Australia: Think 3200 metres is a horse race for stayers? Try 160 kilometres

TheAge.com.au - Full Article

December 26 2015
Konrad Marshall

The sport of endurance riding is not for the faint-hearted.

There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
That the colt from old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses – he was worth a thousand pound, So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far
Had mustered at the homestead overnight,
For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are,
And the stockhorse snuffs the battle with delight.

Banjo Patterson's poem The Man from Snowy River was first published 125 years ago – an elegant narrative capturing the nature of hard riding in an unforgiving land.

The Verspaandonk family rides this way, too, only not chasing a brumby mob (or the colt from Old Regret) but in pursuit of a decent time and good form.

The Glengarry family competes in the obscure but fast growing sport of endurance riding, covering long distances over difficult terrain on horseback.

The motto of the pastime – "to complete is to win" – hints at what is required.

Read more: http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/think-3200-metres-is-a-horse-race-for-stayers-try-160-kilometres-20151110-gkv5r2.html#ixzz3vRU57mPM

Scotland: Trail riders group go for endurance

GallowayGazette.co.uk - Full Article

23 December 2015

Galloway Trail Riders Group member Annie Walker read recently about a local endurance rider’s achievements in 2015 which prompted her to put pen to paper.

In South West Scotland we have two groups of rider who are out and about, both interested in horse welfare and riding access, keeping old routes available for riders.

Annie writes: “Galloway Trail Riders Group could be classed as happy hackers and we have had many happy days in the saddles this last year. From Glenwhilly up to top of Beneraird; the beach at Sandhead; Lochinch Policies (thanks to Lord Stair); Cally Woods, Gatehouse of Fleet to mention four of our eight outings. We had cheery on foot meetings in form of our AGM with some awards for good attendance and fun and a pre-Christmas meal...

Read more: http://www.gallowaygazette.co.uk/sport/local-sport/trail-riders-group-go-for-endurance-1-3982210#ixzz3vFpRiuxz

Abu Dhabi Club of the Week: Go beyond riding horses at Al Waha Equestrian Club in Al Ain

Sport360.com - Full Article

by Jay Asser
Thursday 24 December 2015

Imagine combining the physical toll of running or cycling a long distance race with the challenge of maintaining a living, breathing vehicle. That’s exactly what endurance horse riding entails, acting just as much as a relationship as it does a sport.

Rashed Al Kaabi, the activity manager at Al Waha Equestrian Club, is as aware as anyone as to just how important building that relationship with your horse is in order to be a successful endurance rider.

Since taking up the sport in 2000, Al Kaabi has focused on training beginners to qualify in endurance for the past five years. At Al Waha, that training begins first and foremost with horsemanship.

“From the beginning, you have to train on the same horse,” said Al Kaabi. “When someone comes for training, I keep them on one horse only, every day. They groom the horse, they train the horse, they make the saddle on the horse. They ride the horse for a minimum of one-and-a-half hours of riding...

Read more here:
http://sport360.com/article/other/46817/club-week-go-beyond-riding-horses-al-waha-equestrian-club-al-ain

FEI General Assembly Approves 2016 Spanish Championships

December 22 2015

The 2016 Spanish Championships, for Seniors and Young Riders, will be held on May 1 and 2 in Badajoz. The FEI General Assembly approved the event at its December 22 meeting.

http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2015/12/aprobados-los-campeonatos-de-espana-de.html

The Swiss Equestrian Federation SEF remains committed to endurance being respectful of horse welfare

FNCH.ch

22 Dezember 2015 11:57

A delegation of the Swiss Equestrian Federation SEF has liaised with the director of the FEI endurance in order to discuss the suggested measures to ensure the development of the discipline and improvement of the respect for horses. The SEF has stressed the need to improve the qualifying system for the elite races and for finding a competition format for the WEG consistent with the current competition schemes.

During a workshop at the headquarters of the FEI in Lausanne, a delegation of the SEF comprising of president Charles Trolliet, Dominik Burger and Claude Nordmann, expressed the reflections and position of Switzerland concerning the current issues of the discipline to the director of Endurance of the FEI, Manuel Bandeira de Mello. Discussions included qualification criteria for major events, the new competition format during the World Equestrian Games and finally the monitoring of the situation in the Middle-Eastern countries (group VII of the FEI).

The SEF has suggested to include a provision in the regulations stipulating that it is the horse/rider pair who needs to qualify in two races in order to participate at the next level. Endurance being the demonstration of the rapport and understanding between horse and rider i.e. horsemanship, this provision would certainly ensure an improvement of horse welfare and contribute to reducing excessive speeds and other occurring issues. This request remains valid and the Swiss delegation insists that it be incorporated during the next thorough revision of endurance regulations. The discipline’s credibility is at stake. The SEF has made itself available to carry out statistics concerning this subject.

