Abu Dhabi: Shaikha Najla claims Ladies endurance ride

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

March 30, 2013

BAHRAIN'S Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa yesterday raced to victory in the 100-km Ladies Endurance Ride in Abu Dhabi.

The Ahmed Al Fateh Stable rider extended her impressive form to finish the race on top amidst a significant turn up of more than 80 riders from the UAE and other GCC countries.

Shaikha Najla was dominant in the race recording an average speed of 29-km per hour.

She was followed by Dana Mattar of Seeh Al Sallam of the UAE, while Ammar Stables rider Layla Josi rounded off the top three.

The event was divided into four stages of 33kms, 27kms, 24kms and 16kms each.

The Bahraini winner was congratulated after the race by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa.

Performance

Shaikh Faisal lauded the performance of Shaikha Najla and wished her further progress...

Read more here:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=350478

India: Dope alert: Hold your horse, stables being cleaned

Newindianexpress.com - Full Article

By Pratul Sharma - NEW DELHI
Published: 31st Mar 2013 11:27:27 AM

The government has decided to clean the Augean stables. Well, quite literally. To bring more accountability into equestrian sports, it has decided to acquire dope testing facility in the country for horses. The Delhi-based National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), a World Anti-Doping Agency-accredited lab to check human samples, would soon start testing urine and blood samples of horses participating in various competitions to check for the possible use of banned drugs.

The NDTL will soon join the league of select labs across the world which will test horse doping samples. The sports ministry sources said NDTL in its last board meeting in January had decided that the method that uses liquid chromatography–a mass spectrometry analysis method—would be obtained. A `2.5-crore machine will be acquired for this purpose. “We intend to start testing in the next few months,” officials told The Sunday Standard.

To make the facility pass the stringent rules, NDTL has acquired accreditation from the Association of Official Racing Chemists, a US-based body. The new testing facility in India will be able to provide services for various horse sporting events that otherwise have to send samples to Dubai, England or Hong Kong-based labs.

Equine sports are not a common man’s game. Patronised by Maharajas, business tycoons and the army, the sport—be it equestrian or racing—raises its celebrity quotient several notches higher than other sporting events.

But the sport has its share of taint too...

Read more here:
http://newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/article1523566.ece

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team riders clinch podium finishes in the Fontainebleu CEI

BNA.bh

31/03/2013

Manama, March 31 (BNA) -- Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team riders Abdulrahman Al Zayed and Raed Mahmood clinched podium finishes in the CEI de Fontainebleau 2013 Endurance Horse Ride in Fontainebleau, in France.

Al Zayed completed the 130km ride on top amidst participation of more than 80 riders from France and other European countries, finishing ahead of teammate Mahmood who came third.

They came from France, Qatar, Oman, Portugal, Malaysia, Spain, Germany and Thailand. The race, the first event for the Bahraini riders in Europe this year, was divided into four stages.

It started with 36km for the first, followed by a similar 36km distance for the second. The third and fourth stages featured 29km routes each.
The Bahraini due trip to France was in line with the directives of Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who congratulated both riders on their results after the race.

Shaikh Nasser said the achievement is a significant step towards building on the victories accomplished by the team in the past years.

He noted that these achievements would not be possible without the continued support and backing of His Majesty King Hamad to all Bahraini riders.

EM

New Zealand: Leads Change in FEI Endurance Series

NZEquestrian.org.nz

19/03/2013 12:28:21 p.m.
With four of the five events now completed, the ESNZ Endurance FEI Series 2012-13 has been a see-saw affair. Events have alternated this year between the North and South Islands, with few combinations willing to travel to score points in consecutive events.

Of the early series point scorers in the Canterbury FEI ride in early December, only Lisa Wright and Masada Park Metallica travelled to the North Islands Championships. Their total of 31 points from the two events saw them share second place for a short while with Emma Armstrong and Blue Thunder Shimar, one point behind North Island 160km*** Champions, Andrea Smith and Glenmore Tariq.

That is, until a recent trip south to the South Island Championships proved worthwhile for three Wairarapa Endurance Club members. Cherry Brown riding Samurai and I took the series lead with 39 points, followed by Frank Aldridge on Merimindi Finale and Lynda Kessell on KD Kazada (both 37 points). This upset saw North Island 160km*** Champions Smith and Glenmore Tariq slide back to share fourth place and 32 points with South Island 160km*** Champions Alison Higgins and Northwinds Apollo.

However, things didn’t stay still for long. Back in the North Island, a second place in the 80km* at the Waikato ride gave Smith 15 more points, for a total of 47 points, and the series lead by one point over last season’s winners – Mark Tylee and Jacob. In another upset, Amanda McConachy and Makahiwi Geneca placed second in the 120km ** at the Waikato event, and in doing so, leapfrogged from the middle of the series field to third place with 41 points.

The final event of the series is the Fiber Fresh ESNZ Endurance Nationals 2013 at Taupo at Easter, and it is very hard to predict who will finally wear the series buckle sponsored by Makahiwi Arabians.

The ESNZ Endurance FEI Junior Series 2012-13 currently has three combinations tied at first place and 24 points. Georgia Smith and Glenmore Vixen posted the first points on the board with a win in the 120km** JY at North Island Championship, followed by Bridgett James on Glendaar Crystal Fire winning the same event at the South Island Championships. Brigitte Smith borrowed her sister’s mount Aurora Australis at the Waikato event to take the win in her first 120km** JY. Close behind are Leanne Ireland and Alshar Blue Levi on 23 points; and Emma Mason with Tararua Mistalight have 20 points. As with the senior series, it will be very hard to pick a winner until the last horse crosses the line at Taupo.

By Hilary Webb

Portugal Endurance Championships

The Portuguese Endurance Championships will be held at Fronteira on 12-14 April. Races include a CEI*** 160km, CEI**120 km, CEI*80 km, CEP 80 km, CEP 40 km, CEI 20 km

France: Fontainebleau Results

March 30 2013

This CEI***, CEIY**, IEC**, IEC*edition of Grand Parquet at Fontainebleur was a round selective Seniors Team France in the upcoming European Championships to be held at Most in the Czech Republic, as well as handle selective for Youth Team of France in the upcoming World Championships, to be held in Tarbes.

