Wednesday, November 30, 2011

UAE: Richest ride for Arab lady riders attracts 60 entries

Shaikha Fatima Cup carries Dh800,000 purse
By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Gulf News
November 30, 2011

Abu Dhabi: The Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival will mark the 40th anniversary of the UAE National Day by hosting the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup on Friday at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said the ride, which is open only to Arab lady riders, will carry a total prize purse of Dh800,000, making it the richest ladies' endurance ride.

"A total of 60 riders from the UAE and other Arab countries will take part in the 100-km ride with the winner taking home a Dh200,000 prize," Al Nuaimi said.

Lara Sawaya, Director of the Shaikh Mansour Festival, said, "We have decided to keep the ride open only to lady riders from Arab countries to improve their chances of winning."

Article continues below

"Around 25 of the lady riders will participate in a ‘Ladies' march of love' for the mother of the UAE, Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE's General Women's Union, who has touched so many lives in the UAE and made a huge difference to the Emirati women's confidence and belief," Sawaya said. The march will start at 3 pm from the Baniyas Equestrian Centre to the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Richest ride

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Communications Chief at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, said, "The endurance ride is being held under instructions of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. It is the richest ride and we hope that it will live up to the standards that we expect for any event organised as part of the Shaikh Mansour Festival."

Noura Al Suwaidi, Director of the General Women's Union, said, "The support for the ride is under instructions from Her Highness Shaikha Fatima to enhance and support women's sports in the country in general and her passion to develop the Emirati women to play an active role in society."

Talal Al Hashemi, of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council ,said it was a huge step forward for UAE lady riders to take part in the most valuable endurance event. "Since it is part of the National Day's 40th anniversary, we are expecting an exciting event," he said.

"For women in the UAE this is another great stage to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our National Day and Mauzan is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our UAE people to ensure we continue to prosper under the wise and visionary guidance of our leaders," said Rafia Helal Bin Drai of Mauzan, one of the sponsors.

"The support of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima for ladies' racing is an exceptionally exciting development and we have seen rapid growth over the past," said Bill Tatham, Senior Vice-President of Invest AD. Essam Abdullah of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society and Khalid Al Haddad, District Manager of Emirates airlines, also addressed yesterday's press conference.

After today's march and veterinary check the lady riders will get off to a mass start at 6.30am tomorrow for a slice of the Dh800,000 prize fund, with all those completing the 100-km ride eligible for a share.

Tomorrow's ride will be run in four stages of 33km, 27km, 24km and 16 km.

Bahrain: Stage set for new endurance season


Gulf Daily News

PREPARATIONS are in full swing for Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride, the inaugural event of the 2011/12 endurance horseride season, scheduled for Saturday.

The first event of the season, which is for the Breef President Cup, will feature two races set to take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The main race will be over 100km and gets underway at 6am, while an additional qualifying ride will begin at 6.15am and cover a total distance of 80km. They will be followed by the awarding ceremony at 1pm.

Some of the kingdom's best riders are expected to take part in the rides, promising to feature exciting and gruelling competitions among the participants.

However, favourites the Royal Endurance Team decided not to take part in this weekend's ride, following a decision from team leader Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, said the decision was to give the opportunity to more stables to participate.

He expressed delight as the new season approaches with more riders expected to submit their entries for the opening event.

The Royal Endurance Team captain said the race will be mainly open to public stables interested in taking part, and wished them success.

Shaikh Nasser highlighted the continued support from His Majesty King Hamad to equestrian and endurance activities in Bahrain, which has contributed to the significant development of both disciplines.

He also lauded the efforts of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), under the presidency of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in preparing for the season's opener.

Shaikh Nasser, meanwhile, approved the distances of the stages for both races as well as other issues.

The 100km ride has been divided into four stages, including 30km each for the first and second stages. The third will be over 25km while the fourth is over 15km.

In the 80km qualifying ride, participants will battle over three stages and they are 30km for the first, another 30km for the second and 25km for the third.

The organising committee also named the ground jury for the ride. It's being headed by Abdulghani Al Boosta. Other members are Ghalib Al Alawi, Ali Hussain, Mahdi Al Kalaiti and Fahad Al Romaihi.

The technical delegate is Mohammed Dadulla, while Haider Zubi and Abdulla Al Rumaihi are the stewards.

Dr Abbas Al Haiki was appointed president of he veterinary commission, with Dr Mohammed Al Hammad being the foreign veterinary.

Other veterinarians are Dr Fareeda Abdulrazak, Dr Ebrahim Yousif, Dr Sabah Al Kabie, Dr Abu Obaidah Yaqoob and Dr Abdelrahman Abu Shook, all of Bahrain.

The treating veterinarian at the event is Dr Caonabo Melo of the Dominican Republic.

Following this weekend's ride, the federation will then prepare to organise the National Day Ride on December 24. It will be followed by the Heavy Weight Challenge on January 7, next year.

His Majesty the King's Cup ride, the main event of the endurance season, will then take place on February 4, to be followed by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride on February 18.

The Breef Championship is scheduled for March 2, and then His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Cup night ride will be held on April 6. The End of the Season Ride will then be held on April 5.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Abu Dhabi: Richest ride for Arab lady riders attracts 60 entries

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Shaikha Fatima Cup carries Dh800,000 purse

* By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
* Published: 00:00 November 30, 2011

Abu Dhabi: The Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival will mark the 40th anniversary of the UAE National Day by hosting the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup on Friday at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said the ride, which is open only to Arab lady riders, will carry a total prize purse of Dh800,000, making it the richest ladies' endurance ride.

"A total of 60 riders from the UAE and other Arab countries will take part in the 100-km ride with the winner taking home a Dh200,000 prize," Al Nuaimi said.

Lara Sawaya, Director of the Shaikh Mansour Festival, said, "We have decided to keep the ride open only to lady riders from Arab countries to improve their chances of winning."

"Around 25 of the lady riders will participate in a ‘Ladies' march of love' for the mother of the UAE, Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE's General Women's Union, who has touched so many lives in the UAE and made a huge difference to the Emirati women's confidence and belief," Sawaya said. The march will start at 3 pm from the Baniyas Equestrian Centre to the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Richest ride

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Communications Chief at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, said, "The endurance ride is being held under instructions of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. It is the richest ride and we hope that it will live up to the standards that we expect for any event organised as part of the Shaikh Mansour Festival..."

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/richest-ride-for-arab-lady-riders-attracts-60-entries-1.940399

Monday, November 28, 2011

FEI Celebrates 90th Birthday

FEI.org

FEI CELEBRATES 90TH BIRTHDAY AND 1000-DAY COUNTDOWN TO ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES™ 2014

24 Nov 2011

Today, 24 November, is a historic day for the FEI as the Federation celebrates its 90th birthday and joins in the celebrations for the 1000-day countdown to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014.

Exactly 90 years ago, on 24 November 1921, representatives from national equestrian organisations from Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States gathered in Paris (FRA) with the objective of forming an international federation. The inclusion of equestrian sport in the Olympic movement and the rapid development of the sport overall made it clear that internationally recognised rules supervised by a world governing body were essential. The Fédération Equestre Internationale was born and Baron du Teil of France was elected as the first FEI President.

“The FEI was founded in 1921 at a small gathering in troubled post-war Europe; now, 90 years later, the FEI is an international organisation with 132 Member Federations and is in charge of almost 3,000 events organised all over the world. More than 50,000 horses and 32,000 riders, drivers and vaulters are today registered with the FEI,” FEI President HRH Princess Haya commented.

“We are proud of the history and tradition of our sport, which celebrates the centuries-old relationship between humans and horses. We continue to celebrate equestrian sport, which has proved beyond any doubt that it has the magic and charisma to remain attractive and relevant in the modern sporting landscape. What an incredible journey it has been and what an incredible journey it will continue to be over the next 90 years!”

Another important date was also marked today with the launch of the 1000-day countdown to the FEI’s flagship event, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Caen (FRA). To celebrate the occasion, the French minister for sport David Douillet, personalities representing the Organising Committee, the region of Lower Normandy, and the city of Caen, as well as Alltech Chief Marketing Officer Catherine Keogh, and FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos unveiled the 2014 Games’ official logo at the Caen Fine Arts Museum.

