Epic ride through the Americas close to completion

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Aug 30, 2013

A German adventurer is crossing the Alaskan wilderness on horseback, nearing the end of one of the most remarkable equestrian journeys in history. His epic trip began nearly 20 years earlier in Patagonia, near the southern tip of South America.

Guenter Wamser is currently out of contact, but is almost certainly nearing the end of his epic journey, during which he has covered more than 25,000 kilometers (15,535 miles).

In 1994, Guenter, an airplane mechanic by trade, set out from Patagonia on horseback with the intention or riding north to the top of Alaska...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/08/30/epic-ride-americas-close-completion/#axzz2dSp7gJWL

Australia: Alwyn's Life in the Saddle

Weeklytimesnow.com.au - Full Article

Johanna Leggatt | August 28, 2013

AWLYN Torenbeek "doesn't do anything in life that doesn't give him a natural high".

That's the words of the retired stockman and rodeo champion.

From rough riding horses in rodeo tournaments in his late teens to competing in endurance horse rides in his late 70s, Alwyn has always ripped off a fair chunk of life.

Such is the strength of the stories at his disposal, Alwyn finally relented to friends’ requests and shared his ups and downs with author David Gilchrist, in the newly released memoir Life in the Saddle.

“You have got to want to get out of bed every day when it is still dark to feed the horses,” he says.

“You have to want to live. It is no different from when you are riding a big bad horse that wants you off it, the thing is, you have to want to stay on.”

Alwyn has always wanted to stay on the horse, and as the wild and talented teen discovered, was pretty good at it, too.

He grew up mustering cattle on his parents’ property at Myella in Kokotunga, south-west of Rockhampton in Queensland, before leaving to work as a “taker” on a nearby station in his teens...

Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2013/08/28/580793_country-living.html

Endurance Team Great Britain Announced for the FEI European Endurance Championships

Endurancegb.co.uk

5th August 2013
Holdsworth PR and Marketing report that Endurance GB has announced the team of horses and riders that will represent Great Britain at the FEI European Endurance Championships 2013

Link to Team Profiles

The riders in alphabetical order are:

· Beccy Broughton-Booker from Nottinghamshire riding Mr & Mrs T Broughton’s Tawmarsh Muharram
· Carrie-Ann Dark from Wiltshire riding her own Vavavoom
· Emma Finnie from Abu Dhabi Riding Al Wathba Stables’ Baraka Farid or Djella D’Enfer
· Annette Masterson from Staffordshire riding her own El Sabio or Millenium Chorus

Chairman of selectors, Di Latham said, on behalf of the selectors and management team, “This year’s team is a combination of new and experienced members. This is a perfect mix for the European Championships in preparation for the World Equestrian Games next year”.

Team Chef d’Equipe, Annabelle Scofield said, “It is very exciting to have new blood in the team. Each one of the members brings their own knowledge and experience. Emma has competed extensively in endurance and showjumping in Abu Dhabi, Carri-Ann comes to the senior team off the back of a Young Rider medal in 2012, Annette was a member of the 2012 World Endurance Championships team and Beccy is very experienced at senior level. We are expecting all the riders and crew to pull together really well”.

Chairman of EGB’s International Committee, Emma Miller, said, “This is a strong team of committed and hardworking riders. We are confident they will rise to the challenge in the Czech Republic”.

The FEI CEI 4* European Endurance Championships takes place 12 - 15 September, at Most in the North West of the Czech Republic; the riders will compete over a course of 160km in distance.

There will be a live twitter feed throughout the day of the Championships @enduranceGB, #Egbeuros. For further information about the sport of endurance riding visit www.endurancegb.co.uk.

For more information about the British equestrian team go to www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk.

France: Test Summary Test of 2014 WEG in Normandy

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

August 24 2013
[google translation]

One of the more Raid International Judges requested by the Committee Organizers important evidence in the international calendar, Fernando Carrillo, has made a summary of this test Test, preparatory Raid World 2014 to be held by the Norman lands in France next year 2014.

Sure that these views of a lover Judge Raid and expert in the field, have your weight within the Organizing Committee to make a good World Cup and that everything runs through the trails CRAVED of participants and assists ( how good and important work done in Equestrian Endurance test), and for much the public, which will likely resort to an event of such importance and resonance within the Raid World.

This is written by Fernando:

"Many friends have called me to know how was the test event for WEG 2014 and asked me to make a summary.

No professional is a summary only say the things that caught my attention.

The first thing people and people of Normandy, very kind and willing to WEG 2014 raid that goes well or yes.

And I am referring to several things, first, there are few since they cross paths huge farms and roads intersect and in each farm-road crossing two volunteers of the organization that become cops when national wagons.

I think there were more than 200 volunteers. I did not count but they were everywhere.

Countless have reaped corn farms for the tour passes by, making broad ways in which fit more than 5 horses at par. Victorian mansions, have opened their farm for horses passing by, even in some spend almost next to the front door.

Going through the villages is amazing, in this day, public holiday in France, people in some places, set up tables with food and drink and there were applauding every rider or group of riders passed.

Nothing to say about the gallop along the beaches, one with the Mont St. Michel in the background, each think or imagine what you want, but I will tell you is not to be missed. Cool!

The mountain route without hills but with up and down but also with flat stages. The sandy soil in many places, you have to run with head, especially if it's hot, it did the day before and had a very high temperature with high humidity.
The very large vet gate and next year it will be even more like the enclosure of blocks, which occupy part of what was the vet gate this year.

The assists very well marked and very large sites, the route well marked and signposted and also, again, volunteers fluorescent overalls and stop signs all over the place. Health, medical and ambulance assistance and one in every other fixed with two mobile hospitals vet gate.

I think it has all the ingredients to be a success, considering also that the Secretariat and the organization is run by one of the most experienced Organizing Committees in organizing European Championships as that of Compiegne.

I think I do not forget anything, perhaps only downside the distance to other events or equestrian disciplines, we will be slightly apart, but hopefully not for that, we are forgotten.

I attached some photos for you to see with your eyes what I have told you. "

Thanks Fernando for your contribution to our discipline riding is increasingly important and competitive.

Greetings from Gabriel.

Spain: Shortlist for the European Championships in Most (Czech Republic)

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

[google translate]

In the page of the Spanish Equestrian Federation give us the list of names of those who will binomials of the five pairs selected to attend the Senior European Championship in Most, Czech Republic Raid.

