indeed, Endurance became an FEI discipline in 1982. In the last five years, the sport has undergone dramatic growth: in 2006 the total number of Endurance events was 393 which is an increase of 480% compared to 2000. In terms of numbers, the Endurance is now the third FEI discipline after Jumping and Eventing. From a leisure activity enjoyed by amateurs on weekends, it has turned into highly competitive sport where breeders, owners, trainers and riders earn their living. Countries from new regions of the world presenting unusual climatic conditions have joined. There is a significant difference between the amateur and professional levels of the sport which is all the more apparent when facing challenging conditions.

The time has therefore come to undertake a comprehensive review of the sport in order to provide it with a solid basis upon which it can continue to grow and expand.

Following the morning the morning session where regional groups presented a picture of Endurance within the various countries, the Forum separated into working groups during the afternoon to consider in detail the proposals from the regions.

The three main groups of FEI officials – judges, technical delegates and veterinarians – taking part in the Forum will provide the FEI with their informed opinion on key issues such as qualification standards, competition format and the welfare of the horse, which will serve as a basis for the new structure. An interim report will be issued in October 2007 by the task force which is to be appointed post-forum.

The key element of the opening day was the genuine sprit of cooperation and the willingness to consider change. Day two will see all of the working groups coming together in general forum to establish the task force’s main areas for review.

[More ...]

FEI World Endurance Forum

New Zealand to South Africa: Ride of her life

Timaru woman Linda Pullar is set to sightsee around South Africa on horseback.


The endurance horse rider has been selected in the New Zealand team to compete there in June.

The four riders were named at the recent Horse of the Year competition in Hastings.

As this year was the first time endurance riding had been included in the event it was also a first-time competition for Mrs Pullar.

"It was a childhood dream to go up and look at it let alone ride in it."

But the biggest thrill will be the upcoming trip when she wears the silver fern for the first time.

"I didn't get any foreword warning, it was all just a big surprise."

Mrs Pullar travelled to Hastings to compete as an individual in the 120km endurance event.

Upon arrival, however, she found herself named as reserve for the New Zealand team.

Mrs Pullar said as a team of riders from South Africa and an international team made up of riders from various countries including Spain and Belgium, had come to compete, officials decided New Zealand should also field a team.

Nearly 50 people were entered into the 120km endurance event but Mrs Pullar said only 33 started. Of those only 16 horse and rider combinations completed the tough course.

Mrs Pullar said many of the horses were "vetted-out" as their heart rates were too high.

"I think it was the extremes of very flat then very steep."

Mrs Pullar and her horse Kishon Fashamatazz passed each of their vet checks and were the third kiwi combination home, finishing in seventh place in just under seven hours.

As one of the New Zealand team riders failed their checks Mrs Pullar, as reserve, was slotted into the team.

And next weekend she will be back in the saddle, competing in the 100km event at the national endurance riding champs in Feilding on her second horse Kishon Abigail.

[More ...]

FEI press; World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders Update

FEI Press

photo: Manuela Antonaccio (URU) with Metiche

And the winner is... Manuela Antonaccio from Uruguay riding Metiche

57 Riders, from 11 Nations competed for the FEI Individual and Team Junior/Young Rider World Championship Medals at Camp de Mayo last week.

Teams from as far away as Australia, New Zealand and Southern Africa attended as did teams the Middle East and from across South America.

After an opening ceremony which concentrated on the link between the Horse and Argentine culture the competition began with the first inspection of the horses on the Thursday afternoon.

Friday morning, 6.30 am. Ride day. The weather was perfect – cool and with a slight breeze. The pace of the horses was steady throughout the day with the competitors showing horsemanship skills beyond their years.

A close result followed with Uruguay taking the Gold Medal in both the individual and team placings.

Uruguay also took the Individual Silver closely followed by the UAE taking Individual Bronze.

Team Silver medal went to the UAE, finishing with a combined time just 48 seconds less than Brazil who were awarded Team Bronze.

The Best Condition Award went to KALKADOON KAMPALA (UAE – 3rd Place, Individual)

INDIVIDUAL GOLD

Manuela Antonaccio URU riding METICHE at 22.50kph in 5h20


INDIVIDUAL SILVER

Ignacio Ospitaleche URU riding EO DUBUT at 21.50kph in 5h35


INDIVIDUAL BRONZE

Sh Abdullah bin Faisal al Qasimi UAE riding KALKADOON KAMPALA at 21.20kph in 5h40

Of the 11 teams that began the event, 8 teams finished the complete course.

