Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Abu Dhabi: Khalid and Hazza start as frontrunners

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan
December 31, 2008

Abu Dhabi: Last year's defending champion Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his elder brother Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 2007 winner, will once again start off as frontrunners to win the three-day (80x3) 240-km Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup.

Last year, Shaikh Khalid won the 240-km ride on Nemer while in 2007 it was Shaikh Hazza, who finished first on ZT Faraventura.

The three-day 240-km ride is one of the four rides which make up the three-day endurance festival staged at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE.

The three-day 240-km event is a tough test for both rider and horse.

More...

Abu Dhabi: Endurance festival kicks off Wednesday

Wam.org.ae

Dec 31, 2008

ABU DHABI, Dec. 31st, 2008: The Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Endurance Festival is set to kick off on Thursday at the Bou Theib Endurance Village in Al Khatem.

250 male and female jockeys from the UAE and other countries will compete in 4 races over 3 days for a total of AED 600000 in prizes.

The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of Emirates Heritage Club.

The winner of the main 3-leg 240km ride which will be spread over 3 days will receive AED 100000 in cash and the Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Endurance Cup.

Monday, December 29, 2008

Dubai: Hamad wins Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 1

By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter

Dubai: Hamad Ebrahim Abdullah Al Marzouqi scored a fluent win on Lautaro to take yesterday's 100-km Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 1 endurance ride, a national event open only to UAE riders from private stables.

Hamad, riding the 13-year-old chestnut gelding for Al Ain Stables, completed the 4-stage 100-km ride in four hours 10 minutes and 56 seconds at an average speed of 23.91kmph at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalam.

A total of 72 riders took part in yesterday's event which was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

It was a consistent riding display by Hamad on Lautaro that ended in a comfortable win for the youngster with Rashid Arif Al Zarouni on Soughah in second place and Mohammad Hassan Abdullah on Tiramisu in third ahead of Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha, who was one of the favourites.

[More ...]

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Abu Dhabi: From Hobby to Profession!

Gulf News

(photo: M. Satya Narayan/Gulf News)
Maj Al Adhab says the support of the Rulers and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has helped him get a good insight into the finer aspects in officiating as an endurance judge.


By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: December 27, 2008, 23:32

Abu Dhabi: What started out as a hobby in 1990 soon blossomed into a fruitful association with horses and Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab is not only the Director of Dubai Mounted Police but has enjoyed many firsts in the equestrian world.

It was a hobby in 1990 and as a cadet in Dubai Police he began to enjoy riding and competing in equestrian events and after he became an officer in 1996, Mohammad Eisa caught the eye and began his journey as an official.

In 1997, the officer was sent to Australia under instructions from His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and became a Steward in flat racing and was named to the Emirates Racing Authority as the first UAE national Steward.

His next step was into endurance and starting off as junior official, he soon reached the peak and is today one of the two active four-star international judged in endurance.

Speaking to Gulf News, Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab speaks about his involvement with horses which has seen him officiate in numerous world championships.

Gulf News: How did it all come about your involvement with horses?
Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab: It started as a hobby but and it was this interest in horses which soon resulted in me being named as Director of Dubai Mounted Police in 1997 after I became an officer in 1996.


Could you please explain Dubai Mounted Police in brief?
We have over 200 horses and they are part of different divisions. We have horses for crowd control, endurance, show jumping, ceremony shows and more recently we have a division which helps in rehabilitation of handicapped.

Apart from heading the Dubai Mounted Police, what are the other areas of interest with horses?
Thanks to the busy racing and endurance season in the UAE I have become a four-star international judge which allows me to officiate in international events. I am also the first UAE national who has been named as an 'Expert' in horses by the Dubai Courts.

What is your role as a Horse 'Expert'?
In cases involving horses or other equestrian activities, I am eligible to give my opinion to the courts.

As a UAE national, how do you look at your role as an International Endurance Judge?
The UAE is one of the few countries with the highest number of FEI rides. Apart from this the support of the Rulers and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has helped me get a good insight into the finer aspects in officiating as an endurance judge. With the horse's welfare being paramount my experience as a rider helps.

In the recent past, you have been officiating in all international championships. What are the challenges?
I was the Head of the Ground Jury at the Doha Games and have been a member of the Jury at the World Endurance Championships in 2006 in Germany and the recent World Endurance Championship in Malaysia. I was also an official at the European Open Championship in Portugal in 2007.

The sport is one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines. With it the rules are also constantly being changed but fortunately for me... I manage to keep abreast of developments.

Sunday, December 21, 2008

USA: Goethe Ride - Florida

The Goethe 100 was held this past weekend in Florida. Managed by Connie Caudill this long standing ride offered an FEI division this year for the first time. With perfect Florida weather the event had a large turnout and a competitive field.

Preliminary Results:
100 Milers
26 starters/14 finishers
BC- Valerie Kanavy-Gold Raven

1 08:35:45 Kanavy, Valerie Gold Raven (BC)
2 08:49:40 Rapp, Ellen Berjo Smokey
3 10:18:11 Faryadi, Farzad Hot Desert Knight
4 10:19:11 Gibbon, Kyle Julio
5 10:19:33 Rojek, Steve Sambet
6 12:35:10 Worthington, Janice Serloki
7 12:35:15 Lewis, Chris Mufasa
8 12:54:38 Farris, Mary Thundering Overtime
9 12:54:38 Schultz, Debbie TR Notablymi shaah
10 13:28:01 Blittersdorf, Melody Synthetic
11 13:28:02 House, Norma Legendary Echo
12 13:28:03 Savory, Megan Shamwari
13 13:28:04 SLeeper, Meg Syrocco Gabriel
14 13:28:05 Ivey, Debra Razyl Cha
L Alderdice, Krista Zinfandl Coalmane
L Brunjes, Kathy Tektonic
L LF Green, Lisa LR Amana Tabi
L RH Downs, Kathryn Blew Away
M Kirkland, Alexandra DJB Mercy Mercy
P Mero-Kuryla, Jeanette Lynika
PULL Carrie, Dawn Little Bear TC
RF Parsons, Debbie Eclipse
RO Hagman-Eriksson, Maria Ruleta PJ
RO M Krell, Darlene Raising Cano
RO M Kidd, Edward Merlin
ROM Yanada, Yukio Sarahs Song

75 Milers (w/o the horse names)
38 starters and 25 finishers
BC- Cia Reis
1 06:07:15 Kanavy-McGunigal, Danielle
2 06:07:30 Reis, Cia
3 06:13:33 Olsen, Jeremy
4 06:33:37 Barbosas, Hernon
5 06:38:42 Roush, Michelle
6 07:42:41 Bejarano, Wendy
7 07:42:43 Hoyns, Heather
8 07:42:44 Gielen, Robert
9 08:04:29 Vinton, Yvette
10 08:16:00 Nelzin, Justin
11 08:22:55 Crandell, John
12 08:31:05 Littlefield, Chris
13 08:39:40 WALKER, NANCY
14 08:39:40 O’Donnell, Brenda
15 08:49:20 Smetek, Gregory
16 09:24:55 Augustine, Dave
17 09:35:46 PEARSON, LAURIE WHALEY
18 09:41:43 Horn, Devon
19 09:41:45 Butler, Darolyn
20 09:49:11 Ciubuc, Radu Ion Aurel
21 09:56:42 Mettes, Cynthia
22 09:56:45 Olson, Foster
23 10:20:00 Pauley, Leigh Ann
24 11:31:50 Hendrickson, Stephanie
25 12:29:42 Carrie, Ross
L LF Kaden, David
L R Downs, Daryl
L RF Orr, Kim
L RO Snook, Lucy
LF Welling, ROxi Rivkind
LF CICCONE, ROXANNE
LH Swift, Rita
M CRANDELL, LINDA
PULL WILLIAMS, LISA
PULL WILLIAMS, KIMBERLY JoY
RH/RO Tachibana, Yurika
RO Kale, Brittany
RO L Van Deusen, Cheryl