This is the note of the Federation:

List of names for the Senior European Championships RAID MOST, Czech Republic.

After a first round of tests conducted in recent weeks, the 10 riders who have entered the list of names for MOST of which will the final list of 5, is:

María Álvarez Pontón con NOBBY
Jaume Punti Dachs con QURAN EL ULM
Laia Muixi Crusellas con FLYNG TORNADE
Bernat Casals Fores con DZSAMILA P
Florentino Pereira Suarez con AGENTE 67
Ingrid Valls Vazquez con FLETXA D’OR
Ibon Alberdi Sánchez con ABANDO AB BAKAR
Maria Uriarte Cañellas con RUFO
Angel Soy Coll con FOR-XINXETA
Javier Cervera Sanchez-Arnedo con STRAWBLADE

Next week will start the end of selection tests that define the final team that will travel to the European Championships representing Spain.

The One-Year Countdown for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy Starts Today

August 23 2013

[CAEN, France] – The one-year countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM 2014 in Normandy began today. In just 365 days, the streets of Caen will overflow with excitement as Normandy opens its doors to 1,000 international competitors, their families, trainers, more than 1,000 horses, 1,200 journalists, and more than 500,000 fans and spectators from 60 countries for 16 days of world championship sport from Aug. 23 until Sept. 7. Alltech, a leader in optimal animal health, nutrition and performance, is the proud title sponsor of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM 2014 in Normandy, and will make history in France with the largest equestrian event ever held on French soil.
 
“The Games in Normandy hold a special significance for Alltech, touching every aspect of our business, motivating employee engagement, supporting our philanthropic and educational endeavors and establishing solid ties in the Normandy region for years to come,” said Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech. “We are proud and delighted to be a part of this one-world event for the second time, having become the event’s first title sponsor through the last edition of the Games in Kentucky in 2010.”
 
As the world population moves closer to a 9 billion apex by 2050, Alltech’s title sponsor status provides a unique opportunity to feature the importance of agriculture to a global audience and to communicate Alltech’s passion for improving efficiency, profitability and sustainability on the farm through natural nutrition and scientific innovation.
 
The greatness associated with crowning eight world championships during the Games embodies Alltech values of peak performance and excellence, achievable in humans and animals by natural nutrition.
 
Alltech believes in supporting people where they work and live. The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM in Kentucky produced close to $400 million USD in supplemental tax and tourism revenue for the state. For 2014, Alltech is actively supporting tourism to Normandy. Alltech already led a Kentucky delegation of business leaders to Normandy in 2012. In April of this year, Alltech welcomed 30 of its Alltech Official Games Partners to France from 27 countries. In 2014, for the Games, 40 Alltech Official Games Partners will return, yet with hundreds of their clients and families this time. Alltech will also organize one of its most important annual conferences in Normandy in 2014, gathering more than 500 international dairy and beef farmers in the region during the Games. 
 
Over the course of the next year, Alltech will increase staffing at its newest office in Caen, drawing approximately 100 employees from around the world to support its sponsorship efforts.  In France, Alltech is also expanding its sales force and has invested in a three-year digestive equine research project with the AgroSup Equine Masters Program in Dijon, France.
 
An additional benefit, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM 2014 in Normandy will engage and unify Alltech employees as brand ambassadors.
 
“The title sponsorship is now a part of the company’s DNA, and our brand ambassadors, all 3,000 of our employees, are actively spreading the excitement about the Alltech FEI World Equestrian GamesTM 2014  in Normandy in 128 Alltech countries around the world,” said Catherine Keogh, chief marketing officer at Alltech.
 
“We salute Alltech’s enthusiasm to support Normandy in so many creative ways. Alltech truly lives their values of passion, performance and excellence, going above and beyond in everything they do, which includes promoting  Normandy and the spirit of equestrian sport around the world  to their partners, customers, and employees,” said Laurent Beauvais, president of the 2014 Organizing Committee and president of the region of Lower Normandy.

Press Contacts:

Marcelle C. Rousseau, Equine and Sponsorship PR
mrousseau@alltech.com; + 33 (0) 6 72 39 79 59
Susanna Elliott, Alltech PR
suelliott@alltech.com; +1 859- 473-2696

FNB Namibia Endurance Champs

Namibiasport.com - Full Article

Submitted by editor on Fri, 08/23/2013

The annual FNB Namibia Endurance African Championships will be held in Walvis Bay on Wednesday, August 28.

FNB Namibia has supported this event for the past five years and recently announced a sponsorship of N$50 000 for this year’s event.

Ingrid Goeieman, Manager Sponsorships and Donations at FNB Namibia:

“Apart from the fact that this is a sport event and FNB Namibia is the number one supporter of a variety of sporting codes in Namibia, we also appreciate the fact that this event is about endurance, stamina and a never-give-up- attitude,” she said.

“These are all qualities we admire in our staff as well as clients, ranging from SME owners to big corporate clients and we therefore wholeheartedly support such occasions,” she added.

Zelda von Schauroth of Namibia Endurance said:

“Namibia Endurance hosts their 18th flagship event with an expected record amount of entries. Apart from the four Namibian teams, heavy weight, senior standard weight, no weight and young rider teams, there are also teams from South Africa and Botswana. We expect between 180 and 200 horses to depart before sunrise in very misty conditions on a course lit with blinking lights.”

She went on to say that the course this year was very challenging and interesting with the second loop of the 120km being over the notorious Dune 7, a huge challenge for horse and rider...

Read more here:
http://www.namibiasport.com.na/node/32242

Riding high on State success

Drew Timbs
22nd Aug 2013

photo: Young gun James Coop in the saddle.

THE Gympie region's horse riding talent continues to thrive after local endurance veteran Ken Moir and up-and-coming rider James Coop recently won the Queensland Endurance Riding Championships.

Winning the middleweight category and junior category respectively, Moir and Coop have a special relationship they formed three years ago.

After showing interest in the sport when he was 12, Coop asked Moir to be his mentor and after some practice on a small pony, the youngster was ready to tackle some of the bigger events.

Only finishing fourth at last year's Queensland Championships, Coop has now stormed to the front of his competition and Moir says the promising 15 year old has a bright future ahead.

"He is showing incredible talent and I'm actually in awe of his impressive race last weekend," Moir said.

"It's one of the fastest 160km I have ever seen in more than 15 years of endurance riding and racing."