Results of the 130 km***:
1. Abdulrahman Mohammed Alzayed - Arkiyo - Bahrain - 5:27.12
2. Raed Mahmood - Quenzo - Bahrain - 5:29.35
3. Geraldine Brault - Pomoska du Barthas - France - 5:34.11
4. Ruth Comas-Molist - Enia - Spain - 5:38.57
5. Robin Cornely - Rusty James - France - 5:39.57

For further results see:
http://www.atrm-systems.fr/documents_passes_endurauto.php?Lien=Fontainebleau+%28FRA%29+29-03-2013

Abu Dhabi: Al Jahouri emerges best

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

(KT Report) / 29 March 2013

School boy Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, astride Baraka Farid, won the CEI three-star 140 Km endurance ride for Al Wathbaon on Thursday at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, as part of the two-day Abu Dhabi Endurance Festival.

The Festival is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs and chairman of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC).

The race was attended by Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour, Shaikh Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, director general of ADEC and Lara Sawaya, director of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Head of Ladies Racing in IFAHR.

The ride was run in five stages of 35 kms, 34 kms, 31 kms, 24 kms and 16 km and it drew 67 riders. Al Jahouri finished the first loop in third place and finished second in the following two loops but slowed down in the fourth and went behind to finish fourth. But he regained the required speed to emerge victorious with an average speed of 26.925 kmph...

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/nationsports/2013/March/nationsports_March366.xml§ion=nationsports

Abu Dhabi Endurance Festival begins

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

28 March 2013

ABU DHABI — Three endurance rides will be held as part of the inaugural two-day Abu Dhabi Endurance Festival starting from Thursday at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi with some of the top riders participating.
Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) told a Press conference at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel on Tuesday evening, “This is the first time such a festival of rides is being held in Abu Dhabi. We start off with a 140-km Three-star Open endurance ride on Thursday which will be the feature event.”

Friday, March 29 we will be staging two rides, one a 120-km national ride for private owners and the second a national ride for ladies over a distance of 100 kms,” he said.

“Around 140 riders are expected to be starting in Thursday’s 140 km-ride which will be held in five stages of 35 kms, 34 kms, 31 kms, 24 kms and 16 kms,” said Al Nuaimi.

In the ladies ride on Friday the participants are required to cover the 100 kms divided into four stages of 33 kms , 27 kms, 24 kms and 16 kms,” he said.

The rides are being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs...

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/horseracing/2013/March/horseracing_March7.xml§ion=horseracing

Qatar: Big show: Aiming high

ThePeninsularaQatar.com - Full Article

28 March 2013
By Isabel Ovalle

Qatar is currently hosting the first international equestrian competition to be held in the Middle East and Asia. The venue is Al Shaqab, which boasts 980,000 square metres of world-class facilities inside Qatar Foundation’s Education City.
The organisers expect 10,000 spectators to attend over the four days of the event, with special attendance by members of the ruling family and other guests of honour from the GCC states.

CHI (Concours Hippique International — International Equestrian Competition) is the official title given by the FEI (International Equestrian Federation) to international equestrian competitions with three or more equine disciplines, like the one taking place in Doha.

“Many prestigious equestrian events have taken place in the Gulf countries; however, this combination of disciplines hasn’t been done before,” said Dr Andras Tatar, Venue Director at Al Shaqab.

The event, which began yesterday, will conclude on March 30 with participation by the best riders in the FEI ranking.
The city will host at least three more events like this, which will serve as tests for Doha and Al Shaqab, which ultimately aims to host the World Equestrian Games in 2022.

Al Shaqab wants to use the opportunity to the full.

“We are about to develop the facility to be multifunctional. We have control rooms to run three different disciplines at the same time, with the outdoor area destined for showjumping and the indoor area for dressage,” said Dr Tatar, who has been working at Al Shaqab for over five years.

Al Shaqab has three major areas, and a fourth one will be the arena and events area. The others are a zone dedicated to breeding and one for endurance, both focusing on Arabian horses, and the riding academy. The institution is developing programmes to build dressage teams and at present has competing teams only in endurance. The academy has 1,156 members — half of them expatriates of various nationalities and the rest Qataris, said the venue director...

Read more here:
http://thepeninsulaqatar.com/cover-plus/230894-big-show-aiming-high.html

Belgium: Mont Le Soie National and International Races Cancelled

Endurance-belgium.com

27 March 2013

[google translate]

The association PROMO ENDURANCE HORSE, organizing competitions endurance Mont-le-Soie (Vielsalm) cancels national and international competitions that were to take place this Saturday 04 and Sunday, May 5th next.

In September 2012, Mont-le-Soie had served as the Junior European Championships and the World Veterans and this year was the 13th edition of the appointment of high level. There will unfortunately probably nothing.

Involved, due to weather extremely rough this winter that many horses are stationed in Belgium and neighboring regions will not be ready for early May.

In addition, another international contest of endurance in Rambouillet (France, 300 kms from Mont-le-Soie) came intercalate into the schedule the same dates so that no rider will not run into hexagonal Ardennes .

Knowing that to balance the budget of Mont-le-Soie, it takes 100 horses minimum international events, Special Equestrian Endurance has always worked far more by passion than by reason prefer this time reverse priorities and think accounting terms.

Still another date is being considered for Mont-le-Soie but at the end of the season.

International Endurance Competition to take place in Windsor Great Park, May 2013

Endurancegb.co.uk

19th March 2013

On Friday 10th May up to 60 riders will participate in the newly introduced Royal Windsor Endurance CEI 2* taking place in Windsor Great Park. This new competition is in association with and presented by Royal Windsor Horse Show (8 – 12 May 2013).

Countries throughout the world have been invited to put forward competitors and initial indications are that Great Britain, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and France will compete. Its route will be over 120km in Windsor Great Park consisting of 4 loops of differing distances.

Continuing a tradition of association with international endurance competition, this event is generously supported by The Kingdom of Bahrain, who recently sponsored the FEI 2011 European Open Endurance Horseride Championship in Florac, France.

Technical Delegate, John Robertson, a member of the FEI Endurance Committee, a 4* endurance judge, and Technical Delegate and the Technical Advisor for the 2012 World Championships, has confirmed that the course offers some excellent riding in a beautiful landscape with a good, varied terrain.

Visitors may watch the event free of charge as they follow its route through the Great Park.

Royal Windsor Horse Show, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle from Wednesday 8th to Sunday 12th May. It is host to the Land Rover International Carriage Driving Competition as well as over 120 showing classes and a great variety of jumping and dressage classes. With over 3000 entries for the Show the event is one of the highlights of the English equestrian calendar.