50 Milers
BC Lisa Winburn/SA Ireesh Tenor
40 starters/33 finishers

1 03:50:00 Greenwalt, Carolina Reach for the Gold
2 03:56:00 ALLEN, ELIZABETH KHEMOZEDDI
3 03:58:00 Raciborska, Do Saagre Gold
4 04:31:00 WINBURN, LISA SA IREESH TENOR
5 04:38:00 HAGIN, AMBER Beaujolais
6 04:46:00 HOWELL, MARY SHAani
7 04:46:00 Mooney, Jessica Shashi
8 04:53:00 Pfoertsch, kevi what about bob
9 04:55:00 WALKER, DEBORAH COBRA
10 04:55:00 FEROGLIA, LESLI MAGNUFIQUE
11 04:55:46 STILLWELL, INTA Ce Nickie Bay
12 05:04:30 VILLENEUve, MARIA SMOKE RISE ZAHARA
13 05:04:31 WOODHOUSE, CHRYSTA MISS T MOONLITE
14 05:05:08 Boysen, Cody Autumn In Motion
15 05:08:18 Petras, johnny Cazze
16 05:28:20 Magee, J D Lucky
17 05:29:09 Magee, kathy Elden
18 05:29:40 HOWELL, cATHE DIXIES MORNING SKYE
19 05:31:24 Heater, RON P.D.
20 05:35:10 BASS, KEITH FENIX T
21 05:43:06 JOHNSON, TERESA SEQUENCE
22 05:43:14 YENTER, MARY ROHARA EGOISTE
23 05:48:12 Steiner, Carol Jumpin Jax
24 05:48:23 schoech, joe Kamakazi bAY B
25 05:57:10 Kemerer, SKip Samir Moniet
26 05:57:20 KEMERER, ASHLEY KIRAH ZONE
27 05:57:25 LEWIS, SAMANTHA FLEETS REFLEXION
28 06:31:53 Vavala, Carolyn CA hAfizoliVa
29 06:34:44 Mathews, Barb Torpedo Masterpiece
30 06:34:50 Maillard, WES
31 08:04:01 strasser, sheryl Wut the sign sea
32 08:10:02 SHOAf, DONNA SILKO DESSERT RAIN
33 08:10:04 JOHNSON, KELLY AJA
EL /gate 1 HUNTER, TERI KHOMENTS KAROL
L LH KALLELA, SINI SOHO
L RF BISCH, EDWARD RUSTY
L RF BROWN, JERRY JENERATOR
LH/RF Waxman, Alisa
RH Reich, Deborah Tryxa
RO BOWER, LOUISE TROOPER TOBY

Limited Distance
Best condition- Shelley Scott-Jones
37 starters/32 finishers

1 01:59:00 GIRARD, TAMMIE RAJAH EL PHARD
2 02:00:00 staffney, penny kismit
3 02:00:00 whiteacre, catherine yasmin tseacoast
4 02:13:00 Roberts, Cassandra AV Temptress
5 02:13:00 Scott-Jones, Shelley Crank It Up
6 02:15:00 BUICK, DEBBIE FOUND ONE MAXIUMUM BAY
7 02:15:00 Lemieux, Elaine Hershey
8 02:17:00 Powers, Melissa Luv on the Rocs
9 02:21:00 WONSER, JEAN WIELKI
10 02:24:00 Doler, Vickie Lady
11 02:27:00 Annis, Margie Nirus
12 02:34:00 Paul, Vance MystiQal Firefly
13 02:35:00 FLorkiewicz, Maria MAJECO
14 02:44:00 Yates, Samatha Marco
15 02:49:00 Schoech, Tamra Bogey
16 02:50:00 BROWN, MALINDA EAGLES ROCK SER
17 02:50:00 Popff, Natalie Gria
18 02:50:00 Spear, Caitlin Houre Black Kandu
19 02:55:00 Janecek, Laura Tuff
20 02:55:00 Haulbrook, Kathleen Hercules
21 02:57:00 BRIANT, CAROL VIRONIKA
22 02:58:00 FULCHER, REBECCA DREAM EAGLE
23 03:04:00 Parker, Elaine LM Sterling Sundance
24 03:16:00 BOSTROM, JOY BAILA DE NEGOLD
25 03:26:00 BRADLEY, TAMMY PRIME TIME
26 03:32:00 Anthony, Julie SPENCER
27 03:37:00 Leger, Sherry Jambo
28 03:56:00 Burton, Mason Cracker jack
29 03:56:00 Burton, Carla Rain
30 04:14:00 BASS, HOPE Magic
31 04:48:00 Neff, Bonnie Alley Dancer V
32 04:48:00 Roy, carol Travieso
L Frnt Wilcox, Victoria Sennamon
L Hind Richardson, Kathy Georgia
LH Heppleston, Jill Blessings Easter Promise
RF Rohrer, Joy Myakka Q
RO stauffer, caren slim pickens


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp

Ride Long and Ride Safe!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Bahrain: National Guard Championship



Ghazi al Dossayr and Jelham
First to Finish - Photo by Osama

GHAZI Al Dossary and Abdulla Al Khatry emerged champions in the senior and junior races, respectively in the National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship held yesterday at the Bahrain Interna\
tional Endurance Village in Sakhir.


More than 100 riders from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia competed it out in this prestigious event which featured 120km five-stage races open for junior and senior riders.



Endurance.Net Coverage

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Great Britain: Molly Malone carries Hannah to a hat-trick

Journallive.co.uk

Dec 20 2008

HEXHAM-BASED Endurance rider Hannah Shotton has won the North Bedmax Trophy for the third year in a row on her Connemara pony, Miss Molly Malone.

The event is run by the Northumberland & Tyneside Endurance group and is open to any EGB or SERC (Scotland) member. There are ten qualifying rides with distances over 48 kilometres held across the North and Scottish Borders. Points are calculated based on the horse’s speed and final heart rate. The faster the speed and the lower the heart rate, the higher the points.

The trophy is awarded to the horse-rider combination with the highest total from four of the rides and prizes are presented to the first three places.

The Northumberland & Tyneside Endurance GB trophies were awarded at their Annual Group Meeting in the Robin Hood Inn, near Corbridge, by vet and sponsor Colin Mitchell, partner at ScottMitchell Associates, Hexham.

He made a short presentation on equine dentistry which was followed by a talk on the activities and hopes of the EGB Young Riders by Hannah Shotton.

Friday, December 19, 2008

Bahrain: Riders Set for National Guard Race


NINETY-two riders are in the fray for today's National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship, starting at 5.30am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The second endurance race of the season, to be held under the patronage of National Guard Commander Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, will be over 120km.

The race will be divided into five stages. The first and second stages will cover 30km each, 25km for the third stage, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

A huge number of riders have confirmed their participation in this challenging event which is open to seniors and juniors of all ages and nationalities.

Among top stables taking part in the senior race is the Royal Endurance Team who will be represented by 18 riders, led by veteran Yusuf Taher who will ride Maraka.

Other prominent team riders include Ghazi Al Dossary, Jaffer Mirza, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Fahad Bakheit, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Abdulhaq Qadoori and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

The remaining Royal team members are Mohammed Batch, Mahindra Singh, Karan Singh, Ahmed Abdulla, Elene Lyon, Morgan S., Abdulrahman Al Zayed and Mohammed Al Thawadi.

Al Talia Stable, another title favourites, will be spearheaded by three riders - Sang Singh Bhati, Samir Singh and Dalpat Singh.

Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa will lead a three-member team of Al Fateh Stable. The remaining two are Abdulla Al Muawda and Isa Buhazza.

Other stables in the fray include the Kingdom Stable, Al Shuwamekh, Hawar Equestrian, Hossam Mansoor, Jehad Al Sharaf, Awal, Ibrahim Abdali Stable, Al Ruwaie, Falcons, Saar Riding School, Hassan Al Ruwaie, Generation Stable, Al Asayel, Ali Ghuloom and Shabeer Malalla.

In the junior race, the Royal Endurance Team will be represented by Shaikha Maryam Al Khalifa and Ahmed Al Qaud.

From Al Fateh Stable, Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa is another favourite to win a podium spot in this category. Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Khalifa, Isa Al Ghatam and Hussain Aref are the other riders to race for Al Fateh Stable.

Also taking part in the junior races are riders from the Kingdom Stables, Hawar, Al Shuwamekh, Awal, Ras Jameel, Abu Younes, Al Mughairat, Al Ruwaie, Saar, Hassan Al Ruwaie and Al Asayel.

This prestigious championship will also feature two qualifying races over 60km and 80km. These warm-up races mostly attract young riders seeking experience for major events in the future.

In the 80km race, three riders are in the fray and they are Tito from Al Shuwamekh Stables, Nasser Awad from Al Mughairat Stable and Sayed Hussain Sayed Ali from Jawad Radhi Stable.

Six riders will line up in the 60km, including Abdulla Al Qaud and Abdulla Johar of the Royal Endurance Team, Mohammed Al Belooshi and Mohammed Al Khatry and Abdulrahman Ali of Al Asayel Stable besides Amelia Boyd from Abbas Khalil Stable.

Meanwhile, the veterinary examination will be held today from 2.30am until 4.30am at the endurance village. The weight procedures will also take place today during the veterinary examination as each rider should not be less than 75kg in weight.

The veterinarian and grounds jury committee members were announced as Carol B of Great Britain was named head of the ground jury committee which also includes Ghalib Al Alawi, Haider Al Zu'bi of Jordan and Bahrain's Abdulsamad Al Busta, Mahdi Al Kelaiti, Ali Ghuloom and Fahad Al Rumaihi.

Tunisia's Dr Yasine Al Mo'tamiri is head of the veterinary committee which consists of veterinarians from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Argentina and Bahrain.
Endurance.Net Coverage

USA: Arabian breeder Donald Forbis dies

Horsetalk.co.nz

Longtime US arabian horse breeder Donald Forbis died on Monday in Mena, Arkansas, at the age of 81. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer in June.

With his wife, Judith, Forbis founded the renowned Ansata Arabian Stud in 1958. The couple met in Turkey in 1957 while he was working as an oil well manager and she was with US International Cooperation Administration's Turkish Mission. They married in March 1958.

Both were horse lovers and while living in the southeast Diyarbakir region, bought Arabian horses to race in the local races for "something to do." Don trained them, and Judith rode them in the races. Her book Hoofbeats Along the Tigris chronicles their hazardous racing career as they won races and earned the respect of the Turks, Kurds and Arabs.

