Tuesday, June 30, 2015

New Zealand: Cambridge horsemen to ride Derby

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

EMMA JAMES
Last updated 14:25, June 30 2015

The Mongol Derby is the longest and most dangerous horse race in the world, and two Cambridge men are preparing to take it on.

In August, Maxim van Lierde and Patrick Sells are taking on the challenge that will see them cover 1000km in 10 days on the backs of half wild mongolian steppe ponies.

The event, organised by a group called The Adventurists, doubles as a fundraiser for charity.

Each competitor must raise at least $1000 for a charity of their choice and another $1000 for Cool Earth, a charity that works with villages to stop rainforest destruction.

Van Lierde has chosen to raise money for the Waikato branch of Riding for the Disabled because he had seen first-hand the joy it give people.

He was looking forward to the challenge, and said: "Every 40km we get a new horse, so that keeps the horses fresh and they have to pass a vet check at each station..."

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/69735989/Cambridge-horsemen-to-ride-Derby

Monday, June 29, 2015

NATEC in Lieu of Cancelled Pan Ams



Federation Equestrian International Pan American Endurance Championships slated for Millbrook cancelled; Cayuse Creek Ranch to host North American Team Endurance Challenge instead


By Mike Davies, Peterborough Examiner
Friday, June 26, 2015 8:43:56 EDT PM

An international equestrian event scheduled for a Millbrook area ranch in August has been cancelled.

Organizers are carrying on with another significant event on the same week. Earlier this month, the organizing committee for the 2015 Federation Equestrian International Pan American Endurance Championships announced they were cancelling due to a lack of entries from South America and Central America.

The event was to be hosted at Cayuse Creek Ranch, south of Millbrook, operated by Bob Coleman and Michelle Bignell. Rather than be downgraded by the FEI to a smaller event, Bignell said they opted to cancel. They are carrying on with plans to host the North American Team Endurance Challenge (NATEC) Aug. 21 which they were awarded in conjunction with the Pan Am event.

Bignell said they were “extremely” disappointed not to get the minimum three countries required for a continental championship...

Read more here:
http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/2015/06/26/federation-equestrian-international-pan-american-endurance-championships-slated-for-millbrook-cancelled-cayuse-creek-ranch-to-host-north-american-team-endurance-challenge-instead

Reform in horse-sport: What changes will the FEI get over the line?

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

Neil Clarkson | 28 June 2015

The big questions around horse-sport reform have been served up to national federations, as the FEI works to establish what changes might ultimately get some traction.

Reform questions dominated the FEI Sports Forum in Lausanne, Switzerland, late in April, with delegates from around the globe hearing the reasons behind the need for change, as well as some options offered up by the FEI’s technical committees in each of the disciplines.

The central aims revolve around making the disciplines more consistent, easier to understand, simpler, and more exciting as a spectacle...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/06/28/reform-horse-sport-changes-fei-over-line/#ixzz3eTVhYwyn

Friday, June 26, 2015

Great Britain: Country's best endurance riders battle it out at Boconnoc

Westernmorningnews.co.uk - Full Article

by Western Morning News | Posted: June 25, 2015

More than 200 endurance riders from all over the UK took part in the Boconnoc Estate Ride, which took place last weekend and organised by Endurance GB’s South West Group.

Held by kind permission of Mr and Mrs Fortescue of Boconnoc Estate, the prestigious two-day event is by far the largest staged in Devon and Cornwall and is fast becoming EGBSW's Flagship event...

Read more: http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Country-s-best-endurance-riders-battle-Boconnoc/story-26767918-detail/story.html#ixzz3eAyovuBr

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

2015 Pan American Endurance Championship CEI 4* Cancelled

Horse-canada.com

June 24, 2015
by: Equine Canada

The 2015 Pan American Endurance Championship CEI 4*, which was planned for August 18, 2015 in Millbrook, ON, has been cancelled due to insufficient entries.

“All members of the organizing committee are disappointed that the Pan Am Endurance Championship had to be cancelled, as I’m sure are many others who had been planning and preparing for this special event,” said Bob Coleman, chair of the Pan American Endurance Championship Organizing Committee. “However, we understand the expense and other challenges South and Central American countries are faced with in terms of obtaining the necessary qualifications, travelling, leasing horses, etc.”

