Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Fast desert endurance courses out of favour under proposed new rules?

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 30, 2014

The fast desert courses favoured in endurance in the Middle East may struggle to meet rule requirements under proposed changes put before delegates at the Endurance Round Table of the FEI Sports Forum yesterday.

One proposed addition to the rulebook stipulates that loops of a course must not be specially designed and constructed for high speeds likely to subject the horses to increased risk of injury during competition...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/04/30/fast-desert-endurance-courses-rules/#ixzz30PGBN4fM

Princess Haya wins landslide vote to be allowed to stand for third term as president of the FEI

Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article

Equestrianism asks Sheikh Mohammed's wife to lead fight for Olympic future despite scandals engulfing endurance racing

By Pippa Cuckson
7:39PM BST 29 Apr 2014

Princess Haya looks likely to lead the fight for equestrianism within the Olympic movement, following a landslide vote at the International Equestrian Federation extraordinary general assembly in Lausanne.

The horse-welfare crisis centred around the Dubai endurance stables of her husband, Sheikh Mohammed, has heightened concerns about International Olympic Committee scrutiny of equestrianism, but that did not convince delegates to oppose a change of statute permitting Haya to stand for a third term as FEI president. The vote was 103 to three.

Princess Haya has previously insisted that she will retire this December, and will not confirm her further candidacy till June. But she said: “I’m very honoured for the opportunity to be available as a future president of the FEI for a third term. I don’t want to go further than that because there’s the possibility there’ll be other candidates. But you have my commitment to you...”

Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10797018/Princess-Haya-wins-landslide-vote-to-be-allowed-to-stand-for-third-term-as-president-of-the-FEI.html

Tougher injury penalties, longer rests for endurance



Unprecedented penalties for equine injuries, extended rest periods and increased accountability received the backing of national delegates at the FEI Sports Forum yesterday as the world governing body pressed on with reforms.

The FEI described the initiatives as far-reaching, following the endurance round table on the second day of the third annual sports forum.

The latest moves in the FEI’s bid to rein in excess fracture rates and other welfare concerns in the sport centred around the more aggressive flat desert form of endurance racing seen in some Group VII nations had the full support of delegates in the session in Lausanne, Switzerland.

“The welfare of the horse is not just a veterinary issue, it’s an issue for all those who work in the sport,” said FEI 1st vice-president John McEwen, who also chairs the FEI Veterinary Committee.

[Read more ...]

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Spain's Jordi Arboix wins Uzes in France

Spanish rider Jordi Arboix, riding Ainhoa Aksom, won the CEI** 120 km Uzes ride on 26 April 2014 by 7 seconds over former World Champion Barbara Lissarrague of Switerzerland riding Keeshan D'Aillas. Arboix's finish time was 5:58.52, for an average speed of 20.063 km/h. Catherine Roland of France was third, riding Spirit de Crouz, in 5:59.28. Spain's Alex Luque riding Anwar Jeromin finished fourth. 32 of 55 riders finished the course.

For complete finish, see
http://www.atrm-systems.fr/index0esp.htm

Princess Haya clear for 3rd term as FEI president

Bradenton.com - Full Article

BY GRAHAM DUNBAR
AP Sports WriterApril 29, 2014

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND — Princess Haya of Jordan will seek four more years as president of the International Equestrian Federation after overcoming critics of the body's links to her husband's operations.

FEI member countries voted 103-3 to abolish a two-term limit she introduced, clearing their president to serve three consecutive terms.

"I am very honored for the opportunity that you have given me to be available as a future president of the FEI," said Princess Haya, who did not take part in the debate or vote.

The three "no" votes followed recent criticism of apparent conflicts of interest for the princess, who was elected in 2006 as a reformer to clean up the sport.

Thoroughbred and endurance racing operations of her husband, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, have been implicated in doping and welfare allegations...

Read more here:
http://www.bradenton.com/2014/04/29/5127285/princess-haya-clear-for-3rd-term.html#storylink=cpy

Monday, April 28, 2014

New Zealand: Nationals abandoned, New event carded

NZEquestrian.org.nz

28/04/2014 10:54:04 a.m.

Extreme weather forced the abandonment of the Fibre Fresh New Zealand Endurance Championships at Mayfield over Easter weekend, now plans are under way for a new event to wrap up the season for New Zealand riders.

A two-day event has been added to the calendar at Taupo over the weekend of May 10 and 11. As well as offering FEI-level 3* 160km, 2* 120km, and 1* 100km rides for both senior and junior riders, there will also be several national rides from 20km to 100km in introductory, novice and open sections.

This means that there will be no "National Championship" in New Zealand for 2014. Consideration was given to rescheduling the “Nationals” in another location, but it was felt that many members would be disadvantaged by this, given the tight time-frames involved. All entry fees received for the 2014 Nationals will be refunded.

The FEI rides at the new Taupo event will be the last opportunity of the season for High Performance Squad members to achieve the final qualifications needed for the 2014 World Equestrian Games. It is also an opportunity to qualify horses for the star levels and to begin a campaign for the next Endurance World Championships and the Junior World Championships in Chile.

A schedule will be sent out this week, with entries closing on Sunday, May 4.

The abandonment of the 2014 Nationals has meant that organisers will incur a significant financial loss, but already several riders have indicated that they wish their entry fees to be left "in the kitty" to help cover expenses. The ESNZ Endurance Board is extremely grateful to those who have chosen to help in this way.

Spanish one-two in Portugal endurance ride

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

UAE riders impress at Shaikh Mansour Festival event in Fronteira

Staff ReportPublished: 17:46 April 28, 2014

Fronteira, Portugal: Auroro Torres Villalon led a one-two finish for Spanish riders in the CEI** Atoleiros endurance ride — the highlight of the second day of the Portuguese National Endurance Championships sponsored by the HH Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival.

Lola Gutierrez Parejo was second, while French contender Joel Marescassier took third aboard the 11-year-old chestnut mare Djitane De Leyre.

It was a first major success for Villalon, who partnered the seven-year-old chestnut gelding Nabuco, while Parejo continued her good form following a victory in the Puerto Real show in February.

UAE rider Aisha Darwish Al Romaithi showed the way in the first three loops but dropped to fifth place at the fourth vet gate, before being disqualified after an unfortunate fall.

Shathra Al Hajjaj, the most accomplished rider in the UAE team, retired after the third vet gate on veterinary grounds...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/spanish-one-two-in-portugal-endurance-ride-1.1325397

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Portugal set for National Endurance show

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

Hisham Al Gizouli / 26 April 2014

There will also be a venue for shows of regional products, handicraft, and performances of falconry and horse animation.