Averaging more than 18kmh, Coop led from start to finish which was another incredible feat.

"We headed out together and our game plan was to go out hard and maintain the lead," 61-year-old Moir said.

"On the fourth stage I told James to push on and he did exactly that which is amazing to see such a young rider going so well on his own."

In anticipation for the event, the Gympie duo trained on their horses up to five days a week travelling more than 30km to condition their horses Shian and Cameo Helmzman.

When asked where they get their inspiration, Moir said they can always look up to Alwyn Torenbeek.

"He's the oldest endurance riding going around at the age of 76," he said.

"It's an honour to know him and ride alongside him. He hardly ever misses an endurance ride and has a true passion for it."

The local duo hadn't planned what they are taking on next but whatever it is, they are likely to succeed.
[More ...]

One for the bucket list: Australia’s Quilty ride

Australia's famous Tom Quilty Ride is on the bucket list of endurance riders world-wide. Amanda Rayner looks back at the history of the ride, and forward to its net running as the 2014 Australian National Championships in Western Australia.

One for the bucket list: Australia’s Quilty ride [More ...]

Canada: Young riders on 145-km endurance expedition

Journalpioneer.com - Full Article

Published on August 19, 2013
Eric McCarthy

ALBERTON – Green Cart day in Alberton proved to be the biggest challenge Monday for some of the young riders on the first leg of their 145-kilometre horseback riders. Five Trailblazers with the Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary Youth Club are using the ride to help fulfill the requirements of their Duke of Edinburgh Challenge Program.

They left St. Felix shortly before 10 a.m. Monday and arrived at the Prince County Exhibition Fair Grounds in Alberton just after 2 p.m., travelling mostly cross-country and on dirt roads where possible. The horses were being stabled at the fairgrounds Monday night and their riders were staying with them.

Today, Tuesday, the group will ride to Port Hill, travelling mostly along Highway 12.

Big transfer trucks are a concern admitted Ashley Crombie, 22, who was riding Image, 15.

“You have to talk to them,” she said of the need to keep their horse calm. “I just say, ‘easy girl...’”

Read more here:
http://www.journalpioneer.com/News/Local/2013-08-19/article-3356823/Young-riders-on-145-kilometer-endurance-expedition/1

Hong Kong Riders Complete WEG Test Ride

Nicky Freud photo

August 19 2013

The latest country to start competing in endurance gave a very good account of themselves at the WEG test ride. There were only two countries to get their two riders home - Holland was one and Hong Kong was the other. Jason Tse and Vivian Cheung, who are more than happy to embrace 'To Finish Is To Win,'  brought their horses home in 24th and 25th positions, having been delighted to have ridden with Meg Sleeper on the fourth loop.

Their horses, Siroco Toul Ar C'hoat and Chazan, are trained in the UK by Richard Allen and Nicky Freud.

Kingwood equestrian rides for U.S. in France

NJ.com - Full Article

By Lillian Shupe/Hunterdon County Democrat
on August 18, 2013 at 2:27 PM, updated August 18, 2013 at 2:28 PM

Dr. Margaret Sleeper of Kingwood Township was one of two riders that represented the United States at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games endurance test event on Friday, Aug. 16. The ride was held at Sartilly in Manche, France.

Sleeper rode Sandra Fretelliere's 10-year-old mare Tikis Twistyr. The pair had moved up from 50th in the first loop to 30th at the end of the third. The horse became lame in the fourth lap and was disqualified.

Sleeper, who was a last-minute substitution, was the highest placed American at the Longines FEI World Endurance Championship a year ago...

Read more here:
http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2013/08/kingwood_equestrian_to_ride_in.html

France: Hamdan wins endurance race

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

18 August 2013

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, emerged winner of the 130-km preparatory race of the World Endurance Cup 2014 held in Normandy, France, on Friday.

At the end of the race, which was held in four stages, Shaikh Hamdan was crowned the champion amid a storm of applause by spectators who attended the race.

“I dedicate this win to all the young UAE riders and wish them good luck for the World Cup race next year,” said Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed...

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/nationsports/2013/August/nationsports_August114.xml§ion=nationsports

Royal Team excel in Normandy ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

Posted on » Saturday, August 17, 2013

THE Royal Endurance Team's success in Europe continued yesterday with a fine showing in the international endurance ride held in the territory of Normandy in France.

Led by team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Al Khalidiyah Stables commander Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Bahrainis were among the race's elite.

Royal Team ace Raed Mahmood finished as the overall runner-up, being beaten only by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum from the UAE, who registered an impressive victory.

Oman's Ahmad Hamdani finished in third, confirming the high class of Gulf-based riders on the international stage, especially in European races. Yesterday's event also featured many riders from across the continent and the rest of the world.

Delight

Shaikh Nasser expressed his extreme delight with the fine performance of Mahmood, and said that it was an important step in the Royal Team's preparations as they gear up to participate in next year's world championships, which are set to be held in the same French venue.

For his part, Shaikh Khalid praised the efforts of the Royal Team as well as that of Sheikh Hamdan, who had a wonderful ride en route to claiming the win.

He added that the Royal Team continues to succeed in their events thanks to the guidance of Shaikh Nasser, who gives the utmost care and support to the sport.

Sheikh Hamdan won the four-stage race in a total time of six hours 14 minutes 34 seconds. He led from the very start of the race and never trailed the field.

Mahmood followed in the runner-up spot with a time of 6:18:02, while Oman's Hamdani claimed third place after clocking a finishing time of 7:02:28.

The Royal Team had two other participants in the event, including Ghazi Al Dossary and Issa Al Hazza. Both of the Bahraini riders were forced to pull out during the opening stage due to injury to their respective horses.

Yesterday's ride was the latest event on the Royal Team's European campaign this summer season.

They had previously participated in another event also held in Normandy but at a different location. Al Dossary was then the winner of the 125-kilometre ride, while fellow-Bahraini Mohammed Khatri claimed first place in the 90km race.

France: 2014 World Equestrian Games test events begin with endurance race

First-place finishers HE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (left) riding Nikos, and HE Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum and Yamamah competing at the endurance test event for the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Photo: Philippe Millereau KMSP Horsechannel.com

With just over a year to go, WEG preparations took off in the village of Sartilly, France.
August 17, 2013

Edited Press Release

The test events for next year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ opened with endurance in the Basse-Normandie village of Sartilly today, and it was HE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Nikos who took the honours for the United Arab Emirates.