Royal Windsor Horse Show box office is now open and tickets can be purchased online at www.rwhs.co.uk or by telephone from 0844 581 4960. For further information please contact Tanya Bicknell or Jo Peck on tanyab@hpower.co.uk or Jo.peck@hpower.co.uk 01753 847900

Great Britain: ew Endurance Rider Plans Epic Fundraiser From the Bay to Hay

Endurancegb.co.uk - Full Article

20 March 2013

Vika Engel plans to celebrate her 15th birthday on May 26 by setting out with her pony Sparkle on an epic ride. She aims to travel 100 miles over six days, from the sandy beach at Borth on the Welsh coast, right across the mountains, forests and moorlands to the English border at Hay-on-Wye, where she will be greeted by film producer, Revel Guest, during the Hay Festival.

Vika will be raising funds in memory of her brother, Laurie, whose 21st birthday should have been May 28. Laurie died of cancer at the age of 13, and the fund set up by his family after Laurie’s death, has already raised more than £1 million to build a new teenage cancer unit at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where he was treated.

Now the hospital is appealing for £4 million to refurbish the rest of the cancer department and this is the inspiration for Vika’s ride.

Vika will be accompanied during the 100 mile ride by at least one adult member of the Offa’s Dyke branch of Endurance GB on each day of her ride, as well as by her friends from the Golden Valley Pony Club.

To ensure that she is properly prepared for the ride, Vika Engel has become a full member of Offa’s Dyke branch of Endurance GB, the governing body of the sport of endurance riding in the UK. She and her friends then plan to use the Forest of Dean pleasure ride as a training ride for their planned 100 mile epic ride to raise funds for the Laurie Engel Fund...

Read more here:
http://www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/item.asp?ItemId=3047

Nutrition Service Co. Seals Commits as Alltech Official Partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy

March 13, 2013
 
Press Contacts:  Elizabeth Adams, Alltech PR
eadams@alltech.com; (859) 401-2964
 
Wayne Nighorn, President of Nutrition Service
(920) 822-8881
 
[PULASKI, Wis.] –Nutrition Service Co., a Wisconsin-based developer of equine and livestock nutrition, has joined as an Alltech Official Partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. Officials with the company announced the partnership March 9 during an open house at Nutrition Service Co.’s headquarters in Pulaski, Wis.
 
This partnership provides a wide range of benefits including exclusive marketing rights. Nutrition Service Co. will activate a number of marketing and promotional campaigns through its line of Equi-Rich Horse Feeds, which are developed through the Alltech Equine Advantage Program. As an Alltech Official Partner, the company will involve their customers throughout Wisconsin in the excitement of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy.
 
“Nutrition Service Co. is proud to sign on as an Alltech Official Partner of Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy,” said Wayne Nighorn, president of Nutrition Service Co. “This is a priceless opportunity for our company to reinforce its support of the equine community and link our new Equi-Rich Horse Feeds to the most celebrated event in the world of equestrian sport.”

“Alltech and Nutrition Service Co. have a long-standing history of service to the agricultural community of America,” said Jennifer Rittenhouse, regional marketing manager for Alltech. “Sharing Alltech’s commitment to health and performance of horses, Nutrition Service Co. will help spread the news of the Games to farming communities in America’s Midwest region.”

The Alltech Official Partner Program is a strategic sales and marketing partnership with leading horse feed and animal health companies throughout the world. It enables these global partners to differentiate their feed with the Alltech Equine Advantage and also provides them with the right to use Alltech Official Partner brand marks linked to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. This exclusive program allows partners and their customers to share in the excitement of the world’s most celebrated equestrian championships.

Dubai: Al Beloushi brothers score 1-2 in Crown Prince Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Young Rashid blazes away on Davlyn Park Picasso

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: 18:24 March 23, 2013

Dubai: Rashid Ahmad Al Beloushi and his elder brother and trainer Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi made it a 1-2 for their family as well as Al Reef Stables to drive away with a Range Rover each after the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup, 120-km Two Star ride on Saturday.

The young Rashed on Davlyn Park Picasso unleashed one of the fastest final loop speeds when his average speed of 37.97 kmph for the final 20-km stage took him from 10th place to first leaving behind a handful of fancied riders including Yousef, who trained the winning horse. Even more remarkable was the winning time of 4 hours 04 mins 32 secs which was better than last year’s 4:21.46 - also set by a horse trained by Yousef when Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi won this prestigious ride on Cronus.

While Rashid rode Davlyn Park Picasso at 10th after 100 kms, Yousef was fourth on Elyphyn Silverlight while it was Saeed Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi on La Crysada who was in the lead. Even as leads were being exchanged at the top, young Rashid who had kept his horse’s speed to just over 24km/h in the penultimate stage of 20 kms, went for it and finally made it by almost breaking the four-hour barrier for a 120-km event...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-beloushi-brothers-score-1-2-in-crown-prince-cup-1.1161915

Endurance Canada Recognize Award Recipients at Equine Canada Annual Gala

March 2013

At the 2013 Equine Canada Awards Gala held during the Annual Convention in February, the Endurance Canada Committee announced its most prestigious annual awards -Endurance Canada Hall Of Fame, Ron Janzen Memorial, Young at Heart and Youth Appreciation.

Endurance Canada takes great pride in recognizing Terre O'Brennan of Delta, BC, for all she has contributed to the sport of Endurance in Canada. For her dedication, O'Brennan was named as the 2012 recipient of the Endurance Canada Hall Of Fame Award.

O'Brennan began Endurance riding in the early 80s, and she quickly fell in love with the sport. Since that time she has completed over 7000 miles in competition and ridden many thousands of miles in training.

After competing up to the international level, O'Brennan felt she wanted to give back to her sport, and began volunteering, organizing rides, and mentoring new riders.

During these years she has remained a staunch supporter of the local, provincial, and regional endurance organizations, sitting on the Boards and providing them with numerous teaching articles for their newsletters. She co-organized and managed the 'Over the Rainbow Ride' in Merritt, BC for twenty years, and this summer she is hosting her first FEI event at this site.

O'Brennan has been active on the Endurance Canada Committee since its inception, being one of the British Columbia representatives, and serving as vice-chair. She is now in her second term as the Chair of the Endurance Canada Committee.

"The Hall of Fame is surely the greatest honour Endurance Canada can bestow," said O'Brennan. "I am honoured and humbled to have received this award."