[More ...]

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Bahrain: Riders set for National Guard Endurance race

Gulf-daily-news.com

18th DECEMBER 2008

LEADING riders will be vying for top honours in the National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship to be held on Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The championship, which is the second event of the season, will be over 120 kms and is open to senior and junior riders. It will be held under the patronage of National Guard Commander Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Top stables taking part in this event include Al Fateh Stable coached by veteran rider Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa.

Al Fateh Stable will be represented by four riders including Shaikh Salman's daughter Shaikha Najla Al Khalifa who will compete in the junior race.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Khalifa (junior race) and Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa and Abdulla Al Muawda (senior race) are the other members of the team.

Al Asayel Stable is also entering a strong field led by Khalid Al Khatry. Yousif Isa and Mohammed Al Thawadi are set to take part in the senior race while five riders - Abdulla Al Khatry, Fahad Sulaiman, Abdulrahman Rashid, Khalifa Saad and Mohammed Saifa - are in the fray in the junior race.

Coaches Khalid Al Ruwaie from Hassan Al Ruwaie Stable and Jaffer Al Alawi of Falcons Stables are also confident of their riders putting up a good show. This event will also mark Bahrain's National Day and His Majesty King Hamad's accession to the throne.

Endurance.net coverage

WEG Equine Piroplasmosis Protocol Released

Thehorse.com

by: Edited Press Release
December 12 2008, Article # 13258

After years in development, a plan that allows horses positive for equine piroplasmosis to enter the United States in order to compete in the Alltech 2010 World Equestrian Games was recently presented to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) General Assembly. The Games, to be held Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2010, represent the world championships of the eight FEI disciplines. This is the first time the Games will be held outside of Europe.

Equine piroplasmosis is a blood-borne disease that can cause sickness in horses that have not been previously exposed. In areas of the world where the disease is more common, it can be transmitted by carrier horses that have encountered the disease previously and that carry both the causative organism and antibodies in their blood.

The World Games 2010 Foundation coordinated with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to organize this protocol.

"Effectively negating the piroplasmosis risk for both competition horses and the domestic horse population is a primary focus for our team, as part of our overall importation and quarantine plan," said Kent Allen, DVM, veterinary services coordinator for the event. "We want all horses to enter a healthy environment, and to leave the Games from a healthy environment."

The piroplasmosis organism requires specific tick species to complete its life cycle. For the organism to spread, this species of tick must feed on an infected horse, then drop off and feed on a non-infected horse.

More...

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

New Zealand: Harmon shows endurance over testing 102km course

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article and results

The Marlborough Express | Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Linda Harmon outlasted Kylie Avery to take 102km honours at the Marlborough Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Club's annual endurance ride on Saturday, December 6.

The two Marlborough riders were side by side for much of the four loops over the Easter Marchburn, Ditchling and Chestnut Valley properties but in the end it was Harmon and Landon V'erah who proved victorious.

Harmon crested the final hill ahead of Avery and Silands Jasark and gently cantered her horse down the final strip and over the line in 7 hours 47.26 minutes.

Avery finished 26 seconds later. Landon V'erah completed a double, taking the best conditioned award for the 102km class.

Marlborough junior rider Jaime Heywood, aboard Delights Antar, also completed the 102km ride, in 9.52.14.

More...

Sport Horse Veterinary Symposium to Run with WEG

Thehorse.com

Edited Press Release
December 16 2008, Article # 13280

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and Alltech will sponsor a sport horse symposium for veterinarians to be held in conjunction with the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The symposium, "Promoting Peak Performance in Equine Athletes," will be held Sept. 22-24, 2010, at the Marriot Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Ky. In addition to this symposium for veterinarians, Rood & Riddle and Alltech will conduct seminars at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Games for non-veterinary attendees.

The symposium will focus on veterinary care for horses involved in sport horse disciplines, including: eventing, show jumping, dressage, endurance, reining, vaulting, driving, and para-equestrian. An international roster of speakers will present in-depth, current information on orthopedic problems, diagnostic imaging, equine podiatry, gait disorders (lameness versus neurological disease), upper and lower respiratory disease, muscle disease, and nutrition.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is the official equine hospital and veterinary partner for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be held Sept. 25 through Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

"Rood and Riddle is delighted to partner with Alltech to sponsor a symposium for sport horse veterinarians from around the world," said Tom Riddle, DVM. "We timed the meeting so that veterinarians could attend the symposium and stay for the Games, which begin the day following the closure of the symposium. We are assembling an outstanding group of speakers who will offer the latest information on veterinary care and nutrition of the sport horse."

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Abu Dhabi: Muhairi Wins National Day Endurance Race

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

James Jose

14 December 2008

ABU DHABI — Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi bounced back in style to win the prestigious National Day Cup FEI CEI 120km Endurance Ride at the Emirates Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday.

With this win in one of the most looked forward to event of the Endurance season, Dubai’s Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi also brought the National capital’s domination to a halt. Riders from Abu Dhabi have won all the six Rides of the season so far — three Open Rides and three Junior Rides.

It was a sensational and sweet win for Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi as he was placed 16th after the first loop of 32km. And also, his horse Sudan was vetted out in the Shaikh Rashid bin Hamdan Challenge two weeks ago. It was ridden by his younger brother Ali Thani Mohammed Al Muhairi. Sudan bounced back in style and it augurs well for owner Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Finance. Muhairi timed four hours, 47 minutes and 54 seconds. Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed, who was leading until the fourth loop, had to settle for second after his horse Tris Filou, from the Al Reef Stables, was tired to make a dash to the finish. Sultan Ahmad Sultan bin Sulayem, bronze medallist at the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia, was third. Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed had an overall time of four hours, 52 minutes and 22 seconds, while Sulayem had a timing of five hours and nine seconds.

Briton Alice Beet displayed one of the finest fightbacks of the day...

More...

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser finishes fourth

Date:14-12-2008

ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished fourth place overall in the first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix yesterday at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi, writes RAMI HULAYYEL.

Forty six riders from Bahrain and the UAE took part in the first of a three-race series being organised for the first time by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian Endurance Federation (Breef) in co-operation with the UAE Equestrian Federation.

Only 18 riders could finish the race which was divided into five stages - 32 kms, 30 kms, 24 kms, 18 kms and 16 kms.

The hosts dominated the podium yesterday with Abdulla bin Hazim winning the race in four hours, 58 minutes and 10 seconds.

Behind him was UAE's presidential affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (5:08:34) while compatriot Ahmed bin Harmash (5:13:06) was third.

Riding Omsura Nasrohn, Shaikh Nasser was among five of Bahrain's top riders in this prestigious event which is only open to riders over 75 kgs.

Shaikh Nasser had steered the same horse to victory in the Opening Season Championship held last month,

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, finished the race in 5:16.51.

Federation's first vice-president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa had to pull out of the race in the second stage as his horse was exhausted.

The remaining Bahraini riders in the fray were Ghazi Al Dossary (5:33:40) who was eighth overall while both Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa and Abdulhaq Qadoori were unable to complete the race.

Among the leading riders from the UAE were UAE's vice-president, prime minister and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum who finished fifth overall.

Shaikh Mohammed's son Shaikh Hamdan, who entered the race as one of the leading contenders for the title, had to pull out in the first stage following an injury to his horse.

The event was witnessed by a number of Breef board members headed by Endurance Committee chairman Shaikh Faisal Rashid Al Khalifa.



Endurance.Net Coverage

Saturday, December 13, 2008

UAE: Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan finishes second

Khaleej Times

photo: Khaleej Times
James Jose
December 14

ABU DHABI – He watched with glee, his club Al Jazira crush Al Nasr in the UAE Pro-League on Friday night. And on Saturday, Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan rounded off a perfect weekend, by finishing an impressive second in Round 1 of the Giants Endurance Challenge FEI CEI 120km Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Abdullah Saeed bin Huzaim, astride Nucius Romas, won the three-star ride. Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority, astride Carallio, was impressive as he came second.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, rode an impressive ride to finish fifth. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid, was placed 21st after the first loop before bouncing back in style.

The Giants Challenge is a three-round series with the second ride in Bahrain on January 10, 2009 and the third in Dubai on February 28, 2009.

Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan was placed fourth after the first loop of 32km, with a time of 1:16.45 seconds. He moved up to second in the second loop of 30km, with a timing of 2:28.45 seconds. But he dropped down to seventh in the third loop of 24km, with a time of 3:38.09 seconds.

He remained in seventh in the 18km fourth loop, with a time of 4:31.02 seconds. He finished the fifth loop of 16km in second. He had an overall time of five hours, eight minutes and 34 seconds with an average speed of 25.58. “It was a tough ride. Nevertheless, it was good to get some points in the first round,” Shaikh Mansour said later.

The top 10 placed riders in each of the three rounds will receive points with the rider who accumulates the highest number of points emerging the champion. A bonus of 10 points will be given to the rider who complete the rides on the same horse.
Ahmad Ali Bin Harmash, astride Aratahnes Legend and from the Fazaa Endurance Team, was third with an overall timing of 5:13.06 seconds.

