Saturday, June 30, 2012

Canadian Endurance Riders Headed to NAJYRC

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Horse Sport - June 29, 2012

by: Equine Canada
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Endurance Canada is pleased to announce the riders representing Canada at the 2012 Adequan FEI North American Junior and Young Riders Championships. Presented by Gotham North, these Championships will be held July 17-22 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY. Riders will compete for top honours in the NAJYRC-CH 4* FEI Championship.

The team will be comprised of Lee Hutten of Chesterville, ON, riding Parker AES, Dessia Miller’s 12-year-old Arabian gelding; Jessica Yavis of Winfield, AB, riding Jahlad, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding, or Kit, an 11-year-old Arabian-cross gelding, both owned by Jaye Yavis; and Emma Webb of Flesherton, ON, and Janice Worthington’s 12-year-old Arabian gelding.

All three riders will also compete together in the team competition. Accompanying the team will be Maura Leahy as chef d’équipe, Dr. Glenn Sinclair as the team veterinarian, and Dr. Roxy Bell as the assistant veterinarian...

Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/canadian-endurance-riders-headed-to-najyrc/

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Sweden: WEC 2012 Team Chosen


FOTO: Kristina Gregori Eriksson
ridsport.se

012-06-28

Team management of endurance have been selected by the Swedish rider who can ride World Endurance, which is determined August 25 in Euston Park, UK.

Selected riders for the World Endurance 2012

Annelie Eriksson, Bjursås - Dahle, spare King Peak provided he fulfills the FEI requirement for definite.
Cecilia Hellesen-Hansen, Flen - Bomb Jack
Frida Ekstrom, Oskarshamn - Zinner
Maria Hagman-Eriksson, Järlåsa - Power
Yvonne Ekelund, Vaxjo - Baron Grey Star
Reserve: Ella Lindblom, Flen - Pioro Ganze

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Great Britain: Endurance GB Elite Squad Stepping up the Pace

Endurancegb.co.uk

18th June 2012

Endurance GB Elite squad members Christine Yeoman and Nikki Malcolm have both recently been out to strengthen their chances of team selection for the Endurance GB team for the 2012 Longines FEI World Endurance Championships at Euston Park near Thetford on the 25th August.

The 2011 National Endurance Champion, Nikki Malcolm (28) from Whitcombe in Dorset has qualified a second horse to be eligible to take part World Championships. Nikki took 4th place in the 160km FEI 3* Endurance Ride at Euston Park near Thetford recently with L R Bold Greyson.

Owned by Christine Yeoman, L R Bold Greyson is proving to be a solid performer. Greyson was bought from America at the end of 2011 and has so far completed two 160km rides with success this season. Christine also finished in 6th place in the FEI 3* Haywood Oaks ride in Nottinghamshire in April with him.

Nikki said “Christine had already qualified for the World Championships with Greyson earlier in the year, our plan was for us to both qualify on him as well as our other horses to create more options and a stronger team for the Championships”. Nikki’s other ride is the consistent Anglo Arab Khartoum With A K, with whom she holds a 100% ride completion record.

All three horses, Khartoum With A K, L M Crazy Girl and L R Bold Greyson will now go to the final team trial for the 2012 World Championships at Kings Forest, Bury St Edmunds on the 29th June. Nikki is set to take Khartoum With A K, Christine will partner Crazy Girl and New Zealander, Lisa Davenport will ride Greyson. The team for the World Championships will be announced shortly after this final trial.

Endurance GB Elite squad member Kirsty Wiscombe from Lyme Regis took 7th place in the 160km Endurance ride at Euston Park on the 27th May with her stallion, Yawlhill Billy.

Article by Holdsworth PR

South Africa: How to ride FAURESMITH…

Perseveranceendurancehorses - Full Article

Posted by Perseverance ⋅ 26 June 2012

How to Ride Fauresmith… for the First-timer

Next week a horde of horse and riders will be setting off on a three-day ride totalling 201km… This is the notorious Fauresmith National ride – the highlight of the South African endurance calendar! Not too onerous as endurance rides go, and yet, so difficult to complete for many people. Is Fauresmith an elusive goal for you? Is this your first time attempting it?

As old hands in our Province we offer advice to the newbies on our teams every year. Tips on what to do and what not to do. Sometimes they take our advice and sometimes they ignore it, but all the riders end up wiser on Thursday afternoon than they were on Tuesday morning. There’s no replacement for experience!

Fauresmith is a unique event in endurance. It has challenges different from the ultra-distance rides; one-day 100 milers such as the fabled Hofmeyr. It has different challenges from the speedy outright races between elite Namibian and South African teams over 120km. It is entirely different from the happy-go-lucky 80 km pre-rides done by the majority of endurance riders who just take part for the sheer enjoyment.

There are factors that make Fauresmith mad and bad compared to your local club ride.

Firstly, the sheer numbers. There will be about 400 horses concentrated at this venue. Unlike shows, most of them will not be stowed away in the stables, rather, all of them will be under saddle or on the field preparing to go. Add to that hundreds of vehicles and thousands of people. It can get a bit out of hand.

Secondly, the excitement. For many riders, arriving at Fauresmith is the realisation of a dream. There is a sparkle in their eyes and they communicate this excitement to their horses, who are already amazed to see so many colourfully attired horses around them. Adrenaline courses through their veins.

Third, the horses are fit and fed to run fast. They are not easy to control.

Fourth, there are a lot of newbies every year. Some are relatively new in endurance and lacking in the level-headed common sense that only develops with experience of dealing with difficult situations. They often have a hard time, but can also create situations that are awkward for the horses and riders around them. Falls by inexperienced riders, tack malfunctions or breakages, can add extra complications as they must be helped.

Fifth, the terrain is tricky in the sense that there are many rocks and loose stones, eroded gullies, holes, fence posts. Fauresmith is not a race track, but the horses want to race.

Lastly, there are three days to get through...

Monday, June 25, 2012

Bahrain: HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa praises Royal Endurance Team preparations for World Endurance Championship

BNA.bh

25/06/2012

Berlin: June 25 -- (BNA) The Royal Endurance Team Leader HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa emphasized that the Royal Endurance Team has accomplished the objectives for the sake of which the team participated in the Dellingin horse racing in Germany in terms of preparation for the World Endurance Championship due to be conducted in Britain next August.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa pointed out that the Royal Team has benefitted a lot from its participation under various favorable conditions in terms of training, performance, enthusiasm of riders to win prime positions.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa added that participation since the start of this season in Europe culminated in many positive results in France, Hamburg and Dellingin, and asserted that Royal Team riders reaped great benefits and learned from the preparations program, and he revealed that the program includes future training and participations.

On the other hand, the Royal Federation chief Shaikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa reiterated that the team has accomplished its objectives from participating in the 160- kilometers distance endurance horse racing event in Dellingin in Germany and praised the Royal Team members for accomplishing remarkable results. Shaikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa pointed out that the successful leadership of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has brought the Royal Team to remain at the forefront forever.

In compliance with directives from the Royal Endurance Team Leader HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, a number of horse riders shall undergo further training for the team steads next Thursday in Montpellier, France in preparation for upcoming European competitions and international championships.

The Royal Endurance Team was accompanied by a media delegation comprising photographer Hamid Shehab, TV videographer Hamad Dawood, TV videographer Mohammed Al-Qallaf, production technician Hamad Ramadan, commentator Saddam Nasser and coordinator Khalifa Al-Shurooqi. (IY)

Canada: New event for endurance riders

Peacecountrysun.com - Full Article

By Louise Liebenberg Special

Last weekend a sanctioned Endurance Ride took place south of High Prairie. Meghan Payne organized the very first “Payne’s Pulse Down” endurance ride, with rides of 25miles (40 km) and 50 miles (80 km) for the more competitive riders.