Australia: Lindsay rides to SOTY win for January

Cowra Guardian - Australia

Photo: Erika Lindsay receives her Sportsperson of the Month Award for January from Leanne Mikoda of the Central West Credit Union.

Hours of riding in the saddle has finally paid off for endurance rider Erika Lindsay after being named Sportsperson of the Month for January.

Lindsay received the accolade on the back of being named both New South Wales and National Junior Rider of the Year for the Australian Endurance Riders Association.

The 15-year-old took out the award with a total of 123.5 points from the 2006 season - only 3.5 points ahead of her nearest rival and friend Allix Jones.

Jones did manage to pip Lindsay in the National Junior Distance Rider covering 2000 kilometres during the season compared to Lindsay's 1835 kilometres.

Lindsay and her horse, Kintimani Silver Motif, took out the One Horse One Rider combination covering 1270 kilometres together and collecting 86 points on the way.

She has finally reaped the rewards from the sport for all her effort being the sole trainer and rider of the horse.

While performing fantastically in the overall 2006 season, Lindsay's goal was to compete in the Tom Quilty Gold Cup National Championships in Queensland. It is considered the ultimate ride on the Australian calendar involving 100 miles in one day.

The ride was conducted in very wet and slippery conditions meaning it was a long slow haul for Erika and Kintimani Silver Motif but they eventually completed the gruelling race in seventh place in the junior section.

Lindsay also completed the ride with Cowra's Mary Symons.

Lindsay continued her string of gruelling rides in 2006 when she competed in the 400 kilometres Shahzda Memorial Marathon Ride where 80 kilometres is completed every day for five days.

She rode with father Alan and Kintimani Charisma to place as the second junior overall.

Lindsay's excellent results over the past year have been the culmination of five years of hard work as she started riding as a 10-year-old.

She completed training rides on homebred Kintimani Fosta (now retired) before joining the Cowra Pony Club and learning all the disciplines associated with various horse sports.

She only came back to endurance riding when another homebred horse Kintimani Silver Motif came of age to compete.

Turning 16 in November, Lindsay has been forced to leave the junior ranks and compete in the lightweight section amongst adults in 2007.

She has already gained a 4th and a 3rd place at Oberon and Bungendore respectively handling the step up in class admirably.

Lindsay would like to thank both her reliable farrier Gary Bryant and Rob Watt who has been so helpful with blood results and management to keep her on the road.

UAE: Al Shamsi rides Chetato to glory

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Saif Hamoud Saif Al Shamsi riding Chetato came up with a fine display in the final 12 kms to overtake Oman's Ahmad Salim Al Beloushi on Bahia and win the 100km Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge ride yesterday.

Saif started three minutes behind Ahmad but the two riders, both riding horses owned by Mattar Al Yabhouni, finished almost together with just a second separating the two.

Mattar became the proud owner of a Nissan Patrol. It is the second time he has won this award as his horses had also finished 1-2 in the earlier ride which was also earmarked for riders from small stables and those horses belonging to small owners.

The ride, organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and Minister of Finance and Industry, was held at the Dubai International Endurance City

Fifty riders started in this second round of the Challenge in which total prize money of Dh515,000 was on offer.

The UAE rider completed the CEN 100km ride - which gave the private-owned stables and individuals the chance to compete for Dh515,000 in prize-money - in 4hr.37m.27s.

Average speed

"I have finished second twice and this is my first win.

"It was a tough ride but during the breaks, Mattar Al Yabhouni kept advising on the tactics and I just followed it," said the winner.

Saif completed the 100-km distance in a timing of 4 hrs 37 mins and 27 seconds at an average speed of 21.63 kmph. Ahmad in second place won Dh50,000 while Saif Sultan Abdullah Dahi Al Buamim on Faras Ayhla finished third and carried home Dh35,000.

"Under the directives of Shaikh Hamdan, today's ride was exclusively for UAE and GCC riders. This initiative has been well received by riders from small stables and gives them a chance to compete against themselves and win attractive prizes," said Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, Head of Endurance at DEC.

Shaikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum and Ali Moosa distributed the trophies and the keys to the Nissan Patrol to Mattar Al Yabhouni.

Results

100-km Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge ride:

1. Saif Hamoud Saif Al Shamsi (Chetato) 4hrs 37 mins 27 secs.;

2. Ahmad Salim Al Beloushi-Oman-(Bahia) 4:37.28;

3. Saif Sultan Abdullah Dahi Al Buamim (Faras Ayhla) 5:09.06;

4. Saeed Al Mur Saeed Bin Helweh (Vonk) 5:14.18;

5. Mohammad Darwish Al Bashri (Karabil Wyoonah) 5:27.03.

[More ...]