The logo, which depicts a horse’s head and a human’s head superimposed on a leafy green background, demonstrates the unique bond between human and horse at the heart of the Games. The shared profile and shared eye are a creative way of showing the relationship between two elite athletes and their combined determination to win. The beautiful host region of Normandy is present in the bold green colour and the apple blossoms on the backdrop. An animated version of the logo can be viewed here.

A totem pole constructed from three Jumping rails pointing up towards the sky will be erected near the stadium Michel d’Ornano in the city of Caen, where the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 opening and closing ceremonies will be held. A solar-powered countdown timer will be placed on the totem pole, so that the Games become a part of the local residents’ everyday lives even before the event gets underway.

Celebrations will continue on Saturday 26 November when the people of Caen will be invited to learn more about equestrian sport through games and family-oriented activities.

Join the party on FEI Facebook and Twitter where fun quizzes, giveaways, photos and videos are being posted.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 logo which was officially unveiled today in Caen (FRA)

Australia: Wade's Triumph Inspires

Weeklytimesnow.com.au - Full Article

Kim Woods | November 28, 2011

AUSTRALIAN endurance champion Meg Wade has become an inspiration to riders around the world.

Her recovery from a traumatic brain injury and determination to ride again has earned her the Federation Equestre Internationale award, Against All Odds.

The FEI Awards 2011 were announced in Rio de Janeiro on November 14.

FEI president Princes Haya said Meg was an inspiration to the equestrian community.

Although her flight to Rio de Janeiro was unexpectedly cancelled, Meg was overwhelmed to receive the award.

"It is my hope that awards like this will raise the awareness of brain injury among the whole equestrian community," she said.

Meg fell from her horse during an endurance ride at Tumbarumba, in southern NSW, in April 2009.

She spent 255 days in rehabilitation and was never expected to ride again.

Until the accident, Meg had competed in 65 160km events, winning 25 of them.

She created history in 2008 as the first person to win the prestigious Tom Quilty Gold Cup four times.

Meg surprised the medical fraternity by learning to ride again in November last year with the help of Riding for the Disabled...

Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2011/11/28/410121_horses.html

Saturday, November 26, 2011

UAE: Fatima rides to endurance cup glory

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Published: 00:06 November 27, 2011
Gulfnews.com
Emirati woman on Siloah Hamza beats strong field to script national day race history



Abu Dhabi: The National Day celebrations came early for Emirati woman rider Fatima Jasem Saeed Al Merri, who made history when she became the first lady rider to win the prestigious National Day Cup 120km endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here yesterday.

Fatima rode brilliantly on 9-year-old Anglo-Arab chestnut gelding Siloah Hamza to a superb win from among 170-strong starters who included two-time world champion Maria Alvarez Ponmton and recently-crowned European Open champion Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri.

Fatima along with Mohammad Saeed Mohammad Al Faresi on Kheops De Lozelle completed a one-two finish for the Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables.

Fatima and Siloah Hamza were placed 44th after the first stage of 33km and then the Dubai College student moved up to 21st after the next loop of 27km. It was in the third loop that Fatima forged into the leading pack and then faced some stiff completion from Maria on Portos. Fatima moved to fourth place after the third loop of 24km and with Maria making an exit in the next stage after her horse went lame, Fatima took the lead in the penultimate stage of 20km.

Good condition

While compatriot Mohammad Al Faresi moved from fifth to second in the final 16km, Fatima and Siloah Hamza maintained their lead and won in 4hours 20minutes 52seconds.

"This is my horse's first win but I have won a ladies ride last year," said Fatima after winning a car for her effort.

"It was a very tough ride with so many taking part. The third loop was tough but after that I realised my horse was in good condition and I managed to win."

Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi on Marlicia Walter saw his bid to win this event for the second year end early when his horse went lame in the second loop of the five-loop ride. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, who won the European Open ride earlier in the year, finished fifth on Lourizon Frost in the 120km ride.

RESULTS

Top 5 results in yesterday's 120km National Day Cup Endurance ride:

1. Fatima Jasem Saeed Al Merri (Siloah Hamza) 4 hours 20 minutes 52 seconds;

2. Mohammad Saeed Al Faresi (Kheops De Lozelle) 4:27:27;

3. Saeed Sultan Shames Al Maamari (IFO El Pablito) 4:30:33;

4. Ahmad Ali Al Sabri (Castlebar Cable) 4:31:09;

5. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Lourizon Frost) 4:34:43.

Who Won the Mongol Derby and How!?

Horsehero.com - Full Article

by Katy Willings

15 November 2011

(Editor’s note: If you are not familiar with the Mongol Derby, read Katy’s article, the 'Spirit of the Derby' first.)

In August 2011, the third edition of the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race, thundered through 1000km of pristine Mongolia, catapulting (at times literally) another 23 riders into the Adventurists Hall of Fame, and with any luck, the Guinness World Record books. Organiser Katy Willings gives the inside track on this thrillng race....

Immediately after the race, I spent several weeks analysing the reams of data which came back from the Steppe, leaden with horse sweat and the faint whiff of goats, in order to bring you a less whimsical, and more informative blow-by-blow account of what happened this year, where the race was won and lost, and where it hung in the balance.

The beauty about the event is that no one individual has the full story. So much of the good and bad is privately enjoyed and endured, but nevertheless a coherent story emerges form the paperwork! I’ll mix key statistics with brief explanations, points of note and any lessons learned, and invite questions from the floor (in the Comments area below).

Race overview:
The Mongol Derby was won by South African dairy farmer and endurance rider Craig Egberink by 2 minutes (a nose over 1000kms, surely?) from Inner Mongolian contender Sanbayier, first of a cluster of three Chinese riders who were a formidable team throughout. The field spread out over the first two days but though injuries and subsequent drop-outs, the survivors were more clustered than they might have been. All bar two riders fell off, most at least once...

Read more here:
http://www.horsehero.com/editorial/?feat=73811

UAE: Final Entries for JYR World Endurance Championship

November 26 2011

The final list of entries have been posted for the FEI World Endurance Championship Junior-Young Rider 120 km race to be held on December 10th, 2011, in the UAE.

61 riders from 29 countries will participate in the race that will be held at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

For the complete list of entries, see
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2011WECYRJ/DefiniteEntries.pdf

Friday, November 25, 2011

Greener Pastures: High Winds Jedi - May 1983-October 2011

Arabianhorseworld.com

by Genie Stewart-Spears

Larry and Valerie Kanavy, of Fort Valley, Virginia, are mourning the loss of their 1998 World Champion endurance horse, 28-year-old High Winds Jedi (Tut El Sakkara x RAF Silver Sonnet) who died on October 29. Valerie Kanavy had just returned from earning the individual Bronze Medal at the Pan American Endurance Championship to find her beloved World Champion gelding breathing his final breaths.

Jedi competed in many top AERC and FEI endurance competitions between the years of 1994-2000. Of his 58 starts in AERC competitions, he won 20 and earned 10 Best Condition awards. Valerie said her most thrilling ride of a lifetime was when she and Jedi won the 1998 World Championship in Dubai. This ride is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest international equine event ever held.

“It was tremendously satisfying because it had the largest representation of competitors that was or ever has been from throughout the world,” she said. “There were 50-some countries and nearly 180 starters. To be able to compete with such caliber and numbers of competitors was a real thrill.”

Kanavy acquired Jedi when he was 14 years old, after he had had a short career as a racehorse, been schooled in dressage, and then raced in endurance. About Jedi, who once appeared on “The Today Show with Katie Couric,” Kanavy says, “His earlier training in dressage taught him balance and flexibility. As a result he was so responsive, so push-button easy to ride...."

Read more here:
http://www.arabianhorseworld.com/live/library/2011/11/waterhole/index.html

AHA Youth of the Year headed to the UAE for World Championship

Arabianhorses.org

November 22 2011

Aurora, CO (November 22, 2011) – Kelsey Kimbler, the AHA 2010 Youth of the Year, heads to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates next month to help represent the United States in the Young Rider World Endurance Championship.

"The opportunity to represent my country and the great sport of endurance riding is incredible," says Kimbler. "It has been my dream to get to compete in this championship."

Riders, ages 14-21, met certain qualifications with their horses for a chance to be part of team USA. Kimbler, a 2011 high school graduate, is ranked second in the country among those who applied for the team.

