UAE: Women race ahead in endurance test

Cnn.com - Full Article

By Paul Gittings, CNN
updated 8:27 AM EST, Thu January 31, 2013

(CNN) -- Purebred Arabian stallions dominate the world of endurance horse events, but it is increasingly likely that the rider guiding them to glory will be a young woman.

The United Arab Emirates is the hotbed of equestrian's fastest growing discipline, and new entrants to the top level of the sport such as 18-year-old Fatima Al-Marri are already upsetting the established order.

"We love to challenge the men," she told CNN's Winning Post, while fellow competitor Mariam Mothana has another take.

"The best thing is when you see the look on their faces when they pass the finish line," Mothana said.

"It's nice to see that they understand that the women here can challenge the men -- they can be as strong as men."

Some 40% of registered endurance riders are now women, and the bar has certainly been set high for the likes of Fatima and Mariam.

Back in 2010, Spanish rider Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton won her second world title just seven weeks after giving birth to her first child...

read more here:
http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/31/sport/women-endurance-horse-racing/

Bahrain International Endurance Race 2012: A success story narrated in the media worldwide

BNA.bh

30/01/2013

Manama: Jan. 30 – (BNA) The success story of the Bahrain International Endurance Military Championship still echoes in the media all over the world who praised the Kingdom of Bahrain's excellent organizing of the first such championship hosted in the Kingdom.

The widely-circulated and leading German daily newspaper (Dilingen Extra) allocated considerable space for its coverage of the championship hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain last December 2012 under the kind patronage of HM King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

A large number of prominent personalities and world-class chevaliers participated from all over the world including the UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Leader of the Kingdom of Bahrain's Royal Team His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Chairman of the Royal Equestrians and Endurance Federation cum Commander of Al-Khalidiya Stables HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa participated in the 5-lap, 120-kilometer endurance race whose events the prestigious German newspaper has covered and interviewed a number of participants who gave their impressions on the optimum atmospheres provided by the Kingdom of Bahrain for the highly-competitive international horse-race. (IY)

Australia: Endurance ride spurs passion for endurance

Warwickdailynews.com.au - Full Article

30th Jan 2013 7:00 AM

WHAT started out as a business deal 22 years ago, turned into a lifelong passion for accomplished endurance rider Dick Collyer.

Dick, who operates his Arab stud from his 688 hectare property Totara at Leyburn, with partner Jill Crowley has been breeding arabs for 40 years.

I saw all these exhausted people come in to check points on their horses and then take off again and I admired them so much. There was real buzz about taking off at midnight.
However, it wasn't until he sold one of his "good horses" to a bloke he thought was a "good rider", that his love of the sport was born.

"It was 1991 and a bloke I knew wanted to win the 1994 Tom Quilty Endurance Ride, as he had already come second twice in what is regarded as the pinnacle of the sport," Dick said.

"However, the horse and the bloke didn't suit each other, so I took the horse back and decided I would take up endurance riding myself," he said.

"I set my sights on the 1994 Tom Quilty, as it takes about three years to train a horse to compete in a 160km ride..."

Read more here:
http://www.warwickdailynews.com.au/news/addicted-to-endurance-tough-rides/1734150/

India: Manipur endurance riders feted

E-pao.net

Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 28 2013: State riders who have won many medals in the National Junion Endurance Championships 2013 held at Dibrugarh, Assam were felicitated in a function held at the Manipur Pony Breeding Farm, Lamphelpat, Imphal.

President of Manipur Equestrian (MEA) Championships, Dr S Joykumar, Vice President of MEA Ningthoukhongjam Bedajit and President of Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, S Budhachandra graced the felicitation function as presidium members.

The Manipur team won two silver and one bronze medals in the championships.

In Individual event, L Atangba of Chingkheihunba Polo Club won a silver medal while E Robin of the club won a bronze medal.

In team event, L Atangba, E Robin, S Bronson and Chand won silver medal.

Other riders who represented Manipur in the championships were Prakash Bhandari of Imphal Riding Club, Chand and Saratkanta of Thangmeiband Youth Polo Club, John of Imphal Riding Club and Th Kaoba of Chingkheihunba Polo Club.

T Pradipkumar and S Bimol were the Coach and Manager of the state team. Manipur Equestrian Association awarded a cash incentive of Rs 1000 each to the riders and Rs 1,500 each.

Spain: Ignasi Casas Confirmed as Chef d'Equipe

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

In yesterday January 28, 2013, the Spanish Equestrian Federation designation adopted several agreements on technical structures of the FEI. and composition of the various Technical Equipment equestrian discipline.
In regards to our discipline The Raid, confirmed to D. Ignasi Casas as Director of the discipline. It specifies the crew, when we have this information we will post it.

This is the note from the Spanish:

Peter King and Luis Lucio, directors and Dressage CCE
Posted: 29 Jan 2013 12:31 AM PST

The FEI has appointed Peter King and Luis Lucio as directors of Eventing and Dressage, respectively. He has decided the locations of several championships in Spain and Spanish Cups.