Scotland: Horse riders get in the saddle for Buchan trek

HORSE riders will be taking part in an organised trek around parts of Buchan this weekend.
The Forest of Deer Endurance Ride is being organised by the Grampian branch of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club and will take place on Sunday.
Ride organiser Jane Hollstein explained: "The rides have been split into five distances.
"The pleasure ride is about 12 miles long starting from Aden Country Park travelling north to the Forest of Deer, along the railway line and back through Old Deer to Aden Park.
"The 20k, 30k, 50k and 60k rides are a bit more competitive. Each rider sets a time in which they think they can complete the ride in. They aren't competing against fellow participants just themselves and putting their horses fitness levels to the test. The horses are vetted after they have completed the circuit and their heartbeat monitored. It is all down to the horse's fitness."
The longer rides will also start at Aden heading to areas south of Maud during the morning between 9am and 12noon.
Ms Hollstein added: "Preparations for the Forest of Deer Ride are looking good. I rode the 30km route recently with the ride organiser and had a lovely time.
"It is a very mixed, mostly flat ride, incorporating country park, woodland, forestry, old railway line, farm tracks, grass tracks, small villages and road.
"There are a few road sections but these lead to very nice riding and join tracks up. The route offers ample canter opportunities and some fantastic views.
"We have tried to stay off the roads as much as possible. Horses will normally pass individually or in groups of two or three."
There are currently 12 riders signed up for the event however organisers hope more will come forward before the closing date for entries.
Ms Hollstein told the Buchanie: "We did do a similar event in the area two years ago but it just involved the shorter distance.
"This is the first time we have been able to offer a long distance ride. We have contacted land owners and anyone who might be affected by the ride and had a fantastic response from everyone."
For more information about the endurance ride contact Jane Hollstein on 0777334576.

Kiwis sixth at World Junior Endurance Champs

March 21, 2007
Kiwis sixth at World Junior Endurance Champs


Five young New Zealand endurance riders headed for Argentina earlier this month for the World Junior Endurance Championships, with the team finishing sixth overall.

The team was accompanied by their strappers and the support team from Endurance New Zealand (Kevin James High Performance Manager, Tony Parsons, Vet, John Stevenson and Dell Bissell Chef d'Equipe).

Dressed in their familiar black uniform with the embossed silver ferm horse the team made a splendid appeal at the Opening Ceremony and this was commented on by many spectators.

The New Zealand team was awarded the Vet Commission award for the best presented team and horses, and Ian Williams (head of the Endurance department at the FEI) congratulated the team on their presentation and professional conduct.

The Kiwis were among 57 starters and the five rode leased horses from Chile and Argentina.

Tessa Deuss was the first of the New Zealanders home, but at 18km/hour was not fast enough to be in the medals. The pace was fast - even a rater of 20km/hour didn't cut it in the flat terrain.

Uruguay won individual and team gold, with the UAE taking team silver and Brazil winning bronze. South Africa were 4th, Guatemala 5th, New Zealand 6th, Namibia 7th, and Australia 8th. There were 11 teams.

Riders reported that while the ride was flat, the footing was variable, with lots of metal and boggy parts. Flat rides favour tall, fast horses with the most familiar examples being in the Middle East where horses do phenomenal speeds compared to New Zealand. This kind of terrain is unfamiliar to New Zealand riders who are used to riding strategically in hill country, relying on their horses to be strong, sure footed and clever.

Team members had lots of invitations to ride in the Americas after the competition, and enjoyed the camaraderie that arises between competitors throughout and after the event.

For Kiwi riders the chance to get experience in world-class competition was invaluable, and should benefit the sport of endurance in New Zealand in the future.

[More ...]

New Zealand: Avery wins national endurance title

By DAVID DAWKINS - The Marlborough Express | Monday, 19 March 2007

Marlborough endurance rider Kylie Avery added another national title to her already impressive resume, winning the 100km CEI two star ride at the Horse of the Year in Hastings on Friday.

Avery and Silands Jasark were second across the Havelock North finish line, just seconds behind race leader Jenny Shander. However, Avery took the title after Shander's horse was unable to pass the final vet check. After the half hour rest period Shander's horse still registered a heart rate of 78 beats per minute, well above the required 64. Silands Jasark easily passed the check, registering 54bpm after 11 minutes of rest.

Avery completed the 100km in six hours 37.46 minutes to head off Waikato's Lois Hosking and Highlander who finished in 6.38.37 hours. Denis Hill and Sheree placed third in 6.56.34 hours.