All arrangements are well in place for the kickoff of the National Equestrian Endurance Championships with riders from all over the world vying for honours in the seniors and juniors categories at the border riding Centre in Fronteira, Portugal over this weekend.

The current edition of the two-day event is organised under the patronage of Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, as part of the Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival which integrates the two major equine sports, flat and endurance races, under the same umbrella.

Particular reference is made to the race over 120 km, scheduled on Sunday, which is sponsored by Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Flat Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and involves four European countries (Portugal, France, Italy and Slovakia)...

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/nationsports/2014/April/nationsports_April193.xml§ion=nationsports

Thursday, April 24, 2014

USA Darley Award Best Lady Photographer: Pamela Burton

April 4 2014

Photographer and journalist Pamela Burton won the 2014 HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Award for "Best Lady Photographer" at the 27th Annual HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards.

Held in Hollywood on April 4, 2014, and known as the 'Oscars of Arabian Racing', the awards honor the outstanding horses and humans in the US Arabian racing industry. Burton is known for her exceptional international photography and reporting on Arabian endurance, racing, and shows around the world on her website Horsereporter.com - "Bringing you to the world of Arabian horses."

See more on her website:
www.horsereporter.com/

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Australia: New South Wales State Championships

AERA.asn.au

 DEL RIO RESORT
 VIA WISEMANS FERRY 
ON 13-15 JUNE 2014


NSWERA’s premier event, its State Championships, will this year be held as a “Curtain Raiser” ride for the Tom Quilty 50th Anniversary for 2015!  We hope to make this event the most exciting State ride to date, with large numbers expected from interstate as well as anyone who wants to qualify for next year. 
We hope that the success of 2014 will lead into the 2015 Quilty having the prestige it deserves as the culmination of 50 years of endurance in Australia and that feedback from this test event will assist us in covering areas in need of improvement.
As this is your State’s premier event and its being run by NSWERA in preparation for our showcase, we ask that you all embrace and assist where you can!



Ride Base : Del Rio is an excellent Ride Base with a multitude of great amenities and scenically located on the banks of the Hawkesbury River …so we pray for a flood free year!
We ask that you follow maps and not your GPS to get there as it is only accessible via the Webbs Creek Ferry at the bottom of Wisemans Ferry hill and down to the left.  Once off the Ferry turn left again and follow the signs to Del Rio.  If coming from the Hunter, you can come down through St Albans on the Webbs Creek side of the McDonald River and turn right just before the Ferry.  There are many hot showers and toilets available and there is a coin operated laundry available for those staying a little longer.
Base will open on Tuesday after the Long weekend, strictly not beforehand and a list things to do locally will be available on the website soon. Also available will be a list of service stations that are ‘gooseneck’ and large horse truck friendly locally together with a list of dog kennels for those that need something for their best friends as they are unable to visit Del Rio.
Cabins are now available over the weekend by calling Del Rio on (02) 4566 4330 
Sponsorship & volunteers are sought now and anyone who can help please contact
Rebecca Hogan 
bechogan@newmoonstud.com.au
Helen Lindsay
kintamaniarabs@bigpond.com
 
and you will be put on a register for regular email/phone contact.
Beautifully embroidered kersey rugs are selling out at $220 and Clubs, Studs, Zones etc. are invited to sponsor these. All first place and Best Conditioned rugs are sponsored by Mackinder Endurance and others so far are Zone One, Shahzada, Rosemont, Lachlan Endurance Riders and Kintamani Arabians. 


Teams will once again be sponsored by D-Lua Park with the winning Team of 4 receiving beautiful etched wine glasses and 4 sets of D-Lua Park Travelling boots many thanks to David Sommerville and Karen Johansen.
This year we will also have beautiful turned timber trophies with a State buckle inset as made by Mackinder Endurance for the Putty ride if anyone saw them they are spectacular.  These will be available to sponsors for $330 1st place; $220 2nd place and $110 third place in each division.



This sponsorship includes constant PA coverage over the weekend, placement of banners and an advertisement in the NSW State booklet.
Our course has been set by our wonderful team of Peter Bice, Ron Males and Gil Stephenson  and will be a combination of old Quilty tracks, Hawkesbury valley and MacDonald Valley (Shahzada) tracks.  It will be testing enough with a view to Quilty history however very achievable and scenic.  The going is mostly sandstone which is not concussive but holds its own challenges.  The course will be available on our website as seen on www.nswera.asn.au 


Entry forms: Are now available and we hope to have your nominations in by 17th May. Camp booking fees are on the rear of the form. These are to be forwarded to Helen Lindsay at PO Box 440 Cowra 2794 with your cheque or emailed to kintamaniarabs@bigpond.com as the banking details are included on the form, please put your name as the reference.
Catering: Del Rio will be supplying all catering for riders and support crews and the TQ15 committee will supply catering for all of our treasured volunteers and officials.  A cabin close to the vetting area will be set aside as a catering and rest area for such volunteers/officials and personnel will deliver to those unable to leave their posts.


NO DOGS ARE PERMITTED AT DEL RIO AS A DIRECTIVE OF THE PARK
Communications will be provided by WICEN via UHF radios and there will be a Leader Board in the communal area for those wanting to track their riders and we hope to have Strapper calls from around 5kms out.
Firewood and Horse Feed will be available to be delivered on site at your cost.
Manure stations will be a set of trailers at various intervals around the camp and bags provided on entry to park.
Rubbish is to be placed in large blue skips provided by Del Rio also at various sites.
Biosecurity: Our NSW State Championships 2014, the TQ15 Curtain Raiser, will welcome all unvaccinated and vaccinated horses. This was discussed at length at our meeting and it was felt that the threat is too minimal to fracture the current free interaction necessary to hold rides in NSW well south of any areas previously affected by the Hendra virus. This position will be reviewed in November 2014 before any decision is made on TQ15 as events unfold. It will still be highly recommended that those in 'Hendra' affected areas, vaccinate to minimise the event of a DPI lockdown.

Monday, April 21, 2014

2014 Spanish Championships

The 2014 Spanish Championship will be held 1-4 May in Girona. It is organized by the Endurance Club Hipic in Bascara.

The 120 km race will take place Friday May 2, and the 160 km will take place on Saturday May 3.

For more information, see
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2014/04/campeonato-de-espana-absoluto-de-raid.html.

