Bahrain: Riders gear up for endurance event

Gulf-daily-news.com

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

THREE cars will be given away to the top three riders in the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Horseride Championship on Saturday.

The decision was announced yesterday by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa prior to the inaugural event of the season.

The ride, set to take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, will be over 100km and promises to feature some of Bahrain's top riders representing different stables.

Shaikh Khalid said additional cash prizes will be presented to each rider who completes one of the stages within the ride.

He confirmed that the awards scheme aims to bring the attention of riders in Bahrain to participate in the opening ride of the season, adding that more prizes will be provided in future competitions later this year.

Meanwhile, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president, chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and captain of the Royal Endurance Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa hailed the efforts of the federation ahead of the new season.

He highlighted the valuable prizes being allocated in each ride and believes that the season will feature gruelling battle among Bahrain's riders.

The season's opener will be followed by the 120km National Day Championships on December 24 which is open to senior and junior riders.

The Breef Senior and Junior Championships will then take place on January 8, next year, and is over 120km.

The fourth competition on the Breef's calendar will be 120km His Majesty King Hamad Championship, the most awaiting event of the year, scheduled for February 5 and is open for seniors and juniors.

The federation will then organise the Shaikh Nasser Championship on February 19 and is over 100km.

Another Breef event for the seniors and juniors will take place on March 5 and is over 120km.

That will be followed by the 120km His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Cup for seniors and juniors, the first night endurance ride of the season, to be held April 1.

The season is set to conclude on April 22 with another night ride titled the Season Ending Championship, which is over 120km.

Spain: Arboix and Luque Invited to President's Cup

El Raid blog - Gabriel Gamiz

25 November 2010

Two Spanish riders Alex Luque and Jordi Arboix have been invited by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club to participate in the President's Cup on February 12, 2011.

This is the note of the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation:
Raid: An invitation to two Spanish riders for the Presidents Cup in Abu Dhabi

Today On November 23 has been received by the FEI the invitation of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club riders Raid Spanish, World Cup recently, Alex Luque and Jordi Arboix to participate in President's Cup Race to be held in Abu Dhabi on 12 February.

Spain: 2011 Al Andalus

El Raid blog - Gabriel Gamiz

24 November 2010

(google translation)

This morning in the Sicab, has presented the VI Kaliber-Andalucia, in premises of the Palace of Congresses in the Sicab.

The table was chaired by José Manuel Soto accompanied by a representation of the Junta de Andalucia and Kaliber Spain, Jose Manuel has outlined the details of this next Kaliber, which goes from the village of El Rocio, where there will be a prologue to continue to Seville and road and continue up to Antequera, where there will be a day of rest, then follow the Monumental round and finish in the emblematic city of Granada.
This year there will only be said that the participation of pairs (a horse and rider), with six stages and a rest day.

After the presentation of Kaliber, offered us some beers, where all the previous record attendance Kaliber and issues related to the horse world.

***
The equestrian endurance test more demanding in the world will start next April 2 at the Dew (El Rocio) and end on April 9th at Granada

The 2011 Raid will travel 500 km in six stages through Andalusia protected enclaves, of surpassing beauty, where we can show the complicity between horse and rider

Sevilla, 24 November. A year hosts the Raid Kaliber Andalusia-Andalusia that this coming year 2011 celebrates the sixth edition. This test driven in 2006 by the Andalusian singer José Manuel Soto - passionate sportsman and horse world - has become a sports-tourism event of the first magnitude. Kaliber-Andalucía Raid resistance test is more demanding horses and horse racing longest and toughest in the world. This year divided into 6 stages and 500 kilometers tests speed, endurance and skill of both horse and rider.

Kaliber-Andalucía Raid congregate each year to national and international riders not only participate in a unique sporting event, but, in turn, discover the beauty of Andalusia and its people. It's more than a competition, as it not only offers a sporting challenge against the clock if it is discovered, trot, nature and culture of Andalusia. And in the Raid is not there first, but to go by dosing the horse and keeping it at an appropriate pace for each stage.