The SEF is also ready to bring forward proposals in order to develop with the FEI an attractive competition format for the World Equestrian Games. This will allow for only the best pairs to reach the World Championship by qualifying for various geographically distributed races during the two years preceding the final. The SEF has reiterated its firm opposition to any format planning races over two days as this format, only practiced at the WEG, would only encourage excessive speed and pose more risks for the horses.

Finally, after analysing the situation in group VII’s various countries especially in the UAE, the SEF has reminded that it would remain vigilant and await the end of the racing season in the Middle East to decide on the possible Swiss participation in the World Championships which are scheduled for December 2016 in Dubai.

Manuel Banderia de Mello has noted with interest the Swiss proposals and has been thankful for the frank discussion. He expressed readiness to continue a regular dialogue with the Swiss Federation.

Additional Information:

Dr. Claude Nordmann, International Relations, Swiss Federation for Equestrian Sports
Tel. +41 79 353 75 54 E-mail: claude.nordmann@bluewin.ch

Bahrain: Nasser bin Hamad awards National Day endurance winners

BNA.bh - Full Article

December 19 2015

Manama, Dec.19 (BNA): Representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of Bahrain Olympic Committee and Honorary President of Bahrain Roya Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) HH Shiakh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa honoured the winners of the National Day 120km Endurance Race on Saturday.

HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa honoured the winners of the first three positions. Rider Rashid Al Rowaiee from Al Zaeem Stables won the first place after finishing the race in 04:26:40 time and the speed of 27km/h on the steed Kahraby. The second place went to Al Khalidiya Stables’ jockey Raed Mahmoud who crossed the finish line one second after Al Roawaee with the speed of 26km/h on the steed Goodaseel. Al Zaeem Stables’rider Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa came third after finishing the race in 04:44:10 time on the steed Plugeal. The three winners were greeted and awarded by HH Shaikh Nasser...

Read more here:
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/702275

An Endurance Perspective In Europe

Easycare Blog - Full Article

November 30, 2015
by Christoph Schork

At the end of my blog from last month, On Tour Abroad, I promised a follow up blog covering my experience with endurance racing in Europe. So here it is. I had previously participated in endurance events in Germany, Australia and the Middle East, but had not entered any races in France and Spain. In October of 2015 I had the opportunity to ride at two FEI sanctioned events. I could combine these races this time with my Hoof Care Clinics which I conduct every year in Europe.

My first start was at the VIC** in Catalunya, just a few miles north of Barcelona. I had the pleasure of riding a horse of Jaume Punti Dachs, or short, Juma from the Juma Stable, a 14 year old bay gelding, Malik Kerrous.

The 120km, (75 Mile) race had 70+ entries, Juma Stable alone entered a total of 15 horses. The trail was a mix of hills, rocky trails, concrete and paved roads with stretches of softer footing. But for the most part the ground was hard. The pace is generally faster compared to endurance races in the USA. Typically the horses canter much more, trotting only when terrain demands it. Surprising is the fact that most horses are shod with steel shoes, and just about everybody uses clips as well...

- See more at: http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/bootmeister-natural-hoof-care-tips/an-endurance-perspective-in-europe?fb_action_ids=10153465502403229&fb_action_types=og.likes#sthash.SnFvka8i.dpuf

Regulated Endurance Rides in Abu Dhabi Support Responsible Riding

www.Horsereporter.com - Full Article

December 1 2015

Endurance Rule Change for Boudhieb Endurance

1 December 2015, Abu Dhabi, UAE ~ For the remainder of 2015 and in advance of the Endurance season of 2016, His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has taken the state of affairs in Group 7 endurance racing extremely seriously, in particular in the UAE, and for some time has been in discussion with a number of people and bodies concerning the welfare of endurance horses and how to bring back respect for the horse and skill of the rider in successfully completing endurance competitions.

It is the considered opinion of HH Sheikh Sultan that speeds now reached in local endurance rides have exceeded the natural capacity of the average Arabian horse and that allowing speed, and therefore the culture of First past the post as the sole winning factor, has led to many problems.

Consequently, in his Boudhieb Endurance Village, run under the banner of Emirates Heritage Club, a number of new rules now being tested will apply for the remaining races of the season. These are designed to slow the speeds and make riders more responsible for how they ride and present and care for their horses in the races.

Chiefly they are as follows:...

Read the rest here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/2015/12/01/regulated-endurance-rides-in-abu-dhabi-support-responsible-riding/

UAE: Khalifa wins N-Day Endurance Cup

Gulftoday.ae - Full Article

From Our Abu Dhabi Bureau
December 06, 2015

ABU DHABI: Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, astride Arabian mare Minute for the Al Wathba Stables, worked his way through to land the National Day Cup CEN 120km Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday.