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad, Mansour in top five

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
December 13, 2008

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, finished in the top five to pick up valuable points in the first of the three-round FEI Three-Star 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge (Body Weight) Ride on Saturday.

Shaikh Mansour, riding Carallio, finished second behind Abdullah Saeed Bin Huzaim on Nucius Romas while Shaikh Mohammad finished fifth on Tazoul Al Parry in yesterday's ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished fourth and the leading riders in this 75kg Body Weight ride will now meet again in Bahrain in the second round on January 10, 2009.

More...

The Netherlands: 2009 Dutch Championships

The 2009 Dutch Championships will be held 12-14 June 2009, in and around Ermelo, Netherlands. For the 8th consecutive year, organizer Eric Lamsma is putting together a 160-km course over the established Fasna Trail. Routes will carry riders through the beautiful Veluwe region: forest paths interspersed with vast heather.

Start, vet gates, and finish are in one location, at the headquarters of the KMSH, the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation.

Many international participants are expected, as well as last year's returning Dutch Champions, Janet van Wijk and Latino.

More information at Fasna Trail.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Bahrain: Riders for UAE event

Gulf Daily News

ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and a group of Bahraini riders are set for a new challenge today, when the first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix gets underway at 5am (Bahrain time) at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi.

Top riders from Bahrain, the UAE, and other invited guests will line up in the first of a three-race series, being organised for the first time by the Bahrain Royal Endurance Federation (Breef) in co-operation with the UAE Equestrian Federation.

Riding Omsura Nasrohn, whom he steered to win the Opening Season Championship held last month, Shaikh Nasser will lead the Bahrainis' hopes in this prestigious event which is only open to riders of 75kg weight and above.

Shaikh Nasser, the Breef president, will be joined by the federation's first vice-president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Other Bahraini riders in the fray are Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Abdulhaq Qadoori and Ghazi Al Dossary.

The Bahrainis will face a stern test in this race where they compete it out with the region's best riders, including those from the UAE.

Prominent riders from the UAE will be Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his son Shaikh Hamdan and UAE's vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai besides Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser and members of the Bahraini riders underwent training yesterday at the race venue.

During their practice session, the Bahraini riders met with the UAE team members, including Shaikh Hamdan, who welcomed the Bahrainis and wished them the best of luck.

Both Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid were also present at the veterinary examination held yesterday to follow up the procedures and approve their participation in today's race.

This race, which coincides with the National Day Cup scheduled for the same day, will be divided into five stages.

The first stage will cover 32km, 30km for the second stage, 24km for third, 18km for the fourth and 16km for the fifth.

After this event, riders will then travel to Bahrain next month for the second round, to be held at the International Endurance Village in Sakhir on January 10 next year.

The third and final round of the series is scheduled for February 28 next year at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.

The overall winner of the series will accumulate the highest number of points. The top 10 riders in each race of the series will gain points.

The organising committee earlier approved the points system for the series as the winner in each round will be awarded 100 points.

Eighty points will be given to second place, 70 for third place, 60 for fourth, 50 for fifth, 50 for sixth, 30 for seventh, 20 for eighth, 10 for ninth and five points for 10th.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Bahrain: Riders ready for Grand Prix race

Bahrain Gulf Daily News

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in the UAE to lead Bahrain's top riders in tomorrow's first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix at Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi.

Commencing at 6.30am (Bahrain time), the race will be one of three races in the 75-kg body weight series to be organised for the first time in the region with riders from Bahrain, the UAE and other invited guests in the fray.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal and Equestrian Federation (Breef) president and Royal Endurance Team captain, will be joined by Breef first vice-president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Leading prominent riders from the UAE will be Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE's vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai besides Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Tomorrow's race will be divided into five stages - 32km for the first stage, 30km for the second, 24km for third, 18km for the fourth and 16km for the fifth.

Bahrain will host the second round, to be held at the International Endurance Village in Sakhir on January 10 next year while the third and final round is scheduled for February 28 at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.

The overall winner of the series will accumulate the highest number of points. The top 10 riders in each race of the series will gain points.

Approved

The organising committee approved the points system for the series as the winner in each round will be awarded 100 points.

Eighty points will be given to second place, 70 for third place, 60 for fourth, 50 for fifth, 50 for sixth, 30 for seventh, 20 for eighth, 10 for ninth and five points for 10th.

Tomorrow's first round will coincide with the National Day Cup which is scheduled for the same day.

Both events were announced during a Press conference in Abu Dhabi.

It was attended by Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club director general Adnan Al Nuaimi, Hydra Properties chief executive officer Dr Al Fahim and managing director of Tasweeq Lara Sawaya, announcing the 37 National Day Cup and Giants Endurance Challenge.

Al Nuaimi said Hydra Properties and Shaikh Mansour's breeding stables in Normandy, France have joined hands to sponsor and support both races.

"It is also our privilege to collaborate with the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France, owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in sponsoring these two endurance rides and other events this season," said Al Fahim.

Al Fahim said that is the first time that Hydra Properties has been involved with the National Day Cup which is one of the most important events and most of the top riders in the UAE will be there to add to the prestige of the event.

"Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan's breeding stables in Normandy, France is supporting the National Day Cup and the Grand Prix as part of its promotional campaign," said Lara.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

South America: News from Enduroonline.com

News from Enduro On Line www.enduroonline.com.br

RESULTS:
- Brazilian Championship CEN*, CEN** and 6ª round of Brasilia Championship

- Argentina Championship 120 km and 160 km and Cazón International Ride

- Endurance La Costa Atlantica, Costa Azul - Rocha, Uruguay

2010 WEG- Radio interview with USEF Endurance Director Vonita Bowers



The longest and most grueling equestrian sport and also one of the fastest growing, that's Endurance. Join us today as we speak to Vonita Bowers, Director of Endurance for the USEF about the sport and what we can look forward too in 2010. We also have lots of WEG news for you this week including paintings, winning geldings and cool WEG websites. Listen in...

2010 Radio Show Episode 15 - Riding for Endurance:

http://2010radioshow.horseradionetwork.com/2008/12/09/2010-radio-show-episode-15-riding-for-endurance/
___________________________


Bahrain: First of Grand Prix Series at Al Wathba







The first rides of the 120-km Grand Prix series will be held this Saturday. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, head a strong list of riders in the 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge to be held on Saturday at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

This event will be the first in a three-round 120-km rides promoted by Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser, who will also be participating. The second event will be held in Dubai, and the third and final will be in Bahrain.

The championship was recently announced by Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at a Press conference held at Banyan Tree premises in Sakhir.

"This is a new idea of having Grand Prix endurance races like in the Formula One and it's just a beginning to have two countries hosting three different rounds," said Shaikh Nasser who confirmed his participation in this prestigious event.

"We are planning to have this championship on an annual basis and hopefully more countries will be included in the future," said Shaikh Nasser.

Shaikh Nasser said Breef will be inviting top officials and riders from all over the world as either participants or guests to witness this year's event. He added that this year's championship is expected to finish before March.

The Breef chief said the rider to accumulate the highest number of points at the end of three rounds will be crowned overall champion.

"It doesn't matter if you take part in one, two or all three races to win this competition. The idea is to get more points to become the champion," added Shaikh Nasser.

"The Grand Prix is open to all riders of all nationality. All are welcome to take part," he said.

In this specialised category of riding, every rider must weight 75 kgs or above without riding equipment and must be registered with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Shaikh Nasser said the federation decided to organise this championship after it was approved by the FEI last year.

photos: Press conference announcing Grand Prix competition












UAE: Mohammad in Giants Ride even

photo: Adnan Sultan (right) Director-General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Dr Al Fahim, CEO, Hydra Properties and Lara Sawaya, managing director of Tasweeq announcing the 37 National Day Cup and Giants Endurance Challenge.

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: December 10, 2008, 23:40

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, head a strong list of riders in the 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge to be held on Saturday at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

The Giants Ride is the first of the three rounds in the 75-kg Body Weight series and Saturday will also see the prestigious 120-km National Day Cup also being staged at the venue.

Hydra Properties and Shaikh Mansour's breeding stables in Normandy, France have joined hands to sponsor and support the National Day Cup and the Giants Endurance Challenge.

As well as Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Mansour, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will also be in the contest. Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamed Al Khalifa and Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamed Al Khalifa are the two top riders from Bahrain who will stage the second round of the Giants Challenge.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said: "The Second Round will be held in held in Bahrain on January 10, 2009 and Dubai will host the concluding race on February 28, 2009."

"It is also our privilege to collaborate with the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in sponsoring these two endurance rides and other events this season," said Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, CEO, Hydra Properties

"This is the first time that Hydra Properties has been involved with the National Day Cup which is one of the most important events and most of the top riders in the UAE will be there to add to the prestige of this event," he said.

"Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's breeding stables in Normandy, France is supporting the National Day Cup and the Giants Endurance Challenge as part of its promotional campaign," said Lara Sawaya, managing director of Tasweeq.

"The campaign to promote Shaikh Mansour's breeding stables started with the Sorouh Cup Endurance Ride last month and will become more prominent as the season unfolds and will be associated with various equestrian events," she added.

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Italy: European Championship, Press launch in Paris


In front of the French specialized Press, Assisi Endurance Lifestyle presented its rich and prestigious progam of events planned for the next September.