For those wanting to participate on a fun ride or have an introduction to endurance riding, a fantastic 12-mile (19.2 km) trail was set out.

Those participating in the fun ride did go through the same process as the riders in the competitive event, so all vet checks, pulse measurements, departing times where adhered to, in order for new riders to get a feel for what this equine sport entails.

Endurance riding on the American continents has its history dating back to the early 1900s, where cavalry horses were tested on fitness, stamina and endurance. The test required the horse and rider to go on a five-day, 300-mile ride. In the 1950s it became a civilian sport.

In 1978 the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for World and Olympic equestrian events, recognized endurance riding as an international sport. Endurance riding and competitions are held in Europe, Asia, and the American continents incorporating over 49 countries worldwide.

Since the early days the distance and time has been reduced, with most competitions having a maximum distance of 100 miles (160 km) a day. The teams are regularly vet checked along the way to ensure that the horse is fitand has the stamina to continue on the way. Mandatory breaks and vet checks are part and parcel of the sport.

The trails in High Prairie led next to grain fields, through bush, had a number of river crossings, up some steeper banks, along open fields and through cattle pastures. The horses had to contend with a whole variety of trails which made the ride interesting to participate in...

read more here:
http://www.peacecountrysun.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3588794

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Great Britain: Euston Park hosts final qualifiers for Longines FEI World Endurance Championships 2012

24 June 2012

Sh Rashid bin Dalmook Al Maktoum and Kurajong Concorde from the UAE headed a strong field to win the penultimate qualifier for the Longines FEI  World Endurance Championships (25th August 2012) at Euston Park, near Newmarket, Suffolk, UK. 
The pair completed the FEI CEI 3* 160km competition over August’s World Championship course in a ride time of 7hr30min14sec at an average speed of 21.32km/hr.
They won by a nose after a tight finish with Mohd Ahmad Al Subose and Kedjari Des Serres (UAE) in second place. Compatriot Mohd Saeed Mohd Al Faresi and Ainhoa Tijmili crossed the line six minutes later.

A total of 28 combinations took part in Sunday’s 160km qualifier run over the Euston Park course in the build-up to the Longines FEI World Endurance Championships. 
Organised by Janah Management, Sunday’s programme featured a CEI 3* 160 km, CEI 2* 120km, a CEI 2* YR 120km and a CEI 1* 80km, with classes on Monday including a CEI 3* 160km and CEI 2* 120km.

The ride was completed in tough conditions with strong winds and bursts of heavy rain affecting the going.

As the penultimate qualifying ride for the World Championships ahead of the deadline on 26th June, the event attracted riders from around the globe.

Having aimed to qualify ZT Richshakfy for a place on the British team, Susan Hawes sadly opted to withdraw on course on the fourth loop putting paid to her chances of qualifying for a place on the championship team in August.

"It’s a shame but he was not feeling quite right so it wasn't worth continuing - he's only 11 and there'll be another day. This course is really challenging and it will find out any niggles. I have huge respect for the horses that are out in front and still going strong - they are awesome," she said.

The other British contender Melanie Davison and CS Khan contesting their first 160km had aimed for a steady completion but also withdrew at the fourth vetgate. “This is definitely a championship course and very technical -  one minute you are in sand and the next mud and then harder tracks which means you really have to concentrate - it is tricky."

The UAE’s Saeed Ahmed Murad Al Khattal riding the Al Aasfa Stables-trained Glendaar Greystar captured the CEI 2* 120km class in fine style having led all the way from the first vetgate. The duo’s time of 5hr43min57sec was completed with a consistent performance across all five loops at an average speed of 21.28km/hr.

They were chased home by fellow UAE riders Saeed Saqr Mohd Qabir Al Ameri with Saxon of Bedain and Spain’s Nuria Serrabasa Fabre and Nasik Des Fabries.

Chris Wray, riding his first 120km with Takwenya was among four British contenders in this class finishing in 12th place behind fellow Briton Caroline Cowley with Summer Mistral.

His crew Georgina Bull said: “Takwenya only did her first 80km ride back in March and won it so we felt she was ready to do a 120km class.”

Georgina the British team riders’ osteopath said Chris, who bred the nine year old palomino, is aiming to get the horse onto the elite squad by 2014.

Georgina added: “The wet weather did not bother them. Chris found the going deep in places but just pushed on when he could and slowed down where necessary.  We used less water than we would on a hot day and mostly rugged up to keep her warm after the vet gate.”

Saeed Mod Khalifa Al Mehairi of the UAE and Gem El Gem took the top slot in the CEI 2** YR 120km at an average speed of 21.28km/hr

The 14th running of the FEI World Endurance Championships will see around 160 riders from up to 40 countries lining up for the contest around the deceptive Euston Park track.

Ian Williams, FEI Non-Olympic Sports Director, said:  “This was the third event held as part of the preparations for the Longines FEI World Endurance Championship.
 
“Despite the difficult weather conditions, the vetgate stood up to the test and ran incredibly well as did the course. The electronic timing system had its final live test and lived up to all expectations.
 
“Representatives from many nations had taken this opportunity to make their final recce of the course and venue and I can only believe that they found it to be a true championship test and will be returning home excited about beginning their countdown to the main event in August.”
 
Alongside title sponsor Longines, the Championships has the support of Dubai industry giants, Meydan and Emaar Properties as additional supporters.
With around 1000 participants, riders, crew and officials, the championship will have a significant economic impact on the area around Euston Park and the Newmarket area during the build-up and immediately post competition.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Hungary pulls out of WEG 2018 contention

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article
By Horsetalk.co.nz on Jun 23, 2012 in News

Hungary has withdrawn from the bidding process to stage the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.

Its capital Budapest had been named as one of the five 2018 bid cities earlier this month, but in a letter to FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos this week, the President of the Hungarian National Federation Vilmos Lázár confirmed that the Hungarian bid has now been withdrawn.

In the letter Lázár stated that the Hungarian Federation’s Board had made the decision to withdraw the Budapest bid as there were two candidates from the same region. Hungary’s immediate neighbour, Austria, is also one of the official candidates to host the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018.

Lázár said that his Board hoped that the withdrawal of the Hungarian bid would enhance the chances of Austria staging the Games in 2018.

“Of course we are sad to lose the Hungarian bid for 2018,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said, “but we respect the National Federation’s decision and admire its generous support of the neighbouring bid from Austria. We still have four very strong candidates in the mix and it will be a very exciting bidding process. We very much look forward to welcoming them all to FEI Headquarters next month...”

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/06/23/hungary-pulls-weg-2018-contention/#.T-XPhI7G5yQ

Thursday, June 21, 2012

FEI World Rankings

6/21/12

Kamila Kart of Poland tops the Endurance Meydan Open Riders World Ranking with 690 points through June 15, 2012.

UAE riders fill the next 4 spots: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum in 2nd, Abdulla Ghanim Al Marri in 3rd, Fatma Jassem Saeed Al Marri in 4th, and Mubarak Awad Al Khatiri in 5th.

USA's Jeremy Reynolds ranks 6th.

In the Meydan Open Combination World Ranking, UAE's Sultan Ahmed Al Bloushi and Cronus hold 1st place with 308 points, and UAE's Fatma Jassem Saeed Al Marri and Ohio hold 2nd place with 289 point.

USA's Cody Boysen and Viktory Banner rank 3rd with 261 points.

In the Meydan Open Horse World Ranking, in 1st is Shardell Aladdin, 2nd is Tonki Dee Boo Kokoda, 3rd is Cronus, 4th is Madji du Pont, 5th is Ohio.

Ranking in 6th is USA's Riverwatch, the 2011 Tevis Cup and Haggin Cup winner, part owned by Heather and Jeremy Reynolds.