The racetrack is developed through many different routes, where horse and rider show their complicity face different types of soil with natural obstacles that complicate the path. The Raid runs through Andalusia protected enclaves of surpassing beauty. Each stage of the Raid-Andalucía Kaliber usually consists of 40 km, existing veterinary controls to check the pulse of the horse at the end of each. In this control the clock is ticking until the horse is not below 65 beats. At night, horses and riders, hard day's rest to recover to face with the dawn a new era.

Like every year the tour Raid-Andalucía Kaliber change your route and the sixth edition will start on April 2 and ends at the Dew 7 days in Granada. The Raid will this year with a prologue about 25 miles, starting and finishing at the Dew. As news, the Raid VI consist of 6 stages, each of 60 km - divided into two phases which is 30km from a veterinary and a break of 45 minutes. Furthermore, this edition will be most competitive and exciting, if possible, as it disappears more equipment and will result only in the category of biomes (a rider, a horse). The Raid VI-Andalucía Kaliber will kick pictorial touring places like the National Park of Doñana Natural Park Sierra de Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, etc. A magical race between Dew and Granada from Seville, Villamartin, Ronda, Antequera and Alhama de Granada.

2 to 9 April all equestrians have an appointment in Andalusia-Andalusia Kaliber Raid VI. This competition attracts both participants and spectators and allowing them to discover wild landscapes in all its glory, as spring begins to bloom Andalusian fields. The world's most beautiful race, noted for its hardness, its magic and beauty. The fact go and enjoy the scenery makes it worthwhile participation.

José Manuel Soto

José Manuel Soto (March 12, 1961, Seville) is a singer known for his melodic songs. The fourth of nine children, was born into an affluent middle class family with close links to rural environment. His first hit song, and possibly gave him more fame was "For Ella," the author's own composition. In 1989 with the song "Like a Light" got second in the OTI festival. In the first half of the 90 returned to get a new hit with the song "Let yourself be loved." With 16 albums in the street and more than 1,000 concerts, combines a singer with his other passion is horses.

He is currently the president and creator of Raid Kaliber-Andalusia. This great event comes from Jose Manuel Soto passion for horses and the land where he was born and raised, Ontario. With this unique event in the world wants Andalusia is a world leader in the equestrian discipline of resistance. Teach everyone the rich landscape, environmental and cultural to account Andalusia. In the same way you create a unique sporting event and world reference Spanish label.

More photos and information:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/

New Zealand: Champion Rider

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

20/11/2010
The Marlborough Express

Endurance trail riding may not be a big mainstream sport, but it certainly is for Heidi Bulfin.

Ms Bulfin was the Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year nominee for the sport, which involves riding horses over a variety of courses and terrain and testing their all-round skills and endurance.

Endurance riding is like a cross-country race with everyone starting at once, and is all about horsemanship.

The winner is basically first across the line as long as the horse passes a vet inspection at the end.

In trail riding, riders go out in pairs or solo and each is given an optimum time to finish the course.

There is a fine balance between getting close to the time and keeping the horse's heart rate down.

If you arrive back at the finish too early you are penalised.

It is all about pacing yourself and keeping the horse moving.

It is physically demanding on horse and rider with local trail rides ranging from 15 to 40 kilometres or longer, over testing terrain.

"We get off and run the horses down hills," says Ms Bulfin...

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/community-papers/4362946/Champion-rider

FEI General Assembly: NSAID Use Definitively Prohibited

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Christa Lesté-Lasserre
November 16 2010, Article # 17260

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in international equestrian competition is definitively prohibited, following a unanimous vote by the members of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the governing body for international equestrian sports, during their General Assembly meeting Nov. 1-5 in Chinese Taipei.

However, the FEI has agreed to pursue efforts to provide national federations with data indicating the exact amount of time low doses of common NSAIDs--including phenylbutazone (Bute) and flunixin meglumine (Banamine)--are detectable in a horse's blood or urine. This information would allow team veterinarians and riders to accurately time the administration of NSAIDs for therapeutic purposes between events, according to John McEwen, BVMS, MRCVS, team veterinarian for the British Equestrian Federation, FEI Veterinary Committee chair, and chair of the FEI List Group, which developed the now-approved proposal in September.