The Board of Directors of the Spanish Equestrian Federation adopted several agreements on Monday January 28, among which were the designations relating to the technical structure of the FEI. Thus, in regard to the composition of different technical equipment, confirmed the following designations:
Jumping

Director: D. Marco Fuste
Attached to the address: D. Mike Florence


Dressage

Director: Luis Lucio


Eventing

Director: Peter King


RAID

Director: Ignasi Casas


"All of them," the FEI said in a statement, "will be assisted by respective Technical Committees of Selection to be composed of representatives of different sectors integrated in each of the disciplines."

Read more here:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2013/01/confirmacion-de-ignasi-casas-como.html

Arabian Horse Int'l Issue 4

Arabianhorse.com.br

Issue 4, January 2013, of Arabian Horse Int'l is now online

It features the first World Military Endurance Championship in Bahrain, the first Arabian Horse Championship in Oman, and the Dona Carolina Festival in Brazil.

http://www.arabianhorse.com.br/magazine/digital_magazine_jan_2013/

Endurance clinic & FEI race in Namibia with Virginie Atger

Caval & Go has organized an Endurance clinic & FEI race in Namibia with Virginie Atger (3rd in the World classificationFrance champion in 2011, European champion in teams in 2011).

16 to 25 June 2013

10 days / 9 nights (incl. 2overnight flights) with:
3/4 days endurance training/clinic with safari on horseback
Endurance race FEI 1* & 2* or NERA (Namibian Endurance Ride Association) on 22/06/2013

A unique experience combining a horseback safari observing African wildlife with a training course or an introduction to endurance riding on superb thoroughbred Arab horses.

Details: 
http://www.cavalandgo.com/media/documents/cavalandgo_endurance_clinic_fei_race_namibia_16-25_june_2013_virginie_atger.pdf

And : 
http://www.cavalandgo.com/products/86/horseback-safari-endurance-namibia

Benefits from the training/clinic:

• The International FEI race (1* and 2*) on 22/06/2013
• The Endurance clinic coached by Virginie Atger, trainer in various countries: France, Emirates, Brazil…
• The combination of a horseback safari an endurance race
• The high quality horses, trained for endurance riding
• High quality, light weight and comfortable saddles
• The reserve’s wide range of animals: giraffes, antilopes, lions, rhinos, oryx, zebras, crocodiles, birds, baboons, lynx…
• The charming and comfortable lodge

Caval&go – Unique Horseback rides
Tel. +33 (0)9 80 32 90 42 /
Email. contact@cavalandgo.com

www.cavalandgo.com

Caval&go was created by Phoebé, Virginie and Aurélie, who each share a passion for horses and travelling.

These three curious and adventurous young women regularly set off for trail rides in France and further afield. With an interest in developing tourism that benefits the local population, they have formed a bond with local guides, farmers and horse owners on each of their trips, who share with them their culture, their love for their religion and, of course, their love of horses.

With this experience of travelling and meeting locals, they created their travel agency specialising in equestrian tourism, organising trail rides and personalised horse riding holidays, in 2009. With a specialised knowledge of each destination and a close relationship with each travel partner, they create original holidays allowing each person to discover the world on horseback.Having ridden since they were children, they have each developed different areas of equestrian expertise over the years and will be able to advise you according to your level of ability, your desires and your budget, in order to find the most suitable trip for you.

Great Britain: Rising to the top of the endurance riding league

Farmersguardian.com - Full Article

21 January 2013

LINDA Cowperthwaite and Maraday Mystaron ended 2012 at the top of the FEI World Endurance Combination rankings. Angela Calvert went to meet them.

Heading the FEI (international equestrian sport governing body) rankings as a result of accumulated points from races during the season was a phenomenal achievement for Linda Cowperthwaite and Maraday Mystaron.

However, Linda believes the best is still to come from her horse and plans are already under way for this season.

Linda is no stranger to endurance riding, having competed for the last 20 years alongside her aunt, Evelyn Helme, herself a former national champion. Evelyn stables Maraday Mystaron, known as Ron, at her home in St Michael’s on Wyre, Lancashire.

Linda says: “Endurance is one of the fastest growing equestrian sports and is something anyone can get involved in.

“It starts with pleasure rides, but goes right up to international competitions, so there is something for everyone.”

The maximum race distance of 160km (100 miles) in a day can involve up to 10 hours in the saddle and championship races are often won at 20kph (12mph).

In 2012, the UK hosted the FEI World Endurance Championship at Euston Park, Thetford, which was won by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum with Madji Du Pont in a ride time of seven hours at an average speed of 22.82kph (14.2mph)...

Read more here:
http://www.farmersguardian.com/home/equestrian/rising-to-the-top-of-the-endurance-riding-league/52539.article

Great Britain: National honour for Dorset pair

Dorsetecho.co.uk - Full Article

By Adam Summers
26 January 2013

JABEENA Maslin and Valerie Bradshaw have received prestigious national awards with their ex-racehorses, Quel Ange and Magic Powers.

Maslin, a horse owner from Beaminster, and Bradshaw, a rider from Holwell, were presented with the South Essex Insurance Brokers and Retraining of Racehorses’ (RoR) Elite Performances Awards for ex-racehorses at the Breeders Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Grange Hotel in London.