Coleman continued, “We wish to thank all those who helped in the planning stages for the event. And, on the bright side, the North American Endurance Team Challenge, to be held on August 21, promises to be an exciting event with some of the best equine and human athletes in North America competing.”

For more information on the FEI-sanctioned North American Endurance Team Challenge, click here.

Australia: Maher conquers Quilty Cup but won’t stop there

Gympietimes.com.au - Full Article

24th Jun 2015 5:00 AM

Patrick Woods

What made you first start endurance riding?

My mother Jeanna Maher began endurance riding when I was eight and when I turned 12, I started competing on my mother's horse Ariel.

When I finished school at Gympie State High School, I started training horses at different stables in Kenilworth and Gympie for around six years before working in our family business Rushoz Endurance.

How many Quiltys have you entered?

I have been in six Quilty Cups. I finished ninth in the lightweight division in 2006; I didn't compete in 2008 and 2009; then in 2010, I decided to put weights in my saddle and came 10th at the Quilty as a middleweight.

I was first in the lightweight division at Kilkivan in 2013 and three of the horses in my team I had worked with at the stables - including training two of them - scored some of the fastest times overall.

At this year's Tom Quilty Cup in Hawkesbury I won the lightweight division for the second year running and was third overall on Atticus...

Read more here:
http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/maher-conquers-quilty-but-wont-stop-there/2683760/

Sheikh challenges standing of FEI’s strict liability principle in anti-doping cases

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

Horsetalk.co.nz | 24 June 2015

The world’s highest court for sport-related cases has reduced the suspension imposed by the FEI Tribunal on Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan over a positive test for a banned substance in an endurance horse he rode in Abu Dhabi early in 2012.

During the hearing, the sheikh’s legal team took issue with key elements of the FEI’s strict liability principle that holds the rider as the Person Responsible for any drug or medication infraction in a horse unless they can prove no fault or negligence. That has proved to be a very high bar to clear in cases that have gone before the FEI Tribunal.

The sheikh was appealing the FEI Tribunal decision from April 7 last year over what had been his winning ride on Glenmorgan in a CEI3* race at Al Wathba on February 11, 2012, after which the horse tested positive for propoxyphene and its metabolite norpropoxyphene...

Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/06/24/sheikh-fei-strict-liability-principle-anti-doping/#ixzz3dzIWHZMO

South African Endurance rider submitted to polygraph test in bid to clear name

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

Horsetalk.co.nz | 24 June 2015

South African endurance rider Gillese De Villiers has received a six month suspension and a fine of 500 Swiss francs over her mount’s positive test for phenylbutazone and a related substance at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Normandy last year.

De Villiers’ submissions to the FEI Tribunal even included the results of a polygraph (lie detector) test.

De Villiers’ mount, Tra Flama, who vetted out at the second vet gate on the WEG endurance course, tested positive for phenylbutazone and its metabolite, oxyphenbutazone...

Read more: http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/06/24/endurance-rider-polygraph-bid-clear-name/#ixzz3dzG8p0MF

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

FEI Tribunal and CAS Decisions

FEI.org

23 Jun 2015

The FEI Tribunal has issued its Final Decision in the case involving Nasser Khalifa N.J Al Thani (QAT) and the horse Brookleigh Caspar (FEI ID AUS40748) at the 120km one-star Endurance competition at Mesaieed in Doha (QAT) on 11 April 2014, following a positive finding for Prohibited Substances.

Samples taken from the horse on 11 April 2014 returned positive for the Banned Substance Heptaminol and Controlled Medications Phenylbutazone, Meloxicam and Dexamethasone. Heptaminol is a stimulant that dilates blood vessels. Phenylbutazone and Meloxicam are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for pain relief, and Dexamethasone is a corticosteroid with anti-inflammatory effect.

Controlled Medications are substances that are regularly used to treat horses, but which are not allowed in competition in order to maintain a level playing field. Banned Substances should never be found in the horse.
The FEI Tribunal has imposed a 27-month suspension on Al Thani, effective immediately from 18 June 2015, in accordance with Article 169 of the FEI’s General Regulations and Article 10 of the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).

Al Thani has been fined CHF 5,000 and will contribute CHF 2,000 towards the costs of the judicial procedure. He has 30 days from the date of notification to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The FEI Tribunal’s Final Decision on this case can be viewed here.

The FEI Tribunal has also issued its Final Decision in the case involving Gillese De Villiers (RSA) and the horse Tra Flama at the Endurance competition of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014, following a positive finding for a Controlled Medication Substance.