Riders started at the Hastings show grounds at 7am on Friday and were escorted by police through Hastings for 5km. The riders then completed four laps of a farmland circuit out at Cape Kidnappers before heading to the finish in Havelock North township where they were greeted by a crowd of over 300.

The race was held on a cool, clear day with dry, hard conditions underfoot. Despite the ideal conditions only 17 of 39 horses qualified with a number vetted out with high heart rates.

Avery's performance helped the New Zealand team to vict-ory in the team's race. They headed off a world team made up of two Spanish, a Belgian and a Kiwi. South Africa finished third.

The win earned Avery a trip to compete in South Africa in June. Details of the South African race are yet to be confirmed.

Nicola French was also in winning form at the Horse of the Year. Riding Buckton Tumbledown in the dressage she took out the open elementary pony musical freestyle title yesterday. The win wrapped up a consistent show that saw French place third in the open elementary pony on Friday and fourth in the elementary pony on Thursday.

Also competing in the showing, French and Buckton Tumbledown were reserve champion for New Zealand bred ponies, third equal in the child rider 13 and 14 years, fourth in the paced and mannered pony 128cm-138cm and sixth in the intermediate rider of the year 13-16 years.

Fellow dressage rider Angela Fergusson and Monique III recorded two fourths, in the FEI Prix St George on Wednesday and the advanced musical freestyle on Friday. Monique III was ridden by international rider Calet De Vos to fifth in the international class on Saturday.

In the showing, Sandra Pilcher and Southwind Just Cruising placed third in the in-hand pony three year old. Emma Pilcher and Rosewood Little Maestro were fourth in the paced and mannered pony of the year while Lucy Allen and Nala Emblems Nichole were fifth. Emma Pilcher also placed fifth in the paced and mannered pony 128cm-138cm and Emily Wallace and Kessley Kiss n Tell were fourth in the child rider 11-12 years.

Emma Pilcher also recorded a number of top placings in the side saddle with fifth in the concors d'elegance and side saddle rider.

Sally Adams and Wynard Freedom were runner-up in the side saddle rider and side saddle mount, fourth in the concors d'elegance and fifth in the Sue Moss Memorial Side Saddle Horse of the Year.

Uruguay Wins Gold at World Endurance Championship Junior & Young Rider

photo by Cidinha Franzao Endurance Brazil

Urugay took Team Gold at the 2007 World Endurance Championship for Junior & Young Riders. The venue was Campo de Mayo in Argentina,outside of Buenos Aires. 38 riders finished the 120km course out of 57 starters. Team Silver was won by Brazil, and team Bronze was awarded to United Arab Emirates.

Uruguay riders Manuela Antonaccio on Metiche, and Ignacio Ospitaleche on EO Dubut won individual Gold and Silver. UAE rider H.E. Sh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi took individual Bronze on Kalkadoon Kampa.

Team Results // Individual Results:

Team
1 Uruguay – Gold
2 UAE – Silver
3 Brasil - Bronze
4 South Africa
5 Guatemala
6 New Zealand
7 Namibia
8 Australia

Team with 2 riders
9 Chile


Individual:

Rider (Country) Horse Time
1 Manuela Antonaccio (Uru) Metiche 5:20
2 Ignacio Ospitaleche (Uru) EO Dubut 5:35
3 H.E. Sh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi (UAE) Kalkadoon Kampa la BC 5:40
4 H.E. Sh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qasimi (UAE) Castlebar Sobea 5:45
5 Mohammad Sabousi (UAE) Lester 5:45
6 Vanessa Von Zakrzewsky (Uru) Indio Pampa 5:46
7 H.E. Sh Ahmed Mohd Al Maktoum (UAE) Sadam 5:46
8 Patrícia Batah Taliberti (Bra) Jam Bob Fire 5:47
9 Magalí Méndez (Arg) M Malon 5:47
10 Mariana Silva de Salles Pacheco (Bra) Irish BMW 5:47
11 Manuel Perez (Uru) ED Virka 5:47
12 Naira Pesce Dias (Bra) Quality Fabulous JP 5:51
13 Mi Jehane Rudman (Nam) Viruletuan 5:53
14 Carmen Du Preez (Sudafrica) Nag Sharon Bez 5:56
15 Ana Carla Maciel (Bra) GR Pimentinha 5:57
16 Thia Rachel Van Niekerk (Sudafrica) Alborada Forastero (Chi) 5:58
17 Facundo Larrere (Arg) ZT Thay Lover 5:58
18 Maria Paiz Larrave (Gua) Kirov da Barra 5:59
19 Mansour Sabousi (UAE) Cal Folklore (Uru) 5:59
20 Laura Paiz Larrave (Gua) Nico (Uru) 6:06
21 Francois Du Preez (Sudafrica) LM Midday 6:17
22 Martina Spelanzón (Arg) Srta. Cher 6:30
23 Maximiliano Montes de Oca (Arg) El Sheik 6:30
24 Karina Camargo Arroyo dos Santo (Bra) Moubarak Tawfik 6:35
25 Franco Cuzzani (Arg) Gran Indú 6:39
26 Alfredo Sat (Chi) Navidad 6:49
27 Asher Batty (Aus) Bassam 6:49
28 Tessa Deuss (Nzl) Mora Anunciata 6:51
29 Sam Reid (Nzl) Moro Deuz 7:04
30 Julia Anderson (Nzl) Vigo (Chi) 7:04
31 Marlene Jansen Van Resburg (Nam) Sche Al Jartum 7:10
32 Izolde Von Schauroth (Nam) LCH Allith 7:10
33 Sascha Laus King (Aus) Ro Jordan 7:12
34 Lukas Buckel (Chi) Etiqueta Negra 7:15
35 Wannete Hanekom (Nam) Shaibum 7:23
36 Pierre De Wit (Nam) M Platero 7:23
37 Jose Rodrigo Paiz Larrave (Gua) Hows 8:08
38 Jenny Annets (Aus) Hcas Anakena 8:29

