Bahrain: Season opening endurace ride set

Gulf-daily-news.com

October 29, 2010

THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) is today organising the Breef Season Opening Endurance Ride Championship.

Starting at 4pm, the first event of the 2010/11 season will be held at the International Endurance Village in Sakhir. It is a qualifying ride covering a total distance of 80 kms.

The ride, due to conclude at night, is divided into three stages, with 30 kms for the first stage marked with red stripes.

The second stage will also be over 30 kms and is covered in green while the third stage, which is over 20 kms, is marked yellow.

The total duration of the ride is seven hours and 50 minutes. There will be a 30-minute break between the first and second stages while the break between the second and third will be 40 minutes. Maximum weight for the riders is 75kg, including the horse gears.

Breef, under the presidency of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has finalised its preparations for today's qualifying ride. The registration of riders taking part has been completed.

This ride will be a great opportunity for all riders to prepare for the new season. It also aims to attract new riders.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Khalid expressed confidence of a very successful season.

Shaikh Khalid, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports vice-president, said this season's rides would be different from the previous ones.

He believes that the foundation of endurance rides is expanding with more riders from different stages expected to sign up for the new season's competitions.

Shaikh Khalid underlined the development of endurance rides in Bahrain to the unlimited support of His Majesty King Hamad.

The Breef's chief also highlighted the achievements of Bahraini riders in regional and international championships, the last of which was at the World Equestrian Games held in Kentucky where some of the world's best riders were in the fray.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa is the event's organising committee chairman.

The Ground Jury is headed by Ghalib Al Alawi while Haider Zubi of Jordan will be the foreign judge. Other ground jury members are Mohammed Dadulla, Abdulghani Al Boosta, Ali Ghuloom, Mahdi Al Kalaiti and Fahad Al Romaihi.

Mahmood Hassan is the chief steward while Abdulla Al Rumaihi is the other steward for the event.

The veterinary commissioner is Dr Khalid Hasan while Mahmood Al Hammad of Saudi Arabia will be the foreign veterinarian.

Other veterinarians are Bahrain's Dr Ebrahim Yousif, Dr Sabah Al Kabie, Dr Abu Obaidah Yaqoob, Dr Abdelrahman Abu Shook and Dr Caonabo Melo of the Dominican Republic.

Meg Wade on the road to recovery

Photo: Jill Craig - ABC Goulburn Murray

ABC.net.au

28 October 2010
By Jill Craig (ABC Goulburn Murray)

After a devastating horse accident in early 2009 local endurance rider Meg Wade is determined to get back on a horse.

The equestrian world was shocked in Easter 2009 when they heard the terrible news that Australia's most successful endurance rider Meg Wade had fallen during a ride.

The fall at Tumbarumba left Meg Wade unconscious and fighting for her life in a Canberra hospital.

Burrowye-based Meg says endurance racing was a favourite event for her; she has competed in 65 160 kilometre races, with wins in 25.

"As the race got longer I got better... I think a lot of it is the metal attitude; I am pretty strong mentally.

"Your horse doesn't know whether it's going out to do 80 kilometres or 160; you're the one in charge."

Meg's accident happened when she was competing in a 100 kilometres Easter endurance ride at Tumbarumba...

More article and audio interview here:
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2010/10/27/3049935.htm

Malaysia: King To Lead Local Riders In Terengganu Endurance Challenge

Bernama.com.my

October 26 2010

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 26 (Bernama) -- The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2010 from Nov 5-7 in Lembah Bidong, Setiu will feature 80 local and international riders.

Head of secretariat for the Sultan Cup 2010, Faridah Mat Ali said 15 international riders from Thailand, United States, France, Singapore, Australia, Uruguay and Indonesia have so far confirmed their participation.

"Though the closing date for entries is over, we will still accept last minute entries," Faridah told Bernama here Tuesday.

