Nominative entries have been announced for the 2016 World Endurance Championship, which will take place in Samorin, Slovakia, on September 15-16.
186 nominated riders represent 46 countries for the 160-km race. Final entries will be announced after horse inspections. The complete list can be seen here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Slovakia/2016WorldEnduranceChampionship/Nominative_entries_08_2016.pdf
Opening ceremonies will take place at 8 PM on Thursday, September 15. Horse inspections will begin at 2 PM on Friday, and the race begins at 6 AM on Saturday. A live stream of the race will be available at
http://www.feitv.org/live
More stories, tweets, photos and info at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Slovakia/2016WorldEnduranceChampionship/
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Monday, August 29, 2016
FEI President celebrates top equestrian sport and clean Games at Rio 2016
FEI.org
27 Aug 2016
FEI President Ingmar De Vos had double cause for celebration this week after confirmation that all human and equine samples taken during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games had returned negative.
“Keeping our sport clean is a central part of our daily work at the FEI, but to have back-to-back clean Games in London and Rio is something for any sport to be proud of, especially as we were testing for more substances than ever before”, the FEI President said today. “And that’s on top of absolutely brilliant equestrian sport in Rio, so we really have something to celebrate!”
A total of 60 equine samples – 30% of the 200 competing horses – were tested during the Games. The samples were sent to the FEI’s Central Laboratory in Newmarket (GBR), one of the five FEI Approved Laboratories worldwide, with the final batch of results returned to FEI Headquarters this week.
Human testing, which is conducted by the IOC during the Olympic Games, also returned 100% negatives for the equestrian athletes that were sampled...
Read more here:
http://inside.fei.org/news/fei-president-celebrates-top-equestrian-sport-and-clean-games-rio-2016
27 Aug 2016
FEI President Ingmar De Vos had double cause for celebration this week after confirmation that all human and equine samples taken during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games had returned negative.
“Keeping our sport clean is a central part of our daily work at the FEI, but to have back-to-back clean Games in London and Rio is something for any sport to be proud of, especially as we were testing for more substances than ever before”, the FEI President said today. “And that’s on top of absolutely brilliant equestrian sport in Rio, so we really have something to celebrate!”
A total of 60 equine samples – 30% of the 200 competing horses – were tested during the Games. The samples were sent to the FEI’s Central Laboratory in Newmarket (GBR), one of the five FEI Approved Laboratories worldwide, with the final batch of results returned to FEI Headquarters this week.
Human testing, which is conducted by the IOC during the Olympic Games, also returned 100% negatives for the equestrian athletes that were sampled...
Read more here:
http://inside.fei.org/news/fei-president-celebrates-top-equestrian-sport-and-clean-games-rio-2016
Great Britain: Raglan expert breeds top endurance horse
Abergavennychronicle.com - Full ArticleSaturday, 27 August 2016 By Staff reporter
Endurance rider and horse breeder Chris Wray from Cwmcarvan near Raglan has bred the highest ever scoring endurance horse in a national young horse evaluation day.
Chris’ colt foal, Kamili (Shuawaiman Al Rais x Cloud Stepper) gained his score in the Baileys Horse Feeds/ British Breeding/British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Futurity at Hartpury College on Tuesday (August 23).
Kamili - which appropriately means ‘complete’ or ‘perfect’ in Swahili - scored an elite premium of 9.25 out of a possible maximum of 10.
An elite Futurity premium indicates that the horse has the potential and outlook to perform at international level...
Read more here:
http://www.abergavennychronicle.com/article.cfm?id=102993&headline=Raglan%20expert%20breeds%20top%20endurance%20horse§ionIs=news&searchyear=2016
Sunday, August 28, 2016
Slovakia: International Veterinary Endurance Conference
August 28 2016
An International Veterinary Endurance Conference will take place in Samorin, Slovakia on Wednesday 14 September, just before the World Endurance Championships that will start on 18 September.
The topics include presentations by some of the foremost experts in endurance veterinary science, and include genetics, training, clinical science, pathophysiology and physiotherapy. There are also presentations on horse welfare and a report on the Bou Theib system introduced in the UAE 2015-16 season.
The conference is not an official FEI conference, but EOVs and EVTs may find it of interest.
The event is organized by Tierklinik Lüsche GmbH. The equine clinic Lüsche GmbH is a so-called “full-service-hospital” for horses. All disciplines of equine veterinary medicine are represented, including lamness examinations, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery (including colic surgery). With the comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options the equine clinic Lüsche is the one of the most modern equine clinics in Germany.
This event takes place at the same time as the Longines World Endurance Championship, Sept 15-16.
More information, and to register, see
IVEC.info
An International Veterinary Endurance Conference will take place in Samorin, Slovakia on Wednesday 14 September, just before the World Endurance Championships that will start on 18 September.
The topics include presentations by some of the foremost experts in endurance veterinary science, and include genetics, training, clinical science, pathophysiology and physiotherapy. There are also presentations on horse welfare and a report on the Bou Theib system introduced in the UAE 2015-16 season.
The conference is not an official FEI conference, but EOVs and EVTs may find it of interest.
The event is organized by Tierklinik Lüsche GmbH. The equine clinic Lüsche GmbH is a so-called “full-service-hospital” for horses. All disciplines of equine veterinary medicine are represented, including lamness examinations, orthopedic and soft tissue surgery (including colic surgery). With the comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options the equine clinic Lüsche is the one of the most modern equine clinics in Germany.
This event takes place at the same time as the Longines World Endurance Championship, Sept 15-16.
More information, and to register, see
IVEC.info
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Australia: Melissa Longhurst Wins 2016 Shahzada
August 26 2016After building a 1 1/2 hour lead on Day 4, Melissa Longhurst and Pioneer Park Wings of Sudan won the 2016 the Shahzada in a combined time of 38:56 for the 400 kms over 5 days. Clare Feary and Die Kinder Junrei came in second, with a time of 42:37. Gary Pevy and Halimas Esdikam were third in 43:42.
Of the original 45 starters, 22 finished all 5 days.
Winner of the 3-day 120-km Mini-Marathon on Thursday was Elizabeth Moir, riding Coolahlee Park Shaman in a total time of 14:35. Of the 103 starters, 69 completed all 3 days of 40 km.
For complete results, see
http://www.shahzada400.com/
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Great Britain: Why an international horse-racing legend will be in North Devon next month
Northdevonjournal.co.uk - Full Article
By NDJLaura | Posted: August 24, 2016
A horse racing legend will be in North Devon next month to present prizes to winners of a popular equine endurance challenge.
Riders at this year's annual Equitrek, being held on Exmoor next month, could have the honour of meeting equine VIP Bob Champion, who has agreed to support the event and will be presenting the prizes.
Bob was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 31 in 1979 and doctors initially gave him only eight months to live. He faced extreme challenges – undergoing surgery, feeling suicidal and developing life-threatening septicaemia...
Read more at http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk/why-this-north-devon/story-29652141-detail/story.html#OV1WlJzE8I2zFfR3.99
By NDJLaura | Posted: August 24, 2016
A horse racing legend will be in North Devon next month to present prizes to winners of a popular equine endurance challenge.
Riders at this year's annual Equitrek, being held on Exmoor next month, could have the honour of meeting equine VIP Bob Champion, who has agreed to support the event and will be presenting the prizes.
Bob was diagnosed with testicular cancer at the age of 31 in 1979 and doctors initially gave him only eight months to live. He faced extreme challenges – undergoing surgery, feeling suicidal and developing life-threatening septicaemia...
Read more at http://www.northdevonjournal.co.uk/why-this-north-devon/story-29652141-detail/story.html#OV1WlJzE8I2zFfR3.99
Australia: Australia: 2016 Shahzada Day 3
August 24 2016
On Day 3 of the 5-day 400-km Shahzada, Lightweight Melissa McCullough and Forbes View Sienna continue to lead with an overall time of 21:10. Lightweight Melissa Longhurst and Pioneer Park Wings of Sudan are 22 minutes behind.
45 started the ride on Day 1. With 2 more eliminated or retiring on Day 3, that leaves 32 still in the ride, with 2 more days to go.
Nicolle Brown and Kie-Al Nasarian lead with a total time of 7:00. 103 started, with 21 pulls so far.
Results are at:
http://www.shahzada400.com/
On Day 3 of the 5-day 400-km Shahzada, Lightweight Melissa McCullough and Forbes View Sienna continue to lead with an overall time of 21:10. Lightweight Melissa Longhurst and Pioneer Park Wings of Sudan are 22 minutes behind.
45 started the ride on Day 1. With 2 more eliminated or retiring on Day 3, that leaves 32 still in the ride, with 2 more days to go.
Nicolle Brown and Kie-Al Nasarian lead with a total time of 7:00. 103 started, with 21 pulls so far.
Results are at:
http://www.shahzada400.com/
Australia: Mackillop College student Tahnaya Mercieca to take part in the Tom Quilty endurance ride in October
Westernadvocate.com.au - Full Article
Bradley Jurd
24 Aug 2016
When October 7 comes around, Tahnaya Mercieca will become one of the youngest riders in the Tom Quilty endurance ride.
The 12-year-old MacKillop College student will be riding Malleegrove Qaarma, her 15-year-old pure-breed Arabian gelding, during the 160-kilometre race.
The Tom Quilty, which will be held in the granite mountains of Victoria, is considered the pinnacle of Australian endurance rides.
Qaarma, as Tahnaya refers to him, may not be her fastest horse, with the family owning seven in total, but she loves him just as much.
