Estonia: Haanja – the first international CEI2* endurance ride in Estonia.

Filly Bella (L) and Oopus (R)

Estonia: Haanja – the first international CEI2* endurance ride in Estonia.

The first international FEI endurance riding competition sponsored by the riding pro of United Arab Emirates Mr Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi was held in Estonia on 21-22-23 May 2010.

For many years Heigo and Anne Rohtla have hosted Estonian National Championships in endurance at Haanja, Kurgjärve. Fortunately, in this year with the help of Mr Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi it was also possible to organise the first FEI endurance competition in Estonia.

Haanja Upland, which is located in the South-Eastern corner of Estonia, is famous for its hillock landscape and for the nature preserved in its natural form. Moreover, Mountain Suur Munamägi (318m), the highest peak of Estonia and the other two Baltic countries Lithuania and Latvia is located in the middle part of Haanja uplands. Haanja with its diverse terrain was certainly the best place for arranging an international endurance competition in Estonia.

All together twenty-three riders from six countries Finland, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Norway, and Estonia were represented. Unfortunately, neither the main sponsor of the event Mr Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi nor Kaja Tuisk who was supposed to ride with the winning horse of CEI2* made it to the competition due to the air traffic disruptions caused by ash clouds from Iceland.

At course meeting on 21st May the president of the Ground Jury Alexander Andrievsky from Russia reminded all the riders that endurance is not racing and emphasised, “Who start very quick will end very soon. In endurance to finish, means to win.”

In the morning of 22 May twenty-two riders started competing in six different categories over distances of 120km and 80km. The weather was hot for May in Estonia, up to 26 degrees above Celsius. The first start for CEI2*, CEIYJ2*, and the Estonian National Championship over the distance of 120km was given at 6 a.m. CEI1* and CEIYJ1* over the distance of 80km started at 7 a.m. and thirty minutes later the riders set to a National Distance of 80km. Altogether only three horses failed from twenty-three.

CEI2* 120 km was won by Virge Laur (Estonia) with Filly Bella in total time of 7hr14 min14sec at an average speed of 16.6 km/h who also received the Best Condition award.

CEIYJ2* 120km with only one participant in the category was won by Kairit Kalbre (Estonia) with Baltimor in a time of 7hr50min07sec at an overall speed of 15.3 km/h.

The Estonian National Championship of 120km was won by Marian Kikas with Oopus. Oopus may be considered to be an outstanding horse in endurance as Oopus is of Tori breed originating from continental Estonia and therefore very important for Estonians in addition to the Estonian Native horse. Marian and Oopus covered the track in total time of 7hr14min13sec equal to the winning time of CEI2* Filly Bella at an average speed of 16.6 km/h.

CEI1*80km was won by Olaug Espeli Carstensen (Norway) on a 20 years old Al Thaka Mellemgaard in total time of 5hr19min17sec at the overall speed of 15 km/h and who also received the award for the Best Condition.

CEIYJ1* 80 km with only two participants was won by Ieva Lapeikyte (Lithuania) with Sultonas in total time of 5hr53min58sec at the overall speed of 12.9 km/h and they also received the award for the Best Condition.

The National Distance of 80km was won by Egle Kalev on Frank-Fränk in total time of 6hr6min55sec at the overall speed of 13 km/h.

The riders and their teams had only best words for the organisers – the event was very well organised. Therefore, in the name of the Estonian Endurance Riding Team we would like to thank all the organisers, sponsors and participants for making this first international endurance competition to happen in Estonia and we hope to see you again next year!

Karoline Aun


Kairit Kalbre and Baltimor

See more photos from the ride here:
http://fotoalbum.ee/photos/SannaT/sets/986751

France dominant in WEG endurance qualifier

Jean-Philippe Francis and the grey mare Hanaba du Bois, the 2007 European Champions, raced up from 6th to claim top podium position at the CEIO3* in Compiègne.

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

May 30, 2010

Perfect conditions and professional riding boosted a great completion rate at the World Endurance Festival's CEIO3* 160km endurance ride in Compiègne, France on Friday, and no horses had to be stopped for metabolic reasons.