In addition to being a full-time biology major at Northern State University in her hometown of Aberdeen, S.D., Kimbler has an impressive list of accomplishments, most recently being selected as both the United States Equestrian Federation's (USEF) 2010 Junior Equestrian of the Year and Youth Sportsman Charter Overall winner. At the 2010 North American Young Rider Endurance Championship Kimbler was a team silver medalist. Kimbler earned an individual gold medal and team bronze at the 2009 Championship. In 2006 and 2008 Kimbler was honored with the American Endurance Ride Conference Junior National 100 mile award, by completing more 100 mile rides than any other junior in North America.

Australia: Riding royalty at Red Range

Static.Lifeislocal.com.au - Full Article

BEN LONERGAN
24 Nov, 2011 03:25 PM
The Red Range Sports Ground was graced with the presence of one of the biggest stars the sport of endurance riding has to offer on the weekend.

Four time Australian champion and 10 time national rider of the year, Margaret “Meg” Wade was in town for the Red Range Federation Equestrian Internationale (FEI) annual event.

Meg was undoubtedly one of the top endurance riders in Australia and throughout the world before a tragic accident cut short her competitive career two years ago.

While riding in an event in Tumbarumba during Easter in 2009, Meg fell from her horse only 10km from the finish line and as a result suffered traumatic brain injuries.

She was placed in an induced coma for three weeks and lost around three months worth of her memory.

Meg was kept in hospital for almost a year, so her condition could be monitored as well as to start her rehabilitation.

For the next year, she had to travel from her home just south of the NSW border to Albury two nights a week for rehabilitation.

But her persistence and commitment to rehabilitation eventually paid off and she had her first post accident horse ride in November 2010...

Read more here:
http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/riding-royalty-at-red-range/2369734.aspx

Abu Dhabi: 200 ready for National Day cup endurance horseride

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

* By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
* Published: 16:00 November 25, 2011

Around 200 riders have confirmed their entries for Saturday's prestigious National Day Cup endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba

Abu Dhabi Around 200 riders have confirmed their entries for Saturday's prestigious National Day Cup endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

The National Day Cup, which has a 15-year history, is a CEI two-star event and will be run over 120km, with almost all the top riders in the UAE to be joined by some international riders.

The defending champion is Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi, who won last year on Marlicia Walter. The Al Reef Stables rider also went on to win the HH President's Cup ride over 160km and is expected to be among the favourites today, along with the likes of Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi.

This year's European Open champion, Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri from Al Wathba Stables, will also be in with a good chance.

Significance

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said: "With the UAE marking its 40th year, the event holds a lot of significance to the riders and officials.

"A total prize fund of Dh300,000 and a car for the winner of the ride will be on offer. We expect the number of starters to exceed 200 but a final figure will be known after the pre-ride veterinary check."

First of a series of equestrian events

Lara Sawaya of Tasweeq said: "This is just the first of a series of equestrian events to mark the UAE National Day. The National Day Cup will be followed by another prestigious ride for ladies and we will give details of that event soon.

Today's ride was due to start at 6.30am and will be run in five different loops of 33km, 27km, 24km, 20km and 16km.

Ali Al Mulla, Chairman of Areej Al Ameerat, who are one of the sponsors, said: "For us it is a source of great pride to be involved in this prestigious ride. We have seen this ride develop into one of the most popular events on the UAE endurance calendar and being a sport involved with the UAE's past, we are delighted to support it."

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Great Britain: The tale of the horse who got stuck in the mud

Cambridgefirst.co.uk - Full Article

By Hugh Morris Wednesday, November 23, 2011

BARNEY, a 24-year-old endurance race horse, may be fit for his age but was still left exhausted after a two-hour struggle stuck in the mud.

The gelding had slipped into the River Cam near Church Street, Great Shelford, early on Tuesday morning. His owner, Dr Jane Greatorex, awoke expecting to find three horses in the field but there were only two, despite all the gates being shut.

She called for Barney and he neighed back.

“In 25 years we have never had a horse fall in the river. It’s quite slippery on the banks so he must have just fallen. He was right in up to his shoulders,” she said.

“I borrowed some waders and went in to try and encourage him out and managed to get him to the spot he was eventually rescued from.

“It was quite scary. He had obviously been trying to get out as he was exhausted.”

When Cambridgeshire Fire And Rescue Service’s two appliances and a rescue vehicle arrived at the scene, four of the firefighters got into the water with the horse but he was too heavy to lift and had sunk into the mud...

Read more here:
http://www.cambridgefirst.co.uk/news/the_tale_of_the_horse_who_got_stuck_in_the_mud_1_1135000

Europe: Young Horses Championship Moved

Endurance-belgium.com

November 20 2011

Compiègne had announced its forfeit for the organisation of the Young Horses Championship to be held at the same time as the World Championship in Euston Park. Compiègne had launched this event in 2002 and year after year it became an inescapable event in endurance.

Babolna (located at the State Stud breeding Shagya arabs) has just received the right to organize this championship. It will take place on 18-19 August 2012.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Abu Dhabi: Entries for YRJ Championship

November 20 2011

Representatives from 33 countries will participate in the 120-km FEI Young Riders & Juniors World Endurance Championship on December 10, 2011 at the Emirates International Endurance Village at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Entry list can be seen here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2011WECYRJ/

Australia: Back in the Saddle

ABC.net.au - See Video

Posted November 20, 2011 14:44:00

In the world of endurance riding one event stands above all the others, the 160 kilometre Tom Quilty. Amongst the nearly 200 riders in this year's field was one of the sport's superstars, former world number one and four time Quilty winner, Meg Wade. This year though she rode just five kilometres - keeping a promise to herself that she wouldn't let a near fatal horse fall keep her out of the saddle or away from her favourite event.
Pip Courtney

See video here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-11-20/back-in-the-saddle/3682640?section=sport

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Great Britain: World Class Start and Potential Squad and Young Riders Training and Assessment Weekend

Endurancegb.co.uk

15th November 2011

Bury Farm near Luton, Beds once again welcomed us to their equestrian village and hosted our event.

Last weekend saw the Autumn assessment and training weekend for the combined squads of the WCSPS and the YRs.

Bury Farm near Luton, Beds once again welcomed us to their equestrian village and hosted our event. All of the facilities that we could possibly need including 4 indoor arenas and permanent indoor stabling for all of the squads horses, meant that once again both of the squads could enjoy the facilities and get together.

On Saturday, both squads had individual guidance and assessments from their individual team vets, farriers, and physios along with riding and trot-up practise. Crews were also included in the trot-up training and given guidance on what is required of them next season.

In the afternoon both squads came together for some talks including, Lorna Edgar from Baileys horse feeds and Alison Northroyd and Dan Gorton from Anglia Ruskin University on the science they need our help with to provide research on the fitness and nutritional requirements for the Endurance Rider. Lots of our riders have now signed up to assist with research which will include visits and assessments at the university along with assesments at competitions. It is hope from this, that they will be able to provide the firm facts on what we need to optimise our performances as riders.

Two WCSPS riders then talked about their experiences so far, Lindsey Comben on completing her first 160k ride and Gill Brown on her experiences crewing for Catriona Moon at the Florac European Champs.

A super Buffet dinner was arranged by Bury Farm caterers for all in the evening.

Sunday morning was workshops and team building sessions, as well as overviews by the team Chef’s as to what we plan for next season.

Sunday lunchtime saw all departing until the next training in Feb 2012.


World Class Start and Potential Squad 2011/2012

The following combinations put their horses forward for assessment at this weekend, and will be preparing now for next season under the guidance of the World Class Squad MT.


Start level Riders – Preparing for 2* rides UK and Europe

Gill Brown – Nougat Du Villard
Laura Short – Bey Shebaan
Harrier Hammond – Natida Rahmoon
Rebecca Kinnarney – Seren Capella
Anna Kidd – Espace
Selena Webb – Dolivier
Fiona Griffiths – Oliver/ Dear kate
Jane Greatorex – Trust me Too
Claire Wertheimer – Marouk du Caprice
Rachael Stendall – Tuleeka


Potential Level Riders - Min of 2 x 2* rides completed working towards Elite

Jo Malcolm – Rasslan
Lindsey Comben – Radhwan

We look forward to welcoming them and those riders both start and potential who where not able to attend this weekend, to the next Squad training weekend at Bury Farm on 18th-19th Feb 2012.

Andrea Baker
Chef D’equipe

India: Second horse endurance today

Saturday, 19 November 2011 11:03
Indian Sports News

Chandigarh: The 2nd All-India Horse Endurance Championship will be organised by the Punjab Horse Sports and Breeders Society (PHSBS) at Kaler Bhaini village in Patiala district on November 19.