Bahrain’s Raed Mahmood, deputising for HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who was sidelined by injury, was three minutes 28 seconds behind for the runner-up spot with Sandine Phoenix, while Oman’s Ahmed Al Hamdani and Raffale de la Fageole were some distance behind the two leaders to claim third, fractionally ahead of Spain’s Jaume Punti on Ramses de la Rotja.

A total of 58 horses representing 35 countries set out at 6:30 a.m. on the four-loop, 129.3-kilometer (approximately 80-mile) course designed by Jean-Louis Leclerc of France, who skillfully incorporated the naturally occurring challenges of the Normandy countryside, including hills, forests and beaches. The scenic track wound past iconic landmarks, including the island commune at Mont Saint-Michel and the beautiful Abbaye de la Lucerne.

Sheikh Hamdan, who was a member of the gold medal winning team at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky and at last year’s world championships in Euston Park in Great Britain, was in the leading pack throughout today’s ride. Team mate HE Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum and Yamamah headed the front-runners until the Australian mare was vetted out for lameness at the final vet gate, leaving Sheikh Hamdan out on his own to claim a classy victory with the 12-year-old gelding, Nikos, returning to the land of his birth after training in Dubai for the summer.

"It was a very good course”, Sheikh Hamdan said after his win. "It was technically challenging and needed an experienced rider who thinks, and that’s what will be needed for next year too.”

Bahrain’s Raed Mahmood took over the ride on the Australian-bred Sandine Phoenix following the injury to Sheikh Nasser at Argentan (FRA) last month when the eight-year-old gelding fell, leaving his owner with a fractured wrist. But Sheikh Nasser was on hand in Sartilly to see his horse challenge for the lead and eventually claim second.

"It was definitely a technical course”, Sheikh Nasser said, "and we knew it wouldn’t be a fast track, but that’s what endurance is all about.”

Ahmed Al Hamdani, a member of the Omani bronze medal team at last year’s world championships, was also riding a French-bred gelding, Rafale de la Fageole. The pair led the second group of horses across the finish line for third place, almost 45 minutes behind the winners, but just two seconds divided Al Hamdani and Spain’s Jaume Punti Dachs and Ramses de la Rotja in fourth.

The Spanish rider is celebrating after his wife Maria Alvarez Ponton gave birth to the couple’s third child last Saturday. The baby girl is called Anna, and her mother is hoping to defend her European title at the championships in Most (CZE) next month if she is fit enough.

Today’s endurance competition was the first in a series of test events that will be staged by the organising committee in the build-up to next year’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™. Eventing also started today with Dressage, and continues with the Cross Country at Haras du Pin tomorrow, while Driving takes centre stage at the Hippodrome in Caen next week (23-25 August).

"The test events are designed to test both the sport and the logistics and today has given us lots of valuable feedback”, said Fabien Grobon, CEO of the Organising Committee. "For endurance it is important to provide a good course that tests the horses and riders, but keeps the welfare of the horse to the fore. We know that there are some things that we will have to change for next year, but we will work closely with the FEI and the National Federations to make sure everything is right for 2014.”

Ian Williams. FEI Director of Endurance, was also pleased with the outcome of today’s competition. "It was a very good test event and did exactly what a test event should do, which is to highlight some of the very good aspects of what will be in place for the 2014 endurance event, as well as identify aspects that need some work. Overall it has been an extremely good day that was very much appreciated by everyone who has been here.”

Results:

HE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum (UAE), Nikos, 6:14:34;
Raed Mahmood (BRN), Sandine Phoenix, 6:18:02;
Ahmed Al Hamdani (OMA), Rafale de la Fageole, 7:02:28;
Jaume Punti Dachs (ESP), Ramses de la Rotja, 7:02:30;
Brigitte Pinto (POR), Nita Lotoise, 7:09:51;
Mahmood Al Fori (OMA), Osmos, 7:09:54.

France: 680 volunteers on the field of play this summer !

Alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com

August 12 2013

680 volunteers will be put to task this summer as they help with the organisation of three preparatory events in August: Endurance on 16th August in Sartilly, Eventing from 16th to 18th August at Le Pin National Stud and Caen, and Driving from 22nd to 25th August in Caen. This is a great practice run for when the Games begin in August 2014.

Thousands of candidates expressed an interest in working at the preparatory events in August 2013 when they applied to become a volunteer, but the Organising Committee decided to invite only candidates from the local region or those with significant experience in one of the three disciplines concerned: driving, endurance and eventing.

These 680 candidates, who will help the Committee to lay the foundations this year, will make up the core of the volunteer programme for 2014. “The work that we are doing at the moment is similar to what we will be doing for the main event, but on a smaller scale since only 680 candidates will be in action this summer, compared with 3,000 during the Games in 2014,” points out Samuel Hallifax, the manager of the volunteer programme. “The aim is to test the facilities, to see whether the volunteers are happy with their jobs, and to draw as much as we can from these events so that we are ready on the day,” he added.

The volunteer programme will be tested during the preparatory events, though on a smaller scale than next year. The major differences will concern:

The number of volunteers: 3,000 volunteers in total in 2014 compared with just 680 in 2013: around 220 volunteers per site: Le Pin National Stud, Sartilly and Caen.
Interviews:1 week of interviews (May 2013) with around twenty recruiters for the preparatory event, compared with 6 weeks of interviews (October-December 2013) with around forty recruiters for the 2014 Games.
Volunteer missions: the number of missions is limited for the preparatory events: primarily sports-related (100 signallers on the course, managing the stables, assisting the national squads and the officials, etc.), but also transport, security, accreditations, humans resources, entertainment and accommodation. There will be no tasks related to commercial activities (sponsorship, ticketing, shop, exhibitors, etc.), communication (communication, marketing, media etc.), or spectator reception (ushers, etc.) this year, as our 3 preparatory events will not be open to spectators, unlike next year, when 500,000 spectators are expected in Lower Normandy from 23rd August to 7th September.
Training: a “lightweight” training programme will be in place for the test events, consisting of 2 training sessions per volunteer: 1 about the job itself and 1 on site (although we must remember that the test events also represent a large part of their training). In 2014, there will be 3 training sessions held between June and August 2014: 1 job-specific session, 1 general session and 1 on site. Leadership training will also be included.