“He’s just a special horse, I love his characteristics,” Tahnaya said. “He loves attention and he’ll let you know when he wants some...”
Read more here:
http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/4117048/qaarma-is-mane-man/
Bradley Jurd
24 Aug 2016
When October 7 comes around, Tahnaya Mercieca will become one of the youngest riders in the Tom Quilty endurance ride.
The 12-year-old MacKillop College student will be riding Malleegrove Qaarma, her 15-year-old pure-breed Arabian gelding, during the 160-kilometre race.
The Tom Quilty, which will be held in the granite mountains of Victoria, is considered the pinnacle of Australian endurance rides.
Qaarma, as Tahnaya refers to him, may not be her fastest horse, with the family owning seven in total, but she loves him just as much.
“He’s just a special horse, I love his characteristics,” Tahnaya said. “He loves attention and he’ll let you know when he wants some...”
Read more here:
http://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/4117048/qaarma-is-mane-man/
Australia: Two Table Top horses prepare for World Endurance Championships
Bordermail.com.au - Full Article
JANET HOWIE
23 Aug 2016
TWO Table Top horses leave Australia on Wednesday for a journey that will end at next month’s World Endurance Championships in Slovakia.
The pair will help their trainer Amanda Kettlewell, of Oso Arabians, achieve a longstanding goal.
“You’re competing for your country, you don’t get much bigger than this,” she said.
It would be fantastic to get a medal for the team, but I think the biggest thing will be getting two happy, healthy horses around, completing the course
- Amanda Kettlewell...
Read more here:
http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4114526/border-team-prepares-for-a-feat-of-endurance/
JANET HOWIE
23 Aug 2016
TWO Table Top horses leave Australia on Wednesday for a journey that will end at next month’s World Endurance Championships in Slovakia.
The pair will help their trainer Amanda Kettlewell, of Oso Arabians, achieve a longstanding goal.
“You’re competing for your country, you don’t get much bigger than this,” she said.
It would be fantastic to get a medal for the team, but I think the biggest thing will be getting two happy, healthy horses around, completing the course
- Amanda Kettlewell...
Read more here:
http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/4114526/border-team-prepares-for-a-feat-of-endurance/
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Australia: 2016 Shahzada Day 2
August 23 2016
On Day 2 of the 5-day 400-km Shahzada, Lightweight Melissa McCullough and Forbes View Sienna have the lead with an overall time of 13:16. Lightweight Melissa Longhurst and Pioneer Park Wings of Sudan are 7 minutes behind.
45 started the ride on Day 1. 4 more riders were eliminated on day 2, leaving 38 still riding on.
The 3-day 120-km Mini Marathon began today, with 103 starting and 13 eliminated. Two riders are tied for the lead with a time of 3:35: Andrew Jonkers and Girilambone Comet, and Kylie Jonkers riding Girilambone Venus.
Unofficial results are here:
http://www.aeraspace.com.au/RideResultsDetail_S.aspx?eventid=28356&ridenumber=1
and here:
http://www.aeraspace.com.au/RideResultsDetail_S.aspx?eventid=28356&ridenumber=2
Follow along at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Australia/2016Shahzada/
On Day 2 of the 5-day 400-km Shahzada, Lightweight Melissa McCullough and Forbes View Sienna have the lead with an overall time of 13:16. Lightweight Melissa Longhurst and Pioneer Park Wings of Sudan are 7 minutes behind.
45 started the ride on Day 1. 4 more riders were eliminated on day 2, leaving 38 still riding on.
The 3-day 120-km Mini Marathon began today, with 103 starting and 13 eliminated. Two riders are tied for the lead with a time of 3:35: Andrew Jonkers and Girilambone Comet, and Kylie Jonkers riding Girilambone Venus.
Unofficial results are here:
http://www.aeraspace.com.au/RideResultsDetail_S.aspx?eventid=28356&ridenumber=1
and here:
http://www.aeraspace.com.au/RideResultsDetail_S.aspx?eventid=28356&ridenumber=2
Follow along at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Australia/2016Shahzada/
Monday, August 22, 2016
Portugal: Meydan FEI European Endurance Championship for Young Riders & Juniors 2016
http://www.endurance.net/international/Portugal/2016EuropeanYRJChampionshipFrom 2 to 4 of September
The FEI European Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors is organized every two years. It is one of the most important European competitions, leading to the discovery of promising young Endurance riders.
Particularly directed for riders between 14 and 21 years, its an important foundation of future professional Endurance riders.
The last edition was in 2014, in Verona, Italy.
This year, for the first time, this competition will take place in Portugal, in the Rio Frio Equestrian pole, from 2 to 4 of September. Over 20 countries are expected to bring over 100 riders and a total of 400 participants.
It’s a 120km competition in several counter clock phases, where the rider’s ability to manage the horse’s effort is tested, along with the horse’s speed and resistance. At the end of each phase, a veterinary inspection takes place.
Endurance is becoming a popular discipline throughout the world, and is nowadays, not only the second biggest equestrian discipline in competition number and participants, but the highest growing. According to FEI, more than 900 Endurance competitions are held every year, and the discipline has more than 6000 riders and 10000 horses registered.
Follow the ride at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Portugal/2016EuropeanYRJChampionship/
Australia: 2016 Shahzada is Underway
http://www.endurance.net/international/Australia/2016ShahzadaThe 36th annual Shahzada has begun in St Albans, New South Wales. It runs August 22 through August 26th.
Shahzada is the ultimate test for horse and rider of 400km over five days up and down the beautiful mountains surrounding the picturesque Macdonald Valley, sometimes three times in the one day.
For those on younger, less experienced horses, the Mini Marathon of 120km over three days starts today, Tuesday, and runs through Thursday.
45 were entered for the 400 km, with 42 finishing day 1. Lightweight Melissa Longhurst and Pioneer Park Wings of Sudan have the overall lead, finishing the 80 km in 6:27.
Unofficial Results from Day 1 400 km are here:
http://www.aeraspace.com.au/RideResultsDetail_S.aspx?eventid=28356&ridenumber=1
Follow the ride at
http://www.endurance.net/international/Australia/2016Shahzada
Meet your USA Team for the 2016 World Endurance Championship in Slovakia
2016 WEC on Endurance.netTom Hagis and Indian Reinman, from Fries, Virginia, Ellen Olson and Bey Gibby, from La Motte, Iowa, and Dr Meg Sleeper and Shyrocco Rimbaud, from Frenchtown, New Jersey, will be traveling to Samorin, Slovakia for the 2016 World Endurance Championship on September 15-16.
All three riders are raising money in various ways to help cover expenses, and they each have a GoFundMe page set up for those who want to contribute.
Tom says:
My 10 year old Arabian gelding Indian Reinman and I have been chosen the represent the USA at the World Endurance Championship in Samorin, Slovakia next month. To help offset the tremendous cost of sending Reinman, Gina and a crew to the venue I am asking my friends to help. If we can spread the cost burden amoung the several hundred friends that we all have, this will be a reality. I am honored and humbled by this experience. The ride was originally scheduled for Dec. in the UAE but has been moved to Sept. in Slovakia. That doesn't leave us much time but with all your help I will proudly represent you and the USA. Welcome to Team Hagis and Team USA. I thank you all!!
See more on Tom at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Slovakia/2016WorldEnduranceChampionship/Tom01.html
Ellen says:
Gibbys going to Slovokia for the Endurance World Championships!! Due to the change in location and short timeframe we are looking for support with the cost of shipping him over! Gibby is 16 and this is his second World Championship and last hurrah" per say overseas! Gibby has had a fantastic year and worked soo hard to participate in the WEC! So we are looking for help in supporting Gibbs! We ship out in ONE MONTH!!! gooooo Gibbs!!!
See more on Ellen at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Slovakia/2016WorldEnduranceChampionship/Ellen01.html
Meg Sleeper says:
We are organizing for the trip to Slovakia for the world championship and there are so many loose ends to tie up!! I am rarely on FB, but posts get forwarded so I think I have read them all. I apologize for not responding to each one, but it is impossible for me to express how much the generous donations and the well wishes mean to me!! It makes me realize how fortunate I have been…not only am I able to compete in a sport that is my passion, but I work in a profession I love and have so many remarkable friends!! Thank each and everyone one of you! In particular, I need to thank Robyn, who set up the gofundme site (https://www.gofundme.com/MegSleeperEnduranc) and has been absolutely leaving no stone unturned in her attempt to help raise funds for this event! She even reached out to Bill Gates!! Thanks to Triple Crown and Southern States Feed- not only for making fabulous products that have helped us get here, but also for helping with travel support. Thanks to OmegaAlpha for nutritional supplements that support top level equine athletes (and dogs and humans too!).
I will try to send updates periodically as we prepare, and as frequently as possible once we start the journey. I usually send out an email blog, but I will post it on FB and the gofundme site as well. The horses will leave from JFK on September thth following a 6 hour quarantine and land in Frankfurt on the 5th. They will then van to Samorin, Slovakia and arrive at the venue on the 6th. Opening ceremonies are on September 15th at 8pm, first inspection is on the 16th and the ride starts on September 17th at 6 am. For anyone interested, here is the link for the event website: http://www.wech2016.com. The venue looks gorgeous and there should be live streaming during the event.