Samples taken on 28 August 2014 from the horse returned positive for the Controlled Medication substance Phenylbutazone and its metabolite Oxyphenbutazone. Phenylbutazone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory used for the treatment of pain. Tra Flama was vetted out at the second Vet Gate on the Endurance course.
The FEI Tribunal has imposed a six-month suspension on De Villiers, effective immediately from 21 June 2015, in accordance with Article 169 of the FEI’s General Regulations and Article 10 of the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations.

De Villiers has also been fined CHF 500, will cover the B Sample analysis costs and contribute towards the costs of the judicial procedure. She has 30 days from the date of notification to appeal this decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The FEI Tribunal’s Final Decision on this case can be viewed here.

Separately, the CAS has upheld the FEI’s principle of strict liability in the application of the EADCMRs in an appeal lodged by HH Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (UAE) against the FEI Tribunal ruling of 7 April 2014, but has reduced the period of suspension for the athlete from 27 to 18 months.

The horse Glenmorgan, which HH Sheikh Hazza rode to win the CEI3* in Al Wathba (UAE) on 11 February 2012, tested positive for Propoxyphene and its metabolite Norpropoxyphene. Propoxyphene, which is an opiate analgesic, is classified as a Banned Substance under the FEI’s EADCMRs. As the rider and therefore the Person Responsible, HH Sheikh Hazza was immediately suspended from 12 March 2012, the date on which he was notified by the FEI of the positive case. A two-month provisional suspension was imposed on the horse from the same date.

HH Sheikh Hazza conducted extensive investigations to establish the source of the Propoxyphene between mid June 2012 and late February 2014. In its Final Decision, the FEI Tribunal imposed a 27-month suspension, taking into account a previous rule violation by Sheikh Hazza in early 2005. Sheikh Hazza lodged an appeal with the CAS against the findings on 6 May 2014.

The CAS rejected the athlete's argument that making the rider the Person Responsible (PR) for the horse is an unnecessary and/or disproportionate interference with fundamental rights, and so unlawful and therefore outside the powers of the FEI. The CAS accepted the FEI’s argument that the PR and strict liability provisions simply mean that if the horse has a prohibited substance in its system, the athlete's results with the horse are automatically disqualified and the athlete will be banned unless he/she can show that the substance got into the horse's system through No Fault or Negligence of the athlete.

The CAS took into account that systems had been set up by Sheikh Hazza to avoid inadvertent doping, and therefore decided that the athlete's fault was “not significant”. As a result, the appeal was partially upheld, with a partial amendment to the FEI Tribunal’s Final Decision. Sheikh Hazza remains disqualified from the event, but his suspension was reduced.

The full text of the CAS decision is available here.


Banned Substances & Controlled Medications

Banned Substances are substances that are completely prohibited for use in FEI horses at any time. Controlled Medications are substances that are regularly used to treat horses, but which are not allowed in competition in order to maintain a level playing field. As part of FEI Clean Sport, the live Prohibited Substances Database provides an easily accessible online platform on which Banned Substances and Controlled Medications are clearly distinguished.


The FEI’s General Regulations are here and the FEI Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations are here.


Friday, June 19, 2015

Australia: Lion-hearted enduro effort

Batemansbaypost.com - Full Article

By SAM STRONG June 19, 2015,

HEIDI Wade of East Lynne has turned in a marathon-effort to finish 17th at the 50th anniversary of the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, a demanding 160-kilometre endurance horse riding race.

Wade, riding six-year-old pure Arabian Pevensey Prosecco in the heavyweight divison, was joined by fellow South Coast riders Roy Counsell aboard Espirit Sherwood in the middleweight division and Irene Adams on Shane D Survivor in the lightweight divison.

Unfortunately Counsell, who was aiming to finish his fifth Quilty, bowed out half-way through while Adams’ horse was declared lame after the fourth leg, with only 12 kilometres to go.

It was Wade’s first attempt at the world’s largest endurance ride – 340 riders set out at midnight amid torchlight - and there was plenty of hard work leading up to the competition.

Wade’s horse was just above minimum age and it had to have completed three 80-kilometre endurance rides previously.

“He is quite young to compete in this kind of endurance race but has proven to be an amazing horse,” Wade said.

“I am extremely proud of him and just to complete this ride is to win...