More photos at Endurance Brazil

Ahmad powers UAE to team silver in world junior event

UAE Gulf News
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter

Photo (Gulf News): Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with his brother Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum during the team event of the World Junior and Young Riders' Endurance Championships in Buenos Aires on Friday.

Buenos Aires: Uruguay confirmed their status as an emerging endurance powerhouse with a golden double while the UAE battled conditions to snatch the team silver and individual bronze at the World Junior and Young Riders' Endurance Championship, 2007 here on Friday.

Fifteen-year-old Manuela Antonaccio on Metiche was superb in victory, making it a start-to-finish affair to lead the Uruguayan double which was completed by the silver-medal winning Ignacio Ospitaleche on EO Dubut, Vanessa Von Zakrzewsky on Indio Pampa and Manuel Perez on ED Virka.

Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, on Sadam, led the UAE to the silver while Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, on Kalkadoon Kampala, picked up the individual bronze with a stirring display in the final loop.

Shaikh Abdullah was followed home by his younger brother Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qasimi on Castlebar Sobea, who also came up with a searing finish while Shaikh Ahmad along with the Sabousi brothers of Mohammad and Mansour were steady in completing the 120-km distance and finishing with the silver medal.

The Brazilians, who were also expected to dominate along with the Uruguayans, took the team silver.

While the Uruguayans made the most of familiar conditions to score a fluent win, the UAE youngsters were hit by some bad luck with a couple of falls and the confusing loops which were inter-twined at many places amidst poor signage.

The UAE were expecting a tough challenge and despite the Uruguayans setting the early pace, they kept the pressure on but lost quite a lot of valuable minutes through tumbles and losing their way.

Military base

The Campo De Mayo venue is at a military base about 40km from Buenos Aires. The five different loops criss-crossed each other at many places on the open Pampas plains.

Shaikh Ahmad missed one of the loops and when he tried to make a quick turn he fell off the horse and was dragged for about 30 metres. The saddle went one way and the saddle cloth the other and Shaikh Mayed stopped to help. While Shaikh Ahmad lost almost 15 minutes, Shaikh Mayed lost 7 minutes, though it did not matter as he was eliminated after the third stage.

That left the UAE with just three riders in the team competition and all three had to complete to stay in contention, while the Uruguayans had all four and they were in the lead.

Shaikh Abdullah also had a fall when he could not avoid a ditch and lost quite a few minutes, while Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose was also unseated twice in the very first loop of 37km.

However, the UAE lads rallied to take the third, fourth and fifth places behind the Uruguayan duo and the 7th and 19th places to complete a rewarding day in their first-ever participation in South America.

2007 WEC Junior & Young Riders - Coverage Brazil

UAE riders face tough challenge in world junior championship

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Buenos Aires: Despite the absence of some of the leading European teams, the UAE will face a tough challenge in today's World Junior & Young Riders Endurance Championship from some of the rising endurance countries from the region.

Apart from hosts Argentina, who will try to take full advantage of home conditions, the main threat to UAE is likely to come from the riders from Uruguay and Brazil.

Key members of the UAE team arrived late last night including Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mansour Ahmad Al Subose and Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose while Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi and Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, who are already here, took part in an impressive inaugural ceremony earlier on Wednesday evening.