See more on Meg at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Slovakia/2016WorldEnduranceChampionship/Meg01.html
Stay tuned for more information and stories from the 2016 WEC here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Slovakia/2016WorldEnduranceChampionship/
Saturday, August 20, 2016
French riders sweep HH Sheikh Mansoor Festival-supported Belgian endurance ride
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Enduroonline.com.br - Full ArticleSource: HH SH Mansoor Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival / Satya Narayan
Photo: Morhaf Al Assaf
Brussels, Belgium - It was a French 1-2-3 led by Vincent Gaudriot on 9-year-old Tahar Du Barthas in the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival-supported Brussels Equestrian Endurance Masters (BEEM) 160-km ride on Thursday, August 18, at the Sonian forest region near the city of Brussels.
Gaudriot who was fourth in penultimate stage of the five-stage 160-km ride, finished first with a time of 9 hours 8 minutes and 26 seconds recording an average time of 17.50kmph.
It was a reversal of the fourth stage placing as Julien Goachet on Ulyssa De Coat Fritty who was third at the penultimate finished second while second-placed Virginie Atger on Quersane Des Pins, second going into the final loop, was pushed to third place.
The 160-km ride was the first of the three-day Brussels Equestrian Endurance Masters (BEEM), the result of a three-year pact between the Royal Belgian Federation of Equestrian Sports (FRBSE-KBRSF) and the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival...
Read more here:
http://www.enduroonline.com.br/2016_sh_mansoor_festival_French-riders-sweep-HH-Sheikh-Mansoor-Festival-supported-Belgian-endurance-ride.php
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Underlying defect likely to have caused Mongol Derby horse death
Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article
Sarah Radford 10:56 - 15 August, 2016
Post mortem results have revealed an underlying defect was probably behind the death of a pony in this year’s Mongol Derby.
The mount of British dressage rider Tatiana Mountbatten died suddenly on day seven of the 1,000km horse race (August 10]), between urtuus (horse stations) 23 and 24.
Investigating vet Dr Jeremy Hubert found a massive diaphragmatic rupture, which he attributed to either a congenital defect or the legacy of an old kick injury.
“He found it unlikely that the rupture could have been the result of strenuous exercise. There is no evidence to suggest that anything Tatiana did while under saddle caused the rupture,” said Katy Willings in a statement from organisers The Adventurists HQ...
Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/mongol-derby-horse-death-588126#JKXbBdpPFVU3XBFf.99
Sarah Radford 10:56 - 15 August, 2016
Post mortem results have revealed an underlying defect was probably behind the death of a pony in this year’s Mongol Derby.
The mount of British dressage rider Tatiana Mountbatten died suddenly on day seven of the 1,000km horse race (August 10]), between urtuus (horse stations) 23 and 24.
Investigating vet Dr Jeremy Hubert found a massive diaphragmatic rupture, which he attributed to either a congenital defect or the legacy of an old kick injury.
“He found it unlikely that the rupture could have been the result of strenuous exercise. There is no evidence to suggest that anything Tatiana did while under saddle caused the rupture,” said Katy Willings in a statement from organisers The Adventurists HQ...
Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/mongol-derby-horse-death-588126#JKXbBdpPFVU3XBFf.99
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Entry Forms Available for Canadian Endurance Championship
Entry forms are available for the Canadian Endurance Championship which will be held on August 25-28 at Spruce Woods Provincial Park in Manitoba.
The events are Saturday 20/40/80/120 km and Sunday 20/40/80/120/160 km.
All the 80/120/160 km events both days are FEI also.
The electronic forms are available here:
https://forms.zohopublic.com/mauraleahy/form/SpruceWoodsAugust25282016/formperma/md9g12MCDkak3051HE3J3766H
Late fees apply after August 20.
For information on the Canadian Endurance Championship please go to www.distanceridersofmanitoba.ca
The events are Saturday 20/40/80/120 km and Sunday 20/40/80/120/160 km.
All the 80/120/160 km events both days are FEI also.
The electronic forms are available here:
https://forms.zohopublic.com/mauraleahy/form/SpruceWoodsAugust25282016/formperma/md9g12MCDkak3051HE3J3766H
Late fees apply after August 20.
For information on the Canadian Endurance Championship please go to www.distanceridersofmanitoba.ca
South Africa: Sandymount Express 1000 FAQ
1. How long is the race?
The Race is 1000 kilometers, or 625 miles.
2. When/Where is the race?
Kickoff is October 1st, 2016! The race is held annually in Sandymount Park, a wildlife reserve in South Africa.
3. How many days do you have to complete?
The race is split into 120 kilometers a day (75 miles) each day, for a total of 8 days.
4. How many horses do you ride?
Each rider gets a string of 5-8 horse. Each day is split into 3 legs of 40 kilometers (25 miles). Each rider will rotate through horses, effectively meaning each horse will do a total of 200 kilometers (125 miles) over the course of the event.
5. Are there vet checks?
Yes! At the end of each leg, if the horse does not meet criteria, the leg will not count and the rider must repeat the distance in order to finish.
6. Does that mean the race is more than 1000 kilometers?
Yes, quite possibly!
7. So…how do you WIN?
Rider’s time will begin at the same time each morning, and stop when they pass their third and final vet check of the day. The rider with the lowest elapsed time over 8 days wins.
8. How can I FOLLOW?
By LIKING the SMEX1000 Facebook Page, or by following American rider Devan Horn, who will be competing this year!
https://www.facebook.com/smex1000/
The Race is 1000 kilometers, or 625 miles.
2. When/Where is the race?
Kickoff is October 1st, 2016! The race is held annually in Sandymount Park, a wildlife reserve in South Africa.
3. How many days do you have to complete?
The race is split into 120 kilometers a day (75 miles) each day, for a total of 8 days.
4. How many horses do you ride?
Each rider gets a string of 5-8 horse. Each day is split into 3 legs of 40 kilometers (25 miles). Each rider will rotate through horses, effectively meaning each horse will do a total of 200 kilometers (125 miles) over the course of the event.
5. Are there vet checks?
Yes! At the end of each leg, if the horse does not meet criteria, the leg will not count and the rider must repeat the distance in order to finish.
6. Does that mean the race is more than 1000 kilometers?
Yes, quite possibly!
7. So…how do you WIN?
Rider’s time will begin at the same time each morning, and stop when they pass their third and final vet check of the day. The rider with the lowest elapsed time over 8 days wins.
8. How can I FOLLOW?
By LIKING the SMEX1000 Facebook Page, or by following American rider Devan Horn, who will be competing this year!
https://www.facebook.com/smex1000/
Monday, August 15, 2016
United Arab Emirates and Great Britain Triumph In Fourth Euston Park Endurance Ride
Eustonparkendurance.co.uk - Full Article
13 August 2016
The last of the four Longines presented Euston Park Endurance Rides, supported by Emirates Airlines, was the largest to date, with 81 riders starting this morning’s ride (Saturday August 13). The four classes saw three wins for the UAE and one for Great Britain in what was the final of four rides and the HH Sh. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival.
Great Britain’s Kate Atkinson (19) from Clitheroe, Lancashire riding Tannasg Psyches Realm put in an amazing performance in her first ride in the popular Young Rider’s CEI2* 120km, which had a starting line-up of 15 riders. The Brit put in a steady performance with consistently fast times meaning she was ahead on each loop and finished first in almost exactly six hours, with an average speed of 19.95kph and a qualification for next year’s Junior World Championships in Italy, as well as scooping top prize in the Best Condition Award.
“I’ve never done that in my life!” said Kate of her average speed. “I’m still in shock. I really didn’t expect to win. I just aimed to complete and qualify for the Worlds. It’s my Mum’s horse and she let me have a ride on it! I knew when I went out on the last loop I was in first place but even then the qualification was more important than the place. But then I thought ‘this is too good to not try’. It’s just…. Wow!”
The FEI ride drew entries from 17 nations including Australia, France, Pakistan and Sweden and once again comprised four classes: the CEI1* 80km, CEI2* 120km (Young Rider and senior classes) and the CEI3* 160km. As riders set off in staggered start times from 06:45 the weather looked promising with warm sunshine, a strong breeze and plenty of cloud cover. It didn’t disappoint. Conditions remained consistent all day and the organisers’ decision to drop the yellow loop was proven totally vindicated as the rest of the course rode extremely well...
Read more here:
http://eustonparkendurance.co.uk/united-arab-emirates-and-great-britain-triumph-in-fourth-euston-park-endurance-ride/
13 August 2016
The last of the four Longines presented Euston Park Endurance Rides, supported by Emirates Airlines, was the largest to date, with 81 riders starting this morning’s ride (Saturday August 13). The four classes saw three wins for the UAE and one for Great Britain in what was the final of four rides and the HH Sh. Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup Festival.
Great Britain’s Kate Atkinson (19) from Clitheroe, Lancashire riding Tannasg Psyches Realm put in an amazing performance in her first ride in the popular Young Rider’s CEI2* 120km, which had a starting line-up of 15 riders. The Brit put in a steady performance with consistently fast times meaning she was ahead on each loop and finished first in almost exactly six hours, with an average speed of 19.95kph and a qualification for next year’s Junior World Championships in Italy, as well as scooping top prize in the Best Condition Award.
“I’ve never done that in my life!” said Kate of her average speed. “I’m still in shock. I really didn’t expect to win. I just aimed to complete and qualify for the Worlds. It’s my Mum’s horse and she let me have a ride on it! I knew when I went out on the last loop I was in first place but even then the qualification was more important than the place. But then I thought ‘this is too good to not try’. It’s just…. Wow!”