Maria Santina of Argentina tops the Meydan Young Riders World Ranking with 327 points, with USA's Kelsey Russell in second with 312 points.

Full list of rankings are here:
https://data.fei.org/Ranking/Default.aspx

Mohammed wins European Endurance Race in Italy

Khaleejtimes.com

(WAM) / 20 June 2012

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice -President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was crowned, for second running year, champion of the 160-km European Endurance Race 2012 at Ancona race track in Italy. By this wonderful victory, Shaikh Mohammed will lead UAE riders to the World Endurance Championship 2012 in England next August.
Last year, Shaikh Mohammed won the first round of the European Endurance Championship, staged in Verona, Italy.

Shaikh Mohammed clocked in at 8:51:10 beating an elite of the world’s rival riders.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, came second and third respectively.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Australia: Teenager and $200 horse headed to World Endurance Championship

Pozible.com

June 20 2012

WHO ARE TALEA & BLAKE'S HEAVEN BOMBORA?

In January 2002 Fia Hasko-Stewart purchased an unwanted Arabian yearling for $200 from a friend. All other buyers had ignored him. Ten years later the horse, Blake’s Heaven Bombora, is one of Australia’s top endurance horses.

It has been a long journey. Endurance is a grueling sport where each competitor rides one horse over long distances (minimum 80kms, up to 160kms in one day). The fastest horse home is the winner, but riders must balance speed with the need to manage their horses’ welfare, as strict vet checks are completed at the start, middle and end of the ride. If the horse fails any vet check, the rider is eliminated.

Talea Haskow-Stewart and Bombora have come up through the ranks of endurance through thousands of hours in the saddle and many thousands of kilometres in training and competition in all conditions - in the pre-dawn dark; the wind, the rain and cold; or blazing heat. They have galloped along forest trails and picked their way down treacherous cliffs, and together they have become a top team.



THE WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS.

Now, after performing outstandingly in qualifying events, Talea and Bombora have been chosen to represent Australia at the highest level– the World Endurance Championships to be held in the UK in August. See http://www.eustonparkendurance.co.uk/ for more information on the event.


WHY TALEA & BH BOMBORA NEED YOUR HELP.

Although in negotiation, endurance riding is not yet in the Olympics and this means there is no government funding for the Australian team. Return airfares for Bombora are $35,000, and estimated total costs for the trip are around $50,000.

Talea isn’t part of a professional endurance business. She’s just a young lady with a lot of passion. Talea has repeatedly declined offers to sell Bombora to Arab sheiks (for whom endurance is as important as thoroughbred racing), although his worth is in six figures.

To allow Talea to bring her best friend home from the UK, she needs help.  Fia and Talea are currently seeking corporate sponsorship, but donations from family, friends, Endurance Riders, and people who are passionate about seeing others realise their dreams, will help make this trip a reality and bring Bombora home.

A Sydney filmmaker, Adeline Gibson, is also traveling with Talea to the WEC and filming a documentary about Talea, BH Bombora & the Aussie Team. Donations of $60 or more will receive a copy of the final film, so you can go on the journey with them. 

For more information, or to donate, see:
http://www.pozible.com/index.php/archive/index/6594/description/0/0

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Australia: 2012 Tom Quilty

Endurancenews.com.au

An exciting weekend of dedicated endurance riders and their horses was to be found at St Helens, Tasmania for the 47th running of Australia’s national endurance event, the 160km Tom Quilty.

Founded by the legendary Australian RM Williams, the first Tom Quilty event was held in 1966 in NSW. The event was named after Tom Quilty, the man who donated $1000 to make the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, which would be presented to the winner of the event. The event has run each year since then, and continues to be Australia’s national event, with riders flocking from across Australia (and at times internationally) to attend.


This years Quilty saw 115 riders entered attempting to gain their Quilty Buckle. This is a smaller number then usual for the national event, but many mainland riders were hesitant to travel their horses to Tasmania and chose to skip this event and aim for attending the 2013 Tom Quilty which will be run from Queensland.

The riders that did attend the event were rewarded with absolutely gorgeous riding weather, the sun shone gaily throughout the weekend with many lovely photo opportunities being offered! The Quilty is renown for being a ‘wet’ ride and riders often joke that the number of dry Quilty’s can be counted on one hand. Being winter, and being Tasmania it was still a very chilly weekend, but the sun was most welcome and made the event a pleasurable experience.

The race was won by well known endurance rider Brook Sample riding the very experienced endurance gelding Brookleigh Excalibur. They cantered across the finish line to win the race in spectacular style in a time of 9 hours and 14 mins. Both Brook and his horse have competed previously in the Quilty with Brook now holding 12 buckles and having an impressive 6 wins. A momentous effort from an exceptional horse person, this achievement can be most appreciated when you look at the full results with only 54% of people entered in the event successfully completing .

Brook Sample and Brookleigh Excalibur with the Tom Quilty 2012 winners cup
Sunday saw the top 5 riders in each division presenting for the Best Conditioned awards, as well as 10 riders presenting for the Pat Slater Cup.

Top 5 Juniors:
Alice Mitchell / Beer Street Takone (Best Conditioned)
Sarah Parker / King Park Aberdeen Pelion
David Anderson / Karrana Crackerjack
Amelia Napier / Bellawongah Holly
Ellie Maddick / Armidale Flash Jack

Top 5 Lightweights:
Jacopo Di Matteo / Lockleigh Park Wildfire (Best Conditioned)
Wendy Dower / Castlebar Tempest
Jennifer Annetts / Churinga Goldfire
Antonia Gilbertson / Kurrajong Shadad
Linda Blanchard / Galoubet

Top 5 Middleweights:
Brook Sample / Brookleigh Exalibur (Best Conditioned)
Bradley Hill / Lockleigh Park Sparks Afire
Akhmed Pshunov / Tarrangower Crecendo
Matthew Sample / Brookleigh Ricardo
Debbie Grull / Lauralyn Notorious

Top 5 Heavyweights:
Dennis Foley Jr / Jack
Robbie Walsh / Free Spirit Czar (Best Conditioned)
Mark Johnson / Sharah Lateefah
Elizabeth Laurie / Kholonial Farrington
Gerald Nicklason / Wongawal Digger
Jeremy Ford / Ruby Running Bare

The Tom Quilty is now over for another year, with many riders leaving ride base smiles from ear to ear for their success, and other riders leaving with the sigh of anticlimax, thinking ahead to next year when they can have another shot at that elusive Tom Quilty Buckle.

Just Chaps sponsors the Endurance Young Riders GB Team and international endurance rider Abbi Tennant

Horseandrideruk.com - Full Article

Just Chaps, manufacturers of the widest range of Half and Full Chaps, are proud to sponsor the Endurance Young Riders GB team and international endurance rider Abbi Tennant.


The Young Riders Squad have been out competing in Mont Le Sole, Belgium this season under chef d’equipe Helen Boston. The riders competed in endurance rides of up to 160km! That is definitely a feat of endurance, and takes an awful amount of training. To help them on their way Just Chaps provided the team with this season’s GB Chaps.

Just Chaps is also proud to sponsor international endurance rider Abbi Tennant. Abbi, at only 22 years old, represents Britain as an Advanced FEI** Endurance rider...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandrideruk.com/article.php?id=2237

Monday, June 18, 2012

USA: Wellington Confirmed as Bidder for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games

Dressagedaily.com

06/14/2012 to World Equestrian Games 2018

Wellington, FL - Wellington, along with four other cities, has been confirmed as a bidder for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG). The world championships of international equestrian disciplines is held once every four years as one of the world's major sporting events. The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) confirmed Wellington along with Rabat, Morocco; Bromont, Canada; Budapest, Hungary; and Vienna, Austria. "We are honored and delighted to be selected as a bidder," said Michael Stone, President of Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP), the management company of the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC). "We will seek meetings with the Village of Wellington and other local entities to discuss the candidacy, along with the United States Equestrian Federation."