The Elite Performance Awards offer a prize fund of £2,500 to the winner and £500 to the runner-up, donated by RoR.

The awards provide a focus for ex-racehorses competing in the disciplines of eventing, dressage, show jumping, endurance and showing.

Maslin’s ex-racehorse, Quel Ange, won the SEIB & RoR Elite Performance Award for show jumping and is ridden by Kathryn Ellison. Quel Ange was in training with Somerset trainer, Ron Hodges, he ran on the flat and was placed a couple of times.

After he retired from the racecourse, event rider Sophie Hawke took him on and evented him up to intermediate level. Maslin then purchased him to take show jumping.

She said “He is an absolute fireball and wins everything, Kathryn rides him brilliantly. He is still a stallion – I have been forbidden by several judges from having him cut as he has such a phenomenal jump.”

Maslin trains the Olympic British Modern Pentathlon team in show jumping and Quel Ange was one of the horses used for the show jumping phase of the Modern Pentathlon at the London Olympics.

He was ridden by competitors from Latvia and Poland and completed his two rounds successfully. Quel Ange is currently competing at 1.25m and Maslin hopes he will start competing at 1.30 and 1.40m this year.

Runners-up in the SEIB and RoR Elite Performance Award for Endurance were Val Bradshaw and her own, Magic Powers. Magic Powers ran several times on the flat without distinction...

Read more here:
http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/sport/10186698.National_honour_for_Dorset_pair/

UAE: Women Endurance Riders Featured in CNN Video

CNN
January 17, 2013

CNN's Winning Post meets a group of Emirati women, to discuss how they took up the challenge of long distance racing.

http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/sports/2013/01/17/winning-post-endurance-racing-girls.cnn#/video/sports/2013/01/17/winning-post-endurance-racing-girls.cnn

USA Young Riders Invited to Abu Dhabi's President's Cup

January 25 2013

USA Young Riders Devan Horn 19, from the AERC Central region, and Jessica Dicamillo from the AERC Southwest region, have been invited to participate in the 2013 HH The President of the UAE Endurance Cup in Abu Dhabi on February 16. The FEI CEI*** 160 km race will take place at Emirates International Endurance Village.

Devan will be riding CJS Maverick, owned by Ceci and Jason Stasiuk, a 9-year-old National Show Horse gelding. Jessica will ride RGS SHA Strike Two, owned by her mother Karen Binns-DiCamillo.

It will be the first time Young Riders from around the world will be participating in the Abu Dhabi race.

Coverage will be here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2013PresidentsCup/

New Zealand: Smith Takes North Island Title

NZEquestrian.org.nz


22/01/2013 9:52:54 a.m.

Kuratau in the central North Island was the location for the 2013 North Island Endurance Championships which were held over the weekend. Hosted by the Waikato Endurance Club, the tracks took riders over nice rolling central north island country with views to Lake Taupo. Snow on the mountains on Thursday evening brought temperatures that were better suited to the winter, with a chilly 3 degrees being recorded for the start of the 160KM ride at 1.00am on Saturday morning.

12 combinations started in the feature event, the 160KM, which was eventually taken out by an impressive performance from Andrea Smith and Glenmore Tariq finishing nearly an hour a head of her competition. This gives Andrea another “tick in the box” toward her 2014 WEG campaign.

2013 North Island Championships Results - Full detailed results will be available soon.

CEI 3* 160km
1st Andrea Smith & Glenmore Tariq 8.52.35
2nd Emma Armstrong & Blue Thunder Shimar 9.51.50
3rd Mark Tylee & Jacob 9.57.58

CEI 2* 120km
1st Rosemary Revelll & AA Mystic Charm 7.14.14
2nd Michael Wakeling & Tulsa 8.06.43
3rd Donna French 8.39.50

CEI 2* JY 120km
1st Georgia Smith & Glenmore Vixen 7.14.15
2nd Leanne Ireland & Alshar Blue Levi 8.06.42

CEI 1* 100km
1st Joanne Fowler & Makahiwi Kutaisi 5.51.35
2nd Cherry Brown & Samurai & I 5.52.04
3rd Amanda McConachy & Makahiwi Geneca 6.06.49

CEI 1* JY 100km
1st Emma Mason & Tararua Mistalight 5.56.26
2nd Brigitte Smith & Vigar Marissa 5.56.33
3rd Georgia Wakeling & Kedar Sarita 6.01.54

CEI 1* 80km Non Championship
1st Ross Berrett & Makahiwi Paris 4.59.33
2nd Robyn Kendrick & Playdough 4.59.43
3rd Rowena Tyler & Wyndyn Whlloh 5.00.08

CEI 1* JY 80km Non Championship
1st Bridgett James & Sayfwood Manzzoni 4.59.16
2nd Charlotte Berrett & Hampshire Park Zebedee 4.59.18
3rd Johanna Angermaier & Aspen Hills Ida 5.03.09