Weather on the day could not have been better with a dry day and sunny skies, but a top temperature of just 19 degrees, which proved to be ideal for the horses and riders and was reflected in the competitive speeds and high completion rate of over 60%.

Combinations representing eight nations, many of whom were aiming to qualify for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky this coming autumn, set off to complete the 160km. The traditional European nations fielded the highest number of competitors, with 43 riders from France, alongside combinations from Spain, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. Taking on the Europeans were some riders from a little further afield, namely Abdullah Halim Alihan (MAS), Rafael Salvador (BRA) ad Jennifer Poling (USA).

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/05/202.shtml

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team for UK race

Gulf-daily-news.com

Sunday, May 30, 2010

BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team competes today in a 120-kilometre ride near Nottingham in the UK. The eight-member squad will be spearheaded by Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first vice-president and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Today's race will be the first of many lined up as part of the Royal Team's preparations for this year's International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Endurance Championship, which will be held in Lexington, Kentucky in the US this coming September.

Shaikh Nasser will be joined in the British race by some of Bahrain's leading endurance riders including Ahmed Abdulla, Abdulrahman Saad, Jaffar Mirza, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Samad, Abdulrahman Al Zayed, and Shaikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Duaij's participation is not fully confirmed but he hopes to be a part of today's events.

The team arrived in the UK late Friday evening after flying through Abu Dhabi, where they stayed for a night. Upon their arrival, they travelled by road to the competition site.

Shaikh Nasser joined the team at the venue yesterday, and encouraged his teammates to help Bahrain go for victory or at least a podium.

The team held several training runs in order to be fully prepared for the upcoming challenge, which will see some leading riders from Ireland, Scotland, France, Switzerland and England.

Prior to training, the veterinary examinations on all horses took place as well as the official weigh-in of riders.

South Africa: Fauresmith - Endurance Race July 2010

Holiday-homes-sa.com

Monday, 24 May 2010 15:43

Fauresmith’s Annual Endurance Race

Every year Fauresmith hosts the annual Endurance Race for Horse and rider.

The race is over a distance of 205km and three days. It is rated as one of the toughest endurance races in the world and attracts international riders from several countries.

This year will be the 37th running of the race which started after a pub side argument as to which horse breed was better suited to endurance racing.

This sport is vigorously controlled and the health of the horses is paramount. Horses are checked every 20kms by registered vets and both rider and horse are compelled to take 20 minute breaks at these checkpoints.

Fauresmith Endurance Race takes place from 6th July to 8th July.

Accommodation in and around Fauresmith is at a premium and spectators may have to look further afield for guest houses, B&B establishments, Self catering units and Hotels.
Rietputsdam Guest Farm - 073-189-7157
Phoenix Guest House and Restaurant - 051-723-0093
Le Stable Guest House – 051-723-0498
Kapokbosskerm Bed and Breakfast - 051-723-0527
Accommodation in Bloemfontein (130km)
Accommodation in Edenburg (92km gravel, 102km tar)
Accommodation in Springfontein (70km on gravel, 80km tar)
Accommodation in Trompsburg (62km)

For more on accomodations, see http://www.holiday-homes-sa.com/news-and-events/62-sports-events/310-fauresmith-endurance-race-july-2010.html

For more on Fauresmith see http://www.fauresmith.co.za/endurance_ride.htm

For more information, entry forms see the Endurance Ride Association of South Africa at http://www.erasa.co.za/

Australia: 31 Days till the Manilla Tom Quilty Gold Cup

Sunday May 23 2010

The Manilla Tom Quilty Gold Cup 2010 and National Championships 160 km Endurance Ride will be held in Manilla, New South Wales on 24-27 June.

Based on the idea of the Tevis Cup in the USA, in 1966 R.M. Williams developed a similar 100 Miles in One Day ride in Australia. Taking place in the Hawkesbury district near Sydney, New South Wales, and with a gold cup made for the winner by a donation from the great horseman and cattleman Tom Quilty of Western Australia, the winner of the first Tom Quilty Gold Cup endurance ride was Gabriel Stecher, on his Arabian stallion Shalawi. He rode him bareback the entire ride.