Shaikh Nasser tops as Dubai Desert Triathlon makes history

20 April 2014

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum congratulates Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa after he won the overall men’s title in the Dubai Desert Triathlon. — AFP

The event was a huge success, with the hundreds of participants and hundreds more support crews and spectators thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Nearly 400 athletes were part of history in the making on Saturday morning as they competed in the first ever Dubai Desert Triathlon at Dubai International Endurance City. The world first event brought together the triathlon disciplines of cycling and running with the traditional Emirati heritage sport of endurance horse riding with the overall men’s triathlon being won by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamed Al Khalifa of Bahrain ahead of teammate Mikel Calahorra, with Diego Bellon Santos in third.

The event, a partnership between Dubai Sports Council and Meydan and held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Sports Council, was a huge success, with the hundreds of participants and hundreds more support crews and spectators thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Participants could enter as an individual triathlete completing all three disciplines, or as a team of 2 or 3 to complete the 5km desert trail run, the 25 km cycle and the 40km endurance ride, and prizes were awarded to winners in the individual, teams, cycling and running sections.

Shaikh Nasser was full of praise for the event, saying, “Today was perfect, the organization was very nice and I am very happy to have been part of this first ever desert triathlon. I am very happy with my times, I did what I expected to do, it’s been a beautiful day. I hope this event gets bigger every year.”

His teammate Mikel Calahorra was equally impressed. “Today was amazing, I only started horse riding a few months ago, When we saw this event was going to be on, Shaikh Nasser said to me ‘I am learning your sport (of triathlon), now it’s time for you to learn mine’ (horse riding) so I started riding. It’s a great mix of cultures here today and it’s been a great day.”

Third place getter Santos was thrilled to be competing in such great company. “It’s a pleasure to share the track with these guys, I have to fit my training around work, so to compete with great athletes like these two is great.”

The overall women’s triathlon was won by Maha Khalid. She was delighted with her result saying, “I enjoyed today a lot, I am a professional endurance horse rider so had to train hard on the cycling and running, but today was very good. It’s nice to bring all these cultures together, I’ll definitely be back next year.”

Second place in the women’s overall went to Ines Pintenat, with Sheelagh Pirzada in third. First place in the junior triathlon went to Atiq Hassan Ali.

Prizes were also awarded to senior and junior teams, with Al Bararri -4 taking out the junior competition and Etihad Stables 1 taking out the senior.

In the run leg the fastest female was Moroccan Champion Latifa Essarokh, ahead of Hamda Saif Alshamsi, while in the junior male section Sancho Barcia took the honours. In the senior male section Albert Robb recorded a blistering time of 14.10 for the sandy 5km desert trail. The women’s bike leg was won by Lisa Hancox, the junior male by Talal Al Balooshi and the senior male by Soufiane Haddi, just .03 of a second ahead of Ahmed Yousef Al Mansouri. But it wasn’t just the winners who enjoyed the day, with participants excited to be part of such an innovative event. One competitor, Geoff Mitchell, said: “It was brilliant to be part of this, it’s the first truly integrated multicultural event I’ve seen. It’s great to combine the Emirati culture with a triathlon and it’s so good to see so many Emiratis competing in all three disciplines. It’s a great leveler and we all love being out there competing together. Hopefully this event will carry on for many more years to come.”

Dr Ahmed Saad Al Sharif, secretary general of the Dubai Sports Council, was delighted with the event. “We are so pleased with how successful today has been, to see such a diverse range of people competing together and enjoying participating is wonderful. We are proud to have made history today and we look forward to seeing this event become one of the hallmark events on Dubai’s sporting calendar.”

Khaleej Times

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Emirati lady jockeys to compete in Portugal

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Shaikh Mansoor Flat Racing Festival offers exciting opportunities to aspiring Emirati sportswomen
By Leslie Wilson Jr, Racing & Special Features WriterPublished: 14:40 April 19, 2014

Dubai: The HH Shaikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival will continue to offer exciting opportunities to aspiring Emirati sportswomen.

Speaking after the successful hosting of the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak World Ladies Championship and Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Cup at the Hippodrome de Toulouse in France, Lara Sawaya, director of the Festival and chairman of the Ladies Racing Committee in the International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authority (IFAHR) said, “I don’t think things could be better”.

“We are truly obliged to HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE, for her great initiative and support to the women of the UAE and the world at large. We will be taking seven UAE girls with us to compete in Portugal, and the best five finishers out of them will proceed to London to take part in the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance CEIO Cup on June 1...”

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/emirati-lady-jockeys-to-compete-in-portugal-1.1321432

Bahrain: Crown Prince Endurance Cup winners honoured

BNA.bh

4/19/2014

Manama, April 19 (BNA)-- Deputised by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, the son of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa honoured the winners of the Crown Prince Endurance Cup.


The honouring ceremony of the victors in the night race, which marked conclusion of the endurance season, was attended by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) President Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa...

Read more here:
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/614481

Two bid cities sign host agreements in FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 bid process

FEI.org

1 Apr 2014

The FEI has received signed host agreements from two of the Canadian and US cities bidding to host the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018. The bid teams from Bromont/Montreal (CAN) and Lexington, Kentucky (USA) have both confirmed their continued interest in hosting the Games in 2018.

Lexington, host city for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2010, returned the signed host agreement in advance of the deadline for receipt of the documentation, which expired at midnight CEST on 31 March 2014.

The Bromont/Montreal bid had previously submitted the required paperwork and did not need to resubmit, but Equine Canada’s new President, Al Patterson, has officially confirmed to the FEI that Bromont/Montreal will remain in the bid process.

Lexington, Bromont/Montreal, and Wellington, Florida (USA) had been declared as official candidate cities in December last year, and site visits of all three venues have recently been conducted by Tim Hadaway, FEI Director Games & Championships. However, Wellington withdrew from the bidding process just prior to the latest deadline in the bid process as Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) was unable to deliver the commercial requirements put in place by the FEI.

“It is unfortunate that Wellington is unable to deliver on the commercial requirements and has had to withdraw,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said, “but we are confident that both Bromont/Montreal and Lexington have very strong bids.

“Both venues are very impressive and there is no question that either of them would offer an excellent location and quality infrastructure for a really wonderful FEI World Equestrian Games in 2018. We are looking forward to the next stage in the process when the two candidates present their detailed bids to the FEI Bureau in June.”

Following submissions by the FEI’s Evaluation Commission to the FEI Bureau, the candidates will present their final bids to the Bureau at its in-person meeting in June 2014. The host city for the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 will be announced after that meeting.

Notes to Editors:

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

The inaugural FEI World Equestrian Games™ were hosted in Stockholm (SWE) in 1990. Since then the Games have been staged in The Hague (NED) in 1994, Rome (ITA) in 1998, Jerez (ESP) in 2002, and Aachen (GER) in 2006. The first Games to be organised outside Europe were the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Kentucky (USA) 2010.