"When I look at the inductees into the Endurance Canada Hall of Fame, I see not just highly successful competitors, although that is certainly apparent, I see a list of people who, in addition to excelling at their sport, have contributed greatly to it through volunteerism, education and, above all, a vision and a dedication to developing the sport of Endurance in Canada. I am honoured beyond words to be included in this group," continued O'Brennan.

Unique Columbian Horse Breed Makes Middle East Debut at Dubai International Horse Fair

BNA.bh - Full Article

22/03/13

Dubai, Mar. 22. (BNA) -- As the finest Arabian horse specimens take centre stage at the Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF), a unique “Paso Fino” Colombian horse breed makes its debut in the Middle East. Colombian exhibitor AlphaOmega, which exports Paso Fino horses, have introduced prospective buyers, breeders and trade visitors to the breed and have reported keen interest shown by the regional equestrian industry.

AlphaOmega manager Ricardo Avila Pineda said: “With a slightly convex profile of the head, an arched and muscular neck, slender and straight legs as well as small hooves, the Paso Fino is a widely sought after breed for smooth riding, endurance riding, horse shows, equestrian competitions and parade mounts. We have seen many interested buyers at the show who are eager to purchase this breed, which can sell from AED150,000 up to AED7 million for champion horses.” Pineda explained that the Paso Fino, meaning “Fine Step” in English, refers to the smoothness, elegance, and well-coordinated movement of the horse’s four hooves, which makes it so unique. With Paso Fino horses, each hoof moves independently from the other three hooves in a perfect succession, which translates into a rhythm of four by four...

Read more here:
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/552753

A long and grinding road ahead for riders and horses in Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup

Thenational.ae - Full Article

Ali Khaled
Mar 18, 2013

The suits, the dresses and, of course, the hats already are being prepared, more than a week in advance. On Saturday, March 30, the Dubai World Cup at the Meydan Racecourse will be the epicentre for thoroughbred racing. And for good reason: the world's richest race will be run, part of the richest night of racing, and fans from around the world will be there to see and be seen.

For some racing enthusiasts, however, this weekend brings a different, more extreme but equally compelling brand of racing.
Welcome to the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup.

Over the coming weekend, Dubai International Endurance City will witness two races that may not carry the glamour of the Dubai World Cup but more than make up for it as tradition-steeped tests of horse and rider.

On Friday, the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Ride, which is restricted to privately owned stables and individual jockeys, takes place over a gruelling 100 kilometres. On Saturday, the 120km Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup is open to all government-funded stables, as well.

Read more here:
http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/sport-comment/a-long-and-grinding-road-ahead-for-riders-and-horses-in-dubai-crown-prince-endurance-cup

Lameness primary cause of endurance horse vet-outs

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Mar 19, 2013 in Focus

Lameness is the most common reason for the vetting out of horses on endurance rides around the world, a study has revealed.

Researchers A Nagy, JK Murray and SJ Dyson compared the frequency of occurrence of elimination due to lameness and metabolic reasons from FEI endurance rides of greater than 100km from 2008 to 2011 in all countries.

They aimed to assess risk factors for elimination due to lameness and metabolic reasons. Data for the study was collected from the website of the FEI, the world governing body for horse sport.

Between 2008 and 2011, there were 30,741 horse starts at FEI endurance rides of 100-160 km distance in 47 countries. Of all started horses, 30% were eliminated for lameness...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/03/19/lameness-primary-cause-endurance-vet-outs/#.UUh4GFtAT_o

India: Rajasthan's horse heaven

Pushkar, the Aravalli Hills, Rajasthan. Photo / Thinkstock NZHerald.co.nz - Full Article

March 18 2013

Marwari horses steal Suzanne Middleton’s heart at the start of a three-month journey through Rajasthan in Northern India.

The Pushkar Camel Fair is a glorious melee of camels, farmers and tourists both Indian and foreign. Reminiscent of a New Zealand A&P show back in the 1960s, it's a farmers' big day out spread over nine days of competitions, displays, horse trading and religious observance.

To the urban tourist it's a spectacle of colour and fast-moving beasts. But for the horse lover it's a paradise of voluptuous horseflesh. In a sea of beige camels and cattle the vibrant Marwari horses, white, grey, black, bay and skewbald, snatch my attention from day one. Brought here to be sold, they're presented at their best, proud and noble animals bred by tough desert men.

These fiery and feisty horses are dynamite and they seem to know the place they hold in the hearts of Rajasthanis. They're a 2000-year-old breed, used as cavalry horses and ridden by the maharajahs of old, known for their courage, strength and endurance.

Striking in appearance, they're lean with clean lines, between 14.2 and 15.2 hands high, and any colour except chestnut. Their numbers were reduced to a few hundred 20 years ago, but now the Rajasthani government is encouraging excellence in the breed.

The men put the horses through their paces in the arena, leaning back with their feet forward, travelling at a thundering trot or a blistering semi pace, as smooth as the sand at their feet...

Read more here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/news/article.cfm?c_id=7&objectid=10871969

Great Britain: Local author to give illustrated talk

Brechinadvertiser.co.uk

18 March 2013 05:14

Local author John Tytler Thomson will be giving an illustrated talk about his book ‘Drinking the Wind’ at the Inglis Memorial Hall on Saturday, March 23.

This is an extraordinary and inspiring version of his recovery from a sudden and debilitating illness and his progression to become a successful endurance rider.

The book is about courage, determination and the tough, intense, often unforgiving conditioning required to prepare a horse and rider for the extremes of endurance.

It is a remarkable account of the formidable bond forged between the rider and his pure bred Arabian horse and their combined battle for the first Trans Scotland 200-mile endurance ride from Scurdie Ness Lighthouse to Ardnamurchan Point.

This talk will appeal to everybody - book lovers; horse lovers; those who have battled against illness; lovers of the Scottish countryside.

Admission is free and tea, coffee, soft drinks and home baking will be available.

The event is being hosted by the Edzell Library Action Group.

Qatar: Top riders get set for Doha

Thepeninsulqatar.com

17 March 2013

DOHA: Several top riders and horses from all over the world will participate in show jumping, dressage and endurance competitions at first CHI Al Shaqab to be held later this month.

The four-day gala will be organised by Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, from March 27 to 30.
Undoubtedly, the jumping competition receives great attention at CHI Al Shaqab 2013, with the high number of world’s top ranking riders participating in it, and with the CSI 5* Grand Prix considered as a qualifier for the FEI World Equestrian Games Normandy 2014 to be held in Normandy, France.