Faridah said the local challenge would be led by none other than Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

She said the challenge, organised jointly by the Terengganu state government and Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable, (RTES) over a 120km distance, would offer RM126,000 in total prize money.

Faridah said the winner would receive RM30,000, runner-up (RM20,000), third(RM15,00), fourth (RM10,000) and fifth (RM8,000).

-- BERNAMA

Aussie link to WEG endurance win

Weeklytimesnow.com.au - Full Article

Jenny Sheppard | October 25, 2010

AUSTRALIAN riders may not have starred in the 100-mile endurance at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, but there was one link to Australia in the championship.

Silver medallist Sheikh Mohammed, of the United Arab Emirates, riding Ciel Oriental, owns the global Darley Stud, which has four Australian properties, one at Seymour and three in NSW.

He also heads his family's Godolphin Racing operations in NSW.

Gold went to Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton, from Spain, riding Nobby, and bronze to Sheikh Mohammed's son Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, riding SAS Alexis.

Although thrilled with the victory, Ponton also credited Sheikh Mohammed...

Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2010/10/25/248111_horses.html

Sultan bin Khalifa backs Princess Haya's bid to FEI presidency

WAM - Emirates News Agency

Oct 24, 2010 - 04:53 -

WAM Abu Dhabi, 24th Oct. 2010 (WAM) -- Chairman of the Emirates Equestrian Federation HH Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, declared his support to HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for re-election as President of the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) for the second time in a row.

He pointed out that the UAE supports Arab talents to take up international and continental positions, praising Princess Haya's bid as she had well managed to help the (FEI) scale to new heights in the few last years.

He also assured that the Emirates Equestrian Federation trusts Princess Haya's abilities to implement her election program for the benefit of equestrian sports through her renewable ideas and visions.

He mentioned that she is the best to assume the position of presidency of the (FEI) because of her many remarkable achievements and international reputation and fame in equestrian field.

As a knight whose star shone in several Olympics as well as local and global endurance championships, he noted Princes Haya is a real asset to the Arab Equestrian which is a valuable component of the UAE heritage, culture, and traditions that UAE is pride of.

Spain: Catalonian Championship

October 16 2010

The 120 km CEI** Raid Moias, the Championship of Catalonia, Spain, was run on 16th October 2010. There were 67 starters and 46 finishers.

Winner was Jordi Arboix riding Ainhoa le Paladine, covering the 120 km in 6:35.48, for an average speed of 18.19 km/h.

For complete results see Blog "El Raid" at
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2010/10/resultados-del-cei-120-km-moias.html

AHC's horse Welfare Code gains support

HPJ.com

The American Horse Council's National Welfare Code of Practice continues to garner support from the horse community. The Welfare Code outlines in generic terms what it means for an organization to be committed to the responsible breeding, training, care, use, enjoyment, transport, and retirement of horses. Many associations have undertaken studies, reviews, and initiatives that show their commitment to the welfare of their horses. This generic code is simply a continuation of that effort.

The latest groups to support the National Welfare Code include the Arabian Horse Association, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association, League of Agricultural and Equine Centers, Master of Foxhounds Association, Pinto Horse Association of America, The Pyramid Society, U.S. Dressage Federation, and U.S. Equestrian Drill Team.

They join 10 other national groups that have already endorsed the Welfare Code. They include the: American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Endurance Ride Conference, American Paint Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Kentucky Thoroughbred Association, National Cutting Horse Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, U.S. Equestrian Federation, and U.S. Trotting Association.

"We are pleased with the positive feedback and continued interest we have received from a broad spectrum of equine organizations since the Welfare Code of Practice was announced this past November," said AHC President Jay Hickey. "This latest round of endorsements further demonstrates to the public the industry's unified commitment to the welfare and safety of horses, and we hope to build upon this momentum to bring in as many organizations as possible to further reinforce the industry's commitment to safety, health, care and welfare of all horses."

The Code is not intended to replace or pre-empt any activities, rules, or regulations specific to any segment of the industry. Rather it is another indication to the public, the media, federal and state officials, and the horse community that the equine industry "Puts the Horse First."