The thousands of other candidates that have applied should not be concerned if they have not yet been contacted. Interview dates will be sent out by email sometime between September and November 2013, and the 5,000 candidates will be invited to an informal individual “interview” sometime between October and December 2013. The Organising Committee is very flexible and several interview dates will be proposed to candidates. Those living far away from Caen can even opt to have their interview by telephone instead.

The definitive appointment of the 3,000 chosen volunteers who will help with the organisation of the event will be made in March 2014 at the latest.

The 3 training sessions will take place between June and August 2014.

Important Dates:

- September – November 2013: Candidates are invited to an individual interview

- October – December 2013: Individual interviews are held in Caen or by telephone.

- February – March 2013: The 3,000 chosen volunteers are appointed.

- June – August 2013: 3 training sessions: 1 job-specific session, 1 general session, 1 on site.

All information is available on the volunteers’ page, which can be accessed via your account, so please remember to log in regularly. You will receive an email at every stage (volunteer open day, appointment, training, etc.) but this email may be treated as spam, so make sure you also check your junk mail inbox.

For any information about the volunteer programme, please visit our website at the following address: http://www.jemfeialltech2014-normandie.fr/benevoles. If you would like to apply to become one of the 3,000 volunteers who will take part in the Games from 23rd August to 7th September 2014, please click here.

- See more at: http://www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com/en/news/les-b--n--voles-se-font-la-main-a203.html#sthash.3r1zWVpH.dpuf

FEI Anti-Doping Video

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

[google translation]

Saturday, August 10, 2013

Anti-Doping Control in accordance with the FEI.

In this video, you can clearly see, the Anti-Doping controls that you can perform in any National or International testing participants in Equestrian Endurance tests.

Because not knowing the rules, do not exclude a possible sanction, one must know the obligations or prohibitions using certain substances that can give positive Anti-Doping control, as well as regulations when and to whom power should be asked to use these doping substances.

This is the video link with the regulations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mJ8eB48FpQ&feature=youtu.be

I hope this video can serve riders and trainers of horses Equestrian Endurance, not to conflict with the Official regulations.

Greetings from Gabriel.

France: US Rider Marcia Hefker Finishes 19th in Sartilly WEG Test Event

August 16 2013

USA Rider Marcia Hefker, riding Quadad Al Jahid (owned by Cecile Dumas of France) finished 19th in the World Equestrian Games 130-km CEI** Endurance test event in Sartilly, France. Hefker completed the course in 8:32.56 for an average pace of 15.12 km/h. USA rider Meg Sleeper, aboard Tikis Twistyr (owned by Sandra Fretelliere of France) completed the course but was pulled at the finish for lameness.

The race was won by UAE's Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum, riding Nikos, in 6:14.13 for an average speed of 20.71 km/h. Bahrain's Raed Mahmood riding Sandine Phoenix was second in 6:18.02, followed by Oman's Ahmed al Hamdani in third, riding Raffale De La Fageole in 7:02.28. Spain's Jaume Punti finished 2 seconds later on Ramses De La Jotja.

Canada's Jessica Manness finished 23rd on Petit Loup D'Jolie, while Yvette Vinton on Gazal Pompoius was eliminated after loop 3.

There were 58 starters and 27 finishers.

Complete results at:
http://www.atrm-systems.fr/index0esp.htm

Mongolia: Brit wins endurance race

Weeklytimesnow.com.au - Full Article

Jan Heine | August 16, 2013

BRITAIN's Laura Prior-Palmer has become the first woman to win a 1000km horse race across Mongolia.

Prior-Palmer, 19, the niece of Britain's elite eventer Lucinda Greene, crossed the line second, but took first place due to a technicality.

She is the first British person and the youngest rider to win the 1000km race.

American Devan Horn, 20, crossed the finish line in pole position but due to his horse's heart rate staying elevated for too long he was given a two hour penalty to take 2nd place.

The Mongol Derby is recognised as one of the longest and toughest horse races in the world crossing Mongolia.

With approximately eight days of riding, travelling light was of the utmost importance and the need for washing during the eight days was given little importance.

Prior-Palmer travelled light with only her sleeping bag on her back along with a GPS and water - as the horses used were barely broken they were unlikely to accept saddlebags...

Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2013/08/16/579850_horses.html

2014 Normandy WEG: 85,000 tickets already sold!

Alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com

85,000 tickets have already been sold since ticket sales opened on 6th June 2013 !

This number represents the tickets sold to FFE members (30,000) and those reserved by the official ticket agencies, which offer packages that include transport and accommodation. The Organising Committee estimated that 120,000 tickets could be sold by the end of the year, a target that is well on its way to being reached.
- See more at: http://www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com/en/news/les-br--ves-du-mois-d-ao--t-2013-a205.html#sthash.QilKpMa6.dpuf

World Equestrian Games to host CEI2* Endurance Test in Normandy

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

August 8, 2013
By Pamela@horsereporter

August 8, 2013, Normandy, France ~ WEG Endurance CEI2* Test Event slated for 16th August, 2013.

As the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy gains momentum, the Organizing Committee is set to test various aspects of its organization during preparatory events in August 2013. These events, which feature in the national and international calendar, though at a lower level than the main event in 2014, will take place in some of the official 2014 Games venues but will not be open to the general public. The Endurance test event (CEI2* level), will be held in Sartilly (Manche) on Friday 16th August 2013.

ENDURANCE CEI** SARTILLY in Northwestern France (Mont-St. Michel -Normandy)

Emmett Ross Chef d’ Equipe, USA Endurance, will be on tap with two top USA endurance riders to test the trails.

“Yes we are coming with a small group– most of us arrive on 13th for the 16th race, ” said Ross. ”We will have two riders, the limit allowed by the OC. Meg Sleeper and Marcia Hefker will be riding just to complete and assess much of trail.

Ross said a few other horse owners, US team hopefuls, and ride support will also come to help and preview the trail and venue. “The two rider’s trail reports and some hiking on the trails by us will be used to assess the trail and give me and selectors an idea on who might thrive on this trail,” continued Ross...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=7649

Provisional start list is here:
http://www.jemfeialltech2014-normandie.fr/files/fck/files/Provisional%20start%20list%20Sartilly.pdf

Two US Endurance Riders Will Ride in 2014 WEG Test Event

USEquineendurance.org

US  Athletes and Others will Attend the Endurance Test Event for the 2014 World Equestrian Games – Two will ride.