Sumrinder Sira, president of the PHSBS, in a press release today, said the race would cover 40 km, divided into two rounds of 20 km each. The prize money had been doubled to Rs 1 lakh this year, while the second and third prizes would be of Rs 51,000 and Rs 21,000, respectively.

Sira said the average speed of the winning horses in the 40-km national endurance run was around 16 km per hour, whereas during the previous Punjab endurance meet held in April, the winner delivered a speed of 18.38 km per hour and that too by indigenous breed against high standard of performances generally attributed to other established horse breeds, especially the Army stock, which have dominated the endurance rides in the recent past.

The Tribune

Friday, November 18, 2011

South Africa: De Kock battles to have equine export ban lifted

Racingpost.com - Full Article

By Michael Clower 12:09PM 18 NOV 2011

South Africa: Trainer Mike de Kock and Racing South Africa boss Peter Gibson have enlisted the support of the South African government in a bid to have the equine export ban lifted and, in particular, to be allowed to fly horses direct to Dubai.

South African horses going to Dubai have tobe quarantined in Europe en route but outbreaks of African Horse Sickness earlier this year resulted in Brussels imposing an automatic two-year ban on horses from South Africa.

This means that de Kock and other South African trainers are unable to send their local stars for the Dubai carnival.

President Zuma raised the matter in Dubai earlier this week with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed, who is Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

The South African government has agreed to prioritise the problem of horse exports to the UAE and Zuma was joined on the state visit by the South African Equine Trade Council...

Read more here:
http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/mike-de-kock-south-africa-de-kock-battles-to-have-export-ban-lifted/949264/international/

New Zealand: Junior pair make NZ team

Times-age.co.nz - Full Article

Gary Caffell gary.caffell@age.co.nz | Friday, November 18, 2011 16:00

Wairarapa Endurance Club provides two members of the four-strong New Zealand team for the 2011 FEI world junior endurance championships to be held at Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates on December 10.

Emma Mason and Tessa Duess are part of a squad which, for the first time, will take their own horses with them to compete in what is certain to be a hotly-contested event.

They will face a course which takes in a gruelling 120km in temperatures and over terrain completely foreign to them.

Duess, 21, and her mount Aspen Hills Santa Ana were selected after a very successful 2010-11 season.

They were the only combination to complete back-to-back 160km rides in both the North Island and national championships held in Karatau.

A meritorious eighth in the senior division at the North Island champs was followed by a third placing in the young rider division at the nationals.

Aspen Hills Santa Ana was bred by Tessa's mother Gabrielle Duess, who passed away last year and was a huge influence on her daughter's endurance riding career...

Read more here:
http://www.times-age.co.nz/news/junior-pair-make-nz-team/1178117/

Record interest in hosting 2018 World Equestrian Games

Insidethegames.biz - Full Article

Thursday, 17 November 2011
1

By Duncan Mackay

November 17 - A record eight countries have put themselves forward to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games, it has been announced.

Australia, Austria, Canada, Hungary, Morocco, Russia, Sweden and the United States all submitted official expressions of interest by the time the deadline set by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) expired at midnight on Tuesday (November 15).

"It also shows the value of the review that the FEI has commissioned of the bidding process for the FEI World Equestrian Games and FEI European Championships, which is aimed at raising the profile of these events and their associated revenues by creating a competitive, well structured and transparent bid process," said Ingmar de Vos, the secretary general of the FEI.

The event includes eight of the FEI's ten disciplines: combined driving, dressage, endurance riding, eventing, paraequestrianism, reining, show jumping, and vaulting.

A decision will be announced after the FEI Spring Bureau meeting in early 2013 as the third and final phase in the new bidding process that the FEI has put in place for the FEI World Equestrian Games and FEI European Championships...

Read more here:
http://www.insidethegames.biz/sports/summer/equestrian/14911-record-interest-in-hosting-2018-world-equestrian-games

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Penn State student horseman headed for United Arab Emirates event

Live.psu.edu

Friday, November 11, 2011

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- During a time when most students are stressing over finals, Penn State junior Steven Hay will be heading to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

On Dec. 10, Hay will have the honor of competing in the Young Rider World Endurance Championship as part of the United States team. "I'm so excited," he said. "It's definitely nerve-wracking, but it's a big deal."

Riders, ages 14-21, were required to submit applications to compete. In choosing the team, a selection committee looked at the riders' records, their horses' records, how well and fast they've competed, and other criteria.

The 21-year-old Port Matilda native is ranked second in the country amongst those who applied for the event in the Middle East.

In addition to being a full-time student, the Environmental Resource Management major in the College of Agricultural Sciences has an impressive list of accomplishments, including two team gold medals as the 2010 and 2011 North American Champion and two individual bronze medals from the 2010 and 2011 North American Junior Young Riders Championships.

He also placed eighth out of 79 riders in the Biltmore 50-mile event in 2010, and fifth overall at the Biltmore 75-mile event in 2011.

With the competition approaching, Hay is looking for sponsors and donations to cover the expenses of the trip while making sure his horse is in tip-top shape. "I'm just working on fine tuning now, preparing for the sandy conditions of Abu Dhabi. The climate difference will be the hardest part, especially in comparison to the December weather here."

Having competed at local and national levels for years, Hay hopes to keep pushing his boundaries. "It's a cool way to step up into another level of competition," he said. "My goal is to move up to international riding."

His passion for horses started at a young age. By the age of six, Hay was riding and taking lessons. Over the next couple of years, he took part in local horse shows and events, but he became bored. When he was 12, Hay started to compete in trail riding and distance riding after hearing about it through a neighbor.

His interest in trail riding eventually led to endurance riding on courses that are 50 to 75 miles long. "It's pretty challenging, but I think it's worth it," he said. "Competing is my passion. To date, I have completed 2,850 miles of endurance riding."

Local horse a Pan Am Games hero

Wins silver medal against world-class competitors; ends U.S. slump
By TINA REED, Staff Writer
Published 11/16/11
HometownAnnapolis.com - Read Full Story

photo by Paul W. Gillespie — The Capital West River’s John Crandell III and his horse Heraldic won the silver medal in a nearly 75-mile endurance race this fall at the 2011 Pan Am Games. Man and horse were honored by the Maryland Department of Agriculture Tuesday.
Call it the marathon of horse racing.

Anne Arundel County Arabian gelding Heraldic and his trainer and rider John Crandell III were honored yesterday by state officials after winning an individual and a team silver medal in a nearly 75-mile endurance race at the Pan Am Games in Chile last month.

The Pan Am Games are one of the largest international sporting events outside the Olympics.

In 2006, Heraldic became the only horse to ever win the Triple Crown of endurance riding. Standing just more than 15 hands tall, the bay has a competitive personality, Crandell said.

He's aloof. Focused.

"He doesn't particularly care about being anyone's pet," Crandell said. "He wants to get down to business."

Back in 2008, Heraldic injured his stifle - the equivalent of the human knee - to the point that trainers weren't sure he'd even live, let alone compete again.

"It was a huge retraining," he said. "But we know he's a one-in-a-million superathlete. I've been around thousands of horses and never had one this athletically consistent."

The Crandell family is known for its marine construction firm, E.A. and J.O. Crandell Inc. in Annapolis, and operates the Long Run Farms Stable in West River. John Crandell Jr. grew up riding horses, but it wasn't until the 1970s that the family began to seriously breed and train them, his son said.

In a statement, Erin Pittman, vice chairwoman of the Maryland Horse Industry Board, called Heraldic "a world-class athlete who has (overcome) injuries that would have retired most other horse."

The Maryland Horse Industry Board presented its "Touch of Class" Award to Crandell and the Triple Crown Arabian. Gov. Martin O'Malley signed a proclamation declaring yesterday "Heraldic and Crandell Family Day."

Crandell said the endurance races, which cover from 50 to 100 miles, are entirely different than much shorter events. The Pan Am Games race was across rough, mountainous terrain, he said.

"Even though it's a race, it's not the least bit reckless," he said. Since only the rider knows the course and how long the course is, he has to pace himself and his mount appropriately.

Endurance racing of horses really allows humans to learn better ways to manage horses and keep them healthy, Crandell said. "It's a bonus for me that it happens to be fun and exciting as well," he said.