The FEI ride drew entries from 17 nations including Australia, France, Pakistan and Sweden and once again comprised four classes: the CEI1* 80km, CEI2* 120km (Young Rider and senior classes) and the CEI3* 160km. As riders set off in staggered start times from 06:45 the weather looked promising with warm sunshine, a strong breeze and plenty of cloud cover. It didn’t disappoint. Conditions remained consistent all day and the organisers’ decision to drop the yellow loop was proven totally vindicated as the rest of the course rode extremely well...
Read more here:
http://eustonparkendurance.co.uk/united-arab-emirates-and-great-britain-triumph-in-fourth-euston-park-endurance-ride/
New Mexico rider ties for first in Mongol Derby
Santafenewmexican.com - Full Article
Aug 12, 2016.
By Staci Matlock
The New Mexican
New Mexico endurance rider Marcia Hefker-Miles tied with two other competitors for first place in the 621-mile Mongol Derby horse race at 9:31 a.m. Thursday. That was Mongolian time, when many in New Mexico were just finishing Wednesday’s dinner.
The derby, which follows the ancient postal route established by Genghis Khan across the rugged Mongolian steppes, is billed by organizers at The Adventurists as the longest, toughest endurance horse race in the world.
Hefker-Miles, 45, grew up on a ranch in Carrizozo and works now as a nurse practitioner in Raton. She linked hands with Will “Dingo” Comiskey, an Australian rancher, and Canadian lawyer Heidi Telstad as they crossed the finish line together.
The three completed the race in seven days. Two dozen riders were still behind them. It was the first time a three-way, first-place tie occurred in the race, said Liz Ampairee, spokeswoman for the Mongol Derby. “It’s a lovely thing I think that they chose to all win together rather than make a charge for the line,” Ampairee said...
Read more here:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/life/features/new-mexico-rider-ties-for-first-in-mongol-derby/article_b5b1af49-be35-5e15-9287-8ccdf994894e.html
Aug 12, 2016.
By Staci Matlock
The New Mexican
New Mexico endurance rider Marcia Hefker-Miles tied with two other competitors for first place in the 621-mile Mongol Derby horse race at 9:31 a.m. Thursday. That was Mongolian time, when many in New Mexico were just finishing Wednesday’s dinner.
The derby, which follows the ancient postal route established by Genghis Khan across the rugged Mongolian steppes, is billed by organizers at The Adventurists as the longest, toughest endurance horse race in the world.
Hefker-Miles, 45, grew up on a ranch in Carrizozo and works now as a nurse practitioner in Raton. She linked hands with Will “Dingo” Comiskey, an Australian rancher, and Canadian lawyer Heidi Telstad as they crossed the finish line together.
The three completed the race in seven days. Two dozen riders were still behind them. It was the first time a three-way, first-place tie occurred in the race, said Liz Ampairee, spokeswoman for the Mongol Derby. “It’s a lovely thing I think that they chose to all win together rather than make a charge for the line,” Ampairee said...
Read more here:
http://www.santafenewmexican.com/life/features/new-mexico-rider-ties-for-first-in-mongol-derby/article_b5b1af49-be35-5e15-9287-8ccdf994894e.html
Great Britain: £250 allowance offered to Euston Park endurance entrants
Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article
Eleanor Jones
06:58 - 12 August, 2016
ANYONE who entered the last of this summer’s endurance rides at Euston Park on Sunday (13 August) was to be offered “a raft of enhanced incentives” – including the chance to win a holiday to Dubai.
“To celebrate the final ride of four”, organisers, and the sponsors of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival, offered each British entrant a £250 allowance to cover entry fees and travel costs, plus free local hotel accommodation.
This was boosted to £400 for those who entered by 7 August, while overseas entrants were offered £800...
Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/250-allowance-offered-euston-park-endurance-entrants-587539#opffsIK5aPHekaF3.99
Eleanor Jones
06:58 - 12 August, 2016
ANYONE who entered the last of this summer’s endurance rides at Euston Park on Sunday (13 August) was to be offered “a raft of enhanced incentives” – including the chance to win a holiday to Dubai.
“To celebrate the final ride of four”, organisers, and the sponsors of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Festival, offered each British entrant a £250 allowance to cover entry fees and travel costs, plus free local hotel accommodation.
This was boosted to £400 for those who entered by 7 August, while overseas entrants were offered £800...
Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/250-allowance-offered-euston-park-endurance-entrants-587539#opffsIK5aPHekaF3.99
Thursday, August 11, 2016
THREE riders cross the line together to win the 2016 Mongol Derby!
Richard Dunwoody photoAt 9.51am local time, Will Comiskey from Australia, Marcia Hefker-Miles from New Mexico and Heidi Telstad crossed the line, arms together, to take a triple dead heat in the 2016 Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race.
They gave thanks to the horses, herders and people of Mongolia for an incredible experience and said they wanted to share the experience of winning as a team just as they had shared the experience of the trail.
Will Comiskey, 28, ‘Dingo’, a cattle rancher from Longreach , said:
“There were slow ones, there were wild ones, but ****, we had fun!!
Marcia Hefker-Miles, 45, from New Mexico, said her most memorable memory was:
“Riding through a high mountain pass, past a boy and a girl both herding goats; making eye contact with them and waving. I saw myself in that little girl...”
Heidi Telstad, 43, a lawyer from British Colombia, said hers was:
“Camping one night with a poor family; they gave everything they had to spare to me and my horse and treated me as one of their own.”
Next to finish in the Mongol Derby were Tatiana Mountbatten and Venetia Philipps, from the UK and Courtney Kizer from Texas. Other riders will finish shortly…
You can still follow the race via twitter https://twitter.com/mongolderbylive or if you use the + arrows on the tracker you can home in and hover your mouse over the blue dots so you can see exactly where the riders all are and how far they have travelled http://www.theadventurists.com/mongol-derby-live-dashboard/
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
2016 Mongol Derby: Day 7
Richard Dunwoody photoDay 7 is over. Tonight, Heidi Telstad, William Comiskey and Marcia Hefker-Miles are at Urtuu 27. They have only one leg to go. It'll all be decided tomorrow.
Every single person in the field is riding fantastically well:
"All these riders are absolute troopers. It's easy to forget that everyone left in the race is doing 120-150kms in a day. Fantastic riders and great horses." - Katy, Race Chief
Tonight, USA rider Marie Griffis is without her steed. She dismounted for a toilet break in the woods and her horse trotted off without her, taking all her belongings. She looked for three hours in a steep sided valley between Urtuu 22 and 23 before admitting defeat and requesting help from our event teams. The verdict from the horse's owner? "Ah. Yes, he's done this before." If only she'd known.
"Its such a shame, she's been so competent. We're hoping the horse will turn up in the morning as they often do. We're pretty sure we can kit her up to ride on, after she's served the penalty for the help. Rubbish luck, but fair." - Katy, Race Chief
Venetia Philips and Tatiana Mountbatten are tonight camping between Urtuu 26 and 27 after a devastating day: the sudden death of Tatiana's horse between Urtuus. A post mortem examination has concluded. The vet identified a massive diaphragmatic rupture, which he believes to be a congenital defect or legacy of an old kick injury. The horse had been cleared by vets on leaving Urtuu 23, and there is nothing to indicate that the rupture was caused by strenuous exercise or Tatiana's riding. The horse's owner is Jamiyanmyadag. He has been informed, compensated and will receive our ongoing support. If you'd like to read more, there is a full statement here.
The rest of the field saw some rider retirements from Krista Donnelly and returning veteran, Anna Christina De Jonquieres. Both riders are this evening in good spirits but the wear and tear of the race has defeated them. Chips Broughton has also re-retired. He had a fall on Day 5, rejoined the race on Day 6 and has today decided to retire and allow his injuries heal comfortably.
Finally, a comment from one of yesterday's retirees, Cochetta Crowley: "The mountain passes in the Blood Wagon [support vehicle] were far scarier than they would be on a horse." Mongolia is better by horse.
Follow @MongolDerbyLive on Twitter for live commentary on Day 8. The course opens at 7am.
All the riders are being tracked live. Find out all the ways you can follow the race on the Live Tracking Dashboard.
We'll be back on Wednesday 10th August with the best photo and updates from Day 7. Until then, here's the Day 7 Leaderboard. and a reminder of the Derby penalty system.
Mongol Derby 2016 set for a nailbiting finish!
Richard Dunwoody @Mongol Derby photoAugust 10 2016
The 2016 Mongol Derby, certainly this year living up to its name as the world’s longest and toughest horse race (“and it’s raining again….”) is set for a nail biting finish with any of five riders in a position to take the title.
At horse station 27, the last station before the finish, are William Comiskey, nicknamed ‘Dingo’, a cattle rancher from Australia, alongside Canada’s Heidi Telstad, a lawyer – and these two have been riding together for most of the race. With them is New Mexican cowgirl, Marcia Hefker-Miles.
Closely following are Courtney Kizer, a Texan showjumper and UK ‘Riding for Rangers’ team Tatiana Mountbatten, a professional dressage rider and 499th in line to the throne, and her team mate, Kenyan based Venetia Phillips who have stuck together like an Olympic duo throughout the race. Behind these and also set for a top 10 finish are Shannon Nott, an Aussie bush doctor, UK rider and Qatar Racing’s David Redvers who has made steady progress as the race has progressed, and two more Brits, Alice Newling and Alexandra Hardham.
The race is set to finish tomorrow – with the leaders having just 40kms to go.