The decision follows an intensive two-day congress on NSAIDs use in equestrian events, hosted by the FEI in August in Lausanne, Switzerland. At the event, more than 200 international participants convened to discuss and debate the latest research, theories, laws, politics, and public opinion concerning NSAIDs use in horses.

The General Assembly's vote officially defuses the spark of the previously proposed "Progressive List" from November 2009, in which proponents--primarily FEI members from North America--urged the FEI to consider tolerating the presence of certain NSAIDs in horses during drug testing at international competitions...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17260

Qatar: American Ellen Rapp is First American and Female to Win Endurance Race

12 November 2010

Doha: Ellen Rapp, of La Motte, Iowa won the opening endurance race of the season held at the Qatar Endurance Village. In winning, Rapp became the first woman to ever win a race in Qatar, and is reportedly the first American to win a race in the Middle East since Valerie Kanavy won the World Championship in 1998.

Rapp rode SA Ireesh Tenor, an 8-year-old USA-bred Shagya Arabian, trained by her husband Jeremy Olson, head endurance trainer for the Al Shahania Stud, founded and owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

"We have been training him for three years now," Olson said. "He came from Sun Arab Shagyas in Verona, Kentucky. Breeder is Daunna Sellers. He is also a half brother to SA Belshazzar, (who was Ellen's second horse on the USA Team for the 2010 Kentucky WEC and he was also 1st alternate after Smokey came up lame), and SA Edashick, who was third and BC last year here in Qatar at our biggest race 'The Emir's Cup', a 120 km held here in March. Their sire, the Shagya Stallion 'Bayram' stands in Kentucky, and throws wonderfully talented endurance horses. We have had 8 of them and they are all great, with wonderful tempermants, huge bone and great feet and conformation."

Second place was Hamed Towaim Ali Al Marri, riding Catania de Palleres, a Portuguese-bred Anglo Arabian, also trained by Olson and owned by Al Shahania Stud.

79 horses from Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia were entered in the 80-km race, which was held at night, due to the heat.

Olson reports: "Our speed the first 30-km loop was 24.8 km/h, and we arrived in 8th and 9th positions. Our speed the second 30-km loop was 25.6 km/h, and we arrived in 3rd and 4th positions. We left for the last loop in 2nd and 3rd position, 4 minutes behind the leader, but only 30 seconds ahead of 4th and 5th.

"It was a 5 horse race to the finish; the first 5 horses were within 2 minutes of each other with 7k to go! It was a very exciting race! Ellen won the race by 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of my other horse Catania de Palleres, who was 4 minutes and 16 seconds ahead of the third place horse."

Rapp was thrilled with the win, which was full of a lot of 'Firsts'. "It was a great race on an amazing horse!" she said. "We have a lot of great horses at Al Shahania Stud, but I chose Ireesh because he and I share a special bond. Every time I get on this horse he never questions me on what we are doing, he is just eager to see what is next.

"The temperature of the day was perfect and we were not sure how Ireesh would handle the night race with the cars and headlights everywhere. He kept on crusing like he had been doing it his whole life. Truly inspiring this horse is!

"We accomplished a lot this race: Al Shahania Stud wins opening race in Qatar, I became the first female to win a race in Qatar, Ireesh was the first Shagya horse to win a race in Qatar, it was Ireesh's first race in Qatar and first win, and finally we entered two horses and they both completed and placed 1 and 2 healthy, happy, and sound....what a great night!

"I hope that we can keep up the good work at Al Shahania Stud with all of our other horses. The next race is on Christmas Day,"

- Merri Melde
www.endurance.net

Jordan: Princess Alia honours winners of International Wadi Rum Endurance Race

AP Photo

En.ammonnews.net

2010-11-14

Wadi Rum - HRH Princess Alia Bint Al Hussein, Chairperson of the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation (RJEF) honoured on Sunday winners of the International Wadi Rum Endurance Race.

The festival is held every year to mark the birthday anniversary of Late King Hussein bin Talal.