Read more here:
http://www.batemansbaypost.com.au/story/3156060/lion-hearted-enduro-effort/?src=rss

FEI Appoints New Veterinary Director

FEI.org

18 Jun 2015

The FEI has appointed Göran Akerström (SWE) as FEI Veterinary Director. He takes up the post at FEI Headquarters in Lausanne (SUI) on 1 September 2015.

Akerström comes from the Swedish Trotting Association, where he was Chief Veterinary Officer for five years. He has also been Head of the Equine Welfare department for the past two years. He was a member of the Swedish Trotting Association management team, advisor to the regulatory committee and collaborated closely with the Swedish Equestrian Federation and the Swedish Jockey Club.

He was previously veterinary inspector for the Swedish Board of Agriculture and the Swedish Animal Welfare Agency, specialising in equine sports, welfare, disease control and horse transportation.

Akerström holds a master’s degree in veterinary science from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, where he later lectured, and was a member of the management team of the Department of Environment and Animal Health for five years.

He has also specialised in equine neonatal medicine as a private practitioner, competed in Jumping and Eventing, worked as a course designer and show manager, and was platoon leader and instructor for the Regiment of Halsingland during a 10-year career with the Swedish Army.

“Equestrian sport has been a major part of my life for 30 years,” Akerström said. “As with many people in the horse world, my passion for horses goes back to my childhood, and since then I have worked with horses directly, with organisations specialising in welfare and the growth of horse sport. I am now looking forward to helping the FEI move forward with its progressive work in horse movement, equine welfare and anti-doping.”

“Göran Akerström has unparalleled leadership, horse sport and horse welfare expertise,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender said. “We will be delighted to welcome him into the FEI and to the FEI Family when he joins us at Headquarters in September.”

Thursday, June 18, 2015

New FEI rules will close loopholes for rule-breakers

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Horse & Hound
18 June, 2015

Horse & Hound has played a part in provoking drastic changes to the FEI’s legal processes, that will prevent future rule-breakers escaping punishment on legal technicalities.

H&H’s coverage of the endurance scandal has revealed significant loopholes in provisions for reporting of offences.

The successful protest against horse abuse at CEI Sakhir, Bahrain, lodged by H&H contributor Pippa Cuckson and former editor Lucy Higginson in March 2014, highlighted the impracticality of the deadline for reporting abuse within 30 minutes of a confirmed result.

H&H then led coverage of the Marmoog horse-swapping scandal. Pictures of Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum riding the real and “fake” Marmoogs in 2012 were unearthed by Pippa Cuckson last year — 18 months too late to meet the previous deadline...

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/fei-legal-processes-changed-endurance-scandal-498478#pYt8FxYumOlBxk5A.99

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Australia: Riding back to where it all began

Cowraguardian.com.au - Full Article

June 17, 2015, midnight

Six members of the Lachlan Endurance riders Club travelled to Wisemans Ferry to compete in the Tom Quilty Gold Cup this year.

It was the 50th Anniversary ride and was taken back to where it all started back in 1966 in the Hawkesbury Valley of NSW.

The midnight start saw 342 riders from all over Australia and 12 international riders head out into the darkness of a very challenging course, which consisted of five legs all returning for veterinary inspections to each horse to make sure they are fit to continue.

The winner this year was young Ben Hudson from Mudgee riding for OSO Arabians of Albury on Cap Braveheart a seven year old purebred stallion, in a time of 10 hours and 16 minutes...

Read more here:
http://www.cowraguardian.com.au/story/3150825/riding-back-to-where-it-all-began/?cs=594

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

HRH Princess Haya honoured with 2015 Longines Ladies Award

FEI.org

16 Jun 2015

HRH Princess Haya Al Hussein, FEI President from 2006 to 2014, was awarded the prestigious Longines Ladies Award in a unique ceremony at Hampton Court Palace (GBR) last night.

Global horse sport industry leaders gathered on the eve of Royal Ascot in the historic Great Hall for the Longines Ladies Award, which celebrates the achievements of women who have consistently succeeded at the highest level within the horse world.

Princess Haya was honoured as the sole recipient of the 2015 Longines Ladies Award by the jury of Louis Romanet, Chairman of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA), Nathalie Bélinguier, President of the International Federation of Gentleman and Lady Riders (FEGENTRI) and FEI President Ingmar De Vos.

Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice President & Head of International Marketing at Longines, addressed the guests: “We are here to celebrate the extraordinary career of an exceptional, unique and elegant lady. An Olympian, a humanitarian, a United Nations’ Messenger of Peace, and former President of the International Equestrian Federation. Of course, I am speaking of Her Royal Highness Princess Haya.

“Many of us in the room have had the immeasurable pleasure of working alongside Princess Haya. Millions more people around the world will experience the positive impact she has had on equestrianism - the sport she loves, the sport we at Longines love - for generations to come.

“She has transformed the wealth and profile of the International Equestrian Federation. She has shown the same fearlessness in tackling controversial issues for the sport as she did as a rider. Her outstanding elegance as a competitor, a leader, and a woman working tirelessly for the good of equestrian sports is why Her Royal Highness Princess Haya is the winner of the 2015 Longines Ladies Award.”

Princess Haya, who last December joined HRH The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón (ESP), HRH The Princess Royal (GBR), and HRH Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh (GBR) as an FEI Honorary President, said she was humbled to receive the award in front of so many friends.

“It’s a massive honour to be the winner and the recipient of this award”, Princess Haya said. “I have so many people to thank and I accept this award on behalf of the many women who have helped me along the way, and of course the many men. The fact is that horses bring out the best in people and it’s all about working together. And Longines will always be the cement that unifies our two families of racing and horse sport.”

HRH Princess Haya received the 2015 Longines Ladies Award consisting of a Longines pocket watch: the Longines Equestrian Pocket Watch Horses Trio 1911. The model that served as an inspiration for this 18-carat rose gold very limited edition is a Longines pocket timepiece dating from 1911 with a cleverly crafted background depicting a trio of horses. The heads of these three proud animals stand out against a background of delicately worked foliage.

"The Longines Ladies Award recognises the success and achievements of elegant women at the very highest level of the global horse sports industry," FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “HRH Princess Haya has had a profound and long lasting effect not only on equestrian sport and all those involved in it, but also on countless women outside the sport, who have been inspired by her determination, her strength and her integrity.

"The Longines Ladies Award is a wonderful tribute to her consummate sportsmanship and leadership both on and off the field and her ability to empower individuals and communities around the world. It is an honour for me, the FEI Family, and the many supporters around the world of Princess Haya's tireless dedication in supporting and growing equestrian sport worldwide to be a part of this celebration.”

Louis Romanet paid tribute to Princess Haya’s role in promoting collaboration at the top level of equestrian sports: “She was a very good and very elegant show jumping rider before becoming an outstanding President of the FEI for eight years. Princess Haya was elected as the first President of the International Horse Sports Confederation which we created together in 2014 as a formal vehicle of cooperation between the FEI and IFHA.”

“Princess Haya has a spirit of competition and excellence. She especially illustrates this in her elegance as a woman, the way in which she ran the FEI, which she directed marvellously well. Her noble way and her class have shown us this,” Nathalie Bélinguier said.



Solidarity in Sport

On behalf of the guests attending the Longines Ladies Award evening, Longines made a donation to FEI Solidarity, the FEI’s global sport development programme and brainchild of Princess Haya.

FEI Solidarity, which focuses on providing opportunities for the next generation of athletes, and all those working in equestrian communities around the world so that local structures can be established to develop the sport, was launched in 2011 and is inspired by the Olympic Solidarity model.

“As with Olympic Solidarity, FEI Solidarity now plays a fundamental role in the fabric of the FEI and the growth of equestrian sport around the world,” said Ingmar De Vos, who took over as Chair of the FEI Solidarity Committee last December.

“FEI Solidarity was created by Princess Haya and, thanks to her brilliance, the FEI is now helping many global communities to pursue Olympic and Paralympic dreams. This is a living and highly successful legacy from Princess Haya, and we give heartfelt thanks to Longines, a major supporter of athletes around the world, for their donation tonight.”

The first Longines Ladies Awards were held in 2013, when a jury chaired by actor and Longines Ambassador of Elegance Simon Baker awarded prizes to Princess Zahra Aga Khan, Athina Onassis de Miranda and Sophie Thalmann at the famous Château de Chantilly (FRA) on the eve of the Prix de Diane Longines. Four leading women in the equestrian world, Sylvie Robert, Criquette Head-Maarek, Jing Li and Bo Derek were then honoured in 2014 by the jury that included Longines Ambassador of Elegance Kate Winslet.