The successful ride was held annually, and in 1986 the Quilty began rotating between the Australian states, to make it easier for endurance riders around the huge continent to participate. The perpetual Tom Quilty Trophy lives in the Stockman's Hall of Fame in Queensland, and each finisher receives a silver Quilty belt buckle.

This year, the 45th running of the Quilty is expected to have around 300 entries with participants from each Australian state, New Zealand, Great Britain, and the USA. The race will begin at midnight, and will be run over 5 stages.

The preliminary start list can be seen here:
http://www.manillatomquilty.org.au/PRELIMINARY-START-LIST.php

For more information see the Manilla Tom Quilty Gold Cup website at:
http://www.manillatomquilty.org.au/index.php

France: Compiegne Endurance

The 10th anniversary of Compiegne Endurance - the Festival Mondial d'Endurance will be held on 28-29-30 May 2010

on Friday 28th May will be held the CEIO*** 160 km Senior Individual and Teams race and the CEIO** 130 km Junior Individual and Teams race.

Veterinary inspections of the CEIO*** Senior horses will begin Thursday from 14h00. The start of the 160 km will be at 06h00 Friday morning at Allée des Bordures.

Veterinary inspections of the CEIO** Junior and Young Rider horses will begin at 10h00 Saturday morning. The start of the 130 km will be at 06:30 Sunday morning at Allée des

Riders from Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, Brasil, Germany, Spain, and the USA are expected to participate.

Pre-entries for the CEIO*** 160 km can be seen here:
http://www.compiegne-endurance.com/v2/index.php?lang=uk&rub=12b

Pre-entries for the CEIO** 130 km can be seen here:
http://www.compiegne-endurance.com/v2/index.php?lang=uk&rub=12

Ireland: Long distance horse riding event to take place at Inistioge

Kilkenny Advertiser

May 21, 2010.

If you’re involved in horses and looking for an event on horseback that will challenge you as well as help you bond more with your horse then this weekend’s long distance horse riding event is for you.

This Sunday May 23 Inistioge will play host to the horse riding event.

The course will be based in the forestry around the Woodstock gardens and up into Mt Alto. The tracks will be mostly forestry with some road work included. The course will be clearly marked and there will be maps available for all taking part. The long distance horse riding event may be enjoyed alone or in the company of others and because there is no jumping involved it is suitable for the novice as well as the more experienced rider. If you have any interest in attending this event contact Andrea or Peter O'Carroll on 0873152087 or log on to the website www.enduranceridingireland.com for more details.

Spain: Marwari horse steals show in Spain

Todaynews.in - Full Article

May 19, 2010

Marwari horses once again stole the limelight for their hardiness, this time on an international platform. Nazrullah and its rider Christina won the 40km endurance race Raid de Santpedor at Barcelona in Spain on Saturday last week.This is the first official participation of a Marwari horse in any international endurance tournament on European soil. Nazrullah is owned by Mario Calagno, who bought dozens of Marwari Horses in India but could not take them to Europe as export of...

Read more here:
http://www.todaynews.in/city/jaipur/marwari-horse-steals-show-in-spain-74652.html

Namibia: Otjivero endurance club hosts Independence Ride

Namibian.com.na

By: STAFF REPORTER

THE Independence Ride will be hosted by the Otjivero Endurance Club this Friday and Saturday at Gobabis.

The horse riding competition received approximately 50 entries from across the country and will consist of different distance categories, which are 30 km, 60 km, 80 km, 100 km, 120 km and 160 km.

Bank Windhoek announced their support towards the competition.

“This is not the first time that Bank Windhoek supports a horse riding competition, a sophisticated sport, which requires skills, training and continuous practice.

Bank Windhoek believes that with hard work and dedication you will reach your goal and is therefore proud to be a sponsor of a competition that is based on the same principles”, said Riaan van Rooyen, Head of Corporate Communications and Social Investment at Bank Windhoek.

Without the support of Bank Windhoek to host competitions, such as the Independence Ride, growth of the sport will be limited, said Bennie Venter, chairperson of the Otjivero Endurance Club.