The seventh edition of the FEI’s flagship event will be held in France this year, with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ in Normandy running from 23 August - 7 September 2014.

Dubai Desert Triathlon makes history

Emmirates247.com - Full Article

April 20 2014

Nearly 400 athletes were part of history in the making as they competed in the first ever Dubai Desert Triathlon at Dubai International Endurance City.

The world first event brought together the triathlon disciplines of cycling and running with the traditional Emirati heritage sport of endurance horse riding.

The event, a partnership between Dubai Sports Council and Meydan, was a huge success, with the hundreds of participants and hundreds more support crews and spectators thoroughly enjoying the experience...

Read more here:
http://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/dubai-desert-triathlon-makes-history-2014-04-20-1.546189

The Moroccan Barb Horse in the spotlight

Normandy2014.com

14 April 2014 - 09h20

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy will also boast the exceptional presence of the Kingdom of Morocco, as the Games will honour the Barb horse and set the stage for top Moroccan riders*. Games spectators will therefore get to learn about the Moroccan Barb horse breed during the sports competition, but also though the Opening Ceremony, and the Games' exhibitions in the Games Village.

The Barb Horse : a symbol for Kingdom of Morrocco's equestrian tradition

A land passionate about equestrian traditions, the Kingdom of Morocco toils to preserve and showcase its valuable equine heritage. In Morocco, the horse represents beauty, nobility and a powerful socio-economic role that all Moroccans are proud of. The territory’s emblematic Barb horses are the embodiment of universality. Through history, they have made man rich and have had a significant influence on equestrian culture.

The Barb horse thus boasts a particular appeal in Morocco, and this esteem is displayed by the national equine industry’s strategy of developing and promoting the breed.

Furthermore, Morocco is the founding member of the Worldwide Organisation for the Barb Horse (OMCB) and currently presides over the organisation as part of a four-year term.

* The “Horses in the Spotlight” project, which honours emblematic horse breeds from all over the globe, is one of the illustrations of Around the World in 80 Horses, the common theme of the non-sporting programme for the Alltech FEI World Equestran GamesTM 2014 in Normandy. These 80 stories about Man and Horses penned by Jean-Louis Gouraud, a writer and equine historian, will take spectators on a journey of discovery and will feature in various ways during the 15 days of compeition.

For more information see:
http://www.normandy2014.com/news/briefs/338/the-moroccan-barb-horse-in-the-spotlight

Saturday, April 19, 2014

New Zealand: Storm forces delay at NZ Endurance Champs

Horsetalk.c.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 18, 2014 in Just Briefly

The windy and wet remnants of Cyclone Ita have rained grief on the Fiber Fresh New Zealand National Endurance Championships, forcing the postponement of today’s competition in Canterbury.

Persistent rain and sodden underfoot conditions resulted in today’s two 160km races, two 80km races, and two 123km events being postponed, with organisers hoping they can be run tomorrow...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/04/18/storm-forces-delay-nz-endurance-champs/#ixzz2zL6zqCkf

New Zealand: Long ride in pursuit of selection

ODT.co.nz - Full Article

17 April 2014

Central Otago horsewoman Susie Latta will ride, ride and ride some more this weekend.

Latta (44), a farmer from Macraes Flat, is one of the leading contenders at the national endurance championships in Mayfield, Mid Canterbury.

She and her mare, Tkiwa, won the South Island title and are firmly in contention for the World Equestrian Games, in France in August...

Read more here:
http://www.odt.co.nz/sport/equestrian/299252/equestrian-long-ride-pursuit-selection

Friday, April 18, 2014

Sheikh Mohammed's plan to fund endurance task force ended by International Equestrian Federation

Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article

Dubai ruler's controlling role in clean up of endurance racing is ended following a shock about-turn by the International Equestrian Federation

By Pippa Cuckson
10:32PM BST 15 Apr 2014

Sheikh Mohammed will no longer fund the clean-up of endurance racing and two of his senior employees have been dropped from the newly-announced task force in a sensational about-turn by the International Equestrian Federation.

News that an apparent controlling role had been offered to Sheikh Mohammed – first revealed by Telegraph Sport last Friday – caused shock waves around the equestrian world as his Dubai stables are at the centre of the horse welfare crisis engulfing the sport.

On Tuesday, the Dutch and Swiss equestrian federations strongly criticised what they called “collaboration” between the Sheikh and the governing body.

Their joint statement said: “Even if His Highness Sheikh Mohammed is the current world endurance champion, his six-month suspension for using prohibited substances [in 2009] cannot be denied, not mentioning more than 24 positive cases concerning horses from his stables in past years...”

Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10769063/Sheikh-Mohammeds-plan-to-fund-endurance-task-force-ended-by-International-Equestrian-Federation.html

FEI confirms that Sheikh Mohammed is funding the task force responsible for cleaning up endurance racing

Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article

Sheikh Mohammed's funding of clear-up operation not perceived as a conflict of interest despite his Dubai stables being at centre of a doping and injury crisis

By Pippa Cuckson
5:32PM BST 11 Apr 2014

Sheikh Mohammed, whose Dubai stables are at the centre of the doping and injuries crisis engulfing endurance racing, is funding the task force responsible for cleaning up the sport, the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has confirmed. Two of the six task force members – lawyer Andrew Holmes and Mohammed Essa Al Adhab – are close to the Sheikh.

This follows media pressure on the FEI to clarify its statement earlier this week that Sheikh Mohammed – whose family’s stables have provided more than 24 doping cases – had offered “full support” for the drastic new measures, after meeting FEI personnel on March 30.

Other observers have inferred the FEI had no jurisdiction over Dubai equestrian sport without the Sheikh’s permission. He is the world endurance champion and husband of FEI president Princess Haya...

Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10760944/FEI-confirms-that-Sheikh-Mohammed-is-funding-the-task-force-responsible-for-cleaning-up-endurance-racing.html

Darley Awards Make Historic Debut at Dolby Studio in Hollywood

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

April 4, 2014, Los Angeles, USA
M. Satya Narayan

HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival helped lift the status of Purebred Arabian racing to a new high when the Dolby Studio in Los Angeles (the old Kodak Studio) staged a glittering night of the Darley Awards with the Powell brothers sharing six of the 22 awards on offer.