The 120 km and 80 km race was held in participation of riders from Kuwait, Iraq, Germany, Netherlands, Spain in addition to Jordan.

* Petra

Abu Dhabi: Areej Al Ameerat extends support to equestrian sport

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Firm gives full backing to Wathba Challenge

* Staff Report
* Published: 00:00 November 11, 2010

Abu Dhabi: Areej Al Ameerat have stepped in to support equestrian sport in a big way starting with their sponsorship of the 120-km Wathba Challenge Endurance ride to be held on Saturday at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Addressing a press conference, Ali M. Al Mulla, Chairman of Areej Al Ameerat, said: "This is the first time we are supporting an endurance ride and for us it is a matter of great pride."

Al Mulla also confirmed his company's support for two other major equestrian events. "We will be sponsoring the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Racing Festival and will also support the Arabian Racing Conference and Adihex 2011," said Al Mulla.

Prize money

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said: "Saturday's endurance ride will kick-start action at the Al Wathba venue with over 100 horses participating..."

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/areej-al-ameerat-extends-support-to-equestrian-sport-1.710574

Malaysia: Sultan's Cup Has Produced Stable Of World-Class Malaysian Riders

Bernama.com

7 November 2010

By Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail

SETIU, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Riding into its fifth edition this year, the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge presents an ideal platform to boost the development of equestrian sports in the country.

Besides scouting for new talent among locals, it has placed Malaysian endurance riders on par with their international counterparts in a short period of time.

Admitting dissatisfaction with current achievements, Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) general manager Che Mat Din said there were many plans to expand endurance riding and equestrian sports in the country.

Over the previous editions, he noted the endurance challenge had shown positive growth.

"In about five years, the RTES hopes the Sultan's Cup will produce as many riders as possible to compete at world level as winning world championships is not impossible," he said in an interview with Bernama at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong here recently.

The three-day 2010 Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge at the TIEP began on Nov 5.

Che Mat said equestrian sports had matured in the country over the past 10 years, with some new riders beginning to shine in the international arena.

"It is something to be proud of when some of our local riders qualify for the European circuit," he said, singling out three young RTES riders, namely Abdul Halim Alihan, Asri Abdul Aziz and Jeffree Zinuddin Mohammad Arif, who had stamped their mark internationally.

Abdul Halim, Asri and Jeffree qualified for the 2011 European Championship to be held in Florac, France. Jeffree is also winner of the 2009 Sultan's Cup Terrenganu Endurance Challenge.

For future editions, Che Mat said the Sultan's Cup planned to extend participation to junior and women riders.

As for Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is a high-profile participant in the sport, he expressed delight over the great interest shown in equestrian sports, in particular, endurance riding among the younger riders, and its positive development in the country, especially for the Sultan's Cup.

In his speech, he conveyed pride on the achievement of local riders who had shown impressive performances abroad, including the participation of the three riders in the 2011 European Championship.

He also hoped the media would give appropriate coverage for endurance riding to enable more people to understand and be attracted to the sport.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the annual championship had boosted the development of endurance sports and increased awareness on equestrian sports among Malaysians.

The championship has also contributed towards making Terengganu the country's equestrian hub recognised by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The 2010 Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge is a race which consists of a 120km track with a fixed time period of 12 hours, which includes a holding time totalling 210 minutes at the first four vet gates.

The first phase is 30km, second (25km), third (20km), fourth (25km) and the fifth and final phase (20km).

Endurance riding was included as a discipline in the FEI since 1982, which is 24 years after the FEI was established.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia: Wan MS Norhafizi wins Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge

Equestrian.com.my

Sunday 7 November 2010

Hard work, dedication and discipline paid off for Wan MS Norhafizi Wan MS Norzihan as he rode his way into first place in the fourth edition of the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge.

“It was difficult preparing for the Sultan’s Cup,” said the 19-year-old rider from Malaysia representing the Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Endurance Team. “I started preparing my horse Nashaar early, and that was instrumental to my success. I am glad that my determination paid off“.