CEN 60km Senior
1st Petra Deacon & Saamen Dance Away 2.59.51
2nd Trevor Walton & Lotus Blue Moon 2.59.52
3rd Stephanie McLeod & Makahiwi Jericho 3.28.22

CEN 60km Junior
1st Georgia Smith & Aurora Australis 4.06.02

UAE: HH Sh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Featured in CNN Video

CNN
January 21, 2013

Endurance racing in the Dubai desert

Francesca Cumani embarks on a 4X4 vehicle to track the competitors' as they take up the challenge of long distance racing


http://edition.cnn.com/video/?hpt=imi_t5#/video/sports/2013/01/21/winning-post-cumani-endurance-wrap.cnn

The FEI "Helmet Rule" at a Glance

THE FEI “HELMET RULE” AT A GLANCE

Starting 1 January 2013, the use of a properly fastened Protective Headgear will be mandatory while riding on the show grounds (article 140.1, General Regulations).

* This rule applies in all Disciplines

* “Protective Headgear” is defined as “appropriate helmet or Headgear that is in compliance with the applicable international testing standards” (Glossary, General Regulations).

* Failure to wear Protective Headgear where and when required after being notified to do so by an Official, shall result in a Yellow Warning Card, being issued to the Athlete.

In the field of play, the sports rules apply, and each Discipline has its own rule rules. See this page for details.

UAE: Jaume Punti and Maria Alvarez Featured in CNN Video

CNN
January 18, 2013

CNN's Francesca Cumani visits two endurance legends to find out more about the makings of a champion in the short video, "The Arabian horse: King of endurance". Featured are trainers Jaume Punti and multiple World and European Endurance Champions Maria Alvarez and Nobby, and the 2012 World Endurance Champion Intissar.

http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/sports/2013/01/18/winning-post-arabian-horses-endurance.cnn#/video/sports/2013/01/18/winning-post-arabian-horses-endurance.cnn

UAE: CNN films Dubai Endurance race

Digitalproductionme.com

by Chris Newbould on Jan 20, 2013

CNN has been filming in the region this month, when the documentary ‘Winning Post’ showcased an unusual race of 160 km, the HH Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, taking place at Dubai International Endurance City.

CNN's Francesca Cumani headed to the desert to meet with the horses, riders and trainers. With 40 percent of its registered riders being female, the sport is hugely popular amongst women. ‘Winning Post’ gathered with a small group of Emirati female riders and discussed the race as well as looking into how they took up the challenge of long distance racing.

2012 Round-the-World Endurance Riding Slideshow

January 17 2012

Leonard Liesens and Caroll Gatelier of Endurance-belgium have travelled around the world to experience the different flavors of endurance riding.

They created a slideshow showcasing these events from Europe, the USA, China, Russia, the UAE and Bahrain. It features several championships, including the Young Riders European Championship in Belgium, the European Championship in France, and the World Endurance Championship in Great Britain.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=KY-nE1EaVsE

UAE: Mohammed attends Endurance race

Gulftoday.ae

By Ahmed Tariq
January 20, 2013

DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, witnessed the sixth edition of the Endurance race championship (Cup Mohammed Bin Rashid capacity) held at the Dubai International Endurance, along with Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and president of the Olympic Committee of Bahrain on Saturday.

Winners

Abdullah Ghanim Al Merri retained the title for the second time in a row, after clocking a time of 6:01:19 hours on “Blaine” from Nad Al Sheba stables, a difference of only one second from Saeed Ahmed Al Jaber Al Harbi, who came second on “Eclipse” of Stables team Fazza, while the third winner Italian Marco Sardo, clocked a time of 6:05:13.

For Abdullah Al Merri Cup champion the race came too hard at all levels especially the third stage in which his horse "Blaine" was nervous but he overcame this hurdle, getting better from one stage to another and making the final stage easier than the first four stages.

Merri followed the directions of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, which had a positive impact on the progress gradually from the back where he started the race in 16th place.

He then climbed to eighth place before falling to ninth in the stage before last where he jumped back to the third place before attacking a lead in the final stage. The champion revealed that this race was the first win of “Blaine” who gave a good performance.

He continued, “I am trying to win the title for the third time next year, while my next goal is to participate in the Cup of His Highness the Head of State and compete for the title.”

Second-placed Saeed Al Harbi was pleased with his rise to the podium in the Cup Mohammed Bin Rashid Endurance Cup, explaining that before the start of the race he did not expect to achieve this accomplishment, especially with the horse “Eclipse” racing in the 120 kilometres. “It was the first time Eclipse ran in the 160 km race, so I did not expect to complete the race,” he said.

For Al Harbi the third stage was the most difficult because of the strong competition between the jockeys and the entry of a large number on the last leg of the race, but managed to continue with the convoy and won the second place, one second behind the champion.

“This is the best result for me this season and I hope to achieve more accomplishments in the upcoming races this season, highlighted by His Highness the President Cup state,” he said.

Mohammed Issa Alaill, Deputy Director General of Dubai Equestrian Club, said: “The race saw a wide participation of the elite riders in the world for endurance, but the high level and determination by the riders of the state reflects their eagerness to compete strongly to win the trophy.”