WEC-Young Riders: Ahmad to lead UAE contingent

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter

Buenos Aires: Former world champion and Doha Asian Games team gold medallist Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum leads a six-member UAE team at the World Junior & Young Riders Endurance Championship, 2007 to be held here on March 16.

Shaikh Ahmad along with Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who was also in the gold medal winning team at the Doha Asiad along with Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, Mansoor Ahmad Al Subose and Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose comprise the six-member UAE team.

Shaikh Abdullah and Shaikh Ahmad had won the silver and bronze medals respectively in the last World Junior & Young Riders Endurance Championship held in Bahrain in 2005 and the UAE team will be looking to improve on that display in conditions which will be totally new and unfamiliar to them.



The UAE riders, who have almost dominated the European and Asian endurance circuits, now venture out into the South American continent with a total of about 60 riders expected to be in the fray.

Though the final list of riders and teams will be known only after tomorrow's final veterinary check, over 10 teams are expected to be in the running for the team event while all the entrants will take a shot at the individual medals.

Apart from Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi and Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qasimi, whose horses have arrived here from the UAE, the others will be riding Uruguyan horses owned by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Mohammad has based about 30 endurance horses in Uruguay and about six of them have arrived here after qualifying for the championship.

The 120-km event will be held at the Campo De Mayo on the outskirts of Buenos Aires and will be contested over five stages of 37km, 32km, 21km, 20km and 9km.

An opening ceremony later this evening (Buenos Aries time is about seven hours behind UAE time) will start the event.

"The horses are all in good condition and we have arrived here well in advance to make all preparations.

"The list of four names for the team will only be finalised after the final vet check and we are hoping the horses will be fit and pass the test," said Ali Moosa, Head of Endurance, Dubai Equestrian Club.

[More ...]

Argentina: 2007 Junior & Young Rider World Championship Entry List

UAE: Shaikha Alyazia is Ladies Endurance champion

Khaleej Times
12 March 2007


DUBAI — Shaikha Alyazia bint Sultan Al Nahyan was declared the “Ladies Endurance Champion” as soon as she crossed the finish line ahead of 21 other lady riders in front of a cheering crowd on Friday. She won the first place with 290 points from all the rounds.

Shaikha Alyazia was riding 10-year-old, bay mare Ningadoo Moesha, from Al Reef Stables for the His Highness Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Cup, which was the last round of the of three-round Al Asayl Ladies Endurance Championship.

Shaikha Alyazia completed the distance in three hours, 18 minutes and 30 seconds riding on an average speed of 24.18 kmph. A total number of ten riders completed the ride.

The FEI, CEI Two-star Round III was run in three phases of 30 km, 30 km and 20 km respectively. All the rides were held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.

The Organising Committee had formulated a point system based on which any rider, with the maximum number of points at the end of Round III, will be declared the “Ladies Champion.”

Second place in Friday’s ride went to Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi with 230 points. She was riding 13-year-old chestnut mare Red Sonya from Al Reef Stables. She finished the ride in three hours, 21 minutes and 40 seconds riding on an average speed of 23.80 kmph.

Third place went to Shaikha Shamma bint Sultan Al Nahyan (125 points) who was riding 6-year-old grey stallion Sabee, owned by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

She clocked three hours, 27 minutes and one second registering an average speed of 23.19 kmph.
The ride was chiefly sponsored by Shaikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with Assisi Endurance Lifestyle.

UAE: Strong response for Emirates Challenge

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter


Abu Dhabi: The Emirates International Endurance Village's Emirates Challenge is expected to attract around 100 entries for the FEI CEI Three-star 120-km endurance ride on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, General Manager of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) said the event, earlier a three-round challenge, will now be a one-off event with Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage (ADACH) supporting it.

"There will be a total prize money of Dh400,000 and the ride will be run in five stages of 32km, 30km, 24km, 18km and 16km," Adnan said.

"This is a very prestigious event after the President's Cup and the National Day Cup and we expect all the top riders in the UAE along with the foreign riders to take part in it," he said.

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Head of the ADACH Exhibitions Department, said the Authority was set up last year and aimed at preserving heritage sport and activities.

"We work directly under Shaikh Sultan Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, and this is the first time we are sponsoring an endurance event," he said.

"Apart from horse racing and camel racing, falconry is another sport that we support while we also hold the annual Equestrian and Hunting show," Al Qubaisi said.

"With Purebred Arabian horses playing a lead role in the sport of endurance, we are delighted to be part of this event and hopefully we will continue this association," he said.