Wan MS Norhafizi and his Anglo Arab Gelding completed the endurance challenge with a time of 6 hours 20 minutes and 23 seconds. Ahmad Azura Abdul Ghani riding Idais Tobiha (Gelding) from the State of Terengganu Endurance Team came in second with a time of 6 hours 20 minutes and 41 seconds meanwhile Datuk Mohd Shuaib Ishak and Martika (Arab Mare) from the Ar- Raudhah completed the podium with a time of 6 hours 21 minutes and 8 seconds.

68 riders from 9 countries participated in this year’s challenge from 5 – 7 November at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Kuala Terengganu. 51 local riders from teams across Malaysia were also part of the 120km endurance challenge of undulating terrain.

His Majesty, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, was among the riders competing in the challenge. Participating countries include Australia, Chile, USA, France, Indonesia, Uruguay, South Africa, Singapore and Thailand.

Malaysia will be represented by the Ar-Raudah Equine Centre, the Langkawi Endurance Stable, Masterscaff En¬¬durance Team, Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Endurance Team and the Perlis TSAB Stable among others. The winner will receive RM30,000 cash and an Amaswiss watch worth USD 10,000 while the first runner and second runner-up stand to win RM20,000 and RM15,000 respectively.

Endurance racing is a competition against the clock where the speed and endurance of a horse is put to test while the riders are challenged for their effective pacing and cross-country knowledge. Endurance, a test of horsemanship skills, has now matured into an international sport.

“Endurance riding is recognised by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), and we’re proud to host and organise this prestigious, world-class event,” said Dato Seri Hj Ahmad Said, Menteri Besar of Terengganu.

He added that international events such as the Sultan’s Cup not only profile Terengganu as a world-class sports venue, but also provide the opportunity for Terengganu to acquire the necessary experience and expertise to compete for other major sports to be held here.

“Since the advent of the Sultan’s Cup, equestrian sport is now cherished by the people of Terengganu, and it also provides a platform to develop their skills in related fields of the sport of endurance.”

Tuanku Mizan was instrumental in establishing the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge as a pre-cursor to the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship, held for the first time in Asia. The annual event has made it into the country’s equestrian and tourism calendar and now attracts riders and visitors from around the world.

“The annual Sultan’s Cup has spurred the development of the endurance sport and raised the level of awareness of equestrian sports among Malaysians,” noted Datuk Ahmad. “It has also contributed to building Terengganu as an equestrian hub in advancing the sport among Malaysian riders.”

The 2010 Sultan’s Cup was flagged off by Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah at TIEP at 5:30pm on 6 November. This year’s competition is jointly organised by the Terengganu State Government and the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable.

The three-day event will also be celebrated with a fun-filled two-day carnival themed Karnival Kuda Bersongket with stage shows by local artistes, cultural and handicraft workshops, pony and carriage rides for children, and an outdoor cinema, held for the first time ever in Terengganu.

Sponsors of the Sultan’s Cup 2010 includes Lizziz, Amaswiss, Mitavite, Norlan United & Carriage Sdn Bhd, AI Agro Marketing, Sutera Beach Resort, Ketengah Holding Sdn Bhd, Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia, Natural Nutrition, Terengganu Inc, Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd, AIS Consultants, Pancuran Budi (M) Sdn Bhd, TM Malaysia and Bank Pertanian Malaysia Berhad.


About the Sultan’s Cup

The Sultan’s Cup 2010 is an CEI 2* endurance race run over 120km of undulating terrain with a time limit of 12 hours including holding time totalling 210 minutes at the first four vet gates. The first phase is 25 km, second phase is 30km, third phase is 20km, fourth is 25km and the fifth and final phase is 20km.

At the vet gates, horses’ heart rates will be checked and must be 64 beat per minute (bpm) within 20 minutes of recovery and at the final examination, the heart rate must be 64 bpm within 30 minutes of recovery. If the stipulated heart rates are not achieved the horse will be disqualified.

The minimum weight for riders is 75 kg.

The first 10 horses finishing within one hour of the first placed horse will be eligible for the Best Condition Horse Award.