As the facility organizers, ESP submitted Wellington as the host city for the 2018 FEI WEG. Wellington is home to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, already one of the world's largest equestrian facilities and site of the FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.

Stone noted, "The FEI put a lot of effort into ensuring the viability of the bid before moving it on to the candidacy status. This is very gratifying for ESP as the organizers."

Following the Bidding Process

ESP has followed the steps outlined by the FEI, including an expression of interest and then an application in April to become an official candidate. The bid includes explaining how Wellington can host the seven international disciplines of the WEG as well as para-dressage. Details of the five bid cities were formally presented to the FEI Bureau at its meeting in Lausanne (SUI) last week.

An FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 presentation will be made to the five Candidates at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne on July 11 to explain the FEI's expectations and procedures concerning the Games. Legal Documentation will also be given to Candidates during that meeting. Completed Legal Documentation, including a signed Host Agreement, must be submitted to the FEI by December 15, 2012.

"It is fantastic to have five really strong bids for hosting the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018 and there could be no better endorsement of the FEI's flagship event," said FEI Secretary General Ingmar de Vos. "The new bidding process that we put in place last year for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ has generated a huge amount of interest and we now look forward to welcoming the 2018 bidders to FEI Headquarters next month."

As the final stage in the bidding process, the Candidates will formally present their bids to the FEI Bureau at its Spring 2013 meeting, after which the official announcement of the host organisers of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 will be made.

How South Florida Benefits

ESP has estimated WEG visitors would spend 260,000 bed nights in South Florida, 25,000 of them in Palm Beach County for the event in October, a bonus for Florida's tourist industry that peaks over the winter months. Wellington is close to major tourist attractions including Miami and the Everglades, as well as Disney World, Universal Studios, and other major attractions in Orlando, about a 2.5-hour drive.

A study by Deloitte, commissioned by the FEI, found that the WEG in Aachen, Germany, in 2006 had an economic impact of $291 million, $41 million more than Super Bowl XLIV in Miami in 2010. The economic impact of the 2010 Kentucky WEG was put at $233 million. At the Kentucky WEG, spectator spending was almost $100 million, plus $11 million in team expenditures and $45 million for event management, sponsors, trade stands and the media, according to the Deloitte study.

No outside financing-including taxpayer money-would be needed to stage the WEG at Wellington. Operations and additional capital improvements would be funded from ongoing operations and sponsorship. While $80 million was spent building new outdoor and indoor arenas and other upgrades at the state-owned Kentucky Horse Park for the 2010 WEG, most of the capital improvements required at a WEG in Wellington have already been made and were self-funded on an ongoing basis.

With the completion of the new dressage facility that includes one of the world's largest covered arenas, ESP would only have to determine the land used for eventing's cross-country and driving's marathon courses, along with endurance. For the cross-country and driving marathon courses, local golf courses can be used, while endurance could leverage Wellington's extensive bridle trail system.

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ By the Numbers

The FEI World Equestrian Games™ are held every four years, in the middle of the Olympic cycle. The seven FEI disciplines - Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining - are all included on the competition schedule.
 
The inaugural FEI World Equestrian Games™ were hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990. Since then the Games have been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be staged outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010. The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 will be held in Caen (FRA).

The World Equestrian Games bring about a half-million spectators and 5,500 volunteers to watch about 650 athletes and 750 horses competing for world championships in dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, reining, vaulting and para-dressage. Approximately 1,600 media representatives from around the world cover the event.

Canada’s Bid to Host the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™

Horse-canada.com

HORSE SPORT JUNE 15, 2012 | 0 COMMENTS
BY: EQUINE CANADA

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Equine Canada, together with the Bromont Bid Committee for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ (WEG) has received word that Canada is one step closer to hosting this prestigious international equestrian event. The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) reports that five countries have been confirmed as bidders and move to Official Candidate status: Rabat (MAR); Bromont (CAN); Budapest (HUN); Vienna (AUT) and Wellington (USA).

“This is great news for Canada and the entire equestrian community,” stated Paul Côté, chair of the Bromont Bid Committee. Mike Gallagher, president of Equine Canada, and a member of the committee added, “If successful, this event will create a lasting legacy for our equestrian nation, not to mention world-class facilities for our athletes to train and compete.”

The Bromont Equestrian Park, located in south-east of Montreal in the eastern townships, together with the City of Montreal were host to the 1976 summer games. Bromont regularly welcomes prestigious competitions including the FEI International Bromont in Jumping and the VOLVO CCI3* Bromont Three Day Event held this past weekend, the last North American qualifying competition leading up to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The FEI World Equestrian Games are held every four years, in the middle of the Olympic cycle. The eight FEI disciplines – Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining – are all included on the competition schedule...

read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/canadas-bid-to-host-the-2018-fei-world-equestrian-games%E2%84%A2/

Bahrain: Booklet on world military endurance wins praise

Gulf-daily-news.com

June 15, 2012

A SPECIAL booklet on the First World Military Endurance Horse Ride Championship, to be held in Bahrain on December 15, was met with great interest.

Endurance riders, officials and fans in Europe showed admiration for the recently-printed booklet, which was distributed in France at the Compiegne Ride as well as in Germany for the International German Ride.

The Participants commended the outstanding campaign of Bahrain in promoting the World Military Championship that will take place for the first time in the Middle East.

They lauded the content of the booklet, which features useful information about Bahrain and its sporting, social and promotional programmes and activities throughout the year.

They also praised the excellent level of performance of the Bahraini riders and what they have achieved in both rides in France and Germany.

Bahrain was given the right to organise the World Military Championship, which is in line with the directives of First Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The first edition will be organised in co-operation with the International Military Council, with large number of riders from around the world expected to take part. The organising committee is yet to announce further details regarding the upcoming championship.

The working committees, meanwhile, have stepped up preparations for the upcoming event.

Bahrain Military Sports Association president Col. Dawood Hussain Al Manea, along with other committee officials, are sparing no effort to ensure the event is an all-round success.

Australia: Inspiring endurance rider battles back from injury

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Jun 15, 2012 in News

“The road to recovery from an Acquired Brain Injury is a lifetime of small steps. I am luckier than most as I have a horse to carry me on this journey.”

So wrote Meg Wade in her acceptance speech for the FEI Against All Odds Award 2011, which she was unable to accept in person due to a last-minute flight cancellation.

Until her fall at an endurance ride in early 2009, Meg Wade was one of Australia’s leading international riders in the discipline.

Her accident left her with a traumatic brain injury. She was in a coma for six weeks and spent nine months in hospital.

“It was when I rode a horse for the first time in November 2010, a fat Appaloosa called Chippie, with Riding for the Disabled in Melbourne, that I felt I was really on the road to recovery,” Wade said.

A few weeks after that first moment back in the saddle, Wade rode in her home arena. In January 2011, her driving licence was reinstated, meaning she could drive to events in an automatic car and ride a quad bike onto courses to monitor the horses she has continued to train and enter into competitions with other riders. For a woman who had been fiercely independent and even made solo helicopter flights across Australia, being able to drive again was empowering...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/06/15/inspiring-endurance-rider-battles-back-from-head-injury/#.T98sQStYtVM

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Spain: Interview with National Coach of Raid. Ignasi Casas

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

13 June 2012
[google translation]

On Saturday, June 9, 2012, as he was developing the Absolute Spain Championships Casarrubios Raid on the Mount in Toledo, and while we waited for news of the various phases of testing, I got the idea to do an interview with our coach D. Ignasi Casas.
In the course of the morning news while I was, I was putting together the interview, that last hour of Saturday I referred, not to interfere with his duties of a busy day of championship.

Almost by return mail, I forwarded the responses to this interview and thank you on behalf of all readers.