Monday, June 15, 2015

New Zealand: Maxim says sponsorship will help him win the Mongol Derby

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

CHRISTOPHER REIVE
Last updated 16:23, June 15 2015

Maxim Van Lierde has taken his sponsorship from horse feed company MaxWin as an omen for success in one of the world's toughest horse races.

The former New Plymouth man is putting the final preparations in place for his race in the Mongol Derby – a 1000 kilometre race across the Mongolian Steppe in August.

Van Lierde, 25, son of New Plymouth sculptor Renate Verbrugge, has received sponsorship from Thailand-based horse feed company MaxWin, which will cover the majority of his expenses.

He sees MaxWin's support as a good omen because he intends going over there to win, just like the name of his sponsor suggests...

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/taranaki-daily-news/69406775/Maxim-says-sponsorship-will-help-him-win-the-Mongol-Derby

Friday, June 12, 2015

Australia: Imbil rider takes third in Tom Quilty Gold Cup

Gympietimes.com.au - Full Article

11 June 2015

ENDURANCE: Imbil rider Kaylea Maher won the lightweight division at the Tom Quilty Gold Cup at the weekend in Hawkesbury, New South Wales, and placed third overall.

Maher, 29, has been endurance riding for about 16 years and has competed in six Quilty Cups, completing four and two placing first in her division.

She said compared with other Quilties, this year's was very exciting and created a rush of adrenaline...

Read more here:
http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/maher-third-in-quilty/2668289/

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Great Britain: H&H Golden Horseshoe team blog: ‘let’s hope for many more years’

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Aimi Clark, Rachael Hook, Polly Bryan and Emily Secrett
10 June, 2015

A Horse & Hound team completed the Golden Horseshoe earlier this month (17 May).

Showing, vet and point-to-point editor Aimi Clark, designer Emily Secrett, news writer/digital sub editor Rachael Hook and dressage/print sub editor Polly Bryan update us on their experiences of the endurance ride.

Aimi: ‘Welfare is top of the agenda’

I had mixed feelings as I arrived on Exmoor to tackle the Golden Horseshoe. It is exciting and I barely slept the night before, but it is also the unknown — I’ve never competed in endurance before — and the international side of the sport has been surrounded by controversy recently. To top it off my horse, Bee, has missed several days’ work after losing a shoe and becoming foot sore. Typically thoroughbred timing.

Bee waits for inspectionThe veterinary inspection is one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve done. Waiting to be called forward I see a chestnut with a distinctive nod. The rider is devastated that the beloved horse she thought was in perfect health is in pain, and thoughts of the ride — all that preparation, travelling time, financial investment — pales in significance. Two vets assess the horse to see what the problem might be before he goes home. Welfare is top of the agenda here...

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/hh-golden-horseshoe-team-blog-lets-hope-for-many-more-years-495292#SZwxgs3GqvFVvQBA.99

Emirates provides plan for endurance reform

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

Horsetalk.co.nz | 10 June 2015

The Emirates Equestrian Federation has provided the FEI with a list of proposals aimed at reforming the sport of endurance in the UAE, as the country works toward having its suspension lifted.

Next year’s world endurance championships will remain in Dubai for now.

The FEI Bureau imposed an interim suspension on the UAE on March 12, citing horse welfare concerns and non-compliance with FEI rules and regulations in endurance.

The UAE initially appealed, but later withdrew it and entered talks with the FEI in a bid resolve the issues between them.

The bureau, which meet in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Tuesday, unanimously agreed to the next step in the UAE’s endurance proposals, which were sent to FEI secretary general Sabrina Zeender last Friday...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/06/10/emirates-plan-endurance-reform/#axzz3cfVi2XOw

Tuesday, June 09, 2015

FEI Bureau Unanimously Agrees Next Steps on United Arab Emirates Endurance Proposals

FEI.org
9 Jun 2015

The FEI Bureau has today welcomed a series of proposals for reform of the Endurance discipline in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), but agreed unanimously that further information needs to be provided by the UAE National Federation before lifting of the provisional suspension can be considered. The FEI Bureau provisionally suspended the UAE National Federation in March of this year following an investigation by the FEI into major horse welfare issues and non-compliance with FEI Rules and Regulations in Endurance.

The Bureau gave a clear mandate to FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender to work with the relevant departments in FEI Headquarters and seek additional feedback from the FEI Bureau members, before requesting more concrete details on the proposals from the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEF). The proposals were contained in a 10-page document, which was sent to the FEI Secretary General Sabrina Zeender on Friday 5 June.