“Horseback riding is a popular sport, however it is also expensive and without support it would be impossible to develop the sport further. Therefore, we are very grateful to Bank Windhoek for the continued support over the past few years.”

The Otjivero Endurance Club is the largest of seven competitive horse riding clubs in the country and has 80 members.

All the clubs fall under the umbrella body, the Namibia Endurance Riding Association (NERA).

The Otjivero Endurance Club has been the national horse riding champion for the past three years and recently was awarded the best performing club by NERA.

The current title holder of best rider, a member of the Otjivero Endurance club, is 14-year-old Bredell Wessels.

Tickets for Finals Rounds Going Fast for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

LEXINGTON, KY - Tickets to the eight world championships of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are selling quickly, with many sessions, particularly finals sessions, approaching sell-outs.

The 2010 Games will be held at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October10.

Tickets for compulsory and finals rounds of competition in all eight sports are still available throughout the 16 days of the Games, and can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, at www.ticketmaster.com, through the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000, or at your local Ticketmaster outlet.

The Dressage Individual Freestyle and the Reining Individual Finals could be the first to reach full capacity. Less than 1,000 Level A tickets are available for the Dressage Freestyle on October 1 in the outdoor stadium. Only 400 tickets remain for the Reining Individual Finals on September 30 at the indoor arena.

Finals rounds are in highest demand across all sports. Eventing and Driving finals are already 75 percent sold, and only a third of the seats for the Jumping Top Four remain. Just over 100 tickets remain in the Finals Round for Para Dressage, and both the Freestyle and Team Finals in Vaulting are more than halfway sold.

Grounds Pass tickets, which allow general admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, are also available and are on sale at a special promotional price of $20 until May 31. Find out more about this ticketing program on the Grounds Pass page of the Games web site.

For those waiting to purchase their tickets, you are strongly encouraged to buy now before the seats are gone!

Malaysia: Switch pays off for Haris

NST.com.my - Full Article

2010/05/14


FORMER endurance rider Haris Zulhkiple boosted his chances of winning a dressage gold at the Malaysia Games in Malacca by clinching the Class 7 preliminary Group A 1C title at the Premier Cup Series 1 at Taman Ekuestrian Putrajaya yesterday.

Haris, winner of the endurance gold at the 2008 Malaysia Games in Terengganu when representing Federal Territory, hopes to win the dressage gold as well, since he will be competing in both events.

"I started competing in dressage events by chance because there was a shortage of riders and I was asked to try the event by my coach. Slowly I got hooked to it and now I have started winning.

"This win will be a confidence booster for the Games," said Haris who together with his younger brothers, Adam and Danial, make up the Federal Territory Malaysia Games team.

"In Terengganu, I won a gold in endurance and a silver in dressage. Hopefully, this time around, I will come back with two gold medals."

Haris, 20, who will leave for Sydney after the Games, to continue his studies, is no stranger to the sport as his mother, Norlaily Buniyamin, is also a national endurance rider.

Norlaily was the sole women endurance rider in the Malaysian team during the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship at the Terengganu Endurance Park.

Read more here:
http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/qxqsx/Article/index_html

Great Britain: H&H editor to ride in Golden Horseshoe Challenge

Horseandhound.co.uk


Amy Mathieson, H&H news writer

14 May, 2010

Horse & Hound editor Lucy Higginson is one of five equestrian magazine editors who will be taking up the Golden Horseshoe Challenge next week.

The editors have been invited by ride organiser Barbara Wigley, who has set up a special class for them on Tuesday 18 May, the final day of the three-day endurance competition in Exmoor.

"We have organised a ride over 25 miles of the 100-mile course," she said.

"Owners have kindly loaned us horses that are fit and ready to go and each editor will be accompanied by a rider who is eligible for selection for the World Championships this year — and where they can, they will crack on at Gold speed of 7.5 miles an hour."