Of the 41 riders who set out, 14 have now retired due to injury and general knackered-ness. Some of those hospitalised earlier on in the week are currently en route to cheer on their team mates at the finish.
Team Household Cavalry (was 5, one in hospital, so now 4) perhaps summed up the race yesterday with this:
“600kms ridden and a combined count of 20 falls, 4 days to go.”
Tuesday, August 09, 2016
2016 Mongol Derby: Day 6
Richard Dunwoody photoAt the close of Day 6, the leaders have ridden four Urtuu's in one day. All five of the front runners are within reach of the finish tomorrow. The question still remains who will get there first.
Tonight's leaders are Venetia Philips, Tatiana Mountbatten and Marcia Hefker-Miles. They are only ten kilometers in front of William Comiskey and Heidi Telstad, who are only ten kilometers ahead Courtney Kizer. With five Urtuus to go and six more vet checks, that's not a decisive lead for anyone.
In the back of the field, Chips Broughton has un-retired. He was out on Day 5 after a fall and retired on medical grounds. A good nights sleep later, he was much improved and requested a remount. After satisfying the Derby Medics, he was cleared to continue and tonight, he's made it to Urtuu 18. A rather impressive showing.
Today saw a retirement from Julie Stewart after a fall. She's on her way to UlaanBaatar for assessment for an injured hip. Also out the Derby is Australian rider Cochetta Crowley. She finished yesterday at U13, and with over half the course to go, declared herself defeated.
Follow @MongolDerbyLive on Twitter for live commentary on Day 7. The course opens at 7am UTC.
All the riders are being tracked live. Find out all the ways you can follow the race on the Live Tracking Dashboard.
We'll be back on Wednesday 10th August with the best photo and updates from Day 7. Until then, here's the Day 6 Leaderboard and a reminder of the Derby penalty system. Any penalties picked up by the leaders from now on will be served at the station incurred - which could have decisive consequences.
Monday, August 08, 2016
2016 Mongol Derby: Day 5
Richard Dunwoody photoAt the close of Day 5, the front thirteen riders have solidified their lead. Clustered between U17 and U18, the Derby title could be claimed by any of them.
In Urtuu 18 tonight are the front pack: Venetia Philips, William Comiskey, Tatiana Mountbatten, Courtney Kizer, Heidi Telstad and Marcia Hefker-Miles. Of those, Courtney Kizer is currently carrying a 2 hour vet penalty. If the other five don't pick up any further penalties, she alone will be held at Urtuu 21.
Shortly behind them, camping on the steppe is Australian rider Shannon Nott. He began the day with Courtney Kizer and Marcia Hefker-Miles but was delayed when he lost his horse. He requested Derby assistance to retrieve it and rode on with the hour's penalty. He finished the day with an astounding 9 minute turnaround at Urtuu 19 before riding on. Clearly he's determined to catch up.
Bedding down at Urtuu 17 tonight, are the trailing pack of six: Camille Champagne Bargenquast, Alice Newling, David Redvers, Alexandra Hardham, Peter Molony and Marie Griffis. With the Urtuus only 40kms apart, if any of the leading thirteen riders pick up vet penalties from now onwards. It could push them out of the final top ten.
In the back of the field, Day 5 saw some retirements. Babs Ketelaar was retired on medical grounds after showing no improvement on yesterday. Chase Becker is also out. She had a tricky fifth day chasing after an escapee horse at Urtuu 11, but a troublesome ankle injury has worsened. Fahad Al Thani has retired. He's received two carry forwards, each have a 3 hour penalty meaning he's well out of the running for the Race Class. After a bruising fall today, he has decided to call time on his Derby at Urtuu 11.
Day 5 has proved to be exceptionally unlucky, as a further three riders are retiring on medical grounds. Household Cavalry team-member Tom Alden is out after a fall near Urtuu 11. He's been evacuated for assessment in hospital in Ulaanbataar. Adam Casey has retired at Urtuu 12. He endured three brutal falls yesterday and after a short ride today, he's also on his way to UB this evening for a thorough medical evaluation. Finally, Veteran jockey, Chips Broughton has also retired. 20kms after Urtuu 14 he suffered a crunching fall and sought shelter in a local house. He's been assessed by Derby medical teams and he's unfit to ride onwards.
Day 5 finished with a Race Hold at imposed at 6.45pm. Any riders who came into an Urtuu in the final 1 hour and 45 minutes were held there as medical teams were engaged and couldn't guarantee cover for the field. We expect to open the course again Tuesday at the usual time of 7am UTC.
All the riders are being tracked live. Find out all the ways you can follow the race on the Live Tracking Dashboard.
We'll be back on Tuesday 9th August with the best photo and updates from Day 6. Until then, here's the Day 5 Leaderboard and a reminder of the 2016 course.
Australia: 2016 SHAHZADA: The ride of your life!
Shahzada400.comThe 36th Shahzada will be held from Monday, 22nd to Friday, 26th August in St Albans, north west of Sydney, NSW.
Shahzada is the ultimate test for horse and rider of 400km over five days up and down the beautiful mountains surrounding the picturesque Macdonald Valley, sometimes three times in the one day.
For those on younger, less experienced horses, the Mini Marathon of 120km over three days will be held from Tuesday, 23rd to Thursday, 25th August. Both rides are held in St Albans with horses and riders camped all around town venturing out on each leg up and down the legendary tracks of the Woomera, Transmission, McKechnie's, Boyd's, Prestons and The Steps with a promise of perfect Shahzada weather, lots of fun with heaps of social events and activities to keep everyone smiling throughout the week.
We hope that all those who completed the Mini Marathon in 2015 will move up to the Shahzada and have a go and for all those seeking to complete The Big Three (State Championships, Shahzada and the Quilty on the same horse in the one year) this is definitely the time.....lots of help from our expert and friendly vetting team not to mention all those around you - everyone wants you to be successful.
Check out the Shahzada website www.shahzada400.com and see what happened in 2015. For all information contact Shahzada secretary, Sue Todd at suetodd@activ8.net.au or phone 0263 797218 and leave a message.
There is nothing like the bond that you achieve with your horse marathon riding.....if you don’t do anything else in endurance, you have to ride Shahzada!! This will be "the ride of your life"!!!!!
Nationalities battle up the front....in the 2016 Mongol Derby
Richard Dunwoody photoAugust 8 2016
The 2016 Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race, looks like being the closest yet as riders from all around the world are battling it out up front with just under 500 km to go! These include:
· William Comiskey, nicknamed ‘Dingo’, a cattle rancher from Australia
· UK ‘Riding for Rangers’ team Tatiana Mountbatten, a professional dressage rider and 499th in line to the throne, and her team mate, Kenyan based Venetia Phillips (picture attached and should be credited to Richard Dunwoody @ Mongol Derby)
· Heidi Telstad, a lawyer from Canada
· Marcia Hefker-Miles, a New Mexican cowgirl
· Shannon Nott, an Aussie bush doctor
· Courtney Kizer, a Texan showjumper
A few km’s only separate these riders – plus the rest of the field are also within striking distance.
Do follow the race via twitter https://twitter.com/mongolderbylive or if you use the + arrows on the tracker you can home in and hover your mouse over the blue dots so you can see exactly where the riders all are and how far they have travelled http://www.theadventurists.com/mongol-derby-live-dashboard/
Other race news includes:
· There have been six people retiring so far – including a dash to hospital, a dislocated shoulder (the rider Hanna Backstrom from Sweden has carried on!), and currently some suspected broken ribs
· David Redvers (UK) and Peter Molony (Ire) lead the Qatar racing team, which includes Sheikh Fahad al-Thani. Redvers said that “yesterday ranked as one of the ten best days of his life”
· The weather is also pretty dire on the steppe. Last night race chief Katy Willings said as the three leaders left the comfort of Horse Station 14: "They've passed up some world class Khuushuur at U14 and a dry bed surrounded by racing medals to hang onto a 30 minute lead and sleep in a ditch. Plus U14-15 is the most beautiful ride. Perhaps the most stunning on the course except that it's hammering it down with rain, so they won't see much of it."
Sunday, August 07, 2016
2016 Mongol Derby: Day 4
Richard Dunwoody photo
Day 4 is wrapped up, and in true Derby form, the leaderboard has changed.
Today's front runners are Shannon Nott, Courtney Kizer and Marcia Hefker Miles. The three are camping out in the steppe in the hope of holding onto their lead. They only made 10kms out of Urtuu 14 before the race closed, so have taken big gamble:
"They've passed up some world class Khuushuur at U14 and a dry bed surrounded by racing medals to hang onto a 30 minute lead and sleep in a ditch. Plus U14-15 is the most beautiful ride. Perhaps the most stunning on the course except that it's hammering it down with rain, so they won't see much of it." - Race Chief Katy.
Closely following them, four riders will be enjoying that U14 Khuushuur this evening: Heidi Telstad and William Comiskey, as well as Venetia Philips and Tatiana Mountbatten. Behind them, six riders are camping out after U13 meaning that there are only 40kms separating the leading pack. Only the first ten riders will be placed, so any penalties picked up in the leading pack from now on could have a big impact on the final standings.
The front of the field holds all the tension, but it's the back that has the tough stories. Today, it's the turn of Swede Hanna Backstrom to show her mettle. She fell onto her elbow yesterday afternoon and her arm worsened throughout the evening. Camping between U9 and U10, her condition deteriorated and fellow rider Tim Finley called for help on her behalf. Located on the steppe in the dark, Hanna was transported to U11 by the medics and her dislocated shoulder reset under a general anaesthetic. She slept on it, about 3 hours and woke up this morning asking to remount. Cleared by the medical team, she was taken back to U10 and tonight is has ridden into Urtuu 11 for another, hopefully longer, nights sleep. An incredible story.