To view the complete Welfare Code of Practice please visit the AHC website at www.horsecouncil.org/newsroom.php.

Great Britain: Famous horse April Airs retires to Norfolk

Liz Hall with April Ayers at halls wood
sanctuary; Photo: Jerry Daws

Eveningnews24.co.uk - Full Article

Matthew Sparkes Friday, 15 October, 2010

A once-famous endurance racehorse has been discovered at a sanctuary outside Norwich in a condition a world away from her heyday.

April Airs, a 26-year-old Anglo-Arab, had been a respected horse competing in long-distance events of up to 75 miles in the 90s.

A book on endurance horse riding published in 1996 by a previous owner, Claire Wilde, was also dedicated to her with the message: “To April Airs, the horse of a lifetime”.

But she was sent to Hallswood Animal Sanctuary in Stratton Strawless, near Norwich, when later owners could no longer care for her.

Although they had treated her well she was underweight and had only a third of her teeth left, so found it hard to process food. She is currently being fed soup so that she does not have to chew.

Liz Hall, owner of the sanctuary, only discovered her unique past when she noticed her markings and looked up her history.

Now her keepers are keen to find out how such an animal ended up in care.

Mrs Hall said: “She had a very fruitful life; she was a very respected endurance horse, very well bred...

Read more here:
http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/famous_horse_april_airs_retires_to_norfolk_1_682225

The Guatemalan Endurance Riders: A team you can be proud of

Guatemala-times.com - Full Article

Thursday, 14 October 2010 06:31 Theresa Fryar
Photos by Ignacio de Wit

I recently had the pleasure of accompanying the Guatemalan Endurance Team to the World Equestrian Games in the United States. Five riders, grooms, family members and technical support people made the long journey to Kentucky. Forty one people in total. Over the past year and a half I have seen these riders and their trusty mounts train tirelessly for this event overcoming obstacles along the way separating themselves out as the elite Endurance riders of Guatemala.

As an American my sense of patriotism towards my home in the U.S. was strong as I arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park. The grounds were perfectly manicured and the excitement of the impending World Equestrian Games was in the air. One could not help but be overcome by the greatness of Equestrian sports.

Upon my arrival at the horse park I was immediately greeted with open arms by the members of the Guatemalan Endurance Team. This did not surprise me as I have always been treated as part of the Endurance family even though I am new at the sport. The veterans of the sport are always willing to impart their knowledge and share their experience. There were some very serious roadblocks along the way to Kentucky. ..

Read more here:
http://www.guatemala-times.com/sport/guatemala/1763-the-guatemalan-endurance-riders-a-team-you-can-be-proud-of.html

HRH Princess Haya's Remarks from WEC

October 10 2010

Opening remarks by HRH Princess Haya for wrap-up Press Conference, 10 October at 9am

The World Equestrian Games Foundation had a mission statement to stage a Games that were technically, artistically and commercially successful. And there can be no doubt that these Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games here in Kentucky have ticked every one of those boxes.

This has been a Games all about firsts - it’s the first FEI World Equestrian Games to be held outside Europe and the first to be held in the US. And it’s the first time that Para-Equestrian Dressage has been welcomed into the FEI World Equestrian Games fold.

We’ve welcomed 632 athletes and 752 horses from 58 countries to the Kentucky Horse Park. They have produced incredible sport over the past 15 days and will undoubtedly continue to do so throughout today’s final competitions in Para-Dressage, Driving and Vaulting as we build up to tonight’s spectacular Closing Ceremony.

Kentucky has welcomed spectators from all 50 U.S. states and more than 55 countries. And we expect the overall attendance figures to top 500,000 by the end of today.

We have been blessed with more than 5,000 INCREDIBLE volunteers who have worked around the clock to ensure the success of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. We thank them all for their commitment and loyalty.