This is the interview:

1 st. - Blog The Raid: How about has been the Championship of Spain of Raid and the level achieved?

coach: The Championship of Spain 2012 has been very interesting, with several pairs in front of the race until the last phase, and a level of competition and quality very attractive.

2 nd. - Blog: Can be selected horses for the World in Euston Park, horses that are running this Championship of Spain?

coach: In principle all pairs that meet the minimum requirements EIF and screening criteria published in his day on the website of the FEI, are selectable. Therefore, horses have not run the Championship of Spain 2012 are not excluded. We aim to be as flexible as possible to always selecting those pairs that we believe will best represent our sport.

Read more here:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2012/06/entrevista-con-el-seleccionador.html

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Australia: Brook Sample Repeats Tom Quilty Win

9 June 2012

Brook Sample won the Tom Quilty Gold Cup for a record sixth time.
It was a repeat win for Brook and Brookleigh Excalibur, who also won the Tom Quilty in New South Wales in 2012. Time for this year's ride was 9:14.16.

Best Conditioned horses for the Tom Quilty Gold Cup 2012 are:

Junior Division - Beer Street Takone/Alice Mitchell
Lightweight Division - Lockleigh Park Wildfire/Jacopo Di Matteo
Middleweight Division - Brookleigh Excalibur/Brook Sample
Heavyweight Division - Free Spirit Czar/Robbie Walsh

Winner of the Shareym Award was Brookleigh Ricardo and Tarrangower Crescendo (ridden by Akhmed Pshunov) owned by Matthew Sample.

Winner of the Pat Slater Cup was Kristie Taprell & Castlebar Gulfstream.

Winner of the NEWBRIDGE TROPHY was Lockleigh Park Wildfire ridden by Jacopo Di Matteo.

Statistics from the ride:
Ride Completion statistics are

JUNIOR / 17 entries / 8 completions = 47.06% (8 Vet out, 1 Withdrawn)

LW / 25 entries / 15 completions = 60% (9 Vet out, 1 Withdrawn)

MW / 54 entries / 28 completions = 51.85% (23 Vet out, 3 Withdrawn)

HW / 19 entries / 11 completions = 57.89% (7 Vet out, 1 Withdrawn)

Total entries = 115

Total Completion = 53.91%

Australia: Endurance riding - Stepping up to the challenge

Tenterfieldstar.com.au - Full Article

13 Jun, 2012

Tenterfield Endur-ance Riding Club held its 26th ride on May 19 and 20 with the theme of “Step Up”, encouraging riders to elevate to a greater distance.
The theme was carried through with the last riders in the 100km rewarded with a small stepladder kindly donated by Pat O’Brien, a new member with a great sense of humour.

This year’s ride followed on from last year’s successful Hi Ho Silver 25th Anniversary Ride.

Tenterfield is well known to endurance riders both north and south of the border as a challenging and fun ride operated in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere from its unique bush setting in Girard State Forest.

This year a social ride of 20km elevating to 30km was run on the Saturday.

Twenty-three riders entered this event with fantastic completion rates. Ten chose to elevate and ride the extra 10km to complete 30km.

On Sunday morning, 46 riders headed off into the forest at 3am on the start of the 100km ride with 14 completing the full distance and the others choosing to retire at the 80km mark.

At 6am, the training ride of 40km saw 31 riders leave camp with six choosing to elevate and ride the extra 20km.

It is wonderful to see mums and/or dads riding with their children over all distances...

Read more here:
http://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/endurance-riding-stepping-up-to-the-challenge/2588233.aspx

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Oman Royal Cavalry Wins First Place in French Endurance Horse Race

Omannews.gov.om

Paris, June 9 (ONA)---- Ahmed bin Salim al-Hamadani from the Royal Cavalry won the first place in the French endurance horse race (110 Km), which is organized by the International Equestrian Federation with participation of 53 jockeys from different countries around the world.

The race included (4) stages; the first stage amounted a distance of (30 Km), the second (20 Km), the third (34 Km) and the fourth stage (26 Km). Maj. Sinan bin Sulaiman al-Abri, Officer of Endurance Department at the Royal Cavalry and Supervisor of the team racing in France said that the race witnessed strong competition among participants and was characterized by different terrain tracks. He added that the third stage of the race was the most difficult for Ahmed al-Hamdani due to the many slopes in the race route and rains.

It is worth noting that Ahmed bin Salim al-Hamadani is one of the Royal cavalry seven jockeys who qualified for World Endurance Championship due to be held in Britain next August.

Longines named as title sponsor for FEI World Endurance Championships 2012

DATE: 7th June 2012

Swiss watchmaker Longines has become the title sponsor and official timekeeper of the 2012 Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Endurance Championships (25th August 2012) at Euston Park, near Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.

The FEI CEI 4* competition over 160km, organised by Janah Management, will officially be known as the Longines FEI World Endurance Championships.

The 14th running of the FEI World Endurance Championships will see around 160 riders from up to 40 countries lining up for the contest around the undulating Euston Park track.

Reigning world champions, Spain’s Maria Alvarez and Nobby hold the record as the only combination to have claimed two world titles in succession and Spain will be hoping that Ms Alvarez is again among their line-up. The UAE currently holds the team world title. Alvarez’s winning time of 7hr:35min.44sec at the Alltech Kentucky World Equestrian Games in 2010 will be a target for the winning rider at this summer’s World Endurance Championships.

Walter von Känel, President of Longines said: “Longines is proud to be title sponsor and official timekeeper of the FEI World Endurance Championships. Thanks to its long dedication as official timekeeper of equestrian sports since 1881, Longines is considered as an essential partner to a sport which embodies the brand’s values.”

The Swiss watchmaker is a significant partner of the sport of endurance – the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup presented by Longines is now in its fifth year.

Ian Williams, FEI Non-Olympic Sports Director, said: “The Longines FEI World Endurance Championships 2012 will be an event of the highest sporting quality and we are grateful to the title sponsor for their support.”

Championship organiser James MacEwan said: “We are fortunate to have the support of such a prestigious company at such a high level. We are looking forward to producing a memorable championship in a great year for sport in this part of the world.”

Alongside title sponsor Longines, organisers welcomed two Dubai industry giants, Meydan and Emaar Properties as additional supporters of the championships.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “Equestrian events are part of the Arab world’s heritage, and Emaar has a strong history of supporting such noble initiatives.

“We are honoured to support the FEI World Endurance Championships, which brings together participants from over 40 countries, underlining the strong global interest in the event.”

Saeed H. Al Tayer, Chairman of Meydan Group said: ““The opportunity to support the 2012 World Endurance Championships compliments the focus of the Meydan Group, as the sport of Endurance riding is a great part of the equestrian legacy of the UAE and Dubai.

“We are pleased to serve as one of the event’s sponsors and welcome the opportunity to promote the great sport of Endurance riding in Dubai and across the world.”

With around 1000 participants, riders, crew and officials, the championship will have a significant economic impact on the area around Euston Park and the Newmarket area during the build-up and immediately post competition.

For media information, accreditation or images, please contact Longines FEI World Endurance Championships PR, Elizabeth Peplow;
Tel: +44 07917 647663, Email: wec2012media@gmail.com

Spain: Alex Luque and Louteiro de Eo are National Champions

Alex Luque and Louteiro Eo won the Spanish National Championship at Mount Casarrubios, Toldedo, Spain, on June 9 2012. Time for the 160 km race was 8:34.58, for an average of 18.64 km/h. Louteiro Eo also won Best Condition. Second place went to Alejandra Dachs riding Yesmane in 8:37. Nuria Serrabassa followed 39 seconds later to earn third place on Dakila Pascale

17 of 45 riders completed the race.