Babs Ketelaar also received medical attention today. Dehydrated, on strong painkillers and showing signs of flagging, she was held on medical grounds at Urtuu 10 and driven to Urtuu 11 to stay with the trailing pack of riders. It's not yet certain if she'll be able to ride on Monday.
All the riders are being tracked live. Find out all the ways you can follow the race on the Live Tracking Dashboard.
We'll be back on Monday 8th August with the best photo and updates from Day 5. Until then, here's the Day 4 Leaderboard. Follow the Derby live on twitter throughout the day by following @MongolDerbyLive.
Saturday, August 06, 2016
2016 Mongol Derby: Day 3
Laurence Squire photo The fortunes of the leading pack have changed swiftly and the next 48 hours could decide the Race Class riders. The front six are overnighting in Urtuu 11. As the first of the two penalty Urtuus, all except rider Venetia Philips will be held there in the morning. Venetia will have to choose whether to sit out the penalty with friend Tatiana Mountbatten or ride on without her.
All the riders in the field will sit out their penalties accrued so far at Urtuu 11, meaning the first rider out the gate from there is the overall race leader.
Camping on the steppe tonight beyond Urtuu 10, Shannon Nott and William Comiskey are both riding penalty free and either might be able to overtake the leading pack through Urtuu 11.
Both chaps had trouble with their horses today. Shortly after leaving Urtuu 9, William's horse went lame, and he turned back, splitting with previous riding companion Heidi Telstad. This manoeuvre cost him several hours as he walked the horse back to the vets at Urtuu 9 and saddled up a different steed. Meanwhile Shannon Nott's horse started to thump and he called the vets out to him. Diagnosed and treated for an electrolyte imbalance, the horse will be fine. It might cause more of a lasting problem for Shannon's previous riding partner Alexandra Hardham who lost her GPS device, scuppering any chance for her to ride solo. "She's parasitic on the other riders now," says Race Chief Katy, "if she can't keep up, she's a sitting duck."
As the race progresses, many of the riders are beginning to show signs of deterioration. Bucking the trend, riders Courtney Kizer and Marcia Hefker-Miles are creeping up the order. Both hailing from the States, they are proving themselves extremely fit and not showing signs of tiring. Courtney has only 28 minutes of penalties and already at Urtuu 11, she's well placed to be at the head of the leaderboard for Day 4.
In the rest of the field, the race is going well. Babs Ketelaar rode a large part of Day 3 on her own and was treated to a kick in the face from her horse. She's got a split lip but is in good spirits and has the comfort of being reunited with friend Josefine Schopman at Urtuu 8 this evening.
Another rider seeing the bright side in an inauspicious situation is Swede Carin Ostergren. She lost her horse, and ran the distance into Urtuu 8 to seek assistance. After initial reluctance, it was recovered and Carin was "treated to a display of retina-burning lassoing from the Mongolian herdsman, so that penalty hour will seem well worth it" reckons Race Chief Katy. Retina-burning, on this occasion, is a positive.
Fellow Swede Sara Pickthall has retired from the race. Medically fine, she's bruised, saddle sore and has chosen not to continue. She'll cheer on friend Carin from the sidelines. Day 3 also saw another retirement from Madison Smith on medical grounds. She fell off her horse yesterday and returned to Ulaanbaatar for treatment. Tests have shown no cause for alarm but she'll not be returning to the Derby this year.
Finally, yesterday's Mongol Derby Digest referred to the leading 'four ladies'. A poor choice of collective noun since their number included Mr Shannon Nott. Sorry Shannon.
The riders are being tracked live. Find out all the ways you can follow the race on the Live Tracking Dashboard.
We'll be back on Sunday 7th August with the best photo and updates from Day 4. Until then, here's the Day 3 leaderboard. See all the previous leaderboards on the Mongol Derby Rolling News, or revisit the penalty rules that will keep some riders at Urtuu 11.
How I Survived the Mongol Derby: The World’s Longest, Toughest Horse Race
Horsenetwork.com - Full Article
by Liz Brown
august 2 2016
Riding 28 semi-wild horses through 620 miles of Mongolian wilderness is no pony trek
The young teen with a feathered mustache shuffled over to me, his eyes slightly down cast as he tried to shove the lead rope in my hands. Reflexively, I sighed and waved him off. I’d already ridden more than 60 miles today and it was only 3 p.m. My grasp on reality—and good manners—had vanished many kilometers before, left somewhere out on the wide open steppe.
Mongolia. August, 2015. The sun was an angry burning orb in an endless blue sky, no clouds in sight to offer even a wisp of respite from the heat. Sweat ran in small rivers down my back and chest, drenching my long sleeved shirt intended to protect my skin from the vicious UV rays. The only thought I had was seeking shade in the nearby ger, where I could sip water and try to settle the dizziness and nausea that had been plaguing me since the early morning.
As I made a move toward the tent for a second time, the kid tugged at my sleeve and I felt his calloused hand close on top of mine. He said something to me, insistently in Mongolian, and jerked his head toward the horse at the end of the rope. I eyed his animal, a 13hh stocky flea bitten grey with a forelock that hid his eyes. The gelding didn’t look like much, especially after I’d just made good time on a lovely lithe chestnut athlete that was a mini version of the Thoroughbreds back home, but the boy looked excited at the prospect of me riding his pony and all I wanted was five minutes of peace. I raised a shaky hand and pointed to my saddle that had been tossed in some goat turds and gave the boy the thumbs up. He grinned and got to tacking the horse that would carry me over the next 25 miles of inhospitable Mongolian wilderness...
Read more here:
http://horsenetwork.com/2016/08/survived-mongol-derby-worlds-longest-toughest-horse-race/
by Liz Brown
august 2 2016
Riding 28 semi-wild horses through 620 miles of Mongolian wilderness is no pony trek
The young teen with a feathered mustache shuffled over to me, his eyes slightly down cast as he tried to shove the lead rope in my hands. Reflexively, I sighed and waved him off. I’d already ridden more than 60 miles today and it was only 3 p.m. My grasp on reality—and good manners—had vanished many kilometers before, left somewhere out on the wide open steppe.
Mongolia. August, 2015. The sun was an angry burning orb in an endless blue sky, no clouds in sight to offer even a wisp of respite from the heat. Sweat ran in small rivers down my back and chest, drenching my long sleeved shirt intended to protect my skin from the vicious UV rays. The only thought I had was seeking shade in the nearby ger, where I could sip water and try to settle the dizziness and nausea that had been plaguing me since the early morning.
As I made a move toward the tent for a second time, the kid tugged at my sleeve and I felt his calloused hand close on top of mine. He said something to me, insistently in Mongolian, and jerked his head toward the horse at the end of the rope. I eyed his animal, a 13hh stocky flea bitten grey with a forelock that hid his eyes. The gelding didn’t look like much, especially after I’d just made good time on a lovely lithe chestnut athlete that was a mini version of the Thoroughbreds back home, but the boy looked excited at the prospect of me riding his pony and all I wanted was five minutes of peace. I raised a shaky hand and pointed to my saddle that had been tossed in some goat turds and gave the boy the thumbs up. He grinned and got to tacking the horse that would carry me over the next 25 miles of inhospitable Mongolian wilderness...
Read more here:
http://horsenetwork.com/2016/08/survived-mongol-derby-worlds-longest-toughest-horse-race/
Great Britain: Alfie and Poppy making progress with challenge
Loughboroughecho.net - Full ArticleAugust 5 2016
BY MEGAN COX
Seven-year-old Alfie Wilton and his pony, Poppy, are raising money for three charities: The National Autistic Society, the Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA) and Cancer Research UK.
AN EAST LEAKE youngster, who has ADHD and autism, is making good progress to meet the challenge he has set himself to trot, gallop, and canter 100 miles for charity.
Seven-year-old Alfie Wilton and his pony, Poppy, are raising money for three charities: The National Autistic Society, the Crohn’s in Childhood Research Association (CICRA) and Cancer Research UK.
Alfie, a Brookside Primary School pupil, initially set himself the challenge of riding 100 miles and raising £300 but he has already surpassed that amount in donations.
The youngster rides Poppy as part of a number of local horse riding groups through the Sport Endurance organisation.
Last year Alfie won the East Midlands Junior Rider of the Year award at the Sport Endurance National Awards and rode a total of 47 miles with Poppy - which led to him setting his own challenge for 2016...
Read more here:
http://www.loughboroughecho.net/news/local-news/alfie-poppy-making-progress-challenge-11693300
Mongol Derby underway for Red Lodge's Hale, Manhattan's Griffis
Billingsgazette.com - Full Article
JEFF WELSCH jwelsch@billingsgazette.com
Aug 4, 2016
Now, they know the route.
After nearly a year of planning and a combination of fear and excitement, Kelly Hale of Red Lodge and Marie Griffis of Manhattan began a 1,008-kilometer horse race across the Mongolian steppe on Thursday.
Dubbed "The World's Toughest Horse Race", the Derby started about 200 kilometers southwest of the capital of Ulaanbataar. The 40 riders have 10 days to reach the finish line at Khovsgel Lake, in a national park almost due north of the start.
The route was kept secret until just before the start for security reasons.