One of the notable riders participating in the competition is Qatar’s Sheikh Ali bin Khalid Al Thani, who considers CHI Al Shaqab 2013 as an important stop for preparing for the FEI World Cup Jumping finals that will be held in Gothenburg, Sweden, next month.

This is the second consecutive time that Sheikh Ali has qualified for the FEI World Cup Jumping, after he claimed one of the direct qualifier cards of the FEI Arab League Jumping Championships.

Commenting on his participation at CHI Al Shaqab, Sheikh Ali said: “We always aim at participating in these international competitions, which are usually held in European countries, as we are used to in the past years. What makes us feel proud this time is that Qatar is organising a competition of this international level through Al Shaqab. Qatar has acclaimed global attention, thanks to its ambitious vision in the field of sport. This places great responsibility on the Qatari riders to live up to the expectations.”

About the benefit that he shall gain from participating in CHI Al Shaqab, the Qatari rider said: “CHI Al Shaqab will provide a treasure of experience on the technical level, not only to the riders, but also to those working behind the scenes in the equestrian field. It serves as an opportunity to the local trainers to follow and observe the preparations and trainings done by the international riders participating in the competition.”

Praising the organisers, he added: “Al Shaqab owns the best stables and courses, and complete world-class facilities, which helps them in hosting a number of high level international tournaments. “

He explained: “Moreover, organising international championship of this kind proves the international standard and global fame of Al Shaqab, and adds to the value of the Qatar Equestrian Federation and the Qatar Olympic Committee.”

He added: “Everyone must keep in mind that the world’s top riders choose the places in which their horses shall be handled with utmost attention and care. The trust they place in allowing their horses to be kept at Al Shaqab in preparation of the championship proves that Al Shaqab is completely fit and eligible to organise international competitions.”

Commenting on the competitions in Qatar, Sheikh Ali said: “We hope that the sport organisers increase the number of championships held in Qatar. This shall reflect positively on the level of local competitions. Also this will help the horses and riders get the opportunity to compete in different places.” THE PENINSULA

Bahrain: Mohammed lifts Nasser trophy

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

March 17, 2013

HUSSAIN Mohammed was crowned winner of the Nasser bin Hamad International Endurance Race trophy yesterday.

The Royal Endurance Team rider came on top in one of the most exciting national endurance races, which took place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Mohammed completed the race in a total time of five hours, two minutes and 50 seconds, with 23km per hour average speed.

He finished ahead of fellow team member Raed Mahmood (5:07:15), who settled for second place, while Ahmed Al Fateh Stable rider Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa came third.

In the stables category, Shaikha Najla's overall finish time saw her win the competition and one of the three Toyota SUVs awarded by championship patron Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The second fastest in the stables competition was Abdulrahman Al Zayed of Ajyal Stables (5:24:37), with Fahad Al Azri (5:27:26) of Al Asayel Stable third.

Organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), being presided by Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the event also featured an 80km international qualifying ride.

But the main race of the day saw riders from across the kingdom battling over five stages for the cup glory.

The qualifying ride consisted of three stages. The first and second each covered 30kms, followed by 20km for the third.

Jaffer Mirza of the Royal Team took an early lead in the first stage, which was over 30km. He was followed by Mohammed Abdulsamad, also of the Royal Team, in second place, with Hussain Mohammed coming third.

Another 30km distance was waiting for the participants in the second stage, which ended with no significant changes as Mohammed took over the lead from Mirza, as Mahmood and Ghazi Al Dossary climbed up to second and third places, respectively.

In the 20-km third stage, Mahmood moved ahead of Mohammed, who slipped to second, for the overall lead. Al Dossary followed in third position.

Mahmood stayed ahead of everyone in the 20-km fourth stage against Mohammed and Olalya Gonzales, who were in second and third places, respectively.

But in the fifth and deciding stage, Mohammed showed some outstanding riding skills and stamina to take over the lead and celebrate a well-deserved victory with his stable mates.

Shaikh Nasser, in the presence of Shaikh Khalid and other Breef officials, presented trophies to the winners in the main event, and keys to the SUV winners in the stables competition at the prize-distribution ceremony held at the endurance village after the race.

Shaikh Nasser praised the outstanding performance of the riders yesterday and the competitive level which added more thrills to the race.

He said this race is regarded as one of the distinctive events this season, which was clearly emphasised by the participants' keenness to take part and claim podium finish.

Shaikh Nasser thanked the working committees, who exerted extra efforts in preparing for the races and pulled off great success in organsing last year's edition.

The Royal Endurance Team captain also expressed appreciation to Shaikh Khalid for backing the federation in organising all races in general, and this competition, in particular.

Canada: Port Hope rider goes the distance

Northumberlandnews.com - Full Article

Karen Longwell|Mar 17, 2013

Teen excels at competition

PORT HOPE -- Solstice Pecile, 13, started riding horses before she could walk.
Solstice's mother Phyllis Pecile is an avid rider and took her riding as a young child. The Grade 8 C.R. Gummow Public School student started riding on her own when she was six. Recently Solstice is excelling in the sport of long distance riding. The Ontario Competitive Trail Association presented Solstice with nine awards in February including Top Junior Rider for 2012.

Following in her mother's footsteps, Solstice started distance riding at eight years old. She completed a six-mile team event called ride n' tie.

"I loved it so much that I wanted to do more," she said...

Read more here:
http://www.northumberlandnews.com/sports/article/1593403--port-hope-rider-goes-the-distance

Great Britain: Horse tips that are meant to last lifetime

Morpethherald.co.uk - Full Article

Published on Friday 15 March 2013 00:05

STANNINGTON Village Hall was packed as members of the public received top equine tips at a special event.

The themes for the evening presentations, organised by the Endurance GB Northumberland & Tyneside Group, were ‘Equine Weight Management’, by vet Colin Mitchell, a partner of Scott Mitchell Associates, Hexham, and ‘Endurance Riding and How to Get Started’, by Diane Holmes, chairwoman of the group.

She gave those in attendance an interesting insight into endurance riding, describing the fun of pleasure rides suitable for all shapes and sizes, and the challenges of the graded endurance rides at varying distances, in which the rider learns to get the best from a horse over different terrain and weather conditions.

To encourage more junior and young riders to the sport, she announced that under 16s go free if accompanied by a paying adult when entering its pleasure/social rides.

During the break for refreshments, guests browsed over several displays, including horsemanship equipment and care products for the barefoot and bitless horse...