Crandell said he'd paced Heraldic to hang back with other horses on the U.S. team. But in the final 7 miles, the horse and rider picked up the pace against a team from Uruguay.

The teams were neck and neck.

With only a mile to go, Heraldic tripped while running about 35 miles per hour. "All of a sudden, there's no horse beneath me," Crandell said. "I landed on my feet running."

It knocked the wind out of the horse and skinned Crandell's knee. But both horse and rider were otherwise uninjured, Crandell said. Crandell climbed back on Heraldic's back and the two finished the race.

Coming in just about four minutes behind the first-place finisher, they took the silver medal. That's an incredibly close finish for a 75-mile race, Crandell said.

The U.S. team took the silver medal as well. Heraldic will compete next for the U.S. team in the World Endurance Championship in England in 2012, which will be held simultaneously with the Olympics.

"It's a tremendously big deal. The United States is in a decade-long slump after being at the top for years," Crandell said. "It was exciting to see America back in the game and in a big way."

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Canada: Bromont bids to host 2018 World Equestrian Games

Sherbrookerecord.com

November 16, 2011
By
Jesse Feith

Bromont has achieved the first step in a long process as their bid to host the 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) has officially been approved. Administered by the International Equestrianism Federation (IEF), the WEG are the major international championships for equestrianism that could bring a great amount of tourism to the small Quebec town.

Similar to the Olympics, they are held every four years, on alternate years than the Summer Olympic Games, and are considered a major tourism attraction for whichever town or city gets to hold them as they bring in fans from all over the world.
The event began in 1990 in Stockholm, Sweden as a way to bring together all ten of the individual disciplines that held separate championships at different times, in different locations around the world while all being governed by the IEF.
With the WEG system in place, all of these events now occur at one place and time, similar to the Olympics, and the riders and horses must go through a rigorous selection process to partake in the games as each country sends their best teams that have distinguished themselves the most through competitions during the time between each WEG.

Since 1990, the WEG has gradually expanded the number of competitions and disciplines that are a part of the event and as of 2010, eight disciplines are now showcased: combined driving, dressage, endurance riding, eventing, para-equestrianism, reining, show jumping, and vaulting, with 57 countries being represented by 800 people and their horses.

Bromont will have a lot of work to do over the next few years if they are to host the event.

Horse honored for winning the triple crown you probably have never heard of



ABC News - Go here for Video and article, Heraldic and John Crandel

For many endurance athletes, the marathon or the Ironman in Hawaii rank as the pinnacle achievement; the ultimate sacrifice and accomplishment in endurance.

Now, imagine running four marathons (104.8 miles) or running nearly the entire length of an Ironman. That is exactly what one horse has done, several in one day times, to claim the top prizes in horse endurance races around the world.

Heraldic and his rider John Crandell are pretty friends since they spend 10 hours or so and a hundred miles together. They do endurance racing; a marathon for man and horse over long distance. So long, in fact, the horse is checked several times during a race to make sure he can continue. And surprisingly, this isn't something foreign to a horse.

"Their niche in the world is for this," explain John Crandell. "They can cover long distances in a short amount of time to migrate for survival."

And Heraldic may be the best in the world at endurance racing. Heraldic was the only horse to win the triple crown for endurance racing in 2006.

"In the 50 years of endurance racing, no one has had the same horse win the triple crown and we did it together," says Crandell. "Nobody has ever don that."

No only does the horse have to be share, but the rider does as well. The jockey has to be in the saddle for 100 or more miles.

However, in 2008 Heraldic suffered a life threatening injury to his back leg. What could equate to a professional football player blowing his knee out. And injury like that could end any horse's chances at the U.S. Triple Crown, which features The Preakness. However, Heraldic recovered and came back strong. He and John just took the silver medal in an endurance race in China.

To imagine how far that race was, imagine climbing on board a horse in Annapolis and racing all the way to the beach in just over 6 hours.

"It's all about doing these series of marathons and getting a perfect 'A' from the veterinarian to continue," says Crandell.

John and Heraldic will lead the U.S. team in the World Endurance Championships in England next summer. The championships will be held simultaneously with the 2012 Olympics in London.

Read more: http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/news/region/anne_arundel_county_/horse-honored-for-winning-the-triple-crown-you-probably-have-never-heard-of#ixzz1dtwTk8qQ

New Zealand: Breeding to Kahuna Tiki Donated for Junior/Young Rider World Championship Fundraiser

November 8 2011

Ian and Tanya Stevenson of Pin Oaks Farm in North Canterbury, NZ, has donated a breeding to Kahuna Tiki (Juan De Shawn out of Bint Karita Ku, by Kontiki) to raise money for the Junior/Young Rider Team that will represent New Zealand competing in the Abu Dhabi World Junior Endurance Championships to be held on December 10 2011 in the UAE. For more information, contact Tanya at iantanya @ xtra.co.nz

Belgium: Junior & Young Rider Squad Announced for Championship in Abu Dhabi

Endurance-belgium.com

November 15 2011
[google translation]

A beautiful trip in perspective and a unique experience for our young riders who will represent Belgium in the World Championship endurance in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

The world championships in the deserts of the Gulf are not new.

It all started in 1998 by Dubai and the senior championship. No one had previously made his endurance horse travel by plane. The six Belgian remember the terrible cold that prevailed in Belgium the day before departure to Frankfurt and stress that prevailed in the Belgian delegation.

Dubai organized a second world championship in 2005.

Then, still in 2005, the Bahrain which hosted the young riders. All this interspersed with various interests of the Belgian riders President's Cup (Abu Dhabi) or other events in Dubai.

After the last training gallop on the green axis, Peter Arnold has communicated its selection.

A great team, so the heads stay cool, can boldly defend his chances. It will have much to do in the event that, although the Committee pleaded endurance and worked-it is hoped that the specifications have been respected in the field, to make the course more technical, should run full blast.

Our representatives:

- Isabeau Anciaux et Maeva
- Elisabeth Hardy et Khersicot
- Morgane Boulanger et Luxor
- Raphael Van Cauter et Kadiloah

West River Horse and Trainer Take Silver Medal in Pan Am Games in Chile

http://edgewater.patch.com/articles/west-river-horse-and-trainer-take-silver-medal-in-pan-am-games-in-chile
By Mitchelle Stephenson

While humans and horses have worked together for a couple of thousand years, and competitions involving humans and horses have been around for several hundred years, a sport called "endurance racing" is relatively new. It is basically a single-day ride of anywhere between 50 and 100 miles.

In the U.S., the "Tevis Cup" is one of the best known endurance rides. It follows the Western States Trail and was organized in 1955 by riders on the west coast. It is the premiere event in endurance racing in the United States.

For now though, an East Coast horse stands at the top of the field. Heraldic, an Arabian horse from West River's Long Run Farms stable just took home the silver medal at the Pan Am games. The endurance race was a 75-mile trek along the craggy shore of Chile in South America.

See Patch video: The horse and his trainer, John Crandell III were honored on Tuesday with a citation from Gov. Martin O'Malley and the "Touch of Class" award from the Maryland Horse Industry Board.

Heraldic and Crandell were at the top of their game in 2006, when they won the "triple crown" of endurance racing—the Tevis Cup, the Old Dominion 100 and the AERC Championship.

Then Heraldic was injured in a non-training incident. He was sidelined for two years. During part of that time, the horse could have no weight-bearing on his hind leg because of the injury to his stifle (the joint comparable to a human knee). For some horses, it might have been a career-ending, or even life-ending injury.

This year's Pan Am games ride for Heraldic was an astonishing comeback for the 13-year-old gelding.

"This is a magnificent horse and a magnificent family that has made great achievements on the international stage," Maryland Horse Industry Board vice chair Erin Pittman said at the awards ceremony in Annapolis."Heraldic is a world-class athlete who has overcome injuries that would have retired most other horses, and the Crandells are a family that have dedicated themselves to excellence in the equine industry."

The Pan Am games were held in October, but the horse was quarantined for seven days upon returning to the U.S.

Next up for the duo are training runs in the mountains and possibly a run for the U.S. Team in the World Endurance Championship in England in 2012. This event is held simultaneous to the 2012 Olympic games.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Azerbaijan fights to protect national animal from extinction

Edition.cnn.com - Full Article

From Emily Wither, for CNN
November 15, 2011

Editor's note: All this week CNN International is bringing you in-depth coverage of the country on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Read and watch reports online and watch the half-hour show from Saturday, November 19.