[More at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/297968.html]

Bahrain: HRH Crown Prince receives Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad

Bna.bh

date: 11 05, 2010

Manama, May 11 (BNA) His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport described today the equestrian sport as inextricably linked to chivalry, resolve, bravery and good ethics.
This sport is a historical heritage which has been developed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa making it the most loved and supported sport in Bahrain, he said as he received at Rifa Palace today First Vice President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, Head of Bahrain Olympic Committee and royal endurance team Captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and member of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF). HRH the Crown Prince also received winners of the Crown Prince Endurance Cup in the presence of BREEF Board of Directors. HRH the Crown Prince congratulated Shaikh Nasser and the riders on their achievements which have opened up the door for other Bahrainis to take up this sport. He also lauded the riders' contribution to serving the kingdom's heritage by re-establishing the lustrous link between the rider, the horse and chivalry. HRH the Crown Prince wished them further success in local, regional and international events while directing them to take care of key technical issues regarding horses entry to the kingdom including healthcare, quarantine and origin. Shaikh Nasser took pride in the tremendous care accorded by HRH the Crown Prince to endurance in Bahrain tipping the Crown Prince Cup as one of the outstanding stations in the endurance races season. Shaikh Khalid also expressed thanks and respect to HRH the Crown Prince for his continuous support to endurance which reflects Bahrain's glorious heritage. Present at the meeting were Crown Prince's Court Head Shaikh Khalifa bin Daij Al Khalifa and Crown Prince's Advisor Shaikh Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Khalifa.

2010 WEG: Kentucky Tourism Commissioner makes first official visit to Maysville

Maysville-online.com - Full Article

By WENDY MITCHELL, Staff Writer | Monday, May 10, 2010

The Maysville Conference Center was the inaugural stop for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Bus Blitz of Kentucky, Monday.

Promoting 2010 WEG is a combined effort of nine regional tourism agencies and the local travel and tourism locations they represent, officials said.

"The last time there was something of this calibre in the U.S. was at the Olympic Games in Atlanta," said Mike Cooper, Kentucky Travel and Tourism commissioner.

Cooper and the entourage visited MCC and Kentucky Gateway Museum Center on Monday.

One of the miniature displays, representing a Kentucky horse farm library, along with a display from the Rosemary Clooney House Museum in Augusta and a section of fence from Calumet Farm in Lexington will be part of many displays visitors will see, officials said.

"They will even be able to pet a shark," Cooper said, verifying the information with other participants as he introduced a partial list of The Kentucky Experience displays. Each tourism agency and region provided information and materials which are being combined into The Kentucky Experience Pavilion exhibit at WEG, Cooper said.

Predicted to pump $167 million into the Kentucky economy, the games Sept. 25 - Oct 10 are on par with an Olympic equestrian competition, official said...

Read more here:
http://www.maysville-online.com/news/local/article_0a05a912-5cb1-11df-91dc-001cc4c03286.html

Argentina: Viral Equine Arteritis outbreak in the province of Buenos Aires

EN.Mercopress.com

May 8th 2010

SENASA, Argentina’s National Animal and Agriculture Health Board, issued a statement suspending all transportation of horses in the Buenos Aires province for two weeks due to an outbreak of Viral Equine Arteritis.

The ban in force as of this week may be extended up to 30 days and has curtailed horse activities such as racing, show jumping, endurance and auctions.

The origin of the outbreak was traced to semen imported recently from Holland for jumpers.

The disease affects pregnant mares which abort their embryos; however after being infected they become immune.

Stallions that have Viral Equine Arteritis must be gelded. The disease can be transmitted through the air or during breeding.

According to the Merck Veterinary Manual Equine viral arteritis (EVA) is an acute, contagious, viral disease of equids caused by equine arteritis virus. It is characterized by fever, depression, dependent edema (especially of the limbs, scrotum, and prepuce in the stallion), conjunctivitis, nasal discharge, abortion, and infrequently, death in young foals.

The virus which causes EVA was first isolated from horses in Ohio in 1953 but the disease has afflicted equine animals worldwide for centuries. It has been more common in some breeds of horses in the United States, but there is no breed “immunity”.
There is no known human hazard.

2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Receives Entries from 60 Countries

May 7, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY—The World Games 2010 Foundation is pleased to announce that 60 National Federations have submitted entries in principle for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. They are:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Brazil, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Columbia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, United States, Venezuela

With 60 countries expressing an interest in attendance at the Games, the World Games 2010 Foundation anticipates as many as 800 athletes could compete. The world championships for eight equestrian sports will be contested September 25 -October 10 at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park. Final entries and individual athletes will be named in August.