For more results, see
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2012/06/resultados-provisionales-del-campeonato.html

Saturday, June 09, 2012

Saudi Arabia: Discovery at al-Magar

Saudiaramcoworld.com - Full Article

by Peter Harrigan
photo courtesy of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities

When Mutlaq ibn Gublan decided to dig a birka (pond) to keep his camels watered, he arranged for a backhoe and drums of diesel fuel to be driven from the road to the site on his ancestral grazing lands in southwest Saudi Arabia. The spot he had chosen, amid finger-like valleys that cut through low sandstone hills, was near traces of an ancient waterfall, which hinted that, in millennia past, nature itself supplied more than a mere birka.

His pond was never completed. As he supervised the excavation, he says, "I spotted a smooth, shaped stone sticking out of the ground. I recognized it was an old and important object." He could tell at once it was a statue of an animal. It was buried upright, head toward the surface, he says. "I paid off the operator and told him to follow his tracks back to the road."

Over the next few years, Ibn Gublan unearthed some 300 objects there. Though none was as large as the first, his finds included a small stone menagerie: ostrich, sheep and goats; what may be fish and birds; a cow-like bovid (Bovidae); and an elegant canine profile that resembles one of the oldest known domesticated breeds, the desert saluki. In addition, he found mortars and pestles, grain grinders, a soapstone pot ornamented with looping and hatched geometric motifs, weights likely used in weaving and stone tools that may have been used in leather processing, as well as scrapers, arrowheads and blades—including an exquisitely decorated stone knife in the unmistakable curved design of the traditional Arabian dagger.

Two years ago, he loaded it all up in his Jeep, drove it to Riyadh and donated it to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (scta).

"When I first saw the pieces, I just could not believe it. It was, how can I say, incroyable," recalls Ali al-Ghabban, head of antiquities at the scta, his French-accented English giving away his years at the University of Provence. "This is Neolithic material," he states, from "a sophisticated society possessing a high level of art and craftsmanship that we have not previously seen." Al-Ghabban had a laboratory run a radiocarbon analysis on trace organic remains found later alongside some of the objects. That dated the material to between 6590 and 7250 bce, he says...

Read more here:
http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/201203/discovery.at.al-magar.htm

South African Horse Exports Could Surge As Controls Recognized

Bloomberg.com - Full Article

By Tshepiso Mokhema - Jun 8, 2012

South Africa’s horse exports could rise fourfold if the recognition of the country’s controls on African Horse Sickness by the World Organization for Animal Health eases shipments, Racing South Africa said.

The controls were recognized late last month, South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries said on June 6. The country has the immediate potential to export 300 horses annually, Peter Gibson, the chief executive officer of Durban-based Racing South Africa, said in an e-mailed response to questions late yesterday.

“With improved protocols, this figure could double within 24 months,” Gibson said of the country’s potential exports.
Before 1950 South Africa exported a total of about 300,000 horses, according to Racing South Africa. The continent was declared endemic for African Horse Sickness in the late 1950s meaning that South African horses had to be quarantined before if they were sold to buyers in the U.S, boosting costs. The first exports from South Africa took place in 1788.
An outbreak of the disease near the town of Stellenbosch in 2004 halted all exports for two years and horses sent to Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates were subjected to lengthier quarantine periods.

South African horses are prized for sporting use, most notably endurance races and thoroughbred racing, Gibson said. They are also used for polo...

Read more here:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-08/south-african-horse-exports-could-surge-as-controls-recognized.html

Serbia: Endurance Horse Race



ENDURANCE HORSE RACE “WHITE HORSE”, Krčedin, 16 June 2012

The competition is organized in accordance with the “Rulebook on Organization and Implementation of Distance Racing” published by the Serbian Association for Equestrian Sport for the Olympic Games and FEI disciplines for horse welfare.

The race is organized by:

1. Equestrian Club “Kremen”, Pančevo; 060/037-1613, Višnja Andrić, hipodrom.pa@gmail.com

2. Equestrian Club “Arandjelovac”; Arandjelovac, Jelena Obradović 060/6711-7057, kkarandjelovac@gmail.com

The race is hosted by Rabbit Burrow Homestead, Krčedin, Uče Zekovića 7, www.zekinsalas.com, e mail office@zekinsalas.com, Radica Gligorić

The endurance race on White Horse Track in Krčedin is run alongside the site of the same name at which the Celtic tribe Skordisci created a huge profile of a horse in white stone, in the manner it used to mark its territory throughout Europe. The WHITE HORSE in Krčedin was still visible at the beginning of the 20th century.

One lap of WHITE HORSE Track in Krčedin is 21km

Recreational riding is available on WHITE HORSE Track on the same day after 4 pm, as well as on every first Saturday of a month, requiring previous booking at 064 641 5572, Slaven Živković, Manager, Rabbit Burrow Homestead, or by e-mail at office@zekinsalas.com

Friday, June 08, 2012

Australia: Short List for 2012 World Endurance Championship

May 26 2012

I am very pleased to have today endorsement from the Equestrian Australia High Performance Manager Brett Mace, on behalf of EA, of the selections of rider and horse combinations made by the panel for the World Senior Endurance Championships, 2012. We are also grateful for EA’s support in administering the processes required to ensure all the official deadlines are met, and in supplying member services to these riders so that they can represent Australia at this event.

So, I am delighted to announce, on behalf of the selection panel of Barb McDonald, Trish Mackay and myself, the short list, in alphabetical order:

Talea Haskow-Stewart and Blake’s Heaven Bombora

Andrea Laws King and Razorback Love Song

Norbert Radny and West Coast Acharon

Matthew Sample and Brookleigh Ricardo

Alexandra Toft and Emily Jones te; reserve horses Travina (and Rupert te, pending final qualification)

Penelope Toft and Travina; reserve horse High Society

All riders and horses have done a wonderful job so far, achieving the stringent qualification standards, engaging with the selection process, and aspiring to represent Australia. We know the team will be in excellent hands, with Chef d’Equipe Peter Toft and team vet Dr Narelle Cribb, and hope that we are all able to support them, in whatever way possible, to achieve their very best.

FEI, OIE Unite to Improve High Performance Horse Transport

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Christa Lesté-Lasserre
May 31 2012, Article # 20097

In a major step towards worldwide policy change, the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) has announced its solidarity with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in seeking to improve the international movement of high-level performance horses.

Speaking at the opening of the OIE's annual assembly in Paris last week (May 20-25), director general Bernard Vallat, DVM, said his organization recognized "important constraints to the movement of horses" that have come to their attention as international equestrian sport--which has grown 34% over the past three years--continues to expand.

"It is clear that there is a need to define the criteria for healthy, high performance horses as a subpopulation, which reflects the low level of disease risk involved in their movement," Vallat said.

At the 2012 FEI Sports Forum, which took place in early May in Lausanne, Switzerland, the international movement of high performance horses was a hot topic of discussion. It was concluded that having globally standardized testing and quarantine requirements--which currently is not the case--for this particular group of horses, which by necessity must be in impeccable health, would facilitate easier and more streamline international movement...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20097

Australia: Endurance race with a midnight start

ABC.net.au - Radio interview

By Tony BriscoeFriday, 8 June 2012

Horse riders from across Australia will gather at midnight tonight at St Helens on the east coast of Tasmania for an endurance race with a difference.

The 160 kilometre Tom Quilty Gold Cup will be held over a course which involves farmland and forestry.

The endurance ride was last held in Tasmania at Sheffield in 2005, and attracts riders from the city as well as country areas.

Organiser Sarah Adams says the race is very strictly controlled and animal welfare is at the forefront of the race.

Radio Interview with Sarah Adams:
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rural/tas/countryhour/201206/r955076_10228156.mp3

Australia: Just happy to be competing in Tom Quilty

Theadvocate.com.au - Full Article

8 June 2012

FOR Sheffield's Stuart King and stepdaughter Sarah Parker, this weekend's Tom Quilty Cup will certainly be a family affair. The most coveted Australian equine endurance event, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, will be held at St Helens, starting at midnight tonight.