Two endurance athletes, Meg Sleeper of Pennsylvania and Marcia Hefker from Colorado will  be the United States riders at the upcoming WEG test event in Normandy, France. Others will attend to support the riders and observe.

​The ride, an FEI2*, is one of several pre-game events intended to help WEG organizers test their operation systems (organization, logistics, timing, scoring, etc.) while at the same time offering endurance teams from around the world the opportunity to pre-ride part of the course.  The test events also allow the participating nations to become familiar with the organization and provide the National Federations with the opportunity to give feedback to the organizers.

​Each of the 40 countries expected to attend was invited to send two riders.  The US riders will lease two French owned and trained horses.   US athletes will be accompanied by Emmett Ross (Chef d’Equipe) and Vonita Bowers (USEF Director of Endurance).  Other team hopefuls, owners and crew members expected to attend include Skip Lightfoot, Amy Atkins, Lisanne Dorion, Dave Augustine, Steve Betzel and Valery Kanavy. Information obtained at the test event will be used to inform training programs back home and to develop the right team of horses and riders for the WEG competition August 2014.

​More information about the test event can be found here:    
http://www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com/files/fck/files/COMMUNIQUE%20DE%20PRESSE%20-%20EPREUVES%20PREPA%20UK%20-%20OK.pdf

The Endurance CEI2* Test Event will not be open to the general public.

As the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy project gains momentum, the Organising Committee is set to test various aspects of its organisation during preparatory events in August 2013. These events, which feature in the national and international calendar, though at a lower level than the main event in 2014, will take place in some of the official 2014 Games venues but will not be open to the general public. Below you will find all of the information regarding the Endurance test event (CEI2* level), which will be held in Sartilly (Manche) on Friday 16th August 2013.

http://www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com/en/news/endurance-cei2--test-event-information---16th-august-2013-a200.html

Thoughts on the Raid World Junior in Tarbes (FRANCE)

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

August 10 2013

[google translation]

My friend Oscar Ricca, from his native Uruguay, I submitted a series of reflections of the past World Junior Raid in Tarbes (FRA), run past July 27, 2013.
As one of the participants in this World Cup, attending his daughter Oriana Ricca, that such good results obtained in these World with Jon Fernandez Spanish mare "Talitha Kumi 50%", being ranked in the fourth place of those World, can give us a review of how the events occurred before, during, and after the race.
The events are not known, can not be measured, so if after a championship as important, such as a World and draw some conclusions, it is impossible to improve for the next. Sure that the memory test is conducted by competent bodies, but an assessment of a sufferer of all these circumstances, are valued and taken into account for future international events, since language is one of the drawbacks or setbacks Oscar describes us.


"THE BAD, THE REGULAR AND THE GOOD OF THE WORLD AND / R OF TARBES, France, 2013.
From my point of view only, I will tell you some details, which at best, can serve to improve in future competitions. Reflections are:

THE BAD:
1.-THE START. A real mess. Some authorities authorized, others stopped, other largaban before ... everything!
Two. - SUPPORT POSTS. - Very distant, without any signaling and difficult to park and get out in time for another post of support.
Three. - DEVICE FOR COOLING A VET BEFORE THE HORSES CHEK. - Very little space, the provision of water tanks should be in the same direction between arrival and control.

USUALLY:
1. - THE LANGUAGE. All in French. As an international event, it should have taken into account the English language, too.
Two. - BATHS. Especially for the ladies.

THE GOOD:
1. - JOGGING TRACK. - Notable
Two. - GIVEN EXCELLENT TREATMENT FOR ALL OFFICERS, SECRETARY, ETC.
Three. - PRIZES: Great Good! For its quantity and quality.
As in all international events, the best thing to always remember is the treatment shown to us all fulfill some function. In this World Cup, the deal was EXCELLENT!
We returned to our Country, very happy to have received a great reward to the enormous effort we made. Doors were opened to us, we interact with various players in the world, a real success, beyond positions to finish the race.
But it was a real success Talita Kumi involving 50% with Oriana, so that was very generous reward.
Now we begin to dream of another project ... Normandy! Basques and Uruguayan together again!.
Thank you very much, friend Gabriel by this inexhaustible vein of friendship that you have generated.
Big hug. Oscar ".

Thanks Oscar for your contribution to the improvements of the tests within the global environment.
Greetings from Gabriel.

Canada: Melhuish, Hudson celebrate success of first High Sage event

Lillooetnews.net - Full Article

AUGUST 7, 2013

WENDY FRASER
After 55 miles and more than seven-and-half demanding hours of endurance riding, it all came down to seven riders and their horses galloping to the finish line with mere seconds between them.

Organizers June Melhuish and Scott Hudson say they couldn’t have asked for a better finish to the High Sage Ride, the first endurance ride they organized after years of June and their daughters Nora and Molly riding competitively in endurance events.

The July 27 High Sage event featured three rides – a 50 Mile event that was re-sanctioned to a 55-mile distance, a 22 Mile event and an 11 Mile fun ride for newcomers to the sport. Twenty-six riders saddled up for the challenging 55 Mile ride, 21 competitors entered the 22 Mile ride and four riders gave the 11 Mile event a try. Competitors came from the United States, Fort St. John, 100 Mile House, the Okanagan and the Lower Mainland...

Read more here:
http://www.lillooetnews.net/article/20130807/LILLOOET0108/308079994/-1/lillooet/melhuish-hudson-celebrate-success-of-first-high-sage-event

World Championships for Icelandic Horses - Berlin 2013

Icelandreview.com - Full Article

Long-Distance Ride to Berlin

Participants of the traditional long-distance ride preceding the World Cup arrived in Berlin from three different directions, traveling with the FEIF greeting message. Among them were hardcore trail riders like the couple Christel Velte and Walter Schmid, who rode the ‘southern route’ of 800 km (500 miles) from Austria to Berlin, as Eiðfaxi reports.

On the ‘western route’ a whole Board of Directors of the IPZV rode through the extremely densely-populated Rhine-Westphalia, which similar to the wild glacial rivers of South Iceland, is not really made for long-distance riding because either expressways or huge cities are in the way.

Therefore, the first part from the Dutch border near Venlo to the river Rhine was the hardest part of the ride.

Yet Marion Heinsdorf, chair of the Icelandic Horse Association Heinsberg, vice-chair Miriam Faller, secretary Melanie Wiesenhöfer and treasurer Peter Kames decided to bring the FEIF-baton to Berlin this way.