Read more here:
http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/sport/local-sport/other-sports/horse-tips-that-are-meant-to-last-lifetime-1-5501408

Bahrain: Valuable prizes for endurance championship winners

Gulf-daily-news.com

March 16, 2013

THREE Toyota SUVs will await the top three finishers at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, hosting the Nasser bin Hamad International Endurance Race today.

Stables from across the kingdom have prepared their horses ahead of this prestigious event, which gets underway at 6am.

Participants will come from well-renowned local stables, including the Royal Endurance Team and Al Khalidiya, who have a vast riding experience as they head into this battle as favourites.

The championship features a 120km ride for seniors as well as an international 80km qualifying race, also open for senior riders.

The 120km ride was divided into five stages, starting with 30km for the first stage. The second stage will also cover 30km, while each of the remaining three stages will each be over 20km.

As for the international 80km qualifying ride, it consists of three stages. The first and second will each cover 30km, to be followed by 20km for the third.

This ride will be held under the patronage of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The organising committee, headed by Breef president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has approved the total weight for both races.

Participants' weight in the 120km event should not exceed 75kg with the saddle, while a maximum weight of 70kg for each riders is allowed in the 80km race.

The veterinary area, meanwhile, yesterday hosted the veterinary examination held at the endurance village, in the presence of Shaikh Nasser and race organisers.

Shaikh Nasser said he believes that today's main race promises to be exciting and breathtaking until the final steps of the final stage due to the importance of this event and the keenness of the local riders to take part.

Shaikh Nasser thanked the working committees, who spared to effort in preparing for the races and pulled off great success in organsing last year's edition.

The Royal Endurance Team captain also expressed appreciation to Shaikh Khalid for backing the federation in organising all races in general, and this competition, in specific.

On his part, Shaikh Khalid affirmed the importance of having a variety of races in this weekend event, and giving all stables and its respective riders the opportunity to participate.

He stated that this race is regarded one of the distinctive events this season, which comes within a series championships organised by the federation.

Nutrition Service Co. Seals Commits as Alltech Official Partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy

March 13, 2013

[PULASKI, Wis.] – Nutrition Service Co., a Wisconsin-based developer of equine and livestock nutrition, has joined as an Alltech Official Partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. Officials with the company announced the partnership March 9 during an open house at Nutrition Service Co.’s headquarters in Pulaski, Wis.
 
This partnership provides a wide range of benefits including exclusive marketing rights. Nutrition Service Co. will activate a number of marketing and promotional campaigns through its line of Equi-Rich Horse Feeds, which are developed through the Alltech Equine Advantage Program. As an Alltech Official Partner, the company will involve their customers throughout Wisconsin in the excitement of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy.
 
“Nutrition Service Co. is proud to sign on as an Alltech Official Partner of Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy,” said Wayne Nighorn, president of Nutrition Service Co. “This is a priceless opportunity for our company to reinforce its support of the equine community and link our new Equi-Rich Horse Feeds to the most celebrated event in the world of equestrian sport.”

“Alltech and Nutrition Service Co. have a long-standing history of service to the agricultural community of America,” said Jennifer Rittenhouse, regional marketing manager for Alltech. “Sharing Alltech’s commitment to health and performance of horses, Nutrition Service Co. will help spread the news of the Games to farming communities in America’s Midwest region.”

The Alltech Official Partner Program is a strategic sales and marketing partnership with leading horse feed and animal health companies throughout the world. It enables these global partners to differentiate their feed with the Alltech Equine Advantage and also provides them with the right to use Alltech Official Partner brand marks linked to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. This exclusive program allows partners and their customers to share in the excitement of the world’s most celebrated equestrian championships.


Press Contacts: Elizabeth Adams, Alltech PR
eadams@alltech.com; (859) 401-2964

Wayne Nighorn, President of Nutrition Service
(920) 822-8881

Australia: Valley endurance event falls victim to weather

Gympietimes.com.au - Full Article

12 March 2013

TWO months of extreme weather have forced organisers to postpone the 2013 Far A Way Easter Endurance Carnival in the Mary Valley.

The event committee made the announcement yesterday saying a new date would be advised for a rescheduled event.

"Unprecedented weather events this year and most recent rain events have significantly reduced the availability and compromised the safety of tracks throughout Imbil State Forest," a committee statement read.

"There is no guarantee that the forestry will be in a position to carry out significant repairs in time for competition...

Read more here:
http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/valley-endurance-event-falls-victim-to-weather/1787520/

France: The equine sector and the region of Normandy back the Games

Jemfeialltech2014-normandie.fr

11/03/2013

On Friday 3 March, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy Organising Committee brought together nearly 200 members of the Norman equine sector at the Lower Normandy Crédit Agricole Bank of Caen. The Committee was able to run through its plans for getting everyone to back the event just 18 months before the actual start of the Games.

Laurent Beauvais, president of the Normandie 2014 Organising Committee, along with Fabien Grobon – managing director, and representatives of the regional equestrian authorities (the Regional Equestrian Committee, the Lower Normandy Horse Industry Council, and the Hippolia Foundation for equine research and innovation) made the most of the occasion to review what had already been done and to prepare the major stages of the next 18 months. Those involved in the project were keen to highlight the importance of mobilising the support of the entire region in addition to the equine sector. The idea is to make this event a popular, sporting celebration so that the economic and social benefits for the region will be maximised for the coming 15 years.

« L'Elan des Jeux » (Run up to the Games) : a unifying regional project

As well as being a unique opportunity for Normandy to write a page in the history of top-level equestrian sport, hosting the Games is all part of a serious development strategy for the whole region. It is with this in mind that the call for project initiatives was launched by Luc Avril, the Lower Normandy Council territorial project manager. It is hoped that this will incite people to suggest their projects and to play an active part of the momentum that the Games will generate.

There are currently several thousand sports-related and cultural initiatives on the table, as well as social, non-profit and educational organisations that all stand to be rewarded and given official endorsement. These initiatives should promote Norman excellence, popularise both the event and equestrian activities and encourage an eco-friendly and innovative event.

All the Norman supporters wishing to get involved in the promotion of the Games and equestrian sports in Normandy, on a not-for-profit basis, have until 5 May 2013 to submit their candidature on the www.elandesjeux.fr website (French-only website). The results will be announced from June 2013 onwards.