New Zealand: ESNZ firm on endurance groom selection policy

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

November 6, 2010

by Robin Marshall

The groom selection policy that caused so much grief in the lead-up to the recent World Equestrian Games is not about to change, but the way team officials are selected in New Zealand is undergoing modification.

Before the Games, two riders selected for the country's endurance team pulled out after they were not allowed to bring their own grooms to the event. Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) said at the time that the policy on team selection was changed in 2009, which was a major break in tradition for the sport.

After the decision by ESNZ not to allow their selected grooms, Sue Reid and Jenny Champion both pulled out of the team. They had both fund-raised to make the trip, as all members of the Kiwi endurance team were self-funded...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/11/038.shtml

Malaysia: Tuanku Mizan Leads Local Riders In Endurance Challenge

Bernama.com

SETIU, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Yang Di-pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin leads 51 local riders in the fifth edition of the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP), Lembah Bidong, here.

The 2010 Sultan's Cup was flagged off by Seri Paduka Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah at 5.30pm Saturday.

This year's competition is jointly organised by the Terengganu state government and the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES).

A total of 68 participants from nine countries including Australia, Chile, United States, France, Indonesia and Uruguay are taking part in the competition.

Malaysia is represented by the Ar-Raudah Equine Centre, The Langkawi Endurance Stable, Masterscaff Endurance Team, Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Endurance Team and the Perlis TSAB Stable among others.

The winner will receive RM30,000 cash and an Amaswiss watch while the first runner and second runner up stand to win RM20,000 and RM15,000 respectively.

Tuanku Mizan was instrumental in establishng the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge as a pre-cursor to the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship, held for the first time in Asia.

The annual event has made it into the country's equestrian and tourism calendar and now attracts riders and visitors from around the world.

The three-day event is filled with a two-day carnival themed 'Karnival Kuda Bersongket' with stage shows by local artistes, cultural and handicraft workshops, and an outdoor cinema, held for the first time in Terengganu.

The Sultan's Cup 2010 is a CEI endurance race run over 120km of undulating terrain with a time limit of 12 hours. Including holding time totalling 210 minutes at the first four vet gates.

The first phase is 30km, second phase is 25km, third phase is 20km, fourth is 25 and the fifth and final phase is 20km.

The minimum weight for riders is 75 kilogrammes and the first 10 horses finishing within one hour of the first placed horse will be eligible for the Best Conditioned Horse Award.

-- BERNAMA

Morocco: Royal Bahrain team set for Rabat ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

Friday, November 05, 2010

BAHRAIN's top riders Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in Rabat, Morocco yesterday to lead the Royal Endurance Team at the Morocco-Bahrain Endurance Horseride Championship.

The ride, set to take place tomorrow at the Dar Es Salam Forest, will be organised for the first time by the Moroccan Equestrian Federation in co-operation with the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef).

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president and chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, said he was pleased with the ongoing preparations at the venue of the ride.

He highlighted the significance of the championship which underlines the strong ties linking Bahrain and Morocco.

Shaikh Nasser praised the efforts of the organising committee to make this first-ever championship an all-round success.

Both Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid, the council's first vice-president and Breef president, reached the Dar Es Salam Forest and inspected its facilities and the Bahraini team's horses.

The Royal Endurance Team pair also underwent their first training session with other members of the team under fair weather conditions.

Meanwhile, this ride has been approved in the calendar of the International Equestrian Federation and will be organised on an annual basis, it was announced yesterday.

During a Press conference held at the Royal Moroccan Federation in Rabat, the organisers announced the ride and other technical details to the public.

The conference was attended by Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi, assistant general secretary Dr Khalid Hassan, Shaikh Nasser's Media and Information Centre director Tawfiq Salehi and secretary Hameed Faridi of Morocco.

The veterinary examination is set for today, just 24 hours before the start of the ride. The inspection sessions for horses will be conducted by a specialised team of veterinarians from the International Equestrian Federation. Dr Yassine Motemri of Tunisia is the president of the veterinary commission.