He added: “Today’s race is the longest and the highest rated in terms of agenda of the Dubai International Endurance International Union, and suited for historic wins.”

UAE: Riders ready for Dubai endurance

Gulf-daily-news.com

January 19, 2013

THE Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup is all set to take place today at the purpose-built Dubai International Endurance City Course in Dubai.

More than 160 riders, including 15 international stars from Bahrain, the UAE and overseas, have enrolled for the sixth annual endurance championship. They are scheduled to compete over a 160km course.

Commencing at 6am (Bahrain time), the race is organised and hosted by the Dubai Equestrian Club (DEC), and presented by Longines.

Spearheading Bahrain in today's ride is the Royal Team, captained by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Bahrain riders in the fray are Jaffer Mirza, Raed Mahmood and Abdulrahman Al Zayed. The Bahrain team is being managed by Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan.

This FEI-approved ride will be divided into five stages with the horses rested and refreshed after each stage.

Royal Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, along with other Bahrain riders and team officials, arrived in Dubai earlier this week along with their horses and equipment.

They visited the race venue yesterday where the horses also underwent a veterinary exam yesterday to determine if they meet the physical standards to continue at the next stage.

After the completion of each stage, the horses are rested and refreshed and undergo a veterinary exam to determine if they meet the physical standards to continue to the next stage.

The horse that finishes first, as well as all finishers, must successfully complete a post-race veterinary exam to determine they did not fail to meet the physical standards set forth by the sport.

It is only after the final veterinary exam that the official order of finish is determined and announced.

The race will be broadcasted on www.endurancebh.com, providing live updates of each stage, which is in line with the directives of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Last year, the race was won by 17-year-old Abdulla Ghanim Al Marri who claimed a 27-second victory over Bahrain's Ahmed Abdulla Al Hazza. Marri created a record by becoming the youngest winner of the event.

Race details were revealed during a press conference in Dubai. It was attended by deputy general manager of DEC Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, who told media persons that the international riders include three-star winners from Italy, UK, US and Australia. The prize money will be decided before the race, Adhab informed.

The trophy was also unveiled in the presence of Mahdi Al Basti, board member of DEC, Adhab, and Juan Carlos Capelli, vice-president of international brands, Longines.

Adhab expressed appreciation to our presenting sponsor, Longines, a distinguished brand that has been a major supporter of equestrian sports in Dubai.

Great Britain: Dace’s desert date for President’s Cup

Bridportnews.co.uk - Full Article

16th January 2013 in Sport By Adam Summers

ENDURANCE GB Young Rider squad member, Dace Sainsbury, has been invited to compete in the FEI 3* 160km President’s Cup Endurance ride in Abu Dhabi on February 16.

The Lyme Regis teenager and her horse Balotta were the highest-placed British horse and rider at the 2012 European Young Rider Endurance Championships where they finished in 12th place.

Sainsbury will be the only UK-based British rider to take part in the gruelling race.

Just 13 riders from across the world are invited to take part each year in the prestigious event, in addition to a large number of local riders and members of the Emirate Royal family...

Read more here:
http://www.bridportnews.co.uk/sport/10162255.Dace___s_desert_date_for_President___s_Cup/

Great Britain: Para class new to Golden Horseshoe endurance ride

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Jan 17, 2013 in Focus

Several new classes have been added to this year’s edition of the famous Golden Horseshoe Ride, taking place on Exmoor from May 12 to 14.

Following on from the success of Britain’s para-equestrians at the 2012 London Paralympics, this year’s ride will host an invitation only para class, with some high profile para riders set to take part or attend the event to offer their support.

New competitive classes for 2013 include the Exmoor Extra (120km over three days), the Exmoor 40 (40km in one day) and the Exmoor Novice (40km in one day). Advanced riders can choose from the Exmoor Experience (80km over two days), the Exmoor Stag (120km over two days), the Exmoor Eighty (80km in one day) and of course the famous Golden Horseshoe (160km over two days). All these classes are open to para riders, too, making this year’s event the most exciting to date...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/01/17/para-class-new-golden-horseshoe-endurance-ride/#.UPf1kLZa2Tw

India: State riders win three medals

E-pao.net

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 13 2013 : Manipur bagged two silver and one bronze medal in the 40 Kms National Junior Endurance Championship held at Dibrugarh, Assam on January 13, informed Manipur Equestrian Association in a release issued today.

While the state team secured one of the silver medals the other silver and bronze medals were won in individual event of the regional championship, said the release adding that compared to bigger horses used by other teams, Manipuri ponies were used by the State riders in the competition.

Bahrain: Al Dossary and Clavez triumph

Gulf-daily-news.com

January 13, 2013

GHAZI Al Dossary and Manon Clavez raced to victory in their respective categories in the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Seniors Rides held at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

More than 50 riders from all over Bahrain competed in the third endurance event of the 2012-13 season, organised by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef).

It featured two rides over 120 kms and 80 ams, in addition to a senior race that saw Al Asayel Stable riders win all three podium places.

The 120-km ride was divided into five stages, starting with 30 kms for the first two stages and 20 kms each for the third to fifth stages.