The winner covered the distance in 4 hours, 20 minutes and five seconds at an average speed of 17.683 km/ hour and finished just a fraction of a second ahead of the French contender Maeva Vaslentin, onboard Arabian gelding Zenith Des Pins from the Mubarak Al Arti Stables. Abdulla Ganim Al Marri was five seconds behind in third place onboard Quran Al Ulm, representing F3 Stables...

Read more here:
http://gulftoday.ae/portal/48191304-6e91-4bd3-a1da-595f0c8428b2.aspx

Abu Dhabi: Top riders eye big prizes at National Day Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Eleven 4WD cars on offer in prestigious 120km event

December 4, 2015
Staff Report

Abu Dhabi: Around 150 riders will be seen in action in the 120-km National Day Cup endurance ride held to mark the 44th UAE National Day.

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the ADEC said. “The National Day Cup ride is very prestigious and a large number of top stars, both local and international, will be participating.”

“There will be 11 4WD cars on offer for the top 11 who successfully complete the 120-km ride which will be run in four stages of 40km, 35km, 25km and 20km,” he said...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/top-riders-eye-big-prizes-at-national-day-cup-1.1631566

Regulated Endurance Rides in Abu Dhabi Support Responsible Riding

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

December 1 2015

Endurance Rule Change for Boudhieb Endurance

1 December 2015, Abu Dhabi, UAE ~ For the remainder of 2015 and in advance of the Endurance season of 2016, His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has taken the state of affairs in Group 7 endurance racing extremely seriously, in particular in the UAE, and for some time has been in discussion with a number of people and bodies concerning the welfare of endurance horses and how to bring back respect for the horse and skill of the rider in successfully completing endurance competitions.

It is the considered opinion of HH Sheikh Sultan that speeds now reached in local endurance rides have exceeded the natural capacity of the average Arabian horse and that allowing speed, and therefore the culture of First past the post as the sole winning factor, has led to many problems...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/2015/12/01/regulated-endurance-rides-in-abu-dhabi-support-responsible-riding/

Ireland: Endurance ride at Cullinagh Stables

Munster-express.ie - Full Article

December 1 2015

After huge success last month at the annual Red Dragon Festival of Endurance at the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells, Wales, members of the Irish Long Distance Riding Association travelled to County Waterford on Sunday, 15th November to participate in the ILDRA’s End of Year Ride at Cullinagh Stables, Kilmeaden.

The Irish Long Distance Riding Association (ILDRA) is the governing body for Endurance Riding in Ireland and it is affiliated to Horse Sport Ireland. There are two regional groups based in Ulster and Leinster.

The association organises endurance events throughout the country, many of which are ‘pleasure rides’. These rides normally cover distances of about eight miles and are open to members and non-members.

Competitive Trail Rides and Endurance Races are also regular features of the ILDRA calendar and these events cover distances of 50 miles and upwards.

Endurance riding is growing in popularity in Munster as was clearly evident from the large turnout at last week’s pleasure ride at Cullinagh Stables.

Participants from across the south followed pre-marked trails, taking them through woodland and along the River Dawn, flanked by historic sites such as the old cotton mill and chimney at Fairbrook, the Queen Anne Way and the Spa Fields at Gortnaclode...

Read more here:
http://www.munster-express.ie/sports/endurance-ride-at-cullinagh-stables/

South Africa: Horse exports to UAE boost Western Cape economy

BDLive.co.za - Full Article

BY BEKEZELA PHAKATHI, 30 NOVEMBER 2015

THE Western Cape horse export industry has received a major boost following the export of the largest consignment of horses from the province to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The development comes after Economic Opportunities MEC Alan Winde earlier this year led a Western Cape delegation to the Arabian Peninsula nation. Increasing the trade of horses between the two regions was noted as a key priority during Mr Winde’s official visit.

The horse export industry is worth over R200m to the provincial economy, but there is potential to grow it to R1bn if the right measures are in place, Mr Winde said on Monday...

Read more here:
http://www.bdlive.co.za/business/trade/2015/11/30/horse-exports-to-uae-boost-western-cape-economy

South Africa: Arabs mad for our Arabians

Timeslive.co.za - Full Article

Aron Hyman | 01 December, 2015

Where does a sheik go when he wants a really good Arabian horse? To South Africa, of course.

Foreign buyers - mostly from the Middle East - have spent almost R8-million on 58 South African bred horses, and are footing a R29-million bill for their transportation.

Buyers include the Dubai royal family, which has purchased 48 horses, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, who has bought three, and US and British interests .

It is the biggest single shipment of horses from South Africa.

The horses are mostly Arabians - including a mare sold for R4-million - but there are some American Saddlers and Warm Bloods in the mix.

The horses were flown out of Cape Town yesterday on a chartered Qatar Airlines flight on the first leg of a three-month journey...

Read more here:
http://www.timeslive.co.za/thetimes/2015/12/01/Arabs-mad-for-our-Arabians