The EEF proposals include:

• Creation of an EEF Endurance Committee of Enquiry to oversee full application of the rules;
• Involvement of the National Olympic Committee and National Anti-Doping Committee;
• Training and education of athletes, trainers, owners and officials;
• The possibility to ban organisers for non-compliance with the rules;
• Ensuring EEF national rules are fully in compliance with the FEI rules and regulations;
• Working more closely with the FEI, including welcoming FEI observers at EEF national events;
• Full cooperation with the Equestrian Community Integrity Unit inquiry into the duplication of results at a number of events in the country.

The EEF accepts that any breach of these commitments could result in the suspension being reinstated and the withdrawal of the 2016 FEI World Endurance Championships, which were allocated to the UAE in December 2014.

The EEF also detailed the new legislation that has been introduced in the UAE prohibiting the trade or use of banned substances in horse racing and equestrian sports in the country and the substantial fines that will be imposed for breaches.

The Bureau discussed the proposals in detail before reaching unanimous agreement that the Secretary General and FEI Headquarters should work together with the EEF to finalise the agreement between the two organisations. At that point, and only once the Bureau is completely satisfied that horse welfare will be ensured at all times, that FEI Rules and Regulations will be fully implemented and rigorously enforced, and that all pending issues have been addressed, the Bureau will vote on the lifting of the suspension.

“We welcome the proposed agreement of the UAE and see it as a very positive development that they are working to come to a solution”, the FEI President Ingmar De Vos said today. “The provisional suspension can only be lifted if there is a clear commitment to respect the rules before the Bureau can consider the lifting of the suspension. It is clear that more still needs to be done and we require some further work on the details, but their proposals are a very good start to work on the process for reinstatement.”

South Africa: Race the Wild Coast

Theride.co.za

In 2016 we launch Race the Wild Coast: a new breed of horse race. Riders, with a team of three horses, compete for victory over 350km of rugged paradise on the remote east coast of South Africa; navigating through this challenging wilderness, swimming rivers and keeping horses fit for vet checks in this complex multi stage race, will challenge the endurance of any horseback adventurer.

What:

• Total distance: 350 kilometres.

• A multi stage format including: dawn start and dusk cut-off, compulsory holds for tide affected river crossings and timed releases.

• Each rider has a team of 3 horses provided by a South African stud.

• There will be two horse changes at prescribed points: 123km and 209km into the race respectively.

• Each stage ends with a vet check for the horses (approximately every 40km). A rider may only continue without penalty if their horse passes the vet check.

• A recommended track with alternative routes or simply a stage destination, dependent on the terrain, will be provided on GPS to aid navigation. There will be no route markings on the ground.

• The race window is a total of 5 days with the organisers expecting the winner to finish early on the fourth day.

• This race will be a complex combination of endurance, horsemanship, navigation, strategy and what Mother Nature throws at you!


Where:

• The Wild Coast on the eastern seaboard of South Africa, from Port Edward to Kei Mouth.

• Competitors will be transferred from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport and fly out of East London Airport at the conclusion of the race.


When:

• 19th – 27th October 2016.

• Pre-Race training 19th – 21st October. Race 22nd – 26th October. Depart 27th October.

• Competitors transfer from Durban to the start camp on the 19th of October for a race briefing followed on the 20th and 21st with meeting their horses and back up team, kit and tack testing, horse orientation (including practice swimming rivers) and team strategy discussions.

• The race starts at dawn on the 22nd of October with a five-day window to complete the race.

• There will be a prize giving and spectacular celebration on the evening of the 26th, and on the 27th our brave adventurers begin their journey homeward.


Who:

• The adventure format of the race requires real horsemanship skills, experience riding long distances and competence in operating a GPS; the critical aid to navigating in this landscape.

• Riders will need to be physically fit, confident swimmers and be comfortable in the wilderness, alone and self sufficient.

• Riders must complete an application form, including details of their qualifications to compete in the race. Acceptance of applications will be at the discretion of the organisers.
Price:

• GBP4 250.00 or EUR5 950.00 or USD6 500.00 or ZAR79 000.00
• The price includes all food, accommodation, horses, support crew, tack and transfers (from pick up in Durban to drop off in East London).