Full Report on Endurance.Net

Sunday, December 07, 2008

Bahrain: To organize Grand Prix series

Gulf Daily News

By RAMI Hulayyel
December 7

THE Bahrain Royal and Equestrian Federation (Breef) will be organising the first-ever 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix starting next week.The first of this three-round event will be held on Saturday at Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi while Dubai and Bahrain will host the remaining two rounds which are yet to be scheduled.

The Dubai round will be held at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem while the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir will host the Bahrain round.

The first round at the Emirates International Endurance Village will coincide with the National Day Cup which is scheduled for the same day.

The 120-km ride, which will be divided into five stages, is expected to attract some of the world's best riders and horses apart from huge participation from other GCC countries.

The championship was announced last night by Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at a Press conference held at Banyan Tree premises in Sakhir.

"This is a new idea of having Grand Prix endurance races like in the Formula One and it's just a beginning to have two countries hosting three different rounds," said Shaikh Nasser who confirmed his participation in this prestigious event.

"We are planning to have this championship on an annual basis and hopefully more countries will be included in the future," said Shaikh Nasser.

Shaikh Nasser said Breef will be inviting top officials and riders from all over the world as either participants or guests to witness this year's event. He added that this year's championship is expected to finish before March.

The Breef chief said the rider to accumulate the highest number of points at the end of three rounds will be crowned overall champion.

"It doesn't matter if you take part in one, two or all three races to win this competition. The idea is to get more points to become the champion," added Shaikh Nasser.

"The Grand Prix is open to all riders of all nationality. All are welcome to take part," he said.

In this specialised category of riding, every rider must weight 75 kgs or above without riding equipment and must be registered with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Shaikh Nasser said the federation decided to organise this championship after it was approved by the FEI last year.

"We submitted our proposal to the international federation which agreed to have this kind of event under its umbrella."

Shaikh Nasser thanked UAE prime minister, vice-president and the ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his support to getting this event underway.

Spain: CEI*** Santa Susana

Madrid, Dec. 4, 2008. - Tomorrow begins the first race of the 56th edition of the traditional Santa Susana Raid, the last big European Raid 2008. The first test will begin at 7:30 pm in the Parc de Colomer of the town of Barcelona. In the list of participants are 14 Spanish riders.

This classic, in addition to being the oldest rallies in Europe, has the honor of being the only one in Spain which is held in two days: the stage tomorrow is composed of 99 kilometers demanding in a scenario that is characterized by great difficulty, because it has a gap of more than 500 m. The final stage will take place on Saturday, and will consist of 99 km also Each of the two days will be divided into three stages of 40, 33 and 26 km.

Yesterday was the first veterinary review. It is planned that tomorrow at 15:00 am the review will be held on the first day of competition. Similarly, when finishing the final race on Saturday, will be held two further revisions: the very tender and will determine the award of "Best Fitness"

The celebration of the Santa Susana Raid closes a season in which this discipline has once again become a major player in the riding of our country, mainly thanks to the results obtained in the recently disputed World Championship, which has been repeated individual gold and has achieved a creditable 5th placed teams.

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Qatar: Al Shaqab Team riders set to dominate event

The Peninsula

12/7/2008

Doha: The Endurance Riding season continues this weekend as three separate competition rides are scheduled to be held at the Qatar Endurance Village.

Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation, has entered a strong group of 12 riders in the Senior Open, 100 km event, and an additional nine, Junior Youth competitors, in the 80 km race. Both events are regulated by the rules of Concours de Raid d'Endurance International (CEI).

Five of the six Al Shaqab riders that represented Qatar in a second place finish in the World Endurance Championship in Terengganu, Malaysia will compete in the Senior Open event.

The sixth member of the successful Qatar national team will ride in the Junior Youth division.

The six riders include: Atta Mohammed Beer, Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi, Mohammed Sultan Ahmed Al Suweidi, Faleh Nasser Saleh Bughenaim, Mohammed Tahous Saif Al Nuaimi and Abdulla Towim Al Marri.

The group will be joined in the ride by Al Shaqab's team trainer, Hadi Nasser Al Ramzani, and assistant trainer, Abdul Aziz Saleh Al Jaber.

In addition the Qatar National Cup will be held in two divisions on December 20, a 120km event and a junior youth ride at 100km.

The calendar for December includes:

Saturday, December 20

Qatar National Cup, 120k, CEI,Qatar National Cup, Junior-Youth, 100k, CEI

UAE: Baloushi brothers’ double delight

The National

Amith Passela
December 06, 2008
DUBAI

The al Baloushi riders from the Al Reef Stables are on the crest of the wave in endurance. They celebrated a double to take their tally to five winners and a second from six races.

Sultan al Baloushi led a superb 1-2 finish with his cousin Omair al Baloushi in the FEI 120-kilo- metre Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge in Dubai and the younger brother Rashed, 14, won the 100km Boudthib trophy for the junior and young riders in Abu Dhabi.

Yousef al Baloushi, who trained all the winners, said he did nothing special in churning out the victors. “Sometimes you need a lot of luck in this game and right now it seems to be with me. I thank God for that.

“This is the best ever start we have had. The horses that came first and second have done nothing better than today’s finish.

“And the one that won in Boudthib was also winning for the first time. So it’s all going well for us. we are very excited and cherishing every moment.”

The trainer al Baloushi, who was denied of a win in last weekend’s race by his Abu Dhabi rival Ali Khalfan al Jahouri from the Al Wathba Stables, had to make the exit at the end of the penultimate loop in yesterday’s race when the part-Arab mare Lauralyn Sisette was vetted out for lameness.

“She is new for endurance and got very nervous,” added al Baloushi. “She was hard to control and ran at a crazy pace.

“The rains had made the conditions underfoot a bit heavy in some parts of the course and difficult for the horses.”

Sultan, on the 12-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding Sharahd Talik, and Omair, on Hurst Ibn Hamed, crossed the finish line together in just over five hours for Al Reef.

Khalifa Ghanim al Marri on the seven-year-old Purebred Arabian mare Azurra was a further two minutes behind in third for the Fazaa Endurance Team.

Al Reef’s Mohammed Jasim Rahimi was fourth on Corleone and the Dubai-based Spanish world champion Maria Alvarez Ponton was fifth on Halim for the Emirates Stables.

Meanwhile, Rashed completed back-to-back victories in the event for the junior and young riders.

He rode Al Galahn to victory in over four hours and three minutes with Hamdan Mousa al Hammadi over a minute behind in second on Rhiannons Nimbi for Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum.

The Al Reef also occupied the third and fourth spots with Munthar al Baloushi (Kasalo) and Ahmed Ali al Yahyaei (Spoutnik).

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser announces launch of Endurance Grand Prix

Bahrain News

MANAMA, DEC 6 (BNA)

THE BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE FEDERATION /BREEF/ PRESIDENT SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA TODAY ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF THE 120 KILOMETRE ENDURANCE GRAND PRIX IN ABU DHABI, UAE NEXT WEEK.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD THIS EVENING AT THE BANYAN TREE DESERT SPA AND RESORT AT THE SOUTHERN GOVERNMENT, SHAIKH NASSER SAID THE IDEA RECEIVED GREAT RESPONSE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION. LIKE EVERY ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP, HE SAID, THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD AROUND THE IN A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES. BUT SHAIKH NASSER SAID THIS CHAMPIONSHIP WAS CHARACTERISED BY A GRAND PRIZE PRESENTED TO THE WINNER AND WILL ALLOW JOCKEYS WEIGHING OVER 75 KILOGRAMMES TO COMPETE. THE ENDURANCE GRAND PRIX WILL TAKE A ROUND INCLUDING A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES TO COLLECT POINTS, HE SAID. SHAIKH NASSER SAID THE CHAMPIONSHIP RESEMBLED THE FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX. MOREOVER, SHAIKH NASSER PRAISED THE SUPPORT FROM THE UAE VICE PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER SHAIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM FOR HOLDING THE EVENT IN ABU DHABI NEXT WEEK. SHAIKH NASSER SAID THE IDEA OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP EMERGED FROM THE WILL TO UPGRADE AND DIVERSIFY ENDURANCE RACES AND TO ALLOW THE OPPORTUNITY FOR JOCKEYS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE. HE WISHED THE SUCCESS EVENT AND WISHED THAT IT WILL RECEIVE RESPONSE ENABLING IT TO GROW FROM A REGIONAL INTO AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. NTQ/ 06-DEC-2008 20:58

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

UAE: Top riders for Rashid Challenge


By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: December 03, 2008, 23:16

Dubai: Some of the top riders of the UAE will compete in Saturday's Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge - a 120km FEI CEI Three Star ride at the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) in Seih Assalam.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, racing manager for Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, said the annual event will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan.

"All the top riders in the UAE will be taking part and this is a prestigious event in the UAE's domestic circuit," Al Muhairi, who himself is an endurance rider and trainer, said.

"Shaikh Hamdan has, over the years, been patronising endurance rides in the UAE and once again we expect over a hundred riders, including some top foreign riders," Al Muhairi said.

The 120km ride will be run in five stages and on offer will be cars and cash prizes.