In this event, Royal Endurance Team's Al Dossary steered Larzak to victory. The Al Raood Stable rider completed the five-stage ride with a total time of five hours, four minutes and 17 seconds.

Podium

He was followed by Raed Mahmood (5:14:36) of Al Khalidiya Stable on Derram while another Al Raood Stable entrant Mohammed Al Thawadi (5:21:26) rounded off the podium by coming third on Kintamani.

Al Asayel Stable dominated the senior ride, which also covered 120 kms, as Mohammed Al Khatry completed the race ahead of teammates Fahad Sulaiman and Salem Sabt.

All three received brand new cars, donated by Breef president, Al Khalidiya Stable captain and event patron Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

In the 80 kms ride, Al Shawamek Stable rider Manon clinched first place on Musical Gully Pizzecato with a total ride time of three hours, 49 minutes and 26 seconds. Her average speed was 21-km per hour.

Behind her was Sumer Singh (3:40:33) of the Royal Endurance Team, in second place, with an average speed of 23-km per hour.

Third overall was Yaqoub Yousef (3:40:41)with an average speed of 21-km per hour, ahead of Shaikh Isa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa (4:21:19) riding Ghanda with an average speed of 18-km per hour.

The race was flagged off by Shaikh Nasser Media and Information Centre director Tawfeeq Al Salhi in presence of Breef officials.

Following the race, the top three riders were honoured by Royal Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid.

Both Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid congratulated the winners in yesterday's events and wished others the best of luck in future races. Shaikh Nasser also lauded the level of competition.

The 2012-12 endurance season got underway on November 17 with an 80-km qualifying ride. It was followed by the Breef Season Opening Ride on December 1.

UAE: Al Jahouri making his mark

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Emirati handler hopes for more success for his Al Wathba Stables

By Leslie Wilson Jr, Racing & Special Features Writer
Published: 16:38 January 12, 2013

Dubai: Majed Al Jahouri is a name worth remembering, for you’re probably going to hear a lot more from this talented handler, who is based at the Al Wathba Stables in Abu Dhabi, from where he trains primarily for Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Presidential Affairs.

Al Jahouri is reaping the rewards of his experience gained in riding endurance horses with his growing string of Purebred Arabian and Thoroughbred horses.

On the opening night of the Carnival he pulled off a coup of sorts when saddling the first three finishers in the Al Maktoum Challenge (G1) and then said that he was very confident that one of his horses would strike...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-jahouri-making-his-mark-1.1131241

Bahrain: Riders ready for endurance event

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

January 11, 2013

PROMINENT riders from all around Bahrain have stepped up their preparations for the Khalid bin Hamad Seniors Rides, to be held tomorrow at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The third endurance event of the 2012/13 season will feature two rides, with the main race being over 120km. The other competition of the day is a qualifying ride which is over 80km.

Headed by event patron Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) has finalised all its arrangements for tomorrow's challenge.

Participants will come from different stables, with the Royal Team to be captained by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The Royal Team, one of the main contenders tomorrow, are expected to rise up to the occasion and secure podium finish. Other stables in the fray include Al Khalidiya, Al Shuwamekh, Al Mugheirat and Al Ruwaie Stable.

Royal Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan said his riders have reached high level of fitness and readiness ahead of tomorrow's race, noting that the team had no break following the 2011/12 season and continued training for the new season championships.

Hassan said the Royal Team members look to continue their solid performances this year and achieve positive results throughout the races this season, which expects to be a well-contested one due to the noticeable improvement of most of the stables.

On his part, Al Shuwamekh Stable coach Jamal Al Dossary said he believes that tomorrow's ride will feature stiff battle among several riders and stables seeking glory, noting that the third race of the season promises to be a fast-paced ride from start to finish.

Al Dossary said his stable will introduce four riders tomorrow, namely Isa Amin, Abdulrahman Amin, Faisal Al Dossary and Abdulla Isa...

Read more here:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=345382

2013 FEI World Junior & Young Rider Championships to be Held in Tarbes, France

January 7 2013

The 2013 FEI World Junior & Young Rider Championships will be held in Tarbes, France on 27 July, 2013. the 125-km ride will consist of 4 loops of 36 km (easy terrain), 34 km (technical riding required), 35 km (technical riding required), and 20 km (easy terrain). Time deeming will be electronic with micro chips, and live tracking by GPS. All loops will begin and end at the Endurance Village in Ibos.

A CEN 90km ride, using tracks that will be used for the World Junior Championship, is being organised for the  7th April 2013. If you would like to rent a horse out for this event please contact us: endurance.equestre65@gmail.com

For further information, see
http://www.endurance-equestre65.com/en/home

Balek El Tornado triumphs in Abu Dhabi

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Mohammad scores his maiden endurance win at Emirates Championship

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: 19:40 January 5, 2013

Abu Dhabi: The last time 11-year-old Balek El Tornado from W’rsan Stables crossed the finish line first was in the prestigious National Day Cup with Khamis Al Rumaithi — but the horse failed the mandatory veterinary check and was eliminated.