While the 2013 HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival Darley Awards for Arabian Racing in USA saw Mark Powell and his younger brother Scott pick up three awards each, the popular HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards catered to a much broader section of women and female horses in Purebred Arabian racing at Friday’s ceremony...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/2014/04/05/darley-awards-make-historic-debut-at-dolby-studio-in-hollywood/

Top Endurance Riders Ready to Compete in 2014 WEG Endurance Team Selection Trial



April 17, 2014 -- The top athletes in endurance are set to compete in the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Endurance Team Selection Trail CEI2* 120 at Broxton Bridge Planation in Ehrhardt, S.C., April 18-19. Fifteen individuals will vie for a spot on the team that will compete in Normandy, France, on a course from Sartilly to the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel on Thursday, August 28.

Currently, three competitors in this weekend's competition are tied for first place on US Endurance Rider Ranking List. Cody Boysen, Ellen Olson, and Heather Reynolds all have 500 points as of October 20, 2013.

[Read more ...]

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Whelan set to retrace Genghis Khan’s 1,000 kilometer mail route through Mongolian steppes

photo: Amy Whelan with Max, one of her Arabian Horses. Mike James.

A ride to remember
Mike James The Independent April 16 2014

LOUISA — Riding 50 miles a day is no big deal to Amy Whelan.

She often saddles up for a quick 15 miles around her Lawrence County farm before breakfast. Her home-based boarding and training business feeds her passion for endurance riding, which pits her against other equestrians in daylong horseback treks.

Whelan has been riding so long and for so many miles it may seem she has spent most of her life in the saddle. And it all has led up to what she anticipates will be her ultimate adventure this August, a 1,000-kilometer ride across the Mongolian steppes retracing the 13th-century postal route established by Genghis Khan.

“It’s one of the last truly wild places on Earth,” Whelan said.

She will be riding Mongolian horses, a tough, stocky breed indigenous to the region, sleeping and eating with locals or on the ground, and competing against more than 40 other riders.

Whelan, 51, was introduced to endurance riding in her college years at Colorado State University, where she studied equine science.

Endurance riders race for 50 or more miles under conditions that tax the rider, but under tight veterinary supervision to ensure the health of the horses. Riders have to finish a 50-mile race within 12 hours and a 100-mile race within 24 hours. The races usually are on trail systems rather than on tracks.

[Read more ...]

Marathon riding, to complete is to win..


This Easter weekend national sports media attention will be focused on some of Australia's fastest sprinters, as they compete in the country's most famous race, the Stawell Gift.

In Tasmania, four legged athletes and their riders are competing in a sporting title that will last for days not seconds.

120 endurance riders are competing this Easter in the Van Diemen Marathon, a horse ride up of to 240 kilometres, in rough and rugged country, around Scottsdale in Tasmania's north-east.

For one of Tasmania's seasoned riders, Trish Smith, the marathon is not a race.

"I'm the sort of endurance rider, I don't believe in calling it a race.

"It is not a race, it's a ride, our motto is 'to complete, is to win'", she said.

"Everybody who actually completes successfully with a horse fit to continue by the vet is a winner."

Trish has been training her Arab Rahn for years covering long distances.

[Read more ...]

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Stephen Rojek Named to AERC Hall of Fame


Posted by AERC, April 16

Longtime distance riding competitor Stephen Rojek, of South Woodstock, Vermont, became the newest inductee into the American Endurance Ride Conference’s Hall of Fame at their recent convention in Atlanta, Georgia.

Rojek has amassed upwards of 25,000 miles of endurance competition since getting his start in 1986, including a staggering 176 100-mile rides. For rides of that distance, competitors have 24 hours to complete the ride. Fellow Hall of Fame member Valerie Kanavy of Fort Valley, Virginia, calls Rojek “The Centurion” because has more than a hundred 100-mile completions.

As he accepted his award plaque at AERC’s national awards banquet in front of hundreds of fellow riders, Rojek modestly mentioned his most memorable time on the endurance trails as “Kansas in ’96 when we won the gold medal” — that would be the United States’ gold medal-winning performance at the World Endurance Championships. Rojek has competed in the North American Championships and the PanAm games for endurance riding and has won regional and national endurance awards most every season he’s competed.

Presenting Rojek’s award was Susan Kasemeyer of Friendsville, Tennessee, the 2011 Hall of Fame winner. Kasemeyer, known for her saucy sense of humor, called Rojek “Mr. Clean,” and recalled his years of competing and managing endurance rides. She noted that he is also active in competitive trail riding, with an additional 30,000 Eastern Competitive Tail Ride Association miles.

Rojek’s wife Dinah came on stage to add a few words, stressing that “Steve is the finest human being I’ve ever known.” On rides, she said, “He will stop to help, try to fix your horse’s shoe, give you his only Easyboot.” Many an endurance rider has a tale to tell about Rojek taking time out to assist on the trail, without worrying about his own finish.

Rojek has ridden a number of horses, and with his predilection for 100s, has multiple horses with 100-mile equine mileage achievement awards. Currently he is campaigning Chi-Hi, a 2003 chestnut Arabian gelding (AHR 0602904), with 2,280 endurance miles, including 14 100-mile rides. Rojek is also bringing along Tupelo Ace, a 2003 grey Arabian gelding (AHR 0604175), with 425 endurance miles.

Once he made his way to the stage, he humbly thanked his presenters for the honor, saying, “I’ve gotten older. I have a bunch of miles,” before admitting, “I guess I’m famous.”

His advice to someone new to endurance riding? “Keep on trying. Don’t give up.”

Why Endurance: Get Yer Motor Running



Endurance riding is like long distance running in many ways. Each person has their short and long term goals that hopefully align with their short and long term capabilities. The big difference is that your partner in this, your horse, is a flight animal and as such has abilities to "outrun " or overtax their system and running gear. It is our tough job to prepare ourselves and our horses to easily perform the distance and pace asked of them. With smart riding, a good horse with the right preparation, great speed and distance can be safely and easily accomplished. With adequate rest in between, this same horse can be competitive for many years. Some day when you’re bored, checkout our AERC lifetime horse records. When the flag drops, the BS stops. Mags Motivator is a great example: 10 years racing, over 3,000 lifetime miles and at 17 years old finishes 2 minutes behind the winner and wins Best Condition at this year’s National Championship 100!

[Read More ...]

Kiwis eye WEG spots at NZ’s endurance nationals

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 16, 2014

The country’s best endurance combinations are en route to Mayfield in Mid Canterbury for this weekend’s Fiber Fresh National Endurance Championships, the finale of the season and the last chance to impress selectors for the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games.

In coming days nearly 100 horses – along with their riders, grooms, and supporters – will flood into the tiny town of Mayfield for the even, based at the town’s A&P Showgrounds.

New Zealand’s best chance of standing atop the podium at the Games in Normandy in August could well lie with its endurance team. The team of five riders will be chosen in late May to go to France.

[Read More ...]