"The top three riders will be awarded cars along with cash prizes while the top 20 riders will also get cash awards," said Ali Mousa Al Khamiri, general manager of Dubai Equestrian Club.

"There is also a car on offer for the spectators through a free raffle draw," he added.

Ali Mousa said two qualifier rides will also be held on Saturday.

"A 40km event and an 89km event will also be held along with the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge ride.

The qualifier rides will help novice riders and horses to qualify for rides of longer distances," Ali Mousa said.

On Saturday, the Emirates Heritage Club will also be staging a 100km endurance ride for junior and young riders.

The Boudtheib Endurance Trophy is the third junior event to be held at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem, under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister.

Two other qualifier rides are also scheduled to be organised on Saturday at the Boudtheib Endurance Village.

FEI: 2009 Rules and Notes for Guidance

The FEI has published the 2009 Endurance Rules:

Tuesday, December 02, 2008

LEROY NEIMAN PAINTING FOR 2010 ALLTECH FEI World Equestrian Games Unveiled

December 2, 2008

LEXINGTON, KY— The World Games 2010 Foundation today unveiled the Official Image of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, created by internationally renowned artist LeRoy Neiman.

The painting features each of the eight equestrian sports that comprise the World Equestrian Games, illustrated in Mr. Neiman’s style of brilliantly-colored, energetic imagery. As the Official Commemorative Artist of the 2010 Games, creating the piece was a return to a subject, and a place, with which Mr. Neiman has had a lifelong love.

“The horse has always been a favorite subject of mine, from the work horse to race horses,” said Mr. Neiman. “Kentucky is horse country, where this noble animal is prominent and appreciated. It has been a joy to paint the eight different disciplines for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. I’m looking forward to attending in 2010 with sketchbook in hand.”

The painting will initially be stored and displayed at the International Museum of the Horse at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park, the site of the 2010 Games. A traveling schedule for the painting is in development. In addition, Cobalt Artworks of Louisville, Kentucky hopes to present a retrospective exhibition featuring Mr. Neiman’s collection of equestrian work in downtown Lexington during the 2010 Games.

“When it comes to sports, and particularly sport in America, Leroy Neiman has been an icon for more than a half century. We are extremely pleased and honored to know that he will now be represented in our collections,” said Bill Cooke,Curator, "A Gift from the Desert" exhibition and "The Arabian Horse Galleries". “That his wonderful painting depicts all aspects of the most significant event in the history of the Kentucky Horse Park makes this even more special.”

Official merchandise including signed and official posters and notecards of the print, are now available at the 2010 Games online store, at www.feigames2010.org. or at Cobalt Artworks gallery site, www.cobaltartworks.com. Merchandise featuring the individual disciplines as depicted in Mr. Neiman’s painting is also in development.

“Having a LeRoy Neiman painting is a special achievement for any sporting event, and we are honored that the 2010 Games will be another great canvas to join his great body of work,” said John Long, Chairman of the World Games 2010 Foundation Board of Directors.

Best known for his images of sporting events and leisure activities, LeRoy Neiman is considered one of the most popular living artists in the United States. He has been the official artist of five Olympics, four Super Bowls, as well as the Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby. He has most recently been in Kentucky to attend the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville and was the Official Commemorative Artist for that prestigious event. Mr. Neiman was commissioned as the Official Artist of the 2010 Games and began research on the work in October of 2007.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site—both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

Cobalt Artworks is a Louisville based publishing and licensing company and is currently hosting a year-long retrospective of Neiman’s work entitled “LeRoy Neiman – Five Decades.” The exhibit is comprised of paintings, prints, drawings, books and posters curated from the Artist's personal collection and will be on display through December, 2008. For more information about the Neiman retrospective please call (502) 584-0020 or visit www.cobaltartworks.com.
Media Contacts:

World Games 2010 Foundation
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org

Colbalt Artworks
Ben Isaacs
502-584-0020
bisaacs@cobaltart.com

UAE: FEI introduce novice qualifiers


Staff Report
Published: December 02, 2008, 00:41

photo: FEI President Princess Haya with Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Ali Mousa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, and Sundar Rethinavel of DEC at the FEI General Assembly in Buenos Aires.

Abu Dhabi: The UAE delegation successfully spearheaded a re-vote on the rest period for endurance horses between competitions in the revision of Rules for Endurance which have been ratified by the FEI's General Assembly and will be introduced from January 2009.

Another significant development at the Assembly was the introduction of a pre-FEI national system (Novice Qualifying) for riders and horses, though not necessarily as a combination.

It has been decided that all horses and riders must have successfully completed Novice Qualifying to be eligible for CEI Star Qualifying.

This in effect means a progress from one FEI star level to the next, riders and horses must have graduated from the qualifying process.

The FEI's General Assembly was held at the Sociedad Rural in Buenos Aires, Argentina last month and some new endurance rule changes were adopted following suggestions from a Task Force in co-operation with the National Federations, according to a press release from the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.

Eighty-three National Federations gathered for the Assembly and FEI President Princess Haya Bint Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the proceedings and later presented awards to winners in competitions on the concluding day.

The UAE and other endurance countries in the region were not in favour of the proposed increase in the rest period for competition horses from 27 days to 41 days for events between 120km to 160km.

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation were represented by the Secretary General Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi and Dubai Equestrian Club General Manager Ali Mousa Al Khamiri among others.

The UAE, which is part of the Group VII, first raised its objection at the group meeting and placed it before the Bureau.

But Ian Williams, Director for non-Olympic equestrian sport said it was too late and it should have been suggested earlier.

But the UAE along with other countries in the region and in Asia argued their case saying that the recent World Endurance Championship had kept the National Federations of endurance nations busy.

Williams suggested that the rules regarding rest periods be adopted from 2010 but in the General Assembly it was voted out.

This ensured the changes were included and the UAE which is one of the leading endurance nations got the rest periods to 20 days instead of 47 days.

The guiding principle behind the UAE's insistence for shorter rest periods is the short endurance season in the UAE and the region due to the climate whereas in other parts of the world rides can be held almost through the year.

Further the UAE has proved that despite the high speeds registered by their horses, the welfare has never been compromised and this to a large extent tilted the argument in their favour.

The rest periods as amended following a revote by the General Assembly after a failure to approve the original timings is as follows: 0- 80 km -13 days rest and 81 km and above 20 days rest.

Canada: Area rider competes in Malaysia

Standard Freeholder

Posted By ANGELA DORIE

Riding knows no boundaries and, as reported here earlier, Wendy Maccoubrey of Ste. Justine, Que., and her Arab gelding, Mariah, competed in the F. E. I World Endurance Championships in Terengganu, Malaysia from Nov. 6-9 as part of the seven-member Team Canada.

Held bi-yearly, the 2008 World Championship was held, for the first time ever, in a tropical environment at the Terengganu International Endurance Par, a venue which covered varying terrain such as the ocean coastline, palm plantations and canal banks, as well as naturally vegetated areas (jungle?!).

Daytime temperatures peaked at 105 degrees with 80 per cent humidity.

The King of Malaysia, HM Tuanku Mizan, himself an accomplished endurance rider, had the park as well as its stables, schooling areas, etc., created to encourage development of the sport.

It is one of only two such specialized facilities in the world.

ALL-EXPENSES PAID

To ensure that the best in the world competed at this event, the King paid all expenses for the 133 competitors, from air passage to accommodations and food, for both two-and four-legged participants.

Also, each country was allowed to send a veterinarian and a Chef d'Equip as well as two support staff for each rider and horse -- a very large contingent indeed.

As anyone who travels will attest to, there are always problems along the way, the SNAFUs of travel if you will, and this trip was no exception for Wendy and Mariah.

It was timed so that the Canadian team would arrive a couple of weeks early, giving them ample opportunity to acclimate themselves and their horses. A case of "misinformation" regarding the timing of a West Nile booster resulted in Mariah's papers being rejected two days before departure. Trying to reschedule another flight 15 days later, followed by a one-day delay in transport time, resulted in Mariah arriving only five days before the competition. In true Arab fashion he arrived full of beans, apparently walking his handlers everywhere when he disembarked.

After a couple of days to settle in and some hand walking, he and Wendy started night time rides and were deemed fit to start the championship race.

The 160-kilometer (100-mile) race was ridden the night of November 7, riders departing from the start gate at 5 p. m. and riding the seven LED colour-coded "loops" of the course, passing through the mandatory checkpoints at the end of each.

CHECK CONDITION OF HORSES

This is where the condition of the horses is checked by a full flight of vets and technicians: recovery rate, body temperature, pulse and respiration, as well as lameness and/or soreness, before they are permitted to continue on the next leg. As testament to the difficulty of this type of competition, 78 of the 133 who started were either eliminated, disqualified or voluntarily retired.

Canada was represented by Wendy on Mariah, along with six other riders and their horses, three competing as individuals and four as a team (best three times to count).

All but one finished the course, a member of the team, however as three still completed, their times counted and Team Canada placed seventh over all with a time of 38:25:45.

FINISHED 46TH

Wendy and Mariah finished 46th with an individual time of 13:08:21, an astounding effort considering their trials just getting there.