Horses and riders will travel 160km within a time limit of 24 hours. Teams from all over Australia have converged on the East Coast for the Cup.

For King and 15-year-old Sarah, this weekend has been a long time coming.

"I've been trying to make it to a Tom Quilty for eight years or more now, so it's great to finally get to one, especially in my home state," King said...

Read more here:
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/just-happy-to-be-competing-in-tom-quilty/2584041.aspx?src=rss

Thursday, June 07, 2012

Great Britain: Lincolnshire mother and son take on 266-mile horse-riding challenge

Thisislincolnshire.co.uk - Full Article

June 7 2012

A MOTHER and son team are set to undertake a gruelling 266-mile endurance horse-riding challenge starting from Stickney this weekend.

Jane, 46, and Michael Evans, 23, are attempting the gruelling challenge on their faithful horses, Rookie and El, to raise much needed funds for the Stroke Association.

Jane said: "We chose the charity because there's a history of stroke in the family and because my job allows me to see firsthand how the money goes to help change the lives of local stroke survivors."

Starting from Stickney on Sunday, June 10, the duo will follow the Heritage Trail which will lead them through to the beautiful landscape of Yorkshire and will arrive in their home town of Durham two weeks later.

Jane said: "My son and I are both keen endurance riders and it was my best friend, who lives in Stickney, who gave me the idea to do the challenge...

Read more here:
http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Lincolnshire-mother-son-266-mile-horse-riding/story-16291327-detail/story.html

Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Great Britain: Man vs. Horse Marathon


http://www.green-events.co.uk/events.html?id=54

The Man v Horse Marathon began in June 1980 following a chat over a pint (or three) in the back bar of Neuadd Arms Hotel. The then Landlord, Gordon Green overheard two men discussing the relative merits of men and horses running over mountainous terrain. The enterprising Gordon, never one to miss an opportunity to promote Llanwrtyd Wells and improve business at his hotel, decided to put it to the test. And so began Green Events and its first, longest standing and now internationally acclaimed event, The Man versus Horse Marathon.

The course was changed in 1982 to provide a more even match between the man and the horse resulting year on year in very close finishes - sometimes with the horse winning by only a few seconds. It took 25 years before a man finally beat a horse, Huw Lobb won in 2hrs and 5mins beating the fastest horse by 2 minutes.