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Changes to endurance task force following criticism

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 16, 2014

The FEI Bureau has changed the make-up of the task force charged with finding practical solutions to the problems within endurance, following criticism of its composition. It has also changed its position on accepting funding for the task force from Dubai.

The FEI said the bureau decided during its monthly telephone conference on Tuesday to review the membership following what it said were comments from several national federations.

The two United Arab Emirates representatives, Mohammed Essa Al Adhab, who is general manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, and lawyer Andrew Holmes, will be removed.

The first replacement is Sheikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, of Bahrain, who chairs the FEI Regional Group VII, which has been at the centre of a year-long storm over welfare concerns and what some national federations view as a cavalier approach to the rules by some riders and some officials. Federations have also been angered by the level of doping infractions in the region in recent years.

The FEI said Al Khalifa had a full understanding of the situation in the Middle East.

[Read more ...]

Monday, April 14, 2014

Long-distance riding more than just horsing around



Posted: Monday, April 14, 2014 4:30 am
By Susan Sharp | FME News Service


SALADO — Michael Campbell hopes more people will give long-distance horse riding a try.

Campbell, 64, is the new head of the American Endurance Ride Conference, dedicated to long-distance, competitive horseback riding. The group is established across the United States as well as in Canada.

A longtime horse owner, Campbell stood near his stable, watching a friend brush one of his seven Arabian horses, which he described as the “most spirited” of all the breeds.

He remembered his first long-distance horse ride with friends in Central Texas. Afterward, his friends asked him whether he would try endurance riding again.

“I said, ‘Yes,’” Campbell recalled. Since then, he has said “yes” to many more rides, accumulating more than 11,000 miles during the past 20 years.

The endurance rides fall into several categories: The shortest distance is 25 miles; the longest is 100 miles and must be completed in 24 hours.

[Read More ...]

Sunday, April 13, 2014

FEI cancels hosting deal for 2015 European Endurance Champs

The FEI has cancelled its host agreement with the Danish organisation planning to host the FEI European Endurance Championship in 2015.

The Association Molsridtet expressed its regret over the FEI’s decision, appearing to suggest it felt the world governing body could have done more to find a workable solution over differences between them.

The association was formed in Denmark in 2009 to participate in the development of endurance riding and in 2012 it was awarded the hosting of the championship.

The organising committee said in a statement released today that it had prepared much of the event and made appointments regarding the venue, accommodation, and the renting of facilities. It said it had the full support of local government officials and both Danish and foreign companies.

[More ...]

Saturday, April 12, 2014

Horse races man – and it’s the MAN who wins! Marathon runner streaks past four-legged counterpart in unusual race across moorland, bridleways and lanes - finishing 10 minutes ahead

Published: 14:57 EST, 11 April 2014 | Updated: 15:29 EST, 11 April 2014



He is the youngest person to have conquered 100 marathons and holds the world record for being the youngest and fastest person to run 10 marathons in 10 days.

But Adam Holland has added another first to his list of achievements - beating a horse in a 10-mile race.

The 27-year-old won the unusual contest, taking on Tango, a five-year-old 14.2 hands high Appaloosa Welsh Horse.

The pair raced through the Devonshire countryside, taking on moorland and bridleways near Tavistock.

[More ...]

Task force named in push for “level playing field” in endurance

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 12, 2014

The task force set up to develop practical solutions to solve the problems within endurance includes the head of Equestrian Sports New Zealand, Jim Ellis.

The task force, announced this week by the FEI, has been asked to develop practical solutions to ensure horse welfare and a level playing field at endurance events globally.

It will also look at deploying modern technology in a bid for equality and integrity in all endurance competitions.

The FEI says it is hopeful that some of the solutions offered by the task force will be ready for implementation in time for the endurance competition at the FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France, in August.

The world of endurance has been split amid concerns over the level of doping infractions, welfare issues, and what some consider to be a cavalier approach to the rules shown by some officials and competitors in several Middle Eastern competitions within the FEI’s Group VII.

[Read More ...]

Friday, April 11, 2014

Sponsorship reshuffle as endurance reform plans outlined

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 11, 2014 in News

Efforts to resolve the problems in endurance are gathering pace, with the FEI announcing “concrete steps” to bring about change, including Dubai-sourced funding for the recently announced special task force.

Changes announced today include a sponsorship reshuffle affecting the upcoming FEI Alltech World Equestrian Games.

The FEI has provided more details over the special task force aimed at finding practical solutions to bring the endurance controversy to an end.

The issue has split the endurance riding community over drug infractions and welfare concerns in the sport centred on the FEI Group VII nations of Dubai, Bahrain and Qatar.

National federations on both sides of the Atlantic have raised the possibility of a breakaway group unless the FEI can rein in the problems, including what some view as the cavalier approach to endurance rules taken by some competitors and some officials.

[More ...]

More than 120 entries for inaugural Dubai Desert Triathlon

Published: 18:32 April 10, 2014
Gulf News

Dubai: Dubai’s newest sporting event, the Dubai Desert Triathlon, will have more than 120 teams for the inaugural event, organisers announced on Thursday.

The Dubai Sports Council has partnered with Meydan Racecourse to develop an innovative event which combines the traditional heritage Emirati sport of endurance horse racing with the triathlon disciplines of running and cycling.

Organisers say they are delighted with the response received, not only locally, but also internationally, with registrations far exceeding expectations.

“We are very pleased with the response we have had from the triathletes and endurance riders. It is clear that they are excited and enthusiastic to be part of something which may well be a world first,” said Nasser Al Rahmah, Director of Sports Events Department at Dubai Sports Council.

[More ...]

Endurance eliminations: Researchers probe risk factors

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 11, 2014 in News, Research

British researchers investigating risk factors and the reasons for the elimination of horses from endurance races have revealed the first evidence that faster speeds decrease the likelihood of completion.

However, their research was unable to detect an association between speed and specific reasons for elimination.

Annamaria Nagy and colleagues at the Centre for Equine Studies, part of the Animal Health Trust, have been following several lines of research into endurance horse eliminations, with their findings published in the Equine Veterinary Journal.

Around 40-45 percent of horses are eliminated from international endurance rides globally for various reasons, the researchers said.

One strand of the research involved analysis of FEI endurance rides involving 30,741 horse starts, in a bid to identify risk factors for elimination for lameness, elimination for metabolic reasons, and the likelihood of completion.

Read more ...

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Sheikh Mohammed backs task force charged with bringing "level playing field" to endurance racing

Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article

Planned rule changes include overhaul of operations at events, where officials have been criticised for turning a “blind eye” to rule-breaking, and greater use of technology

By Pippa Cuckson
7:53PM BST 08 Apr 2014

Sheikh Mohammed, whose Dubai stables have been at the centre of the doping and horse injury crises in Middle East endurance racing, is supporting the creation of a task force to implement rule changes, the International Equestrian Federation has revealed.