We thank our wonderful title sponsor Alltech, and all our presenting sponsors and other supporters who have made the Games possible. And we thank you, the media, for letting the world know about these Games. We’ve had unbelievable wall-to-wall coverage - both in the electronic and the print media – generated by all of you over the past couple of weeks.

We want these Games to be remembered for what they have done for the world of horse sport. They have brought the equestrian family together in the best tradition of the FEI World Equestrian Games for 16 days of wonderful sport that will be remembered long after tonight’s closing ceremony. There can be no doubt, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, have been a phenomenal success.

Australia: 2010 Shazada

Aera.asn.au

Marion Legronne was the Fastest Time in 32 hours and 19 mins on her mare Sasam.... Marion looked a picture and smiled her way through the whole 400kms.

The oldest successful rider and rider who travelled the furthest was Alwyn Toorenbeek (below left). Another successful rider, Noni Seagrim (bottom left).

Six horses were called up for Best Conditioned/Best Managed Horse Award - Sasam ridden by Marion Legronne, Shakista ridden by Sue Todd (centre left), Shellal Cattle King Flyte ridden by Allix Jones, Diamond R Boston ridden by Kym Hagon (centre right), Garonne Park Tiara ridden by Anne Lymbery and Razorback Hot Pepper ridden by Tracy Haack.

Best Conditioned/Best Conditioned Horse Award went to Shakista, owned and ridden by Sue Todd (centere left).

Neil Clarkson and Espirit Sherwood won the Halifax Hayes Fit and Well Award.

More information and Photos at
http://www.aera.asn.au/

Canadian Endurance Team Finishes Seventh at World Equestrian Games

Cornwallseawaynews.com - Full Article

Published on October 10th, 2010

In the first competition of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, in Lexington, KY, the Canadian Endurance Team comprised of Elroy Karius and Gail Jewell of Kelowna, BC; Robert Gielen of Norton, NB; and Ruth Sturley of Owen Sound, ON placed seventh out of 21 starting teams on September 26, 2010. 108 riders started the 160km competition, only 55 individuals finished.

Endurance is a distance riding sport where horse and rider teams complete a course of up to 160 km within 24 hours. The welfare of the horse is paramount. Riders aim to finish as quickly as possible, with a “sound”, healthy horse and there are multiple veterinary checks to ensure the horses are fit to continue.

“It was a wonderful team effort,” remarked team captain Kay Melvin. “The crew worked really well together. Today was a real team effort, and a real team success..."

Read more here:
http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/Sports/2010-10-10/article-1839415/Canadian-Endurance-Team-Finishes-Seventh-at-World-Equestrian-Games/1

Rondezvous in Normandy

Horsechannel.com - Full Article

France to host 2014 World Equestrian Games
By Elizabeth Moyer

At the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the FEI flag was lowered and officially passed from Kentucky to Normandy. The French region will welcome the world equestrian games in 2014.

The French/American connection is especially significant, as 2014 will mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day, when American and allied troops landed on Normandy beach during World War II in a pivotal battle in the liberation of France and Europe.

Normandy and Kentucky share many similarities. Both have a worldwide reputation for producing champions and serve as centers of equine industry, research, breeding and competition...

Read more here:
http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-news/2010/10/12/normandy-world-equestrian-games.aspx

The King to spearhead Malaysia's challenge

News-straits-times

New Straits Times, Oct 10, 2010 | by Zainuddin Muhammad

YANG di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will take part in the 7th Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge on Nov 5-7 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.

The King will face challenges from more than 90 endurance riders from 15 countries in the 120km race, which is co-organised by the state government and Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES).

Organising committee chairman Datuk Mazlan Ngah said riders from the United States, Chile, Uruguay, France, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia had confirmed their participation in the three-day competition...