In Niederkruechten, the same place where the ride kicked off two years ago, the Dutch-Icelandic horse riders launched their journey of 13 difficult days. However, Kames had obviously not had enough; he afterwards traveled south and rode on with the southern team for six days...

Read more here:
http://www.icelandreview.com/icelandreview/icelandic_horses/Long_Distance_Ride_to_Berlin_0_402065.news.aspx

Australia: Fast finish to inugural endurance ride

Cowraguardian.com.au - Full Article

The Lachlan Endurance Riders Club had a wonderful weekend running their inaugural ride at Bumbaldry. A huge thank you to local landholders Sue & Ken; Karen, Lee & Dave; Greg & Nerodah; Matt, Cheryl & Paul; Gay & Allan; Craig & Cathy; Mick; Steve.

And the support of the community by way of fantastic sponsorship as follows: 1503 2BS Gold, Archer Saddle Cloths, Back Creek Metal Signs, Besedic Motor Cycles, Carline Mufflers, Computers Inc, Cowra Freight, Cowra Meat Processors, Eagle Boys Pizza Cowra, Edinburgh Horse Rugs, Geronimo Farm Equipment, Gutzbusta Hay Nets, Horse Deals, International Animal Health Products, Irrifab Cowra, Jimbarb Arabians, Kintamani Arabians, Lachlan Engineering Services, Lachlan Fertilisers Rural, Moss Rock Endurance Inc, Pro-Touch, Pryde's EasiFeed, Specialized Saddles Australia, Spot-On Cowra.

The ride attracted 68 entries in its main 80kms event together with 28 in its 40kms Training ride and 21 riders in the 20km Social ride, a total of 117 horses and riders to experience the wilds of Bumbaldry...

Read more here:
http://www.cowraguardian.com.au/story/1692140/fast-finish-to-inugural-endurance-ride/?cs=591

Mongolia: Teenager rides into history books by winning epic week-long horse race

Independent.ie - Full Article

11 AUGUST 2013

A teenager has made history by winning an endurance challenge dubbed the world's "longest and toughest horse race".

Lara Prior-Palmer, 19, from Hampshire, won the Mongol Derby, becoming the first female rider and also the youngest person to win the race since its launch in 2009.

American 20-year-old Devan Horn crossed the finish line first following a tight contest with Ms Prior-Palmer that began seven days earlier. But strict rules on the horse's heart rate meant the American was handed a two-hour penalty, bumping the Briton up to first place...

Read more here:
http://www.independent.ie/world-news/teenager-rides-into-history-books-by-winning-epic-weeklong-horse-race-29489732.html

Lara Prior-Palmer wins the Mongol Derby 2013 in dramatic fashion

Lara Prior-Palmer chasing Devan Horn on the last leg of the Mongol Derby, 10th Aug 2013. She started the leg around 10 minutes behind
Mongolderbyblog - Full Story!

10 August 2013

1000km horse race across Mongolia is won by female rider for the first time in 5 editions

• First rider across the line Devan Horn fails vet inspection after riding ‘near immaculate race’ and incurs 2 hour penalty handing dramatic victory to Lara who finished an hour later

• Half of the 30 riders who began the race have already withdrawn adding clout to the race’s claim to be the longest and toughest race on the planet

Read full recap here!
http://mongolderbyblog.theadventurists.com/2013/08/10/lara-prior-palmer-wins-the-mongol-derby-2013-in-dramatic-fashion/

2013 Mongol Derby RACE REPORT: Day 6

Kirsten Melis is in hot pursuit of the two leaders on leg 18, 9th Aug 2013
Mongolderbyblog - Full Story

RACE REPORT: Day 6 – Friday 9th August

Headlines

• 16 riders still officially racing from the 30 strong pack that started

• 1st placed Devan Horn just 1 hour 25 minutes ahead of Lara Prior-Palmer after another change of guard at the top – will the winner be crowned tomorrow?

• 5 more riders retire from the race

• See the full Day 6 leaderboard here

• Prometheus Medics kept busy dealing with heat exhaustion, gastrointestinal problems, bruising from being thrown from a horse, dehydration and minor injuries.

Read more here!
http://mongolderbyblog.theadventurists.com/2013/08/09/race-report-day-6-friday-9th-august/

2013 Mongol Derby RACE REPORT: Day 5

Lara Prior-Palmer is all smiles getting in first to horse station 17, 8th Aug 2013 Mongolderbyblog - Full Story

RACE REPORT: Day 5
08 August 2013

Headlines

• British rider Lara Prior-Palmer overtakes USA’s Devan Horn to take the lead, but only just
• First and second placed riders separated by minutes at close of riding but will a potential time penalty for Lara have a major impact on who wins the race?
• Lara Prior-Palmer rides 4.5 legs in one day – possibly a Mongol Derby record at 160km
• Four riders withdraw from the race and head back to Ulaanbaatar
• Several riders accept assistance or lift forward and ride on ‘hors concours’ (riding but not officially still in the race for a leaderboard position)

Read the Day 5 Leaderboard for final positions at the end of racing and individual rider status.

Read the full report here!
http://mongolderbyblog.theadventurists.com/2013/08/08/race-report-day-5-thursday-8th-august/

2013 Mongol Derby RACE REPORT: Day 4

L to R, Natacha Lazareff, Hannah Bronwin, Barbara Seele, Anthony Ward-Thomas and Inge Rall-Behm ride down to Ogii Nuur on leg 9, 7th Aug 2013 Mongolderbyblog - Full Report

7 August 2013

• Devan Horn’s lead cut to just 10km by chasing Brit Lara Prior-Palmer
• Another 3 riders just one leg (40km) off the lead
• Female dominance at the top of the leaderboard continues
• Riders start taking more tumbles from the semi-wild Mongolian horses but no serious injuries
• Physical strain starting to show across the pack after 4 days of racing

Race Summary

There are 15 riders bringing up the rear of the leaderboard en masse tonight all staying at Horse Station 9; probably the most picturesque of all the stations next to a stunning lake. Tomorrow they’ll enjoy a striking ride around that lake and we’ll see if this large group splits up again...