ADEC's Marketing and Sponsor Liaison Lara Sawaya said that apart from the Dh400,000 on offer, there were many other awards and cash prizes for the spectators.

"Etihad Airways will be giving away three air tickets and Axiom Telecom will part with eight mobile phones to be raffled free. The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage will also give away a total of Dh10,000 through the free raffle," said Lara.

Meanwhile, Saturday's event will be the penultimate event at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba. Once again, Al Reef Stables are expected to make a strong bid to extend their domination.

Bahrain: Strong UAE team for endurance race

FORMER world champion Shaikh Hazza bin Sultan Al Nahyan will be participating in His Majesty the King's Cup Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir. Shaikh Hazza will lead a strong field of top UAE riders, including his young brother Shaikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The championship, featuring senior and junior races - both over 120 km - will also witness four riders from Kuwait as well as Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Stable team who have already arrived in Bahrain.

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa welcomed the participants for the championship.

Shaikh Khalid said the federation has received many entries from Bahrain and that registration will be open until Friday.

"We are all excited and honoured to take part in this race which has attracted many top riders from Bahrain and overseas. Riders here are showing great spirit during training and are keen to steal the spotlight on this special occasion," said Shaikh Khalid.

He also thanked sponsors Durrat Al Bahrain, specially its chairman Abdulhakim Al Khayyat for its support to this championship.

"I am thankful to Durrat Al Bahrain for their support which will certainly help in making the championship a success," he said.

"Preparations are almost finished at the village which is now ready to host the championship and I am thankful for His Majesty King Hamad who has been supportive and inspiring the riders in different competitions," he said.

Meanwhile, the organising committee has named the working committees of the championship.

The judges committee is headed by Brian Dunn of Ireland and includes Sundar Rethinavel of India, Abdulsamad Al Busta and Haider Al Zo'bi of Bahrain. They will be assisted by Bahrain's Haider Rafii, Mhadi Al Kulaiti and Ali Ghuloom.

Ghalib Al Alawi, who is the Breef general secretary, has been chosen as the official commissioner of the championship while Mohammed Dadulla, Mahmood Abdulsaheb and Fahad Al Rumaihi are the supervisors.

The veterinary team consist of Saudi Arabia's Dr Mohammed Al Hammad, Ahmed Rida of Iran, Samuel Kamal of Malaysia, Zahid Rafiq of Pakistan, India's V C Thomas, Shafi Mohammed and Ibrahim Al Hassan, Bahrain's Abbas Al Haiki, Ibrahim Yousef, Adam Sabeel, Abdulrahman Abushook, Fareeda Abdulrazzaq and Sabah Al Kaabi.

Qatar: Mannai wins Endurance ride

Qatar: Gulf Times

Published: Monday, 5 March, 2007, 09:48 AM Doha Time

Photo: The King of Malaysia Wathiq Billah Mizan Zainal Abidin (fourth from right) seen with the winners of the Endurance Ride held on Sunday at Mesaieed

The King of Malaysia Wathiq Billah Mizan Zainal Abidin (fourth from right) seen with the winners of the Endurance Ride held on Sunday at Mesaieed
ESSA Ahmed al-Mannai finished the gruelling 160km qualifying ride in 12hrs25min.02secs , ahead of the King of Malaysia Al Wathiq Billah Mizan Zainal Abidin at the Endurance Village in Mesaieed on Sunday.
Mannai, riding Vertglant, was placed sixth at the end of the first and second vet gate, but improved to second at the third and made up enough time to finish first after the fourth and fifth stages to emerge champion.

The Malaysian king astride Moniqe Danilee started off the first stage of 35 kms with a ninth finish. He gradually made up and took the fifth spot in the second and third stage. With some of the contenders retiring from the fray, Abidin came back into reckoning in the fifth and sixth stage while checking in behind the eventual winner.
In another qualifying round which was held in two stages over 60kms, Diana Cumming Untermeyer riding Lamh Al Basr checked in first ahead of Lakshman Singh astride Omani Azaq. The former clocked a time of 4hrs35min11secs, while Lakshman was just 11 seconds behind the winner.

Bahrain: Stage set for top endurance race

REGISTRATION is underway for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Cup scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Top riders from Bahrain, the GCC and other countries are expected to take part in this prestigious event being organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef).

Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa said more than 50 riders from Bahrain will be taking part in this prestigious event which consists of 120-km races for seniors and juniors.

The Breef chief added the race would be open to Bahrainis and expatriates with top riders from around the world expected to be in the fray. "I would like to welcome all the riders from outside Bahrain to participate in the championship. Their presence will be highly appreciated and will add more spice to the competition," said Shaikh Nasser.