A 15-year legacy: « Beyond the Games »

This mobilisation should create a long-lasting heritage and breathe new life into the region. Seventeen strategic projects all linked to the Games or to the Games’ partners are going to be set up. They should go towards creating a positive image of Normandy as a region full of vitality. These projects will concern infrastructure/land development, tourism, research, promoting Norman and French excellence in terms of equine research, economy etc They will give prominence to a whole set of values; values that are dear to the Norman people and for which they are proud of. They will be the ambassadors of a truly attractive region. ,

Now is the time to get everyone together for what will be an exceptional year. An expected 500,000 visitors will all be playing a part in the biggest equestrian competition in the world!

Check the official website « Elan des Jeux » www.elandesjeux.fr (French-only website) for further information concerning the territorial project and the call for initiatives.

Great Britain: Endurance GB to run 'Try before you buy' scheme again for 2013

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Madeleine Pitt

8 March, 2013

A scheme run by Endurance GB (EGB) to let people experience competitive endurance riding before becoming a full member of the organisation, will continue for the 2013 season following its success last year.
“Try before you buy” — which was started in 2011 — offers free registration for a horse and rider so they can take part in two competitive novice rides up to 40km before committing to membership.

“[The scheme] has become so popular we have decided to continue it for 2013,” said Endurance GB’s Jo Claridge.

“The number of people wanting to take up endurance riding is increasing all the time, making it one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/389/316151.html

Namibia: Anib Lodge hosts endurance ride

Namibian.com.na

By: STAFF REPORTER
07.03.13

THE Kalahari Endurance Riding Club held its annual endurance ride at Kalahari Anib Lodge on March 2.

Only one of the 29 horses entered for the event did not complete the 80km course.

For newcomer Charles Versfeld from South Africa it was his first endurance ride and he completed it successfully with the support and encouragement of his fellow riders. He was riding the 2011 African Championship winner Manna from Gawie Viljoen’s Zabubega Arabian stud at Keetmanshoop.

Pupils from the Keetmanshoop Private School also performed well in the event.

De Lange Kotze, the route marshal for the day, and Paul Brand, chairman of the Kalahari Endurance Riding Club, had high praise for the route preparation done by Jaco Visser of Kalahari Anib Lodge.

The veterinarian Dr Iris Pack said she was impressed with the condition and fitness of the horses that took part in the ride.
The riders finished in the following order: 1,5km Juniors - Kaylain Visser on Asanib Schatina;

31,5km Senior Standard - Dgini Visser on Edel Delta (first), Jacqueline Nadler on Asanib Isis (second), and Jeanette Swart on Asanib Ismitta (third); 44,5km Juniors - Lizel Pretorius on Toney and Engela Louwrens on Coby;

44,5km Senior Standard - Zaryda Loubser on Que Pasa Sharaf, Elders Corporate on Forest, Reinolt Schurz on Tirat Natan, and Bart Steyl on Baladi;

64,5km Juniors - MJ Garbers on Jomarein Samir;

64,5km Senior Standard – Raymond Schierschmidt on Edl Agbahr Kader, Tobia Kruger on Que Pasa Aziz, and Gabriel van Wyk on Tir’at Jazz;

86,0km Juniors - Zanté Viljoen on Zabubega Shaker, Chané Viljoen on Zabubega Sharat, Philip Knupp on Jahan Sabiha and Jaedene Steenkamp on Zaridha;

86,0km Senior Liggewig - Agarob Matlatla on Kaya, Johannes Swartbooi on Brarab Manasse, Henning Steyn on Zabubega Marzouk, Josef Waters on Karan Shah, Frans van Wyk on Tirat Irex and Johannes Hakskeen on Sheikh Sabaah;
86,0km Senior Standard - Paul Brand on Xanadu, Gawie Viljoen on Zabubega Kahmad and Charles Versfeld on Zabubega Manna.

Australia: Horsing around in Imbil

News-mail.com.au - Full Article

6 March 2013

ENDURANCE horseriders in the Mary Valley will get their last chance to qualify for the famous Tom Quilty Gold Cup National Championship at the Easter carnival hosted in Imbil this year.

To qualify for the national championships held in Kilkivan competitors can participate in the new feature event, a 160km Tom Quilty Queensland Qualifier race, at the Easter carnival from March 28 to April 1.

Far-A-Way Riders president Geoff Fisher said: "With the annual rotation of the Tom Quilty around Australia, it will be six years before Queensland riders again have the chance to compete in their own state."

Endurance horseriders from across Australia will join international competitors at Imbil this Easter to compete in a huge endurance riding program.

The carnival is developed by event organiser the Far-A-Way Riders Association.

Events ranging from 20km to 320km make the Easter carnival an annual highlight for many Queensland endurance riders and others from across Australia...

Read more here:
http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/horsing-around-in-imbil/1780188/

February 2013 Arabian Horse Int'l

Arabianhorseintl.com

The February 2013 issue of Arabian Horse Int'l is out.

Stories feature Khalifa Al Jahouri: Champion of HH The President of the UAE Cup for JYR; 31st Brazilian National Arabian Horse Show: Endurance training and metabolic thresholds; and Meg Wade: Never Say Never.

See the full copy here:
http://www.arabianhorseintl.com/magazine/digital_magazine_fev_2013/

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser meets Simon Brooks - Ward

BNA.bh

05/03/2013

Manama, March 5 (BNA) -- Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa met Simon Brooks-Ward, Event Director and Producer and discussed general procedures for Bahrain’s participation in the 2013 Royal Windsor Horse Show, to be held in the UK from May 8 to 12.
Bahrain is organising an international endurance horse ride on May 12 in the UK on the sidelines of the five-day show.

The ride is one of a variety of equestrian competitions that will take place over four consecutive days in this year's festival, which has a wonderful mix of International Carriage Driving, Showing, Equestrian Displays and first class Jumping.

During his meeting with Brooks-Ward, Shaikh Nasser emphaised that Bahrain’s taking part in this prestigious festival comes in compliance with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad to extend the kingdom’s active presence in international sporting events.
Shaikh Nasser added that the decision was also to highlight Bahrain’s development achievement in different areas, especially in sports, affirming that Bahrain has made a significant step in preparing for its participation in the festival.

The Supreme Council chairman noted that the Bahraini delegation will look to make the most of their presence in the UK during the four-day festival, by promoting Bahrain as one of the countries that featured a quantum leap in different areas.