Read more here:
http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/new-straits-times/mi_8016/is_20101010/king-spearhead-malaysias-challenge/ai_n55494564/

Malaysia: Terengganu Endurance Challenge To Feature 90 Riders From 15 Countries

Bernama.com

October 9 2010

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2010 from Nov 5-7 in Lembah Bidong, Setiu will feature 90 local and international riders from 15 countries.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the number of participation was a 50 per cent increase compared with the number of rider when the race was incepted in 2006.

"Apart from participants, the Endurance Race has also attracted the attention of equestrian sport lovers, horse owners, breeders and veterinary doctors in the country.

"It will certainly increase the number of tourists to Terengganu and boost economic revenue from tourism," he told reporters after launching the event at Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa, Pulau Duyong here Saturday.

"The championship not only glorifies Terengganu but it is also a stepping stone for riders to enter internationally acclaimed endurance races.

Ahmad said the challenge would offer RM100,000 in prize money while young local riders .

He added that organizing such events was in line with the state's objective to turn Terengganu into a hub for traditional, cultural, arts, sports and recreational activities in the region.

-- BERNAMA

Princess wants World Equestrian Games in America again

Cincinnati.com - Full Article

By Jessie Halladay • The Courier-Journal • October 7, 2010

LEXINGTON - The head of the governing body for the World Equestrian Games would like see them return to the United States, citing the success in Lexington as ground-breaking and beneficial to equestrian sports.

“We all know that what's big in America becomes big all around the world,” Princess Haya al Hussein, president of the Federation Equestre Internationale, or FEI, said yesterday. “The more chances we have to see our World Equestrian Games on this continent, it would make our sport richer for it.”

The games continue through Sunday at the Kentucky Horse Park, and though not every competition sold out, Princess Haya praised attendance and said having the first games in America have done a lot to increase exposure to disciplines that may not be as well known. Daily attendance has ranged from 12,000 to nearly 51,000.

“What Kentucky has brought to the World Equestrian Games and to the FEI has been nothing short of miraculous,” she said.

“What would for me be the special mark of these games is the American can-do attitude… That's something that we in the FEI should really learn from and take home because if we do there are absolutely no boundaries to where this sport can go...”

Read more here:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20101007/NEWS0103/310070036/Princess-wants-Games-back-in-U-S-

WEC: Maria, an exceptional pilot, Sheikh Mohammed, a knight.

by Leonard Liesens, Endurance-belgium.com

The protocol, but also the traditional Bedouin culture defines its own rules. The leader leads the tribe, his oldest son at his right side. The sons must show respect to their father. They have to follow him, the same principle is true for the youngest sons vs. the oldest.

The trainers of Sheikh Mohammed are in competition against each other for presenting the best horse to the leader and have him choose the one they have trained. The advisors of the Sheikh must probably realize in putting the most accurate comments and have the leader listen to their advise. Nothing else than what's happening in any organization. One must imagine the dilemma for Sheikh Mohammed in order to filter all the information he receives and take the right decision. Choosing the right horse for the right race must not be easy and can be a bit like playing poker. The biggest difference is that the one bluffing a bit too much can quickly be fired. C'est la vie...

Sheikh Mohammed had the choice between Ciel oriental, the chestnut and Acadienne, the grey mare. The photos are showing the two horses when ridden by Maria (Acadienne) and another trainer (Ciel Oriental). Would I be offered to ride any of them, be sure I would write flattering articles for years...

He opted for Ciel Oriental. This horse seems to be especially
difficult at the trotting. Is seems that he is afraid of the person
trotting him. Ears set to the back, head raised, hind legs shifted
to the outside... This doesn't please the veterinarians as it is
difficult to detect any gait abnormalities. At the last trotting,
the horse was trotted twice by his trainer and showed the
particularities described above. It seems that the vet committee
asked another trotting with another person. Sheikh Hamdam took the
rope and trotted Ciel Oriental, on a more 'normal' way. Seen from
3/4, the horse was looking OK, not perfect, but difficult to
eliminate it, taking into account he is the horse from the biggest
patron of endurance.

More...