Kuwait: Endurance races need patience, experience -- Kuwaiti horse rider

kuna.net.kw

Sport 6/27/2009 5:41:00 PM

KUWAIT, June 27 (KUNA) -- Endurance riding races need patience and experience in dealing with the horse throughout the race, Kuwaiti horse rider Turki Al-Muteiri said Saturday.

In a statement to KUNA upon departing the country, Al-Muteiri hoped to achieve good results in the endurance riding tournament that kicked off in Jordan earlier today under the patronage of Her Highness Princess Alia Bint Al-Hussein. Princess Alia is Chairwoman of the Jordanian Equestrian Federation.

The qualification trails of the race are 60 and 80 kilometers long, and see the participation of 87 riders of both genders.

Endurance horses must have special qualifications and go under specific exercises.
In an endurance ride, the winning horse is the first to cross the finish line while stopping periodically to pass a veterinary check that deems the animal in good health and "fit to continue".

Any breed can compete, but the Arabian generally dominates the top levels because of the breed's stamina and natural endurance abilities.