Both parties also reviewed Bahrain’s preparations to organize the endurance ride on May 12, with several prominent riders from Bahrain and other countries expected to take part.

On his part, Brooks-Ward affirmed that the show organizing committee is keen to make Bahrain’s participation in the UK a very special experience, besides providing ideal conditions for the activities and programmes that will be organised by the Bahraini delegation during the race.

The meeting was also attended by Royal Court chief Abdulla Al Rumaihi, Royal Ceremonies head Khalifa Al Fadhala, Royal Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan and director of Shaikh Nasser Media and Information Centre Tawfeeq Al Salehi.

This year's show celebrates its 70th anniversary, having started in 1943 to raise money for the war effort.

There are classes for the grass roots competitor right through to top international riders, besides four arenas at Royal Windsor, all with a full programme of national and grass roots show jumping as well as Military Services and Pony Club jumping competitions.
EM
Royal Windsor is the first major event of the equestrian showing season. It has 117 showing classes with an additional 20 championships. Over 3,000 horses and ponies compete at Royal Windsor in very prestigious classes.
As for the RWHS British Riding Clubs Championships, it's a unique grass-roots competition offering both riding club and non riding club competitors the once in a life time chance to compete at Royal Windsor.
Qualifier rounds take place around the country throughout the year, with the finals and championships being held in the prestigious Castle Arena at Royal Windsor in 2013.
One of the most important driving events in the UK - The Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix with an FEI World Cup Qualifier for the Four-In-Hand class – will also take place during the festival.
Over 80 competitors from 18 nations take place in this event with the most popular phase; The Marathon taking place on May 11.
The President of the show will be His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who still takes an active part in the event.
EM

Dubai: Dana wins Rashid Festival ride

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

3 March 2013

Dana Mohammed Sharif Al Mutawa astride Hirstglen 
Horizon and Amy Louis McAuley on Nirida de Paute finished a ladies 1-2 in the 120-km Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village on Saturday.
The top two riders and the third-placed Shaikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum on Colonial Boy made a clean sweep by the Seih Assalam Stables in Dubai.

Dana said it was a tough ride as she faced stiff competitions from many strong horses in the final loop.

“I followed the instructions of my trainer Ali Al Muhairi and made a steady progress to the final stage and was able to put up a good display to emerge the winner,” said the 21-year-old Dana. “This is my best finish though Hirstglen Horizon have registered many victories.

19-year-old McAuley, who is a student at the Jumeirah College Dubai said: “I am very happy with my second place in the ride. My previous best has been a top four since I took up the sport fours years ago. A fifth place was Nirida de Paute’s best before...”

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/nationsports/2013/March/nationsports_March32.xml§ion=nationsports

Lesotho Rescue Ride: First Riders Announced

Rescueride.wordpress.com

The first round of riders is in for the Lesotho Rescue Ride, a seven day trek from South Africa into the tiny country of Lesotho and back out. The ride was created to raise awareness about the plight of the horses within the Lesotho Government pounds.

The ride will take place October 1-8, 2013.

Riders are:
Wendy Chambers/Australia. Mongol Derby 2012.
Kevin Price Moor/South Africa. Mongol Derby 2011 (Ride organizer)
Richard Allan/United Kingdom. Mongol Derby 2011
Craig Egberink/South Africa. Mongol Derby Winner 2011
Olivia Swingland/United Kingdom. Mongol Derby 2011
Sophia McKee/United States. Mongol Derby 2011 (Ride organizer)
Bildo Saravia/Mexico
Paul Erskine/South Africa. Mongol Derby 2011

Canada: Solstice sitting tall in the saddle

Mykawartha.com - Full Article

Todd Vandonk|Mar 01, 2013

(BAILIEBORO) Solstice Pecile is well beyond her years when it comes to riding horses.
Solstice's love for horses began at a young age with the help of her mother. She was riding by the time she was able to walk. By the time she was six years old, the now 13 year old was riding on her own.

Solstice hasn't looked back and is starting to make a name for herself in the sport of distance riding, cleaning up at the 2012 Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA) Awards Banquet, earning high point overall horse, competitive trail horse, top junior rider and top Arabian horse.

"I was competing against adults, juniors and people that have been competing in the sport a lot longer then I have, so it is special," explains Solstice.

The sport of distance riding consists of four separate disciplines -- Set Speed, Competitive Trail, Endurance and Ride'n'Tie, each offering a variety of distances to choose from. Scoring focuses on the well-being of the horse which is required to pass a veterinary inspection before, at checkpoints during and again at the finish of all competitions...

Read more here:
http://www.mykawartha.com/community/article/1587315--solstice-sitting-tall-in-the-saddle

Abu Dhabi: Al Jahouri triumphs on Leo again at the Emirates International Endurance Village

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Al Ain schoolboy wins 100km endurance ride at Al Wathba

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: March 1, 2013

Abu Dhabi: Schoolboy Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri confirmed his class as a champion rider when he scored his second win with the same horse, Leo, at the Emirates International Endurance Village at Al Wathba on Friday.

The Al Ain schoolboy scored a convincing win in the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup, but unfortunately will not be able to make good use of his winning prize — a car — as he is just 14 years old.

Friday’s 100km ride, open to horses owned by private stables, was run in four stages and Al Jahouri on 13-year-old chestnut gelding Leo cruised home despite finishing the first 33km loop in third place.

In the second loop of 27km, he moved up another position and then in the final two stages of 24km and 16km he was the leader, eventually winning by more than nine minutes from the second-placed Rashid Saeed Al Kamdah on Ex Caliber. Saeed Ahmad Jaber Al Harthi on Rowallan Simon was third...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-jahouri-triumphs-on-leo-again-at-the-emirates-international-endurance-village-1.1152677

Brazil: Latin Americn Endurance Equestrian Forum

The CBH and FEI for the first time will hold a forum March 15-17 2013 in South America whose primary focus will be to promote high-level discussions for veterinarians, officials, organizers and competitors, generating information exchange between the countries of Latin America.

The forum topics will cover FEI Regulation 2013, horse training endurance, the role of the veterinary team, the officials and competitors, accidents and injury prevention, nutrition, among others.

Panelists include Ian Williams, Head Endurance Dept FEI, Jean-Louis Leclerc, Brazil chef d'equipe, and veterinarians Guilherme Ferrza, Pepe Verocay, Edison Pagoto, and Alexandre Gobesso.

For more information, see
http://www.enduroonline.com.br/forum_latino_americano_de_enduro_equestre2013.php