However, in Saturday’s Emirates Championship, run over the same distance of 120km, the Uruguayan-bred horse more than made up by winning under Shaikh Mohammad Bin Khalifa Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan.

Shaikh Mohammad, who in the process earned his first ever victory, paced the 11-year-old bay gelding to finish just ahead of lady rider Mariam Mohammad Mothanna on Mutajjeb from Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables.

Shaikh Mohammad and Balek El Tornado were in 36th position at the end of two stages and 60km. At that stage Mariam was in seventh place and looking good. But in the third loop, the ultimate winners eased into 13th position and began to make winning moves...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/balek-el-tornado-triumphs-in-abu-dhabi-1.1128130

Oman: International Horse, Camel, & Heritage

Enduroonline.com.br

The Sultanate of Oman is preparing for the second edition of their annual Horse & Camel and Heritge Exposition January 14-16, 2013 to be held at the Oman International Exhibition Center in Muscat.

The 2013 HCH Expo will feature beauty shows for horses and camels, exotic camel dance shows, costumed dancing horses, and an extravaganza of riders. Oman has a very open and stable market and the wholehearted support and participation of the Royal Cavalry.

The main goal of this exhibition is to collect the largest possible number of those interested in horses, equestrian and camel under one roof from all over the world, to cooperate in all areas of business and professional, economic and knowledge also to inform and update those who interested in the latest methods of horses, camels and jockeys care and veterinary industry.

As horses and Camels are a noble creatures The 2nd International Horse, Camel and Heritage exhibition the only one of a kind in Muscat to brings together all horses, camels and equestrian lovers and all the passion to offer a chance encounter with the most important makers and suppliers of accessories in the world of camels, horse riding and equestrian.

Venue:
Oman International Exhibition Centre SAOC was chosen because is the only organization owned by the state that are equipped to trade shows in the Sultanate of Oman (12) thousand square meters.

The center is located close to Muscat International Airport, which is 35 km away from the center of the city (Muscat). Full facility is provided please for more information please visit website http://www.omanexhibitions.com

Date:
- 13-16 January 2013

Abu Dhabi: Dh500,000 prize fund for Emirates Challenge

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Around 200 riders expected to start in the 120 kilometre event

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: 16:07 January 3, 2013

Abu Dhabi: A cash prize of Dh500,000 including a car awaits the winner of the first big endurance ride of 2013.

Nearly 200 riders are expected to take part in the 120km Emirates Championship to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Federation, said, “We are expecting around 200 horses for the Emirates Championship. We will also be staging an 80km Qualifier ride today [Friday].”

“The 120km ride will be held in five stages of 33kms, 27kms, 24kms, 20kms and 16 kms and total prize money including a car will be Dh500,000 for the Emirates Championship,” he added...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/dh500-000-prize-fund-for-emirates-challenge-1.1127371

High-tech system to be tested in Abu Dhabi race

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Move expected to ensure fairness, transparency in endurance horseracing

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: 17:20 January 3, 2013

Abu Dhabi: A new electronic timing system for endurance rides will be tested over the next two days at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

While organisers around the world adopt different methods to monitor and stage a ride, which can vary from distances of 40km up to 240km spread over three days, the UAE has always been at the forefront of adopting the latest electronic timing systems.

The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba will use an “improved” system from Saheel Soft for today’s 80km and tomorrow’s 120km event.

Explaining the salient features of the system to Gulf News, Charbel Akkari, the man behind the new system, said, “This system has quite a few advantages. [All at once] the system can handle a multi-race, multi-day, multi-division [event] while also giving separate information at any given time about the position in both an individual as well as a team rider...”

http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/high-tech-system-to-be-tested-in-abu-dhabi-race-1.1127452

HM presides over Royal horse race

Omantribune.com

MUSCAT His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said on Tuesday presided over the Annual Royal Horse Race Festival, being organised by the Royal Court Affairs (RCA), represented by the Royal Cavalry.

The race at the Madinat Al Adiyat race course in the Wilayat of Seeb was attended by several Their Highnesses, chairmen of the State and Shura Councils, ministers, advisers, commanders of the Sultan’s Armed Forces (SAF), Royal Oman Police (ROP), members of the State and Shura Councils, undersecretaries, heads of the diplomatic missions accredited to the Sultanate, members of the judicial authority and senior military and civil
officers.

The festival kicked off with His Majesty arriving to the Royal anthem played by the Royal Guard of Oman (RGO). The six-round race included five for pure Arabian horses and one for thoroughbreds.

In the first round ‘Race of Governorate of Muscat,’ for pure Arabian (1,100 metres), Anas Bin Salim Al Siyabi on ‘Vazs Mane Son’ of the Royal Cavalry came first. Al Mu’atasim Bin Said Al Balushi on ‘Atheer’ owned by the Royal Cavalry won the second place and Hamad Bin Mubarak Al Wahibi on ‘Qadeer’ of Royal Cavalry finished third.