Tickets for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are available for competition in all eight disciplines. Grounds Pass tickets are also available. Visit www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, www.ticketmaster.com, visit any local Ticketmaster outlet or call 1-800-745-3000.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

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 current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and the American Quarter Horse Association. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

Media Contact:
Amy Walker
awalker@feigames2010.org

Brazil: Multidays

Enduroonline.com.br

Multidays is a test unlike any other place in Brazil. It's a race where all itinerant horse / rider will travel a distance of 70 km per day, totaling 210 km in three (3) days.

All riders will stay in the same hotel, as well as the organizers, veterinary, trekkers, timekeepers, etc.., And every night there will be a fantastic cocktail, so that all who compete during the day if confraternizarão night, throwing to each other new challenges for the next day. This creates a very special climate of understanding between everyone, without, however, let the competitive side.

It's a great way to start a horse endurance in long distance categories.

All the enduro national summit will be present in this test, both creators and riders, managers, veterinarians and judges.

This is already the fifth edition of Multidays and all were an absolute success, always bringing riders from Europe and USA to participate. This year we are waiting, too, knights of Uruguay and Argentina. It's a race that attracts the media specialist by their characteristics.


THE PROOF

The rider may opt to carry three (3) days of Multidays with one horse (approx. 60 km p / day) or three (3) days with two dogs or three (3) days with three animals ( 01 animal per day).

VALUES FOR ENTRIES

In the amount of entries will be included the hotel for three days:

- Entry on Thursday and departure on Sunday.

- The cocktails in the evening of the three (3) days and all meals.

Subscriptions to the day May 14 at a discount:

- For animal 2001: U.S. $ 1,290.00
- Each extra horse - Free

- Escort: Hotel + cocktails + food for three (3) days: U.S. $ 650.00

Subscriptions 15-27 May:

For animal 2001: U.S. $ 1,400.00

- Each extra horse + $ 100.00

- Escort: Hotel + cocktails + food for 03 days: U.S. $ 650.00

Note: Lodging in double room.

The Journey

Approximately 60 km / day, through little-used trails, rich in natural resources in the middle of the Atlantic Forest remaining natural habitat of local flora and fauna, and they extend the abundant waters of Cantareira system.

Between rivers, waterfalls and dams, the course covers the municipalities of Joanópolis, Piracaia and Camanducaia. Near the Capital, these towns are rural areas with features perfect for our sport with more than 500 km of dirt roads through the Waterfall of the Blacks, with a waterfall of 154 meters and the Dam River Jaguari.

CONTACT
Vanda Balassa
vbalassa@yahoo.com.br

Bahrain: Disease Identified as Glanders

Gulf-daily-news.com

By MANDEEP SINGH , Posted on » Monday, April 26, 2010

THE Cabinet yesterday allocated BD150,000 to combat the disease.

It also instructed the Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry to carry out the preventive plan.

"The decision reflects the government's keenness to protect human health, the environment and animals," Cabinet Affairs Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Ateyatala Al Khalifa said.

A MYSTERY illness, which forced vets to put down eight horses in three weeks, has been identified as the highly contagious and potentially fatal bacterial infection glanders, or equina, that can be passed on to humans.

However, Bahrain's top vet yesterday allayed fears of a serious outbreak, saying authorities were already acting on the new information and said it could be "easily" managed.

Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry livestock director Dr Salman Abdul Nabi said every horse in the country was being examined for signs of the illness.

He added that blood samples from of horses, suspected of either having the illness or coming into contact with infected animals, were currently being analysed by specialists in the UAE.

"We have sent samples from nearly 400 horses to a specialist laboratory in the UAE and the 10 results we have got so far give us the all-clear," he told the GDN.

"We now know we can manage this quite easily and are taking appropriate action."

However, he stressed that a ban on moving horses between stables or taking part in competitions still existed to avoid the bacteria spreading.

He revealed around a dozen horses currently had symptoms of the infection, but said some were already showing signs of recovery.