Talk about going against all the odds!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

UAE: 2009 Heavyweight GrandPrix Series


Original Article

Body weight endurance race on again


Abu Dhabi: The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation will resume the Body Weight endurance championship with a three-round series.

The first race of the Endurance Grand Prix will be staged on December 13, 2008, at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Abu Dhabi, according to a press release.

The Grand Prix is being staged under the instructions of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs.

In this specialised endurance category, every rider must weigh 75kg or above without riding equipment and must be registered with the FEI, according to the release.

The first ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village will coincide with the National Day Cup, scheduled for the same day. The next two rides will be held in Bahrain and Dubai respectively.
[More ...]

Saturday, November 29, 2008

UAE: Al Jahouri winner of 120km race

Gulf News

photo: Al Jahouri overcame a slow start and later registered some terrific speeds on the final loop to leave some equally talented riders far behind.Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: November 29, 2008, 23:31

Dubai: Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri of Al Wathba Stables rode Berloiz de Piboul to a superb win in the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) 120-kilometre ride to drive away with a Nissan four-wheel drive and a cheque of Dh200,000 on Saturday.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended yesterday's ride in Seih Assalam with a total of 127 starters in the first event of the UAE season.

Seasoned campaigner

Al Jahouri, a seasoned campaigner from Al Wathba, who also is a well-known endurance horse trainer, overcame a slow start and later registered some terrific speeds on the final loop to leave some equally talented riders far behind.

It was the first win for his 10-year-old chestnut gelding and Al Jahouri got the better of two Al Reef riders, including champion Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, who finished second while world champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain had to settle for fifth place after dominating the initial stages.

Al Jahouri, who was in 20th place after the first loop, moved up six places after the second loop. After the third loop, in which he was fourth behind Ponton and Al Beloushi, he began to make his move.

"The initial pace was a bit too much but at the third loop my horse was in fine nick and I decided to go for it," said the winner, who averaged nearly 27kph on the final loop of 12km.

Al Beloushi, who was just about a minute behind Al Jahouri going into the final loop but finished over eight minutes behind, said: "My horse [Charlandre El Sharif] was coming back after an injury and initially I just wanted to race him for three loops."

"But he looked good so I continued, but I did not want to push him too much.

Charlandre El Sharif holds the world record in a 160-kilometre ride.

Saudi Arabia's Fauiz Jamil Al Turkmani, riding SAS Alexis, a horse belonging to the Dubai-based Al Fazaa Endurance Team, finished third while Al Reef's Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi was fourth on Cameo Zinnia.

Ponton, crowned world champion earlier this month in Terengganu, Malaysia, blamed the lazy attitude of her horse Antares Sauveterre for her fifth-place finish.

"He is very lazy and does not like to challenge. But I must admit the pace was crazy. I think Antares Sauveterre is more of a 160-kilometre horse," said the Dubai-based Spanish ace.

Thaleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, and Ali Mousa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, sponsors of the ride, gave away the trophies and the keys to three cars for the top three riders.

Results

* 1. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Berloiz de Piboul) 4hrs 44 mins 49 secs. Average speed: 25.28 kmph.
* 2. Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi (Charlandre El Sharif) 4:53.02 (24.57 kmph);
* 3. Fauiz Jamil Al Turkmani-KSA-(SAS Alexis) 5:10.10 (23.21 kmph)
* 4. Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi (Cameo Zinnia) 5:17.06 (22.71 kmph)
* 5. Maria Alvarez Ponton (Antares Sauveterre) 5:18.42 (22.59kmph)

Friday, November 28, 2008

Mexico: Fall 2008 Ride Results Mexico

Endurance News in Mexico
www.Endurancemex.com

Resultados Otoño 2008

Boca del Rio Veracruz, 12 octubre:
Catagoria unica 40 kms.
1. Bobby Ortiz con Bossanova,
2. (& Best Condition) Ricardo Galan con Kinetic,
3. Mary Jane Gagnier con Torrid Elegance

Huichapan, Hidalgo, 16 noviembre Primera competencia nacional de 80 kms.
1. Ricardo Galan con Kinetic,
2. Guillermo Viñals & Duende,
3. Mary Jane Gagnier & Torrid Elegance
4. Gabriel Mendoza & Bossanova. *

60 kms.
1. Eduardo del Hojo & Shamal,
2. (& Best Condition: Juan De La Rosa con PT Crusier,
3. Mauricio Orozco con Menta

40 kms.
1.Juan Chavez Guerrero con Cantinero ********** www.endurancemex.com **********

Canadian Endurance Team Finishes Seventh in Malaysia

Hunter Jumper news
Written by Julie Cull
November 28, 2008

Ottawa, ON—The Canadian Endurance Team comprised of Wendy Benns of Pontypool, ON, Ruth Sturley of Owen Sound, ON, Yvette Vinton DVM of Simcoe, ON, and Bob Gielen of Norton, NB, finished in seventh place out of 21 starting teams on November 7, 2008, at the World Endurance Championships.

Held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Merang Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia, 126 riders representing 33 countries took part in the 100-mile competition, which saw only 48 individuals finish.

Only seven nations finished three riders, and the results were very close. First place went to United Arab Emirates in a time of 27 hours, 57 minutes and 59 seconds. Qatar finished in second with a total time of 28:47:17, and third place was awarded to Bahrain with 30:54:22. Canada finished in 38:25:45 for seventh place overall.

“I felt our strength would be in our teamwork and I think this proved true. Even though it didn’t always go according to pre-ride planning, on the whole the strong Canadian performance was the work of the whole group—grooms very much included—that got the horses through in such good condition and in position to place top ten,” remarked Chef d’équipe Kay Melvin. “Congratulations again to the whole Canadian contingent on a job well done. We should also thank our hosts who treated us so well and made us welcome in their beautiful country.”

Individually, Gielen was the top placed Canadian rider, with a time of 12 hours and 27 minutes for 40th place, with his horse FC Galaxy, an 11-year-old Arabian gelding. In 42nd spot, in a time of 12 hours and 49 minutes, was Sturley and RBF Super Sport, her 15-year-old Arabian gelding. Recording the same time, of 13 hours and eight minutes, was Wendy MacCoubrey of Ste. Justine, QC, for 46th place, on Mariah, a nine-year-old Arabian gelding, and Vinton, for 47th, and Tease, an eight-year-old Arabian gelding. Benns her horse Supreme Justice, a nine-year-old Arabian gelding, did not complete the ride.

“This was the most challenging ride that I have ever completed, and my horse performed way beyond my expectations,” remarked Gielen who hope to qualify for the Canadian Endurance Team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. “Completing the ride in Malaysia was just an incredible experience.”

Maria Mercedes Altars Ponton of Spain lead the competition from start to finish on Knobby, a 13-year-old Arabian gelding in a time of eight hours, 48 minutes and six seconds.

“This year’s world championships lived up to Endurance’s reputation as the most demanding of all equestrian sports, as the nearly two-thirds of competitors who were unable to complete the course can certainly attest. The climate, terrain, and distance were physical and psychological trials of both horse and rider, and we are proud of our team for thriving on a course that most other nations struggled merely to survive,” praised Equine Canada CEO, Akaash Maharaj.

The next stop for the Canadian Endurance Team is to field two teams, Canada East and Canada West, to 2009 World Equestrian Games Endurance Test Event in Kentucky in preparation for the 2010 World Championships.

About Endurance Canada

Endurance Canada is a committee of Equine Canada, and the National governing body of the sport of Endurance Riding in Canada, from the grassroots to the international level. Endurance Canada is responsible for the growth and pursuit of excellence at all levels of the sport, providing support and guidance through various programs and committees: veterinary; rules and sanctioning; athlete and sport development; education and coaching; communication and awards. For more information, please visit the Endurance Canada section of the Equine Canada website.

About Equine Canada

Equine Canada is a member-based association that represents, promotes and services Canada’s equine community and industry. Its core areas of activity involve sport, equine health and welfare, education and safety, governance and marketing, representation and communication. Equine Canada is recognized by Sport Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Coaching Association of Canada as the national organization representing equestrian sport and equine interests in Canada. For more information about Equine Canada, please visit www.equinecanada.ca.

[More ...]

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Spain: Tierras de Al-Andalus set for 2009

JOSE MANUEL SOTO PRESENTA EN EL SICAB LAS ÚLTIMAS NOVEDADES DEL IV RAID KALIBER TIERRAS DE AL-ANDALUS


(click here for English Version)

El Paris-Dakar del mundo del caballo se desarrollará del 27 de marzo al 4 de abril de 2009 y contará con el Río Guadalquivir como protagonista.

Sevilla, 26 de noviembre.- El IV Raid Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus está ya a la vuelta de la esquina. José Manuel Soto, alma mater de este proyecto, ha presentado esta tarde en el marco del Salón Internacional del Caballo (SICAB) las principales novedades previstas para el 2009.

Los participantes descubrirán los rincones más bellos de nuestra geografía. Sevilla, Córdoba, Cádiz, Jaén,...todo a lomos de un caballo, que será el único compañero de viaje. En la edición del año que viene está previsto una participación de 70 caballos y ya hay confirmaciones de equipos de Francia, Alemania o Australia. La media de kilómetros que realizarán en cada jornada será de unos 60 kilómetros. El recorrido comenzará en Jerez de la Frontera, por el Valle del Guadalquivir y finalizará en Jaén.