"I’m just really excited about being immersed in their culture and not just being a tourist — actually relying on the nomads to help me out and to navigate through their country," Griffis told The Gazette in June...
Read more here:
http://billingsgazette.com/sports/mongol-derby-underway-for-red-lodge-s-hale-manhattan-s/article_83e84714-e548-5430-92b8-9ce236125f05.html
JEFF WELSCH jwelsch@billingsgazette.com
Aug 4, 2016
Now, they know the route.
After nearly a year of planning and a combination of fear and excitement, Kelly Hale of Red Lodge and Marie Griffis of Manhattan began a 1,008-kilometer horse race across the Mongolian steppe on Thursday.
Dubbed "The World's Toughest Horse Race", the Derby started about 200 kilometers southwest of the capital of Ulaanbataar. The 40 riders have 10 days to reach the finish line at Khovsgel Lake, in a national park almost due north of the start.
The route was kept secret until just before the start for security reasons.
"I’m just really excited about being immersed in their culture and not just being a tourist — actually relying on the nomads to help me out and to navigate through their country," Griffis told The Gazette in June...
Read more here:
http://billingsgazette.com/sports/mongol-derby-underway-for-red-lodge-s-hale-manhattan-s/article_83e84714-e548-5430-92b8-9ce236125f05.html
Friday, August 05, 2016
2016 Mongol Derby: Day 2
US rider Marcia Hefker-Miles repacks her backpack at Urtuu 5
Photo by Richard Dunwoody
Day 2 of the Mongol Derby 2016 is done and the leaderboard looks totally different.
The race saw its second retirement from UK rider and former professional jockey Kevin Darley, defeated on this occasion by bad knees.
At the front of the field, Venetia Philipps and Tatiana Mountbatten (Team Riding for Rangers) are camping out with fellow Brit Alexandra Hardham and Aussie Shannon Nott. With Alexandra and Tatiana carrying 2-hour penalties each, the 4 ladies will be faced with a choice at Urtuu 11; to wait together and risk losing their lead or separate and hope they can regroup later. Yesterday's front-runners William Comiskey and Heidi Telstad are still riding together but have slipped down the ranks, proving how quickly fortunes can change on the Steppe.
Across the rest of the field multiple riders are getting thrown off their horses. US rider Marie Griffis is choosing a series of outstanding horses from the line ups, and it's been paying off as she's made good progress up the ranks. Choosing live-wires has drawbacks and on the third roll of the day she sustained an injury. She finished the day at Urtuu 6 with a bit of a hobble, helped along by her current riding companions Rosie Bathurst and Alice Newling. With luck, the three of them might have a dryer nights sleep than last night. Attempting to camp in a goats pen, they were caught in a downpour before they were rescued by local herder family and treated to multiple samples of the local vodka to warm up. Tonight, they'll be sleeping with seventeen other riders at Urtuu 6. Space may be more of a issue than the weather this evening.
Sebastian Bridger also met the ground more often than planned today. He was bucked off three times between Urtuu 4 and 5 before accepting a carry forward from the race team which comes with a 3 hour race penalty. Of the five Household Cavalry team, only James Harbord and Urbain Tego Tagne are currently riding without penalties. They too will have to decide at Urtuu 11 whether to sit out the penalties as a team or to split into two factions forming a breakaway penalty-free group.
The riders are being tracked live. Find out all the ways you can follow the race on the Live Tracking Dashboard.
We'll be back on Saturday 6th August with the best photo and updates from Day 3. Until then, satisfy your Derby appetite with our Rolling News. A single post with all the Derby pictures and updates since the race began or read the explanation of the Derby penalty system.
Thursday, August 04, 2016
2016 Mongol Derby: Day 1
Richard Dunwoody photo
Theadventurists.com
The Mongol Derby is live. Forty-one riders made it to the start-camp and the Race has whittled their number to forty.
At the close of Day 1, the early race leaders are Heidi Telstad and William Comiskey. She's a lawyer from Canada, he's a cattle herder from Queensland. They are perhaps not the most obvious team in the group. It remains to be seen if they will still be riding together when dawn breaks.
August 4, 2016 Mongol Derby
At the close of day 1, we've got a record number of campers. Of the six riders who came first into Urtuu 3, five went out again to try in the hopes of getting a head start in the morning. Only Hanna Backstom decided to stay put: warm dry and catered for. She will likely get a better nights rest, but she'll be competing with the stragglers who joined her at U3 before the course closed. Meanwhile, the five riders who chose the open steppe will be camping in the rain. Will the risk pay off and, perhaps more pressingly, will their horses still be there? The morning saw the first retiree from Loden Burton.
From the front then, here's the Day 1 Leaderboard:
Between U3 and U4
Heidi Telstad
Will Comiskey
Venetia Philipps
Tatiana Mountbatten
Tim Finley
At or Near U3
Alexandra Hardham
Shannon Nott
Hanna Bäckström
Courtney Kizer
Kelly Hale
Fred Thorne
Anna De Jonquieres
Marcia Hefker-Miles
Adam Casey
Francisco Schnaas
Madison Smith
Between U2 and U3
Krista Donnelly
Peter Molony
David Redvers
Marie Griffis
Alice Newling
Rosie Bathurst
Charles Broughton
Sara Pickthall
Anthony Strange
Carin Ostergren
Gareth Jones
Camille Champagne Bargenquas
Pierce Buckingham
Kevin Darley
Josefine Schopman
Thomas Alden
Cochetta Crowley
Sebastian Bridger
Urbain Tego Tagne
James Harbord
Babs Ketelaar
Between U1 and U2
Mike Becker
Chase Becker
Julia Stewart
Retired
Loden Burton
Get the full Day 1 Leaderboard here.
All the riders are being tracked live. For all the ways to follow them, head to the Live Tracking Dashboard.
Austinite heads to Mongolia to compete in world’s longest horse race
MyStatesman.com - Full Article
By Nancy Flores - American-Statesman Staff
Aug. 3, 2016
Austinite Courtney Kizer will race in the Mongol Derby, one of world’s toughest horse races, starting Aug. 4.
For Austin native Courtney Kizer, there’s nothing better than getting out into the middle of nowhere, whether that’s backcountry skiing in Colorado or driving across the nation. It’s what nourishes her spirit and feeds her adventurous soul.
“It’s such a state of calm once you’re away from all of the things that we build our lives around these days,” says Kizer, who runs her own architecture firm.
But starting Aug. 4, she’ll embark on an adventure like no other. Kizer, 29, heads to Mongolia to compete in what the “Guinness Book of World Records” named the longest horse race in the world.
For more than 600 miles, Mongol Derby competitors ride semi-wild horses through the unfamiliar Mongolian wilderness. According to the Adventurists, the U.K.-based company that organizes the race, the “exact course changes each year and is kept secret until shortly before the launch...”
Read more here:
http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/fitness/austinite-heads-to-mongolia-to-compete-in-worlds-l/nr8Zb/
By Nancy Flores - American-Statesman Staff
Aug. 3, 2016
Austinite Courtney Kizer will race in the Mongol Derby, one of world’s toughest horse races, starting Aug. 4.
For Austin native Courtney Kizer, there’s nothing better than getting out into the middle of nowhere, whether that’s backcountry skiing in Colorado or driving across the nation. It’s what nourishes her spirit and feeds her adventurous soul.
“It’s such a state of calm once you’re away from all of the things that we build our lives around these days,” says Kizer, who runs her own architecture firm.
But starting Aug. 4, she’ll embark on an adventure like no other. Kizer, 29, heads to Mongolia to compete in what the “Guinness Book of World Records” named the longest horse race in the world.
For more than 600 miles, Mongol Derby competitors ride semi-wild horses through the unfamiliar Mongolian wilderness. According to the Adventurists, the U.K.-based company that organizes the race, the “exact course changes each year and is kept secret until shortly before the launch...”
Read more here:
http://www.mystatesman.com/news/lifestyles/fitness/austinite-heads-to-mongolia-to-compete-in-worlds-l/nr8Zb/
2016 Mongol Derby Underway
August 4 2016The 8th Mongol Derby began today, 10 days to race 1000 kilometers across the steppes of Mongolia.
41 riders are on course. USA riders are: Pierce Buckingham, Loden Burton, Adam Casey, Michael Connerth, Tim Finley, Marie Griffis, Dr Kelly Hale, Marcia Hefner-Miles, Courtney Kizer, Madison Smith, and Julie Stewart.
You can follow the Derby on the Live Tracking Map here:
http://www.theadventurists.com/mongol-derby-live-dashboard/
www.endurance.net will post news and updates and twitter feeds:
http://www.endurance.net/international/Mongolia/2016MongolDerby/
Tuesday, August 02, 2016
Tryon, N.C. Vies for WEG 2018
Horse-canada.com - Full Article
August 2, 2016
by: Tryon International Equestrian Center
Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners, confirmed today that the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C. is working with United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to ensure that the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) remain in North America and USEF has communicated its support of the initiative to the FEI for the 2018 WEG.
The WEG, which is administered by the Fédération Equestre International (FEI), the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, occurs every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle and is the major international championship event for Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. The Bromont venue, located in Canada, which had been awarded the 2018 games, announced last week that they were withdrawing from their hosting arrangement with the FEI.