Glanders is a highly contagious disease in horses, horses, mules and donkeys, but it can be passed on to humans who have direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects.

The painful respiratory infection can cause skin lesions and signs include fever, chills, muscle aches and chest pain, but it can also lead to pneumonia and death without treatment.

Infection can also occur in dogs, cats, goats, camels, hamsters and guinea pigs.

Results of 2010 Mont-le-Soie in Belgium

120 km CEI**

1. Maritza Pereira - Khan de la Saulire - 7:35
2. Raphael Van Cauter - Hilal S - 7:36
3. Muriel Guillaudeux - Altaire du Florival - 7:38


120 CEIOYRJ**

1. Elisabeth Hardy - Lutece de Crouz - 17,83 k/h
2. Laura Houassin - Nadji des Sauvlons - 17,39 k/h
3. Raphael Van Cauter - Taborah de Sier - 17,39 k/h


Belgium Championships for 7 & 8 years horses 100 km CEI*:

1. Elise Couderc - Shanon - 5:20
2. Jean-Philippe Cohard - Hilkilly de Prazilia EWalRaid - 5:20
3. Romane Yernux - Sichen des Sauvlons - 5:21

Resultats Complet at http://www.endurance-belgium.com/navigation/index.htm

Photos by Carol Gatellier:
http://www.ceue.eu/photos/mls10mai/cg/index.html

Photos by Francis Piron:
http://www.ceue.eu/photos/mls10mai/fp/index.html

British Team Development Squad Successful in Belgium

Endurancegb.co.uk

4th May 2010

The Team rode at Mont le Soie, Belgium in the 120k 2* ride on Sunday 3rd May. All team members completed - Larissa, Louise, Heather, Sue, Charlotte and Claire in that order. Sadly Larissa's horse was lame at the finish. Congratulations to you all - have a good trip home! Team details .....


Larissa Whiley - Ben Shah
Sue Rich - Czako
Heather Whiteley - Shafabah
Claire Bruce - Ah Diba
Louise Rich - Cziko
Charlotte Hirst - WFA Leena

Bahrain: Shaikh Khalid lifts endurance crown

Gulf-daily-news.com

Posted on » Sunday, May 02, 2010


ROYAL Endurance Team rider Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa won the End-of-Season Endurance Ride Championship in the early hours of yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) chief completed the gruelling overnight race in five hours 19 minutes and three seconds.

Riding Kintamani Ragindi, Shaikh Khalid overcame a rough start to the 120-kilometre, five stage event but managed to power ahead of the field later on.

He was seventh after the opening 30-km leg, but rose to fourth after the second 30-km sector. He was then in the top three over the next two stages, covering distances of 24 kms and 20 kms, respectively, before making his decisive push over the last 16 kms to clinch first place.

Ahead

Shaikh Khalid led fellow-Royal Team member Ahmed Abdulla Al Hazza to the finish by a mere three seconds. Al Hazza, on Tarabic Carl, was ahead for most of the race, safely holding first place from legs two through four, but lost control over the late stages.

The leading pair were followed by Abdulaziz Khalifa representing Al Asayel Stables, who was on Minit Maid. Khalifa finished the race in 5:20:47, and also overcame a poor start as he found himself 12th after stage one.

Royal Team rider Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Saad came fourth. Riding Mystic Traveller, Al Saad had a total ride time of 5:45:53. Teammate Ratan Singh on Affiniti rounded out the top five in the championship. Singh completed the event in 5:51:25.

Both Al Saad and Singh managed late surges after starting the race outside the top 10.

At the end of the ride, Shaikh Khalid and the rest of the winners were presented their respective trophies by Royal Endurance Team captain and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser congratulated Shaikh Hamad on his victory and praised him for putting on a fantastic performance. Shaikh Nasser added that Shaikh Khalid was a very deserving winner.

The championship was organised and run by Breef. It flagged off at 5pm on Friday evening.

A total of 60 riders from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia took part. The ride was originally not announced due to a possible postponement because of the outbreak of a virus that has affected many horses around Bahrain.

But after medical checks and assurances from veterinarians and under the guidance of Shaikh Khalid the event was give the go ahead.