******
http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/man-horse-marathon.aspx

When: 9th June 2012
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales

Man vs. Woman. Normal.
Man vs. Man. Routine.
Man vs. Horse. Bizarre.
~~~~
Horse beats Man. Natural.
Woman beats Man. Way to go.
Man beats horse.
Man beats horse? Wow!
It takes real horsepower to beat a horse at his own game. Many a runner has put his best foot forward but only one man has taken a horse head on and come out ahead. And not just by a nose.
Like all good stories, this one too began in a pub. With a few pints inside him, one man claimed men were equal to horses any given day. Several pints later, it was decided to publicly test his claim and the first race took place in June 1980.
From that year forth, the action takes place in Llanwrtyd Wells, host town for the unique horse vs. man marathon. This year will be the 32nd time when over 300 runners test their legs and lungs against that of 20 horses in a gruelling 22-mile cross country race in the Welsh mountains.
The odds favour the horses despite a 15-minute head start for humans - up for grabs is a substantial booty to the runner who beats a horse to the finishing line. Any takers?

For more information on Wales Tourism | Wales Holiday Calendar

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

Italy: A New Kind of Endurance

27 May 2012

Italian endurance rider Stefano Chidichimo created a special opportunity for new endurance riders that normally wouldn't have a chance of experiencing the sport. Handicapped riders participated in the first promotional event of endurance and equestrian rehabilitation: a 3 km simulated endurance ride in the Tuscan countryside of Maremma at the Pietriccio Rosso Equestrian Center owned by the Aldi Family.

Stefano reports: [translated] "For the first time, in a special project I made, share and built in only one month with Italian Federation, a ride for people of many different abilities, was in endurance, up and down easily on the hills, like a real champions.

Junior and Senior handicapped riders, blind, with Downs syndrome, and other mental disabilities, came from Tuscany, Sardinia and Liguria, and completed the ride at 5-8 km/h average, perfect at vet gate in 20 min. under 64 beats per minute… Incredible! All participated in a prize-giving ceremony with their high level technicians: Alessandra Pes di San Vittorio, Francesca Gentile and Maria Ignazia Marras and their Staff.

There were no limits for riders Ameri Andrea, Battistini Alessio, Castaldi Gaia, Del Rio Giovanni, Iorizzi Giulia, Marano Vincenzo, Mura Paolo, Ugolini Stefano, Ulivastri Fabio ... Really enjoyed in harmonic concentration and natural free aptitude for a new therapeutic opportunity!"

[slide show]

2014 Normandy: The Team Above All Else!

JEMFEIAlltech2014-normandie.fr

5/30/2012

The Organising Committee took a major step forward at the beginning of April by appointing the team in charge of the eight official disciplines. Getting all these experts together and making them an integral part of the Organising Committee was perhaps the most significant part of this development. In short, being able to mould eight individuals into a team!
To help things along, a working seminar was organised at Le Pin National Stud in the Orne area of Normandy – the venue playing host to the Cross Country of the Eventing competition on 30 August 2014. The eight discipline managers were of course present, along with their counterparts from the Fédération Equestre Internationale, who were, by the way, impressed by the sumptuous setting of the Le Pin Stud. “It’s important to get the FEI involved in our work from here on”, explained sports director, Laurent Cellier, just after the seminar.

"In my view, the most positive thing to come out of this experience is the creation of a collective movement that goes above and beyond individual expertise. We have always explained that we would encourage team spirit and with this new group we have everything we need to create a truly great event in 2014.”

This is a feeling shared by the discipline managers, and most notably by Michèle Pfender, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy’s “Mrs Reining”: “I was delighted to meet the team and find out about all the work that had been done beforehand by the members of the Organising Committee, who are young, competent and enthusiastic. Reining is a relatively unknown discipline and so I was touched by the openness and curiosity that the other discipline managers showed.”

Michèle Pfender also appreciates the spirit of the World Equestrian Games, “particularly the respect shown towards the horse which is a fundamental principle, and then the idea that the event won’t just be a one-off affair but will leave a lasting legacy. That’s really important for reining.”

Other similar seminars will probably take place every six months or so. “The next one will be in Caen in October, so that we can get to go to other competition sites after our stay in Le Pin, explains Laurent Cellier. We are already going over the technical issues to be raised with the FEI. And by then, our discussions will have become more and more regular.”

Mohammed congratulates Hamdan on UK race win

Emirates247.com

By Sheikh Mohammed's website
Published Tuesday, June 05, 2012


His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, watched as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, rode to victory clinching the UK endurance ride title at Austin Park.

Sponsored by Meydan, the CEI*** endurance event in the UK is organised by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) under the supervision of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed claimed the title finishing in 7:43.00 hours despite the harsh weather conditions of heavy rain and cold wind. Riders from 14 countries participated in the endurance event.

Mohammed Ahmed Al Abbar came in second place finishing in 7:56.08 hours, while the third place went to Mohammed Ali Al Shafaar.

The UAE team's participation in the event is part of their preparations for the FEI World Endurance Championship scheduled for 26 August, 2012 in the UK.

Monday, June 04, 2012

Countdown to the 2012 Tom Quilty Gold Cup

Tophorse.com.au - Full Article

The 2012 The Tom Quilty Gold Cup Endurance Ride commences this Thursday June 7 and runs throughout the Queen’s Birthday long weekend until Tuesday June 12. It’s expected to attract a field of over 130 riders from around the world with competitors flying in from the Middle East, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe to compete alongside the Aussies, who are ranked world-class in the sport of Endurance.

Accompanying the riders will be their support crew, media and spectators which will swell the population of St Helens to around 2,000 during the week of the event.

The ride is a punishing 160km endurance pursuit with the objective being to test horse and rider…”100 miles on one horse in one day”. Competitors will begin their ride over bush tracks commencing at midnight on Friday June 8. Although each horse and rider has 24 hours to complete the Tom Quilty Gold Cup ride, the winners are expected to cross the finish line in about half that time, arriving on Saturday afternoon. Riders will also be vying for the coveted Best Conditioned awards, which acknowledges the excellent physical condition of the top endurance horses...

Read more here:
http://www.tophorse.com.au/countdown-to-the-2012-tom-quilty-gold-cup__tom_quilty_cup__N

Sunday, June 03, 2012

Germany: Bahrain's Isa wins 160km event in style

Gulf-daily-news.com

By RAMI HULAYYEL , Posted on » Sunday, June 03, 2012

BAHRAIN's Salman Isa won the 160km Endurance Horse Ride held yesterday at Dillingen, Hamburg.

The Royal Endurance Team rider, who came on top in the World Championship last year in Compiegne, France, was again in superb form to complete the German event in first place on Olympic larzac.

More than 70 riders from across Europe competed it out in the 160km ride, which lasted for over 12 hours. But it was the Bahraini rider who emerged victorious, showing some excellent riding skills to cross the finishing line in just nine hours, eight minutes and 45 minutes with a 17km per hour speed average.

Isa was followed by Margaret Beumer (9:08:46) of Germany in second place, while another Dutch rider Dornsiepen Bernhard (9:09:49) rounded off the podium by coming third overall.

The top three will be honoured this morning at a special prize-giving ceremony at the race venue.

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also took part in the race, had to pull out after his horse Hondo stumbled during the third stage.

He was joined by Yacoub Al Hammadi, winner of the King Cup and the Crown Prince Cup, besides Raed Mahmoud, Houd Ibrahim, Jaffar Mirza, Mohammed Al Thawadi, Salman Isa and Mohammed Abdulsamad.

The Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president congratulated Isa following the race and expressed pride on this achievement.

Shaikh Nasser said he was pleased with the condition of the venue surface, which he described as one of the best in Europe.

Experience

He said the German ride was a useful experience for members of the Bahrain team, who are preparing for the Asian Championship that is due to take place in the UK in August.

This was the first time Bahrain Royal Endurance Team was competing in a race in this German region.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Endurance Team director Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Yousef Taher and Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa also competed in the 120km ride held on the day.

Shaikh Mohammed was the last Bahraini survivor in the race after his teammates were forced to pull out in the early stages.

Riding Isfandyar, Shaikh Mohammed could hold up to the fourth stage, where his horse was eliminated after failing to pass the veterinary examination following the fourth and penultimate stage. The Bahraini team were also present at the 90km ride, which saw Yousef Taher complete the event in third place.

Riding, Elnino, the veteran Bahraini rider could only finish the race with a total ride time of five hours, 46 minutes and 17 seconds.

Friday, June 01, 2012

Top UAE riders qualify for world championship

Gulfnews.com

41 countries confirm their participation in equestrian event in August

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy EditorPublished: 00:06 June 1, 2012

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who led the UAE to a team gold in the 160km endurance event at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010, has already qualified with a few horses for the World Endurance Championship to be held on August 25 in Euston Park in the UK.

Two more 160-km qualification rides are to be staged in Euston Park on June 3 and 24, respectively, to help riders and horses from around the world qualify for the August 25 event. Over a 100 riders are expected to tackle the tough course in Euston Park with the 160-km distance raced in loops of 38km, 29km, 30km, 20km, 23km and 20km, respectively.
Shaikh Mohammad, along with Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, have already qualified along with a few other UAE riders.
The UAE, led by Shaikh Mohammad, had won the team gold and the individual silver and bronze medals at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and are likely to be starting off as favourites once again in the World Championship.

A final list of riders will be submitted by July 24 for both the individual as well as team events. So far, 41 countries including the UAE have already confirmed their participation.

Meanwhile, the Americans, who have surrendered their domination of the event to the UAE, France and Spain in the last decade, have named two champion lady riders in their tentative squad.

Becky Hart, the only rider to win the World Championship thrice in a row and Valeri Kanavy, another multiple world championship winner, have been named on the UAE squad.

Hart, riding her own horse No Repeat, has qualified and is in the US Long List. If selected, Hart will be bidding to win the world championship nearly 20 years since she won her third consecutive title. Hart and the legendary horse R.O. Grand Sultan won the World Championship in 1988, 1990 and 1992.

Turkmenistan: FEI Equestrian Raid I

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012

Our Member of Raid, D. Rafael Garrido, sends us a chronicle of the first Raid Equestrian, according to FEI rules, held in the distant lands of Turkmenistan, lands where they begin to accept the FEI rules and serves to expand the hobby to the world of Equestrian resistance to rules which ensure the health of the horse.
This is the chronicle of the first Raid in Turkmenistan:

"The raid at the International Conference Ajal-Teke Horse in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 2012

In late April, a small delegation of members of the Spanish Association of Akhal-Teke horse we go to the horse's Day celebrations in Turkmenistan at the invitation of the ministry's horse country. We accompanied the national team raid Ignasi Casas and Alberto Cotelo equine dentist, as lecturers. There were delegations from the various national associations of Asia, Europe and America. We had almost daily program for a week, including the first raid under FEI rules to be made in Turkmenistan. We all know that equine resistance paths are part of the history of Turkmenistan. To start in the FEI rules of the sport, the organizers had asked the participating national associations that provide their specialists.

We witnessed the rise of the necessary infrastructure to host an equestrian event in the desert, consisting of a yurt village, placing colored flags to give a background to the event framework complementing the Kopet Dag mountains, about three miles of flags placed to define three sides of the event area, the construction of tandyr to make bread, lifting three huge swings and wrestling ring - the winner gets a sheep - a scenario and a huge esplanade covered with rugs. Everything was being flooded with the influx of a large audience, women with their tight dresses and embroidered bibs and around the neck, with two black braids or artistically handkerchief tied around a bulky bun, men in suits and with his cap in head and the venerable AK-sakal white beard and sheepskin hats.

The day of the raid we were gracious, with a layer of clouds that accompanied us most of the day. There was a marvelous display of Akhal-Teke horses. The association brought the rider Uruguayan raid Olascoaga Pio, who was assigned one of the horses belonging to a private breeder.

The race consisted of two phases of 30 km each. Turkmen riders made ​​their first raid with international standards and not all were clear about the method. The breeders did not agree with these rules once they started to remove some horses. The judges did have clear rules and so wanted them to be accepted. Our president of the association, Blanca de Toledo, was translated and anyone wishing to kill the messenger. There were two horses in the country's president in the raid, removed one, all logic dictated that he must win the other.

Pio asked by several guests told us that some horses, not all, were well trained, some have taken a great result with an experienced rider and was very happy with the horse he had ridden. Olascoaga Pio and his family are dedicated to breeding and training horses and endurance raid in Uruguay (there are two different categories), with customers in the UAE. They recently introduced its first Ajal-Teke in competition, a 11 year old horse is competing in 120 km.
I do not want to pretend that everything was like silk, but the first international raid Turkmenistan took place April 25, 2012 and 24 horses and riders and breeders of these horses and the Turkmen Atlary made it possible and laid the foundations of this sport in their country.

Ingrid Schulz
Spanish Association Ajal-Teke Horse
Almeria, May 24, 2012."


Greetings from Gabriel.
El Raid Blog

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