The United States Equestrian Federation has communicated via letter to the FEI their strong support of the bid to host the 2018 Games in North Carolina. William Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of USEF commented, “While it is unfortunate the games will not be able to take place at Bromont, the USEF believes it is critical that the WEG remain in North America as intended so that the globalization of the sport can continue.” USEF President, Chrystine Tauber added “Mark Bellissimo and Tryon Equestrian Partners have a brand new venue, deep experience and sufficient resources to make this happen. They have the USEF’s full endorsement...”
Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/tryon-vies-for-weg-2018/?utm_source=Enews+August+2%2C+2016&utm_campaign=EnewsAug22016&utm_medium=email
August 2, 2016
by: Tryon International Equestrian Center
Mark Bellissimo, managing partner of Tryon Equestrian Partners, confirmed today that the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C. is working with United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to ensure that the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) remain in North America and USEF has communicated its support of the initiative to the FEI for the 2018 WEG.
The WEG, which is administered by the Fédération Equestre International (FEI), the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, occurs every four years in the middle of the Olympic cycle and is the major international championship event for Jumping, Dressage and Para-Equestrian Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting and Reining. The Bromont venue, located in Canada, which had been awarded the 2018 games, announced last week that they were withdrawing from their hosting arrangement with the FEI.
The United States Equestrian Federation has communicated via letter to the FEI their strong support of the bid to host the 2018 Games in North Carolina. William Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of USEF commented, “While it is unfortunate the games will not be able to take place at Bromont, the USEF believes it is critical that the WEG remain in North America as intended so that the globalization of the sport can continue.” USEF President, Chrystine Tauber added “Mark Bellissimo and Tryon Equestrian Partners have a brand new venue, deep experience and sufficient resources to make this happen. They have the USEF’s full endorsement...”
Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/tryon-vies-for-weg-2018/?utm_source=Enews+August+2%2C+2016&utm_campaign=EnewsAug22016&utm_medium=email
Cotswold rider flies to Mongolia to take part in brutal 1,000km challenge for charity
Wiltsglosstandard.co.uk - Full Article
A RIDER from the Cotswolds set off to take part in the toughest horse riding challenge in the world on Sunday.
by Callum Chaplin
Rosie Bathurst, 24, has travelled to Mongolia to take part in the 1,000km Mongol Derby, all in aid of a charity that supports vulnerable veterans.
The former Westonbirt School pupil will be riding semi-wild, unpredictable horses and has only five kilograms of luggage to live out of during the ten day challenge
The gruelling course recreates Genghis Khan's legendary empire-busting postal system, with riders racing for 10 days, changing horse every 40km, and living with herders or camping under the stars...
Read more here:
http://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/14654062.Cotswold_rider_flies_to_Mongolia_to_take_part_in_brutal_1_000km_challenge_for_charity/
A RIDER from the Cotswolds set off to take part in the toughest horse riding challenge in the world on Sunday.
by Callum Chaplin
Rosie Bathurst, 24, has travelled to Mongolia to take part in the 1,000km Mongol Derby, all in aid of a charity that supports vulnerable veterans.
The former Westonbirt School pupil will be riding semi-wild, unpredictable horses and has only five kilograms of luggage to live out of during the ten day challenge
The gruelling course recreates Genghis Khan's legendary empire-busting postal system, with riders racing for 10 days, changing horse every 40km, and living with herders or camping under the stars...
Read more here:
http://www.wiltsglosstandard.co.uk/news/14654062.Cotswold_rider_flies_to_Mongolia_to_take_part_in_brutal_1_000km_challenge_for_charity/
Monday, August 01, 2016
Endurance Great Britain Championship Team Announcement
01 August 2016
The Endurance GB International Committee is delighted to announce the athletes and horses chosen to represent Team GB in the upcoming Senior and Young Rider Championships.
The Senior Team will compete in the 160km, FEI Longines World Endurance Cham- pionships to be held in Samorin, Slovakia from the 15-18th September. The following combinations have been successfully selected:
Carri Ann Dark with HS Drift
Fiona Griffiths with Oliver Twist IV
Nicola Thorne with LR Bold Greyson or LM Bolena (travelling reserve horse)
Christopher Wray with Takwenya
Senior Team Chef D'Equipe, Liz Finney commented that “after a late change of venue, we now have a team of four horse and riders, plus a reserve horse, who are extremely keen to compete at the World Championships in Samorin, Slovakia in the middle of September.
They are all very experienced international riders, three of whom have already competed at a championship ride, so will cope well with the environment and hype of a world championship.”
The Young Rider team will compete in the 120km, FEI European Endurance Cham- pionship for Young Riders & Juniors to be held in Rio Frio, Portugal from the 02-04th September. The following combinations have been successfully selected:
Kate Atkinson with DNS Ronaldo
Charlotte Chadwick with Hazelcroft Gosens Tsar
Bella Fricker with Eskar
Caitlin Theodorou with My Marco
Young Rider Chef D'Equipe, Jo Chisholm, commented that "we now have an excel- lent squad of Young Riders who have worked extremely hard to qualify themselves and their horses. Having worked with them during the year I can say that it is an absolute honour and pleasure to be working with a group of such dedicated and professional youngsters."
John Robertson, Director of International for Endurance GB, added that "the path to both Championships has not been straightforward, but we are reassured by the high calibre combinations who will be representing Team GB at both Champi- onships this summer. I would like to wish all GB competitors a safe journey and the best of luck for the competitions that lie ahead."
Endurance GB - National Governing Body for competitive Endurance horse riding in Great Britain a member body of the BEF. Offering rides for non-members and members from pleasure rides to competitive rides www.endurancegb.co.uk
Photo: Team GB Young Riders at their selection ride at Pilgrims Trail. From left to right: Charlotte Chadwick, Caitlin Theodorou and Bella Fricker. Photo courtesy of Event to Event Photography - http://eventtoevent.co.uk/
Quotes
“Despite not having a large pool of horse/rider combinations qualified for the YR Championships, we now have an excellent squad of young riders who have worked extremely hard to qualify themselves and their horses. Having worked with them during the year I can say that it is an absolute honour and pleasure to be working with a group of such dedicated and professional youngsters.
Travel plans are coming together and we are working closely with the YR Squad Management and the riders, their families and crews to get the best possible op- tions for them and the horses, to ensure they arrive in Portugal in tip top condi- tion. We believe the course will be fairly flat but probably dry and sandy, which is similar to some of the qualifying rides that the combinations have experienced this year. The temperature at the Championships will likely be in the high 20's to low 30's, but fortunately we have been experiencing some hot weather in the UK this summer and coupled with the riders training, especially for hot conditions, we are confident that this will be well within their comfort zone.
Over the next few weeks the riders will taper their training to build up to the Championships and preparations for the trip will be ongoing. Everything from the ferry crossings and flights for the crews down to the spare sets of shoes for the horses will be planned down to the last detail. We are all very much looking for- ward to representing our country in these Young Rider Championships.”
Jo Chisholm, Team GB Chef D’Equipe for the Young Riders
“After a late change of venue, we now have a team of four horses and riders, plus a reserve horse, who are extremely keen to compete at the World Championships in Samorin, Slovakia in the middle of September.
They are all very experienced international riders, three of whom have already competed at a championship ride, so will cope well with the environment and hype of a world championship.
It is a long journey to the venue, involving two overnight stops on the way, the temperature at the venue will probably be in the 30'sC so careful planning is un- derway to ensure the horses have the best possible journeys, followed by a good period of acclimatisation on arrival in Samorin.
The team and squad management team will meet in August shortly before the horses leave for the Championships, for a final check and to concentrate on the small details that can make the difference between success and failure.”
Liz Finney, Team GB Chef D’Equipe for the Senior Team
2018 World Equestrian Games will not be held at Kentucky Horse Park, state says
Kentucky.com - Full Article
BY JANET PATTON
jpatton1@herald-leader.com
Kentucky will not pursue the 2018 World Equestrian Games which were pulled from Canada last week, because the state determined it would “put the Commonwealth and the taxpayers at enormous financial risk.”
Also, according to a statement from the Cabinet for Tourism, Arts and Heritage, it would be too difficult to pull it together in just two years.
Bromont, Quebec, had been scheduled to host world championships in eight equestrian disciplines on Aug. 12-26, 2018, but on July 22, the Federation Equestre Internationale announced that by mutual agreement the games were pulled “due to ongoing financial issues.”
After a second round of bidding, Bromont had been awarded the games in 2014 over Kentucky, which sought to host its second world championships.
Last week’s announcement led to widespread speculation that the Kentucky Horse Park would be a potential fallback location for the 2018 games. But tourism cabinet spokeswoman Laura Brooks said Friday morning that will not be the case...
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/article92586787.html#storylink=cpy
BY JANET PATTON
jpatton1@herald-leader.com
Kentucky will not pursue the 2018 World Equestrian Games which were pulled from Canada last week, because the state determined it would “put the Commonwealth and the taxpayers at enormous financial risk.”
Also, according to a statement from the Cabinet for Tourism, Arts and Heritage, it would be too difficult to pull it together in just two years.
Bromont, Quebec, had been scheduled to host world championships in eight equestrian disciplines on Aug. 12-26, 2018, but on July 22, the Federation Equestre Internationale announced that by mutual agreement the games were pulled “due to ongoing financial issues.”
After a second round of bidding, Bromont had been awarded the games in 2014 over Kentucky, which sought to host its second world championships.
Last week’s announcement led to widespread speculation that the Kentucky Horse Park would be a potential fallback location for the 2018 games. But tourism cabinet spokeswoman Laura Brooks said Friday morning that will not be the case...
Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/news/state/article92586787.html#storylink=cpy
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