(CNN) -- Tough, strong and noble; these are the sorts of qualities one would expect from a national symbol.

The fabled Karabakh horse is a rare and beautiful animal that is of great importance to Azerbaijanis.

But the country's national animal that can be found everywhere from its stories to its postage stamps is faced with extinction.

In the thickly forested foothills of Sheki, a small city 300km (187 miles) from the capital Baku, is one of world's largest and purest Karabakh herds.

Their owner, Yashar Guluzade, has been restoring the breed for over a decade in this unspoilt mountainous region.

He says that conflict and a difficult economic situation have led to their decline.

"At the beginning of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict the horses were continually transferred from one place to another and this was one of the reasons for the sharp reduction of stock as the movement of pregnant mares led to miscarriages," he explained.

Guluzade says that the places the horses were taken did not have the correct conditions and pastures to support them and it was as if the country had forgotten about them.

The government has now stepped in to try and protect the breed...

Read more and see photos here:
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/11/10/world/asia/azerbaijan-karabakh-horse/?hpt=hp_mid

All-Female Line-Up of Winners for FEI Awards

Horse Sport Canada| November 15, 2011

Five women were rewarded for their outstanding contribution to equestrianism at the FEI Awards ceremony on Monday, November 14th in the superb setting of Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Palace Hotel.

The FEI is proud to announce that the winners of the FEI Awards 2011 are:

Development Award – Soraya Ourrais (FRA/MAR)
Soraya won this awards for her enormous contribution to the revival of equestrian sport in Cambodia, where it disappeared in the 1970s in the tragedy of the Khmer Rouge regime.

A Level 1 FEI coach, Soraya trained more than 350 beginners, as well as grooms and Cambodia’s first instructor and judge. In the absence of any equine veterinarians, she travelled to neighbouring countries for advice and technical solutions to recurrent problems and established a network for the provision of medicine and vaccines. She also organised school trips, youth camps and courses to promote equestrianism and was the brain behind Horse Future, a programme that benefits underprivileged children and has provided Cambodia with its national equestrian team.

Best Groom Award – Alice Gaillard (FRA)
Alice’s equestrian adventures began more than 50 years ago at Etrier de Bourgogne, a riding club in Dijon, where, she still grooms nearly every day at the age of 75.

For decades, Alice juggled her job at a mustard manufacturer with grooming at the club and for top Eventing riders Marie-Christine Duroy, Bruno Bouvier and Jean Teulere. Her work with Duroy and Teulere took her to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ and the Olympic Games.

Alice continues to groom for young athletes such as Astier Nicolas, whom she accompanied to Badminton this year. The riders consider it an honour to work with this emblematic figure of French Eventing.

Against All Odds Award – Meg Wade (AUS)
Until Meg’s fall from her horse at an Australian Endurance race in 2009, she was one of the discipline’s leading international riders. She had competed in 65 160km events and won 25 of them.

Meg’s accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. She remembers nothing of the accident or the six weeks she spent in Canberra hospital. Out of a coma but in Post Traumatic Amnesia, she was airlifted to another hospital for rehab. She spent 255 days there.

In November 2010, Meg rode a horse for the first time since her accident with Riding for the Disabled. A few weeks later, she was riding in her home arena.

Meg’s driving licence was reinstated in January, meaning she can drive to events and ride a quad bike onto courses to monitor the horses that she continues to train and enter into competitions with other riders. In October, she completed a 5km celebrity ride at the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, the Australian National Endurance Championship.

HSBC Rising Star Award – Nina Lamsam Ligon (THA/USA)

Based in the USA, dual national Nina Lamsam Ligon rides for the Kingdom of Thailand.

At the age of 15, Nina rode on the USA junior team at the FEI North American Juniors and Young Riders Championships. Her successes prompted the Thai National Team to invite her to compete with them at the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya. As the Thai Eventing team’s youngest and first female rider, she won Individual Gold and contributed to Thailand’s Team Gold win.

Nina’s fourth place at the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou led the Thai team to a Silver medal. She has become an inspiration for young riders in Thailand and her success and hard work are significantly contributing to the Thai Equestrian Federation’s leadership efforts to develop Eventing, nationally and throughout Asia.

Reem Acra Best Athlete – Adelinde Cornelissen (NED)
The Reem Acra FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2010/2011 series proved to be a spectacular season for Adelinde and her powerful chestnut gelding Jerich Parzival. The Dutch duo won all five qualifiers they competed in before dancing to victory to the sound of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite at the Final in Leipzig (GER).

Success has continued to smile on the talented young Dutchwoman. At the FEI European Dressage Championships in August, she carried off the Individual Freestyle and the Individual Grand Prix Special titles in front of the elated crowd in Rotterdam.

Commenting on the winners, FEI President Princess Haya said:

“Equestrianism is one of the only sports in which men and women compete as equals and we are proud of that. But the accomplishments, dedication, determination and courage of our winners really stood out among the many nominations – male and female – that we received. Adelinde, Alice, Nina, Meg and Soraya are an example and an inspiration to the entire equestrian community.”

Monday, November 14, 2011

Zuma ask review of UAE livestock ban

14 November, 2011 18:36

President Jacob Zuma has asked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to review its ban on the import of South African horses and meat produce, the presidency said.

During a meeting with UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Hahayn Zuma raised concerns that the export restrictions had not been resolved, the department said in a statement.

Zuma is in the Gulf States on State visits in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Muscat in Oman.

The department said the Middle East was South Africa's biggest trading partner for horse exports -- the majority being endurance horses -- and on average exports 100 horses a year to the Middle East.

"The UAE suspended direct imports of horses from South Africa following the outbreak of African Horse Sickness in 2004 and since then all exports had to be routed via the EU or Mauritius, which increased costs by about 150 percent and made South African horses less competitive."

The UAE has also banned the importation of South African livestock and meat (fresh and frozen meat products) due to the prevalence of Foot-and-Mouth disease and Rift Valley Fever.

"President Zuma said the two governments should intensify discussions to resolve the matter," said the presidency.

It said South Africa and the UAE maintained a good defence relationship characterised by the exchange of high-level visits and joint training.

Zuma requested the UAE government to send a delegation to South Africa to conduct an inspection visit and to investigate the country's control systems.

"In June 2011, a protocol was submitted to the UAE government to propose direct export of horses following a 40-day quarantine period at the Kenilworth Quarantine Station in Cape Town."

South Africa: Zuma ask review of UAE livestock ban

Citizen.co.za - Full Article

President Jacob Zuma has asked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to review its ban on the import of South African horses and meat produce, the presidency said on Monday.

14 November 2011 | Sapa

JOHANNESBURG - President Jacob Zuma has asked the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to review its ban on the import of South African horses and meat produce, the presidency said on Monday.

During a meeting with UAE President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Hahayn Zuma raised concerns that the export restrictions had not been resolved, the department said in a statement.

Zuma is in the Gulf States on State visits in Abu Dhabi (UAE) and Muscat in Oman.

The department said the Middle East was South Africa's biggest trading partner for horse exports -- the majority being endurance horses -- and on average exports 100 horses a year to the Middle East.

"The UAE suspended direct imports of horses from South Africa following the outbreak of African Horse Sickness in 2004 and since then all exports had to be routed via the EU or Mauritius, which increased costs by about 150 percent and made South African horses less competitive."

The UAE has also banned the importation of South African livestock and meat (fresh and frozen meat products) due to the prevalence of Foot-and-Mouth disease and Rift Valley Fever.

"President Zuma said the two governments should intensify discussions to resolve the matter," said the presidency.

It said South Africa and the UAE maintained a good defence relationship characterised by the exchange of high-level visits and joint training.

Zuma requested the UAE government to send a delegation to South Africa to conduct an inspection visit and to investigate the country's control systems.

"In June 2011, a protocol was submitted to the UAE government to propose direct export of horses following a 40-day quarantine period at the Kenilworth Quarantine Station in Cape Town."

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Ireland: Endurance Riding in Focus

Independent.ie - Full Article

Tuesday November 08 2011

The Irish Long Distance Riding Association (ILDRA) organises numerous long-distance riding events throughout Ireland each year.

Most rides involve a Pleasure Ride for both members and non-members, normally of about eight miles.