The task force will include representatives of IMG, because of its “extensive experience in reviewing and modernising competition structures in other sports”.

Sheikh Mohammed met FEI vice-presidents, John McEwen and Pablo Mayorga, and secretary general Ingmar De Vos on March 30 and offered his “full support” for measures to bring a “level playing field” to the sport...

Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10753367/Sheikh-Mohammed-backs-task-force-charged-with-bringing-level-playing-field-to-endurance-racing.html

Great Britain: Cornwall Farmers backs rider in world title bid

Thisisthewestcountry.co.uk - Full Article

8 April 2014

Cornwall Farmers is supporting endurance rider Nicky Sherry as she trains for the World Equestrian Games, due to be held in Normandy, France this summer.

Nicky, from St Breward on Bodmin Moor, is a member of the UK Elite Senior Team Squad. Endurance riders embark on controlled long distance riding up to 160km, with veterinary check points to ensure each competing horse is in good health.

Cornwall Farmers and Patch & Acre are supporting Nicky’s training by providing supplies of their own-brand ‘Super Cool’ horse feed which she now uses for grey Arab mare Silver Zourra, who Nicky will be riding at the Games...

Read more here:
http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/cornwall_news/11131892.Cornwall_Farmers_backs_rider_in_world_title_bid/

Monday, April 07, 2014

Endurance riding in Rambouillet (France)



Next 2 and 3 May will be held the "Raid Yvelines Al Shaqab Cup", i.e the traditional (29th edition) international Endurance appointment in Rambouillet, which the Qatari Stud Al Shaqab has joined as a partner of the CEI***.

A positive partnership since the association Enduro Cheval, who has negotiated this partnership without any other consideration than the use of her image, receives assistance to optimize the organization of the 2014 edition, which offers this CEI*** support of French national selection for the World Equestrian Games, but also a CEI**, a CEIYR** and two CEI*.

Optimization that will delight the two hundred expected riders, the public, the exhibitors and the institutional partners of the association (the Yvelines General Council, the city of Rambouillet, the Regional Council of Ile-de-France, the Fédération Equestre International, the French equestrian Federation), and all towns and villages invested in the race.

International Horse Sports Confederation Holds First Meeting

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Edited Press Release
Apr 01, 2014

At the first meeting of the International Horse Sports Confederation (IHSC), the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) confirmed that they share the same core values of protecting horse welfare and discussed in detail the different models under which both organisztions operate.

The two organizations came to the conclusion that there are many commonalities and opportunities for further cooperation. Although there are operational differences due to regulatory requirements of our sports, both organizations are united by the horse and a shared philosophy built on our common values.

The FEI and the IFHA have joined forces by the creation of the IHSC and agreed on the priority to work together in the following fields always with the aim of ensuring the highest standards for welfare of the horse:

The continued commitment to fight against doping and any abuse of horses;
The cooperation with the World Organization for Animal Health to facilitate the international movement of horses through the adoption of the concept of the “high-health, high-performance horse”;
Assist the industry by surveillance of and reporting of diseases; and
The creation of a fund for joint initiatives to support the horse sports industry.

Further to recent allegations in the United States raised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and reported on March 20, the IHSC strongly declares that animal cruelty has no place in its sports and urges the U.S. authorities which are investigating these allegations to leave no stone unturned.

Moreover, the IHSC calls on PETA to immediately and as a matter of urgency share with the relevant regulatory bodies all the materials they might still hold with regard to horse welfare in order to allow them to undertake the necessary actions.

Additionally, working groups were established to deal with the aforementioned issues.

Record Number of Nations Declare Participation in 2014 WEG

Thehorse.com - Full Article

By Edited Press Release
Apr 02, 2014

Seventy-two national federations (NFs) have declared their intention to participate in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) 2014 in Normandy, France, meeting the 31 March deadline for entries in principle. The number is an all-time high and represents a 10% increase compared to the entries in principle for any of the previous WEGs .

At this initial stage, the NFs have indicated the disciplines in which they intend to be represented by a team or individual athletes. Although the final participation will be confirmed first by the nominated and ultimately by the definite entries, this is a significant first step in the games entry process.

The disciplines that have attracted the greatest number of nations are jumping with 57 NFs, followed by endurance with competitors from 50 countries. Australia, Austria, host nation France, Great Britain, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States have entered teams in all FEI disciplines: jumping, dressage, para-dressage, eventing, driving, endurance, vaulting, and reining.
Breakdown by Discipline

Jumping: 57 NFs (41 teams; 16 NFs with one or two individual riders)
Endurance: 50 NFs (40 teams; 10 NFs with one or two individual riders)
Dressage: 39 NFs (28 teams; 11 NFs with one or two individual riders)
Para-Dressage: 34 NFs (24 teams; 10 NFs with three or four individual riders)
Eventing: 29 NFs (23 teams; 6 NFs with one or two individual riders)
Vaulting: 29 NFs (20 squads; 14 pas-de-deux; 23 NFs with one to three female vaulters; 15 NFs with one to three male vaulters)
Reining: 25 NFs (19 teams; 6 NFs with one or two individual riders)
Driving: 19 NFs (15 teams; 4 NFs with one individual driver)

Twelve countries will be making their WEG debut—Hong Kong, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Kazakhstan, Republic of Korea, Latvia, Morocco, Mauritius, Peru, Palestine, Romania, Thailand, and Tunisia—demonstrating the increased globalization of the FEI’s flagship event.

The full list of entries in principle is available on the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 website.

“We are delighted with the strong interest the national federations are showing in this summer’s Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games,” FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said. “It is very exciting to welcome new nations from all over the world to the FEI’s biggest event. The majority of the nations that will be participating for the first time have indicated their intention to send teams or individuals in more than one discipline, which shows how well our sport is developing all around the world. These are exciting times and I am looking forward to a successful record-breaking Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy.”

Laurent Cellier, the games' sports director, added, “The number of nations wishing to participate in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy demonstrates how enthusiastic everyone is about this major event. We are looking forward to welcoming all the nations here in Normandy. With only 144 days to go, the entire organizing committee is hard at work to ensure all our guests enjoy their stay and to make them feel welcome.”