For more information see
http://theride.co.za/the-race

Monday, June 08, 2015

Australia: Ben Hudson wins 50th anniversary of Tom Quilty endurance ride

ABC.net.au - Full Article

Cassie Hough and Mike Pritchard
June 8 2015

A little horse with a big heart has carried Ben Hudson from Mudgee in central New South Wales to his first win at the 50th Tom Quilty Gold Cup endurance ride.

There were 348 riders from across the country entered in the 160-kilometre ride, which is believed to be the biggest event of its kind in the world.

This was Mr Hudson's fourth Tom Quilty ride, having improved quickly from retiring early due to vetting out at his first ride to coming second last year and going one better this year to take home the cup.

After some competitive riding out on the track, Mr Hudson was able to trot over the finish line in a time of 10 hours, 16 minutes and 34 seconds.

"I was over the moon. I couldn't believe the effort my horse put it, it was a pretty good feeling. I was overwhelmed by the people and the support at the finish line," he said...

Read more here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-06-05/tom-quilty-endurance-horse-race/6528632

Sunday, June 07, 2015

New Zealand: Hamilton woman given last minute chance to ride in the Mongol Derby

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

RACHEL THOMAS
Last updated 19:02, June 3 2015

A Hamilton woman has been given a last minute chance to take part in the world's longest horse race, but she needs a leg-up to get there.

Isabella Campbell made a late entry to the Mongol Derby, a 1000 km race across the wild Mongolian steppe following Genghis Khan's postal route. She found out she was accepted last week as one of 40 other riders from around the world.

"Generally just over half the people make it over the finish line, so making it over that finish line is a massive goal, it's basically my life dream..."

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/69062126/hamilton-woman-given-last-minute-chance-to-ride-in-the-mongol-derby

British endurance riders conquer Kings Forest

Horseandcountry.tv - Full Article

By Charlotte Ricca-Smith on 5th-Jun-2015

British Endurance riders swept the board at the CEI Kings Forest Endurance Event in Suffolk at the weekend (30-31 May).

'So proud'

Chris Wray and Takwenya won the CEI3* 160km (100 mile) event. Chris completed the course in a time of 9 hours, 51 minutes and 55 seconds. He was followed 20 minutes later by Fiona Griffiths, who took second place with Oliver Twist IV.
“Takwenya was absolutely great all day,” said Chris. “We trotted most of the ride, only cantering if she wanted a change of pace. But on the final loop we cantered more than the previous five loops put together – she just ate up the ground. Her trot-ups were amazing all day. I’m so proud of my wonderful mare...”

Read more here:
http://www.horseandcountry.tv/news/2015/06/05/british-endurance-riders-conquer-kings-forest

Friday, June 05, 2015

Format changes could be in place for WEG in 2018, says FEI president

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

Neil Clarkson | 4 June 2015

Format changes in the key disciplines could be in place for the next World Equestrian Games, FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos says.

De Vos, who ended a New Zealand visit yesterday, provided a potential time-frame for the implementation of changes which the FEI hopes will result in tighter and easier-to-follow formats that are likely to win greater favour with broadcasters...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2015/06/04/format-changes-weg-2018-fei-president/#ixzz3cCBVYcsH

Tuesday, June 02, 2015

UAE: Khalifa issues law on horse racing

Emirates247.com - Full Article

Cabinet issues implementation regulations

By Wam
Published Monday, June 01, 2015

The President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has issued Federal Law No. 7 of 2015 to combat the trade or use of banned substances in horse racing and equestrian sports events in the UAE. The Cabinet has also issued the Implementing Regulations of the new law.

The law aims to protect legitimate competition in the sport and eliminate fraud while promoting the principle of sportsmanship. It will also encourage research on combatting banned materials in horse racing and equestrian events, help develop the detection process in order to maximise the effectiveness of preventive strategies and educate owners and professionals about the seriousness of the use of prohibited substances.

The new law is applicable in equestrian sports that include any local, regional and international contests or competition dedicated to horses, which include, without limitation, Endurance, Flat, training of horses, polo and events related to beauty...

Read more here:
http://www.emirates247.com/news/government/khalifa-issues-law-on-horse-racing-2015-06-01-1.592527

FEI Goes Quiet on Sanctions Against Countries with a Doping Problem

HorseSport.com - Full Article After a huge spike in positives in Saudi Arabia, last year the FEI told HorseSport.com it would discuss a co...