In the second round ‘Race of Governorate of Musandam’, for thoroughbreds (1,600 metres), Asa’ad Bin Ali Al Siyabi on ‘Zain Shamardal’ of the Royal Cavalry took the top honours. Yassir Bin Jumayyil Al Sunaidi on ‘Atlantic Brave’ of the Royal Cavalry came second and ‘Emirates Roadshow’ owned by Faisal Bin Abdullah Al Mazro’ei came third.

In the third round ‘Race of Governorate of South Al Sharqiyah’, for pure Arabian (1,600 metres), allocated for the horses that topped the rankings in the races of season 2012-13), Hamoud Bin Hamad Al Hajri on ‘Motsho Bello’ owned by Mohammed Bin Saud Al Khalili won the top spot.

Aamir Bin Salim Al Ghunaimi on ‘Chainactic’ owned by Mahboob Bin Mohammed Hashmani came second, Mahir Bin Juma Al Balushi on ‘Chriss SWA’ owned by Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Khasrozman finished third.

The fourth round ‘Race of Governorate of Dhofar, for pure Arabian horses (1,600 metres) was competed by amateur jockeys from around the world for the Fegentri Cup. Raoul Dygas on ‘Djoulla’ owned by the Royal Cavalry came first, while Jamie Flein on ‘Sakari’ of the Royal Cavalry finished second and, Ahmed Bin Saif Al Hadhrami on ‘Wathiq’ of the Royal Cavalry ended third.

In the fifth round ‘Race of Governorate of North Al Batinah’, for pure Arabian horses (1,100 metres), Fahd Bin Omar Al Rahbi on ‘Hasheemah’ of the Royal Cavalry came first. Azhar Bin Saif Al Wardiyah on ‘Al Kashif’ of the Royal Cavalry won the second spot and Hamoud Bin Hamad Al Hasani, on ‘Al Awam’ of the Royal finished third.

Husni Bin Mubarak Al Hajri on ‘Al Ashram’ of the ROP won the sixth and last round ‘Race of Hisn Al Shomoukh’ for His Majesty Sultan Qaboos Bin Said’s Cup.

‘Vizi Des Cedres’ of the Royal Cavalry came second in the event held for pure Arabian and run for 2,000 metres. Anas Bin Salim Al Siyabi on ‘Kiram’ of the Royal Cavalry came third.

Various shows were also staged during the festival.

Canon dragging and equestrian skill shows gathered the attention, while horse beauty show of the new horses at the Royal Cavalry thrilled the audience.

International teams specialised in equestrian show like Piaf Trio Team from Holland and the French team, which won the World Vaulting Cup, also staged their skills with vaulting and disabled equestrian shows.

At the end of the festival, the participating teams formed the concluding plateau and His Majesty handed over His Majesty’s Cup to Husni Bin Mubarak Al Hajri, the winner of the sixth round, and the prizes for winners of the top places in other rounds. The Royal anthem marked the conclusion of the festival.

Nasr Bin Hamoud Al Kindi, the Secretary General of the Royal Court Affairs, said the Royal Cavalry enjoys the interest and care from His Majesty. This enables the team to improve its performance every year, he said.

The excellent performance of the men and women riders of the Royal Cavalry in the Annual Royal Festival is a proof of the special care, he said. Al Kindi said His Majesty is keen on preserving the authentic cultural heritage of horse races, riders and traditional races. The domestic and international participations in the Annual Royal Horse Race Festival is part of this interest, he said.

On the achievements of the Royal Cavalry horses in the regional and international races, Al Kindi said the achievements made by the Royal Cavalry, by horse riders or horses, are the result of His Majesty’s interest in the Royal Cavalry to participate at local, regional and international races to achieve significant results for the Sultanate.

He said that the results of those participations were great, especially in 2012 which saw a bronze medal in the World Endurance Horse Race. And in races held in Britain, France and some other Gulf States, the Royal Cavalry achieved top three positions. He said these record shows the capability of Omani jockeys and Omani horses that are of domestic breeding and compete in international races.

As many as 3,863 participants attended in the festival including 1,285 students, in addition to 842 horses and 60 other animals. A number of traditional horse races like Hambal, Al Tahuwarib and Razha were performed at the festival.

The Equestrian Endurance Race of Torres del Paine

At the end of the world, right in the middle of Chilean Patagonia, we invite you to be part of one of the most extreme, unique and unforgettable experience: 

The Equestrian Endurance Race of Torres del Paine. (FEI)

On April 13, 2013, right at the heart of Torres del Paine National Park the 9th version of the Equestrian Endurance Race will take place, combining the magic of this exciting sport with the spectacular scenery of one of the most important national parks in Chile.

Enjoy organized programs with accommodation, excursions, transfers and days of activities within the national park Torres del Paine.

Get to know the most important attractions of the magnificent national park like Grey Glacier or the imposing Torres del Paine, which undoubtedly will surprise you.

Don’t miss this opportunity and participate in one of the most extreme and exciting endurance races in the world.

This race will run by the international FEI Rules valid since 2009.

http://www.lastorres.com

Email: info@lastorres.com

Toll Free USA/CA: (1)8886952603

Tel: +5661 617450 / 51 / 52

Ethel Quezada

Representante para o Brasil

Tel: (11) 7892-1983 Nextel 55*9*64813