The next deadlines in the entry process for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2014 in Normandy are as follows:

Nominated entries:

June 24: Endurance
July 21: All other disciplines

Definite entries:

August 14: Dressage, para-dressage, eventing, endurance, and reining
August 21: Jumping, driving, and vaulting

Sunday, April 06, 2014

Botswana: Dansawani Arabians Dominate Maun Endurance Race

Thevoicebw.com - Full Article

Posted by THEVOICEBW on April 4, 2014

The Dansawil Arabian Endurance team competed over the weekend of the 22nd March at the first ever 80km ride held in Maun.
The team consisted of two locals Willie Herbst who is the owner, manager and groom and Tebogo Mosorwa on FTB Magnifico.
The other two team members were Louise Herbst on Fa’Nardi Zara and Felicity Cooper on Dansawil Gorbasjof. Another Dansawil horse, Wilshane Shakespeare was lent to a Maun rider.

The track consisted of three 27km legs and the riders had to negotiate water, tight turns, mud and extreme humidity due to the heavy down pours Maun is experiencing.

Wilshane Shakespeare won the race in a time of 3.59.34 hrs, Louise Herbst on Fa’Nardi Zara came second in a time of 3.59.34 hrs and Felicity Cooper on Dansawil Gorbasjof came third in a time of 4.20.01 hrs...

Read more here:
http://www.thevoicebw.com/2014/04/04/dansawani-arabians-dominate-maun-endurance-race/

Friday, April 04, 2014

Australia: Horses for courses at Neville

Cowraguardian.com.au - Full Article

April 4 2014

This weekend, the historical little town of Neville will host many horse and rider combinations for endurance and social rides.

Camping will be at the shady show ground with all general amenities, come kick back and enjoy some nice scenery.

The Lachlan Endurance Riders Club (LERC) have taken up the task with locals from the Blayney/Carcoar area.

This ride will cater to the young, the old, the slow, the fast with a 20km, 40km and 80km distance available...

Read more here:
http://www.cowraguardian.com.au/story/2195646/horses-for-courses-at-neville/?cs=593

Australia: Enduro riders to saddle up

Batemansbaypost.com.au - Full Article

April 4 2014

NELLIGEN will be the site of an endurance ride in July, taking in scenic Clyde River bushland.

The South Coast Zone ride will be held on July 5 and 6, with 80km, 40km and 20km options.

Organiser Jenny Shepheard said two previously successful rides in the area had presented access problems, so the ride base would be located 40 metres off the Kings Highway.

“It is very easy to get to,” Ms Shepheard said.

“The ride base is on the outskirts of Nelligen, off the River Rd (Shallow Crossing Rd).

“There is a flat paddock we have kindly been given permission to use.”

Ms Shepheard said the legs of the ride would follow some trails familiar to Eurobodalla riders...

http://www.batemansbaypost.com.au/story/2196005/enduro-riders-to-saddle-up/?cs=12

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Is global unity still possible in the world of endurance?

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Neil Clarkson on Apr 03, 2014 in Comment, Featured, News

The endurance juggernaut grinds on, with only optimists still believing a solution is within reach at this month’s FEI Sports Forum in Switzerland.

The much-publicised issues centre on several Middle Eastern nations within the FEI’s Group VII.

The wider endurance community has grown increasingly vocal over the number of doping infractions, excessive fracture rates, wider horse welfare issues, and what many consider to be some Middle Eastern competitors’ cavalier attitude to the rules...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/04/03/global-unity-endurance/#ixzz2xpvVkcRo

More rule breaking in Middle East endurance

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

3 April 2014

Riders from stables owned by members of the ruling Maktoum family of Dubai received 3 of the 4 yellow warning cards handed out in Dubai (21-22 March). This comes as the FEI clamps down on rule-breaking in Middle East endurance.

2 broke multiple rules and administered unauthorised fluids and were also disqualified. 2 others showed “incorrect behaviour” towards officials...

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/maktoum-family-riders-receive-3-yellow-cards-endurance/#iyrbyXwQQOfUKPHV.99

Wednesday, April 02, 2014

Proposed rule changes spelled out for endurance

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Apr 02, 2014 in News

Proposed changes to the rules of endurance spell out more clearly the responsibilities of riders and trainers, and explains potential conflicts of interest for event officials.

The proposals will be put to FEI member nations at the endurance roundtable talks in Lausanne, Switzerland, late in April on the second day of the world governing body’s Sports Forum.

The proposed rule changes are the result of a months-long consultation process, sparked by growing concern among some FEI nations centred on welfare issues in endurance in the Middle East...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2014/04/02/proposed-rule-changes-endurance/#axzz2xjmojZmD

Tuesday, April 01, 2014

Australia: 90-year-old Sensational Senior Endurance Rider

April 1 2014

"I know if a horse likes me or not - it's just a feeling," says 90-year-old Ken Hobday, Australian endurance rider featured on "Today Tonight's Sensational Senior."

Ken's love for horses and his love for endurance riding shine in this short but heart-warming documentary piece about this member of West Australian Endurance Riders Association.

[video here]


or link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLYltZqK8EM&feature=youtu.be

France: GĂ©raldine Brault riding Pomoska du Barthas wins 160km Endurance at Fontainbleau

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

Pamela Burton

28 March, 2014, France ~ French rider, GĂ©raldine Brault, 29, riding her own Pomoska du Barthas won the 160km course, the first CEI 3* of the year in France. Brault led the course from the first to the sixth loop and finished 3:49 minutes ahead of Germany’s Sabrina Arnold on Wamid. In spite of a fall after arriving at the finish line, Dominique Payen (FR) made it onto the podium in third place after finishing the ride on her horse, Naelle du Fonpeyrol...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/2014/04/01/geraldine-brault-riding-pomoska-du-barthas-wins-160km-endurance-at-fontainbleau/

Great Britain: Timeform lambast BHA over handling of Godolphin steroids scandal

Theguardian.com - Full Article

British Horseracing Authority urged to widen drug testing and seek greater control over vets

Tony Paley - theguardian.com
Tuesday 1 April 2014

British racing's rulers have come in for stinging criticism from the respected Timeform organisation over their handling of the Godolphin steroids scandal last year.

The comments are made in the latest edition of Timeform's Racehorses annual covering the 2013 Flat racing season and will make for uncomfortable reading for the British Horseracing Authority (BHA).

Timeform argue that the damage caused by the Mahmood al-Zarooni case will take "years to repair" and call on the BHA to widen the scope of its drug testing and seek greater control over vets involved with racing stables. "Any sport that fails to police its doping problems with the utmost rigour pays a heavy price," they conclude...

Read more here:
http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/apr/01/timeform-godolphin-steroids-scandal

Australia: Queensland endurance riding season off to a ’stirling’ start

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article 16/03/2024 Erle Levey It was like the first day back at school as Queensland endurance horse riders st...