José Manuel Soto expresó su confianza en la edición del 2009. “Ya tenemos tres años de experiencia y los jinetes cada vez están más satisfechos con esta prueba. Intentamos superarnos día a día y nuestro equipo trabaja todo el año para diseñar una prueba tan carismática. La mejor recompensa es que la gente disfrute con esta experiencia”.

Diego Antoñanzas, Director de Patrocinios de Heineken España, indicó que “Kaliber y el Raid Tierras de Al-Andalus están hechos el uno para el otro. Es más, el logotipo de nuestra cerveza sin alcohol es un caballo. Estábamos predestinados” prosiguió Antoñanzas, que reveló la importancia de este evento dentro del mundo del deporte.

El Director del Área de Promoción de Deporte Andaluz, Juan Carretero resaltó la importancia de unir Turismo y Deporte y que el Raid Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus demuestra las amplias posibilidades que existen en Andalucía.

Más información:
Javier Franco.- 662 105 410
Inés de Albert.- 637 790 386

links:
Official Website
Endurance.Net coverage of Tierras de Al-Andalus 2008




JOSE MANUEL SOTO PRESENTS THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OF KALIBER TIERRAS DE Al-ANDALUS 2009 at SICAB.


The Paris-Dakar of the horse world will run from March 27 to April 4 of 2009 and will have the Guadalquivir River as a protagonist.

Seville, November 26 .- The IV Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus is now just around the corner. Jose Manuel Soto, creator of this project, has presented this afternoon in the framework of the International Salon of the Horse (SICAB) major developments planned for 2009.

Participants will discover the most beautiful parts of our geography. Seville, Cordoba, Cadiz, Jaen, ... everything from the back of a horse, which will be the only travel companion. In the edition of next year participation of 70 horses is expected and already there are confirmations of teams from France, Germany or Australia. The average mileage to be carried out on each day will be about 60 kilometers. The tour will start in Jerez de la Frontera, the Valle del Guadalquivir and end in Spain.

Jose Manuel Soto expressed his confidence in the edition of 2009. "We already have three years of experience and the riders are increasingly satisfied with this event. We try to do better by the day and our team works all year to design a test so challenging and enjoyable. The best reward is for people to enjoy this experience. "

Antoñanzas Diego, Director of Sponsorships Heineken Spain, said that "Kaliber and Tierras de Al-Andalus are made for each other. Moreover, the logo of our non-alcoholic beer is a horse. We were predestined "continued Antoñanzas, which revealed the importance of this event within the world of sport.

The Director of Sports Promotion Andaluz, Juan Carretero stressed the importance of uniting Tourism and Sport and the Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus shows the wide possibilities that exist in Andalusia.

More information:
Javier Franco .- 662 105 410
Ines de Albert .- 637 790 386

links:
Official Website
Endurance.Net coverage of Tierras de Al-Andalus 2008

Monday, November 24, 2008

Mexico: Oaxaca takes 3rd and 4th in 50 Miler


View newsletter as pdf file


Dear Friends and Family,

On Oct. 16th the state of Oaxaca took home 2 ribbons in Mexico's
first 50 mile endurance race.Gabriel Mendoza & his mom,
Jane Gagnier, with the great crewing of Gregorio Morales trailered
horses to Huichapan on the high plateau of the central state of
Hidalgo 10 hrs. away. Gabriel partnered seamlessly with veteran
endurance horse Bossanova to trot over the 50 mile finish line,
breeze through vet checks and take 4th place. G being the youngest
rider at 16 and Bossa the senior horse by far at 19.
Mary Jane & Tory teamed up once again taking their second consecutive
3rd place ribbon. Tory was definitely ready to keep going, loving her
job and giving a big, sassy trot through her final vet check. MJ looks
forward to riding this 13 yr. old mare to their first 75 mile race in
2009. While Gabo plans to rep. Mexico in the Int'l Youth Riders Cup in
Colorado in summer 2009.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

FEI 2009 General Assembly, Buenos Aires

Eighty-three National Federations gathered in Argentina for the 2009 General Assembly.
Full review online

Endurance topics:
ENDURANCE 21/11/2008 View online
Rules

The revision of the Rules for Endurance - 7th edition, effective 1 January 2009 – was adopted. They are the result of a major review which began in January 2007. In fact, it was the largest and most in-depth consultation process ever undertaken in this discipline. It was done by a Task Force in cooperation with the National Federations involved in the sport. The new rules are largely based on the concern for the welfare of the horse. The major topics to be noted are the categories of endurance events; rest periods (as amended following a revote by the General Assembly following a failure to approve the original timings); and progress from one level to the next. Another significant improvement is the introduction of a pre-FEI national system (Novice Qualifying) for riders and horses, though not necessarily as a combination. All horses and riders must have successfully completed Novice Qualifying to be eligible for CEI Star Qualifying. To progress from one FEI star level to the next, riders and horses must have graduated from the qualifying process. The full text of the rules is available here.

Education Programme

This Education Programme, for which sponsorship has been secured for the next two years from Hydra Properties, will work on the revision and formatting of all of the Courses for Endurance Judges (Levels I and II), Technical Delegates and Stewards to reflect the new rules.

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser claims title


ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa emerged overall champion of the Endurance Horseride Qualifying Championship, the first endurance event of the season, held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

After leading the Bahrain national team to a remarkable third-place finish in the World Championship held two weeks ago in Malaysia, Shaikh Nasser was again unstoppable as he competed with the Kingdom's best riders in this 90-km race.

More than 75 riders, representing different stables from across the Kingdom, took part in this championship which featured four stages, starting with 30km for the first, 25km for the second, 20km for the third and 15km for the fourth.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, steered Omsura Nasrohn to victory in three hours, 41 minutes and 27 seconds with an average speed of 24 kms per hour.

Second place went to Abdulhaq Qadoori, also of the Royal Endurance Team, in 3:59:54.
He was followed by Al Fateh Stable rider Isa Al Dossary, the surprise of the championship, who rounded off the podium with an impressive third-place finish in 4:13:24.

Ibrahim Al Jabouri of Al Fateh Stable was fourth while Royal Endurance Team rider Abdulrahman Al Saad, who had a good start, went down to settle in fifth position.
The race, which got underway at 5am, saw Raed Mahmood of the Royal Endurance Team ride Naima to take the lead at the end of the first stage in one hour, 12 minutes and 48 seconds.

Behind him was Shaikh Nasser (1:13:25) in second place and Qadoori (1:13:53) third.

However, Shaikh Nasser came from behind in the second stage which ended in his favour in 2:15:27 and ahead of Qadoori who went up to second place in 2:15:59 while Mohammed Al Thawadi (2:16:34) of the Royal Endurance Team jumped to third.

Shaikh Nasser maintained his lead in the third stage in 3:08:52, followed by Qadoori (3:12:49) who also remained second while Al Saad (3:16:05) moved up to third.

In the fourth and last stage, there was no stopping Shaikh Nasser who secured the title. The race was followed by the prize-giving ceremony during which Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi and Shaikh Nasser's Media Office director Tawfeeq Salehi honoured the top three riders in the race.

Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated Shaikh Nasser on this victory and said this season promises to feature exciting competition among many new talented riders who showed outstanding performance in yesterday's race.
The next event on the federation's calendar will be a 120km National Day Championship scheduled for December 20 at the same venue.

That will be followed by the Open Endurance Championship on January 10 then the Breef Open Women's Championship on January 31, both over 120km.

The next event on the Breef calendar will be a 100km and 160km races on February 7 and this will be followed by the season's most prestigious competition, His Majesty King Hamad Championship in March.

The season's first night race will be held on April 3 and is for the Crown Prince Cup covering a total distance of 120km. It will be followed by the final event of the season - a 100km senior championship in the first week of May which will also be held at night.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Abu Dhabi: Brothers ride high in competition

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
November 22, 2008

Abu Dhabi: It was a perfect day out for the Al Beloushis and Al Redhas at Bou Thieib Endurance Village in Al Khatem yesterday.

Fourteen-year-old Rashed Ahmad Al Beloushi and his elder brother, 20-year-old Munthar Ahmad made it a 1-2 finish for the all-conquering Al Reef Stables in the 100-km Emirates Endurance Cup for Junior and Young Riders.

The two horses Rivendell Sharman and Carallio were trained by Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, the elder brother of the two youngsters to complete a hat-trick of wins in the three rides this season for the Al Ain-based trainer-cum-rider.

Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi picked his youngest brother as a better rider after the 1-2 finish in the junior ride gave Al Reef another dominating victory.

"He is just 14 so it is a good achievement. Munthar, who finished second today had won the first ride here on the same horse and Carallio is shaping up into a great campaigner," said Yousuf.

After the exploits of the Al Beloushi brothers, the father and daughter combination of Aziz Al Redha and Layla tasted success in the 100-km Emirates Endurance Cup for privately owned horses.

More...

Australia: Queensland endurance riding season off to a ’stirling’ start

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article 16/03/2024 Erle Levey It was like the first day back at school as Queensland endurance horse riders st...