Competitive Trail Rides are run over a number of distances, starting from 20 miles for members. Some events also feature Endurance Races, which start at 50 miles and are for experiences horses and riders only.

The Endurance Rides present the toughest challenges, where riders are competing against each other, rather than the clock. The highest level of competition is the 160km (100-mile) endurance ride, the International Senior championship distance.

Endurance riding is a uniquely competitive challenge and regarded as the supreme sport for learning about equine fitness. Veterinary checks before and after competitive rides -- and in the middle, too, for longer distances -- ensures the best possible care of your horse is taken and any problems can be picked up earlier rather than later.

As a rider, you learn more about the way your horse functions and how to regulate your riding to suit conditions that will affect the way your horse behaves and how it presents to the vet. Key factors for riders to assess are the terrain, the weather and the route.

Your job as an endurance rider is to assess your ride, read your map, decide on your tactics, plot your directions and work out where your back-up crew will meet you on long rides.

The sport is known for its camaraderie and the ILDRA is happy to put you in touch with a more experienced rider who can advise you. The organisation also stages talks, seminars and demonstrations across the regions.

Perhaps the best reason of all for taking up endurance riding is the partnership built up with your horse over many miles of new riding ground. You guide your horse and it carries you. It has to trust you to lead it back home, and you have to trust it to get you there, forging a relationship between rider and horse that is hard to equal in any other sport.

Originally published in
FARMER

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Abu Dhabi: Taking on world's best in horse riding

Portstephensexaminer.com.au

BY DANIEL MILLS
09 Nov, 2011 01:00 AM

TWO Bobs Farm horse riders will make a journey to the Middle East in December to compete in a prestigious horse riding event.

Allix Jones, 18, and Brooke Warner, 20, will form one half of the Australian Young Riders Endurance squad to travel to Abu Dhabi to compete against the world's best in endurance horse riding.

More than 25 countries are expected to take part.

Only four riders will represent the Australian team at the championships, with most other nations nominating six.

Both Warner and Jones rode distances of more than 360 kilometres this year during three endurance riding events to qualify. A ride of 120 kilometres usually takes around seven hours, however, on the fast and flat terrains of Abu Dhabi, whichWarner said has some of the world's best riders, the journey is cut by a third.

"It would usually only take about four and a half, or five and a half hours," she said.

Both riders will take one horse each on their trip.

Riding before they learnt to walk, it's been a journey both have had the privilege to enjoy since beginning their riding career together as six and eight year olds.

Some $20,000 has been spent between both families to get to this stage, and they are making a call to help fund their travel and accommodation expenses.

Phone on 0488470049 or 0413067624 to help.

USEF Drugs and Medication Rule Changes Effective Dec. 1

November 08 2011

The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is reminding members and competitors of the rule changes surrounding drugs and medications in competition horses.

The new competition year begins December 2011. With all of these important rule changes taking effect, the USEF encourages every exhibitor, trainer, coach, and owner to take the time, prior to competing, to carefully review the "Guidelines for How Long Drugs Remain Detectable" which can be accessed online or by calling 800/633-2472 to request a copy of the 2012 USEF Drugs & Medications Guidelines.

Administration of NSAIDs

Motivated by its commitment to the welfare of the horse, the USEF Board of Directors voted to amend its therapeutic drug rule and restrict use to a single non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) beginning Dec. 1, 2011. Both the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the American Veterinary Medical Association supported the rule change, and USEF now joins other organizations including the American Quarter Horse Association and Equine Canada in implementing this rule change.

Beginning Dec. 1, 2011, only one of the seven approved NSAIDs listed in the USEF Rule GR 410.4 will be permitted to be present in the same plasma or urine sample. Revisions have been made regarding detection times of some of the therapeutic drugs used on competition horses.

Most notably, the detection time for the seven NSAIDs currently approved for use with quantitative restrictions, has been reduced from seven days to three days, when administered according to the dose and time recommendations found on pages 12-14 of the 2012 Guidelines for Drugs & Medications.

Emergency Use of Flunixin

Following the move to allow only one NSAID to be present in the same plasma or urine sample of a horse in competition, and acting on the USEF Veterinary Committee's recommendation, the USEF Board of Directors approved a rule provision allowing for the emergency administration of flunixin by a veterinarian to treat colic or an ophthalmic emergency. Filing a USEF Medication Report Form is required if an NSAID listed in GR410 (a) through (g), other than flunixin, has been administered to the horse within the three days prior.

It will additionally require that the Medication Report Form be signed by the veterinarian who administered the flunixin and the same medication report should document a 24-hour withdrawal from competition following administration. It is important to note that compliance with this rule is dependent upon the flunixin being administered by a licensed veterinarian following a physical exam.

Anabolic Steroids Re-Classified as Forbidden Substance

Also effective Dec. 1, 2011, anabolic steroids will be considered a forbidden substance under the USEF therapeutic drug rule. No anabolic steroid is to be administered to a horse or pony in the time before competition such that it, or any metabolite of it, might be present in the animal, or might be detectable in its blood or urine sample at the time of competition. This means that, if anabolic steroids are administered and/or any surgical implants are removed, the administration and/or procedure occurs sufficiently in advance of competing to ensure these substances are not present in the blood or urine at the time of competition.

To comply with this new change, it is important to review "How Long Drugs Remain Detectable" on page 15 and 16 of the 2012 USEF Drugs & Medications Guidelines.

FEI Banned Substances

Understanding Equine Medications is your A-Z guide to learning more about generic and brand-name pharmaceuticals, possible side effects and precautions, and proper dosage.

The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) Clean Sport initiative inspired changes to USEF GR 409, which affect the rules governing FEI discipline competition at USEF licensed competitions. It is important to carefully review the FEI rules at this link and the FEI Forbidden Substance list.

Please pay special attention to the FEI listing of banned substances. While alleged violations of USEF GR 409 will still be heard by the USEF, sanctions potentially imposed for violation could result in assessment of a $15,000 fine and a two-year suspension (consistent with FEI Sanctions).

Be particularly cautious with respect to the use of medicinal preparations, tonics, pastes, and products of any kind (even those labeled "natural," "herbal," or "holistic," as the ingredients and their quantitative analysis are not specifically known. Many contain one or more banned substances under the FEI rules. There are therapeutic exceptions, however, which allow for the use of anti-infectious substances and the anti-ulcer medications ranitidine and omeprazole. It is important to note that these anti-ulcer medications are forbidden in endurance rides governed by American Endurance Ride Conference.

Monday, November 07, 2011

Great Britain: Abbi Tennant amongst 10 starters in the 160km race in South Africa


Wayne Webb Photo
Endurancegb.co.uk

4th November 2011

We had 6 loops to ride and I finished at 4 in the afternoon, riding through the main heat of the day.

22nd October I rode in my first ever 160km FEI *** on Perseverance Liberty (the horse I had previously done well on at the 200km race in Fauresmith coming 10th in July) at Schanskraal. It was also Liberty's first 160km.
It was a very early start of 2am due to the temperatures getting so hot here and even though it was dark it was already warm. There were 12 starters in the 160km with 3 of those being from Perseverance stud; Laura Seegers riding PSV Jedi, Franscois Seegers riding PSV Mauser and myself on PSV Liberty. We had 6 loops to ride and I finished at 4 in the afternoon, riding through the main heat of the day. Although I have been in Africa for 5 months now riding in the heat is very tough for both horse and rider and was a great experience to have. I even joined Liberty in drinking out of a trough on route as to avoid dehydration, now thats a new experience!...

Read more here:
http://www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/item.asp?ItemId=2548

Bahrain: Mirza lifts 80-km endurance title

Posted on » Sunday, November 06, 2011



BAHRAIN Royal Endurance Team rider Jaffar Mirza yesterday won the 80-kilometre qualifying ride that kick-started the kingdom's endurance racing season at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Mirza led the race from start to the finish, and won with a new Bahraini record time for such an event of two hours 57 minutes and five seconds. Riding Razorback, Mirza registered an average speed of 26kph.

Royal Endurance Team captain, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday honoured the top three finishers.

Rahman Zayed claimed second place with a finishing time of 3:21:00, while Mohan Singh was third overall just a second behind Zayed.

Shaikh Nasser said that Mirza's dominant victory, which came with more-than-20-minute gap, proved that Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team members continue to develop their skills, which helped in his achievement yesterday.