Other veterinarians are Dr Khalid Al Razaiqi of Oman, Dr Caonabo Melo of the Dominican Republic and Bahrain's Dr Ebrahim Yousef, Dr Fareeda Abdul Razaq, Dr Sabah Al Kabie and Dr Abdelrahman Abu Shook.

The organising committee is being headed by Moroccan Equestrian Federation president Princess Lalla Amina.

Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi was named head of the grounds jury which also includes Bahraini officials Abdulghani Al Moosta, Ali Ghuloom and Mahdi Al Kalaiti.

Mohammed Dadulla is the foreign technical delegate, the chief steward is Mahmood Hasan of Bahrain while other strwards are Fahad Al Rumaihi and Abdulla Al Romaihi, also of Bahrain.

Top riders from Bahrain and Morocco are taking part in the event, which covers a total distance of 120km.

It will feature five stages, starting with 30km for the first stage. The second will be over 25km, the third 30km, the fourth 20km and the fifth 15km.

Princess Haya retains leadership of FEI

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

5 November 2010,
Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai was today re-elected as President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sports.

In a strong show of confidence in her leadership, Princess Haya defeated two other candidates, Sven Holmberg (Sweden) and Henk Rottinghuis (Netherlands), to win a second four-year term in voting at the FEI General Assembly in Chinese Taipei. In a vote of 124 National Federations (out of 133 who were eligible), Princess Haya won the support of 90 National Federations from around the world, compared to 23 for Holmberg and 11 for Rottinghuis.

Princess Haya announced Her decision to seek a second term in March after several FEI nation groups and Federations urged her to do so. Princess Haya was first elected as President of the FEI in May 2006, on a commitment to modernise the organisation. She was the first FEI President to win a contested election.

More than 80 per cent of the deliverables outlined in her original manifesto were implemented in her first term, including significant improvements in communications, marketing, animal welfare, FEI finances, grassroots development and liaison with national federations. In her first act in office, she initiated a reform that established a two-term of four-year limit for the Presidency.

“Thank you so much for your confidence and trust. I promise that I won’t let you down..."

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/Displayarticle08.asp?section=newsmakers&xfile=data/newsmakers/2010/November/newsmakers_November11.xml

International Bahrain Morocco Endurance Championship

HM King Hamad Arrives in Rabat
date: 04 11, 2010

Rabat, Nov. 4. (BNA) His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa arrived here today on a visit to Morocco where he will attend the opening of the First International Bahrain Morocco Endurance Horseride Championship held within the framework of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
HM King Hamad was received at the airport by Prince Moulay Rachid with whom he exchanged cordial talks on the distinguished Bahraini-Moroccan relations. Then, two detachments of the Moroccan Royal Guard greeted HM King Hamad. Rabat-Sale Governor Zemmour Zair, Bahraini Ambassador to Morocco Shaikh Khalid bin Salman Al Khalifa and the Bahraini Embassy's senior officials were also present .

Bahrain: Royal riders step up preparations

Gulf-daily-news.com

Monday, November 01, 2010


BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team members stepped up their preparations for the Endurance Horseride Championship in Rabat, set to take place on Friday at 3pm (Bahrain time).

The event, to be held under the patronage of Chairwoman of the Moroccan Equestrian Federation (MEF) Princess Lalla Amina, will be the first joint endurance ride involving riders from Bahrain and Morocco.

The Bahraini team's participation is in line with the directives issued by His Majesty King Hamad.

Leading the Bahraini team at this event is the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president and Bahrain Olympic Committee chief Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The team also includes Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and other prominent Bahaini riders.

The championship will take place at the Endurance Village of the MEF near the Moroccan University.

The ride consists of 120 kms divided into five stages. The first stage will be over 30 kms, the second over 25 kms, the third over 30kms, the fourth over 20 kms and the fifth and final stage will be over 15 kms.

This ride, to be organised for the first time, has been approved by the International Equestrian Federation.

Commenting on this occasion, Shaikh Nasser said he is happy with the present preparations at the venue and confident of success.

Significance

He added that the hard work put up by the organisers underlines the significance of this ride, and the keenness of the Moroccan Equestrian Federation, under the presidency of Princess Lalla Amina, to make this event an all round success.