Read full recap here:
http://mongolderbyblog.theadventurists.com/2013/08/07/race-report-day-4-wednesday-7th-august/

2013 Mongol Derby RACE REPORT: Day 3

Leader Devan Horn’s mount kicks up the dirt leaving horse station 7, 6th Aug 2013 Mongolderbyblog - Full Report

Today’s Headlines:

• Devan Horn still out in front but lead reduced – at one point down to just one hour
• Chasing pack of 4 have cut Devan’s lead
• Top 6 on the leaderboard all female riders
• Trailing group from Day 1 now up with a pack of 15 riders in remarkable recovery

Race Commentary

Katy Willings, Mongol Derby Race Chief:

“Up front we have Devan Horn who is camped out between Horse Stations 9 and 10, so she has passed through the first penalty station (9) and hasn’t incurred single penalty, everything she’s done has been perfect...

Read full report here:
http://mongolderbyblog.theadventurists.com/2013/08/07/race-report-day-3-tuesday-7th-august/

2013 Mongol Derby RACE REPORT: Day 2

Ivo Marloh and his mount leave horse station 3, 5th Aug 2013 Mongolderbyblog - Full Article

August 5 2013

After a relatively quiet day 1, day 2 of the Mongol Derby is back to its spicy self. Following an extremely hot day 1, day 2 was cold, wet and windy. A perfect test for the riders we think. We caught up with Derby chief Katy for her run-down on the day’s activity.

Headlines:

• Top 6 riders are all ladies 70km ahead of the main pack
• Devan Horne’s lead diminshes through the afternoon
• First retirement German rider Matthias Lochthofen
• Tom Burk soldiers on with his pre-race injuries
• First penalties metered out for late riding

Read the full recap here!:
http://mongolderbyblog.theadventurists.com/2013/08/05/race-report-day-2-monday-5th-august/

2013 Mongol Derby RACE REPORT: Day 1

Left to right: Katie Vincent, Tamara Huddleston and Lydia Wood enjoy the first leg of the Mongol Derby, 4th August 2013
Mongolderbyblog - Full Article

Sunday August 4 2013
A round up of the first day of the world’s toughest horse race.

HEADLINES:
• 21 year old Texan Devan Horne the only rider to reach Horse Station 3, finishing Day 1 a full leg ahead of the chasing pack
• 25 out of 30 riders make it to Horse Station 2
• First day remarkably uneventful – no serious injuries or major falls; a huge change from last year’s race start when two riders retired through injury on Day 1
• Matthias Lochthofen from Germany passes out on the start line but bounces back and starts the Derby just one hour later
• 23 year old American Tom Burk suffers wrestling injury at launch party but bravely battles on to reach Horse Station 2
• The weather ranges from incredibly hot and clear to a rainstorm and plummeting temperatures by early evening

Full Day's Report!:
http://mongolderbyblog.theadventurists.com/2013/08/04/race-report-day-1-sunday-4th-august/

Extreme Ride: The Mongol Derby

Magazine.fourseasons.com - Full Article

Jul 24, 2013
By: Michaela McGuire

“Only you know exactly how far you can push yourself,” says Erik Cooper, a 29-year-old New York–based bartender and furniture designer. He’s talking specifically about the Mongol Derby, the longest, most extreme horse race in the world, where last year he spent nine days racing semi-wild horses across the desert. Cooper was one of 30 or so riders from every corner of the globe that gather each August in rural Mongolia to compete in the derby, raising money for charity.

The Mongol Derby was initiated in 2009, organized by a company called The Adventurists, which offers extreme adventure experiences for the jaded, the driven and the curious. The riders who assemble at the derby’s starting line each year have one thing in common: Until that moment, they have harboured a dormant desire to prove themselves in a battle not only against each other and against nature, but against themselves. Riders have to be physically fit before embarking on the ride, but mental strength is equally paramount. “The ride does seem endless,” says Richard Allen, a writer, musician and horse trainer from Hertfordshire, England, who at 51 was one of the older competitors in the 2011 race. “You get up at dawn and get on a horse that could kill you, and you carry on doing that until it gets dark. Then you get up the next day and do it again...”

Read more here:
http://magazine.fourseasons.com/travel-food-style/things-to-do/experiences/horse-racing-in-mongolia

Australia: Tough Ride

Colliemail.com.au - Full Article

July 31, 2013, 10 p.m.

ABOUT 100 horses and their riders took part in the Collie Classic Endurance Ride on Saturday morning.

The ride started and finished at the Collie Race Track and travelled over cross country courses that included bush tracks and firebreaks through the picturesque Collie country side.

The event covered distances from 15 kilometres for beginners and social riders to 100km for the experienced.

The Collie Classic is a horse race with a difference, where completion is more important than speed and friendship more important that competition.

Deb Ryan, riding Forest Dew Charisma won the Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray Trophy for best performance by a local horse and rider...

Read more here:
http://www.colliemail.com.au/story/1675496/tough-ride/?cs=2073

Action Hero, Devan Horn, attempts the Toughest Horse Race on Earth, the Mongol Derby

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

July 31, 2013
By Pamela@horsereporter

July 30, 2013, Texas ~ It has been said that there are no new ideas. Genghis Khan is credited with the first messenger system or Yam, using tough Mongolian horses. In the days before the internet, this was done by exchanging new ponies at relay stations (known as Ger) every 25 miles (40 km). Six centuries later, starting in the early 1800’s, the USA used this idea and called it the Pony Express.

On August 4, Devan Horn, a 20-year-old senior Criminal Justice major at Sam Houston State, will compete in what is known as the toughest horse race on earth, the 650 mile (1,000km), race across Mongolia, wherein each racer gets a new pony every 25 miles, and using a map and a GPS, endeavors to reach the finish line first. There is no set race route, no spectators, and no help allowed outside of other Derby contestants...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=7548

FEI Round Table Session Plan To Bolster Endurance

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

July 31, 2013
By Pamela@horsereporter

July 30, Lausanne ~ The July 24, 2013 round table session on the sport of Endurance, held at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI), ended with unanimous approval by attendees and full support for the strategy mapped out for the discipline by the FEI.

The 22 delegates – which included representatives from Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, the European Equestrian Federation, the FEI Endurance Committee and FEI Headquarters – agreed that, globally, all efforts will be made to reduce the numbers of horses testing positive for prohibited substances and suffering injuries.

Following open discussion involving all parties, and agreement that the current rules – when fully implemented – already serve the sport well, the group recommended a plan of action for the FEI Bureau to consider, which includes:

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=7560