Happiness

Speaking of his win, Mirza expressed his happiness with his high-level performance and for setting the new record in the event. He added that it gave him a strong start to the new season, which officially got underway with yesterday's ride.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal and Equestrian Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed his delight with Mirza's victory.

Shaikh Khalid also praised the role of Shaikh Nasser for his guidance towards the team's other riders, and also thanked him for the continued support of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and the BOC.

Fifty riders turned up for the qualifying race, which was divided into three stages of 30km, 30km and 20km.

The new endurance riding season will be full of unique rides, highlighted by His Majesty King Hamad's Ride on February 4 of next year and the 120km HRH Prince Salman Senior and Junior Championships on April 6.

Other top events will be the 100km Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Championship on December 3, the 120km National Day Senior Ride on December 24, the 120km Breef Championship on January 7 of next year, the 100km Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Senior Championship on February 18 and the 120km Season-Ending Night Ride on May 4.

Gulf Daily News

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Bahrain: Participants set for opening ride

Posted on » Friday, November 04, 2011

THE equestrian and endurance season is all set to commence today with an 80km qualifying endurance horse ride.

Riders representing different stables from across the kingdom will line up for today's inaugural event, to be held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir from 4pm.

It will be patronised by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Among the favourite stables taking part is the Royal Endurance Team, captained by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser, the President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and chairman of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, said his team is fully prepared for the new season.

Both Shaikh Nasser and Breef first vice-president Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa said that they are looking forward to another successful season of endurance horseracing here in Bahrain.

Shaikh Khalid, the organising committee chairman, was present at the endurance village to inspect the facilities and follow-up on the latest preparations for the opening event of the season.

Today's ride consists of three stages, the first two legs will be held over 30kms each while the concluding stage will be over 20kms.

The organisers have finalised their preparations for today's qualifier, which acts as a warm-up event to help new and young riders gear up for major events to be held in the future.

Riders

Abdulghani Al Boosta is the president of the Ground Jury, which also includes members Ghalib Al Alawi, Ali Ghuloom, Mahdi Al Kalaiti and Fahad Al Romaihi.

Al Boosta said all riders and horses participating in today's event must be registered with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and therefore have an FEI rider ID.

He said all horses and riders must have successfully completed in similar Novice qualifying rides in order to be eligible for CEI star qualifying ride.

"Successfully complete two rides of distances between 40-79kms and two rides between 80-90kms at speeds of 16km per hour or under with in a 24-month period to qualify to take part in FEI competitions," he said.

"At the first inspection please ensure that your horse is sufficiently warmed up before you bring it inside the veterinary gate.

"Any horse which will not permit examination or which is dangerous to the examiners shall be eliminated," added Al Boosta.

Horses aged six years and above and riders with a minimum age of 14 years are allowed to take part in today's ride.

The Foreign Technical Delegate is Mohammed Dadulla, Haider Al Zubi is the chief steward and Abdulla Al Rumeihi the steward for the stewards.

Dr Abbas Al Haiki is the Veterinary Commission president, Dr Mohammed Al Hammad the foreign veterinary, and members Dr Fareeda Abdulrazak, Dr Ebrahim Yousif, Dr Sabah Al Kabie, Dr Abu Obaidah Yaqoob and Dr Abdulrahman Abu Shook. Dr Caonabo Melo of the Dominican Republic will be the treating veterinarian while Sudip Sankar is the showground secretary.

Gulf Daily News

Friday, November 04, 2011

New Zealand: Five Minutes With... Mark Tylee


Mark and Class Act after winning the 2007 New Zealand 160km*** Championship and Best Conditioned
Horsezone.com.au - Full Article

Published on Friday, November 4, 2011 in Five Minutes With Horsezone

Successful New Zealand endurance rider, Mark Tylee, is based near picturesque Taumarunui on the central North Island. When he's not busy dedicating the hours needed to train his team of endurance horses to peak condition, Mark can be found working on the 900 acre sheep and beef property owned by his family.

Horsezone managed to catch up with Mark and find out more about this talented and dedicated horseman.


Mark, when did you first become involved in horses?

I became involved with horses through my father Ray when starting to ride on the farm then started competing in Endurance in 1993 at nine years old.


What do you love most about endurance?

The partnership you form with your horses while training and competing long distances, also the country you see that you otherwise wouldn't.


What makes a great endurance horse?

There is always exceptions but an athletic type with economical movement and a great heart and the will to win...

Read more here:
http://horsezone.com.au/news/five-minutes-with-mark-tylee-1822/

Australia: Endurance ride raises funds for Moyston CFA

Araratadvertiser.com.au

04 Nov, 2011 01:00 AM
MOYSTON - More than 100 people descended on Moyston for the inaugural Moyston CFA Endurance Ride.

The two day event consisted of four different length races over distances of five, 20, 44 and 88-kilometres.

A total of 79 riders took part, made up of members from around the region and across the state, as well as competitors from New South Wales and South Australia.

It was the first time an endurance ride has been held in the area, and all participants enjoyed the picturesque surroundings of the Grampians.

AME was the major sponsor of the highly successful event, which was also well supported by local Ararat businesses.

Close to $3,000 was raised, which will go towards a new fire truck for the Moyston CFA. The Moyston Primary School also benefited from the influx in visitors, raising $800 over the weekend.

Organisers are now looking at making the Endurance Ride an annual event, with support coming from the Ararat Rural City.

Endurance Ride Winnners

88km Heavyweight: Ken Bradley; 88km Middleweight: Linda Tanian, Kristie Taprell; 88km Lightweight: Michelle Munro; 88km Junior: Samantha Noble; 44km Training Ride: Dianne Leehane; 20km Introductory Ride: Rohan Stanes; 5km Introductory Ride: Clare Clarke.

FEI's Princess Haya opens World equine vet conference

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

November 4, 2011

FEI President HRH Princess Haya gave the opening address at the 2011 World Equine Veterinary Association (WEVA) Conference in India on Wednesday, noting the 250th anniversary of the first veterinary school in Lyons, France, and the birth of the modern veterinary profession.

She addressed 600 delegates, including key members of the world's equine industry, breeders and leading equine veterinarians, at the conference in the historic city of Hyderabad.

"The events organised around the world to mark World Veterinary Year have demonstrated the crucial role veterinarians play in improving animal health, pushing the boundaries of biomedical research and protecting the environment," Princess Haya said.

"The challenge is to better serve the wider equestrian community by leading and taking courageous and sometimes difficult decisions while ensuring that our horses, our industry, our sport, our food supplies and the future scientific breakthroughs needed the world over are protected in all ways..."

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2011/11/026.shtml

France: Endurance Junior & Young rider squad announced

Frenchhorseandcountry.com

01/11/2011 By fhc

The Endurance World Championship Junior and Young Rider will be held in Abu Dhabi (UAE) on December 10. The French Equestrian Federation has announced the list of selected pairs.

Achille DONNAIS / Spour , owner Mr Lilian Donnais
Julien LAFAURE / Petra Cabirat , owner Mr Jean-Noël Lafaure
Lisa RIOU / Favela , owner Mr Jean-Yves Le Roy
Léa VOGLER / Al Abjar , Liste rouge

Réserviste : Nina LISSARRAGUE / Al Jaimie de Bozouls , owner l’EARL Mezagri

Thursday, November 03, 2011

Spain: More news on the Spanish national team for the YR/J World Championship Raid

El Raid Blog

by Gabriel Gamiz

“Lucero Miki” (Gil Berenguer), “Tra Clica” (Mariona Naranjo), “Ushamir ben Priz” (María Ledesma) y “Yep Embaucadora” (Marc Oliva) the four pairs have been elected to the Spanish team in the Championship World Junior and Young Riders Raid, which takes place on December 10 in Abu Dhabi (UAE). “Tra Xena de Rose” (Berta Pujadas) has been as a reserve.

The Spanish Equestrian Federation announced on October 28 list selected to represent our country in the Junior World Championships and Young Riders Raid 2011, "after the completion of follow-up and physical evidence and veterinary scheduled."

"The Spanish team will consist of four pairs, which is however also a summons rather than remain as a reserve initially (until November 25)," the statement said.

The elect will leave for the UAE on December 1 from Liege (Belgium) and return our country on the 12th. In the test, a CEIJY-CH4 * 120 km, it is expected the participation of riders from 33 countries on five continents. "

Patagonia is Calling: The Gaucho Derby Academy is Coming Up

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