Shaikh Nasser also confirmed that members of the Bahrain team have prepared themselves well ahead of the championship, adding that his side have come to Rabat to win top awards.

On his part, Shaikh Khalid highlighted the significant efforts of Princess Lalla Amina in the development of equestrian and endurance activities in Morocco.

Shaikh Khalid, who is also vice-president of the Supreme Council fro Youth and Sports, confirmed that this ride will be a new era of co-operation between the Bahrain and Moroccan Equestrian Federations.

Meanwhile, Princess Lalla Amina met with members of the Bahrain delegations in Rabat.

During the meeting, both parties discussed means of co-operation and co-ordination to take the strong ties between Bahrain and Morocco a step further.

Shaikh Nasser's Media and Information Centre's director Tawfiq Salehi also had a successful meeting with officials from the Moroccan Television Corporation and agreed to broadcast the ride live on Bahrain Sports Channel.

France: Horse centre gives Deauville a sporting chance to excel

Normandyadvertiser.fr - Full Article

By Alice Cannet on November 1, 2010

A new state-of-the-art equestrian centre will give horse fans, riders and breeders even more of a reason to come to Deauville when it opens later this month. Alice Cannet spoke to its new director, Antoine Sinniger, about his passion for horses, and getting Normandy ready to host the World Equestrian Games in 2014…

Deauvlle is looking to reinforce its reputation as the horse capital of Normandy with the launch of a new e11m equestrian centre covering everything from leisure and sport to breeding.

The Pôle International should become a pilot for other sites of its kind in France. It welcomed its first students in September and will be officially inaugurated during three days of celebrations from November 12-14...

Read more here:
http://www.normandyadvertiser.fr/2010/11/horse-centre-gives-deauville-a-sporting-chance-to-excel/

Bahrain: Singh wins first ride of season

Gulf-daily-news.com

Posted on » Sunday, October 31, 2010


GURDEN Singh, riding Oak Glen Seacrest, won a hotly contested Breef Season Opening Endurance Ride, which concluded early yesterday morning at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The 80-kilometre event saw up to three riders battling it out for victory, and in the end only 20 seconds separated first place from third.

The race was organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), under the leadership of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The ride acted as a qualifying event for future endurance races. It also aimed to attract new riders to the sport, and assist existing competitors in their preparations for the upcoming national season.

The event's total distance was split into three stages, 30 kms each for the first and second legs, and 20 kms over the final stage.

Singh, from Bahrain, won with a total ride time of three hours, 19 minutes and 42 seconds. He narrowly clinched first place ahead of runner-up Sumer Singh Jagmal of India, who finished just three seconds behind. Jagmal was riding Zayed Shakhan.

Both were among the top three heading into the ride's final leg, when Abdulhak Kaddouri, also of Bahrain, was in front. But they later overtook Kaddouri, who was riding Jamaal. Kaddouri was forced to settle for third place as he finished 20 seconds off Singh's time.

Isa Abdulla Ali Al Hazza, riding Nahar, was a distant fourth in 4:25:52. Othman Abduljalil Awadhi came fifth in 4:25:58.

Riding

In sixth place with a total ride time of 4:28:57 was Saud Fawzi Isa Al Doseri riding Arsley House Aurelius, seventh in 4:29:01 was Ahmed Jamal Al Dosseri on Khalil El Nerak, and eight in 4:29:03 was Fuad Hassan Bastaki riding Dim Dam.

Mohammed Abdulaziz Al Mishkhas on Maraka (4:30:31) and Ali Abdulla Busafar on Hanneliza Baron Hanneliza (4:33:20) rounded out the top 10.

Sixty riders were in the fray when the race was flagged off late on Friday afternoon. Only 31 completed the entire 80 kms distance.

Photos by Osama Mohammed here:
http://picasaweb.google.com/ridecamp/BahrainBREEFOpeningSeasonChampionship80KmRoyalTeam103010?pli=1&gsessionid=vtq9btXxC9FXmpvI8Ei3YA#