Riders from Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Stable, which is owned by Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, are also expected to participate.

"This championship is the biggest event on our calendar and we must work hard to guarantee its success," said Shaikh Nasser.

This year's championship will be sponsored by Durrat Al Bahrain who signed a sponsorship agreement with the federation.

"I am thankful to Durrat Al Bahrain for their support to us which will certainly help in making the championship a success," he said.

This race will be the fifth of the season, which kicked off with the Season Opening Championship, followed by the Kingdom Holding Championship, the Bahrain International Open Championship and the Prime Minister's Championship last month.

Shaikh Nasser also said the federation has submitted its bid to organise the 2008 World Endurance Horseride Championship for the seniors and are waiting for a reply from the International Equestrian Federation.

"Our chances of having this world event in Bahrain are very good. We have already organised the world junior championship and are also capable of hosting the senior event," said a confident Shaikh Nasser.

Qatar: Tuanku Mizan Finishes Second

Bernama.Com - Malaysian News Agency
March 04, 2007 01:13 AM

KUALA LUMPUR, March 3 (Bernama) -- The Qatar International Endurance Race had a royal glitter with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin riding his mare to a podium finish at the Qatar Endurance Village in Doha.

According to a statement, His Majesty completed the gruelling 160km course in second place behind Qatari rider, Isa Al-Manai, who was riding for the Al Shaqab stable owned by the Emir of Qatar.

It was a double delight for Malaysia with Faizal Ismail of the Selangor based Ar-Raudah Equine Centre finishing third.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said, who accompanied the King to Doha, expressed her delight over the King's achievement. She said it was more satisfying since the weather was rather chilly and windy.

All the 39 riders that took part in the race were flagged off at 9pm, Friday and the top three riders finished the race in approximately 13 hours.

Azalina said Tuanku Mizan's second placing placed him on track to qualify for the World Endurance Race to be held in Terengganu next year.

The King is expected to participate in the Royal Kedah International Ride in Bandar Darul Aman, Jitra from March 8-10. The event has attracted more than 80 riders including several royalties from West Asia.

Two more international endurance events are scheduled to be held in Selangor and Johor this year as part of the build up to next year's world championship.

Malaysia: Kedah Host Royal International Invitational Ride 2007

Bernama, Malaysian National News Agency

March 01, 2007 23:56 PM

ALOR STAR, March 1 (Bernama) -- Kedah will once again draw world attention when it hosts the Royal Kedah International Invitational Ride 2007 at the Darul Aman Equine Centre in Jitra on March 9 and 10.

The endurance race will be participated by 80 riders, including 15 world-class foreign riders as well as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin and royalty from the Gulf states.

This grand event in the northern region, after the Langkawi Ironman Triathlon 2007 which ended on Feb 24, is set to draw greater public interest in equine sports.

The Darul Aman Equine Centre, run by the state government's investment arm, Darulaman Realty Sdn Bhd, since two years ago, is the only such centre in this part of the country.

When visiting the centre recently, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said said equine sport, although regarded as a sport of the rich, could still result in the development of the equine industry and emerge as a new tourism product for Kedah.

According to her, the competition had attained recognition from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM).

"Kedah's success as the host and the ministry as the joint organiser will have a bearing on the holding of the World Endurance Championship in Terengganu next year."

She said the organisers of the Kedah event should ensure that the competition turns out to be the best as "the fans all over the world will be watching us".

The participation of Sultan Mizan with five others in his team is expected to draw much public attention, especially among equine sport fans in this country.

Among the participating royalty are Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, Sheikh Rashid from Qatar and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Sultan Al-Nahyan.

Riders from Australia, the United States, Belgium and the Netherlands will also compete against those from Brunei, Indonesia and Thailand.

The endurance race, will be divided into three categories -- 120km, 80km and 40km from 5.30 pm on March 9 to about 10 am the next day.

Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid is confident that the competition would run smoothly and urged the people to warmly welcome the participants.

"As the races are not only held at night but will pass through housing estates, villages, padi fields and rubber plantations, the people must give their full support," he said.

Mahdzir hoped the sport would not only evoke interest among the people but also result in the emergence of top riders to represent Kedah at international events.

He also called on the people to give their cooperation to the authorities in ensuring the safety of the participants.

The participants are expected to arrive in Alor Star tomorrow while some of the horses are already here, including six from Brisbane, Australia, and they are placed at the Darul Aman Equine Centre.

To make it a more interesting event, the organisers will hold some side activities which are open to the public.

The Sultan of Kedah will flag off the races and present the prizes to the winners.

-- BERNAMA