Australia: State championships heading to Woodstock

Cowraguardian.com.au - Full Article

27 Sep 2017

One hundred miles ridden on a horse in one day is an amazing feat in itself and that is exactly what will be occurring during the October long weekend at Woodstock.

Riders and horses have 24 hours to complete the ‘100 Miles In One Day’ and the Lachlan Endurance Riders Club (LERC) are excited to welcome horses, riders, volunteers, spectators and many others.

There is much experience and depth in LERC’s amazing committee, as they are not strangers to running championship events. They have run the state championships in 1995, 1997 and 2010, as well as having run the Tom Quilty National Championships back in 2003. The club often takes on zone championship events also.

The championship ride commences at 1am (ESDT) Sunday, October 1 and the course closes 1am Monday, October 2. The course will be a mixture of gravel laneways, fat lamb country, paddocks, cropping country and good verges along bitumen in small sections...

Read more here:
http://www.cowraguardian.com.au/story/4953088/state-championships-heading-to-woodstock/

British Riding Clubs Endurance Team Event Comes to an Exciting End

Everythinghorseuk.co.uk - Full Article

POSTED BY: EHUKNEWS SEPTEMBER 27, 2017

The British Riding Clubs Endurance Team event, organised by Endurance GB and sponsored by British Horse Feeds, came to an exciting end with the final taking place at the famous Lion’s Tail Ride near Rutland.

British Riding Clubs members were able to get a taste of what endurance is like by forming a team of three to six riders to enter in one of the Endurance GB rides, that were held throughout the country.

All the top team riders who qualified were entered into the prestigious final, sponsored by British Horse Feeds.

The day was a huge success with some great results including the Wessex Wanderers winning the Top Team Trophy, followed by the Cherwell Valley Chargers placed in second and National Forest coming third...

Read more here:
http://everythinghorseuk.co.uk/british-riding-clubs-endurance-team-comes-to-exciting-end/

UAE's Al Muhairi crowned equestrian world junior champion

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

UAE win individual and team gold at Parco Giardino Sigurta in Verona, Italy

Published: 16:51 September 24, 2017 Gulf News
Staff Report

Verona: UAE teen sensation Saeed Al Muhairi was crowned world champion aboard eight-year-old Rabdan at the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) Meydan World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors in Verona, Italy, on Saturday.

The 14-year-old Emirati finished ahead of a field of 93 runners, from 15 teams representing 32 countries over 120-km at the Parco Giardino Sigurta, winning in a time of 4 hours, 58 minutes and 41 seconds at an average speed of 24.21-kmph.

A total of 55 riders finished the four loop ride with Al Muhairi leading the pack in three.

At the end of the first loop, which was 38-km long, he finished first but dropped to third on the second loop, which was 33-km long. However, he regained his lead in the third and fourth loops of 27.5-km and 22-km respectively.

This was Al Muhairi’s 17th career start and his 11th in Europe this summer, where he has been preparing for the World Championships. The M7 Endurance stables rider picked up three wins in CEIYJ2* events in Europe leading up to Verona, the most recent coming on September 2 at Euston Park...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-muhairi-crowned-equestrian-world-junior-champion-1.2095119

U.S. Team Makes a Strong Finish a the 2017 FEI World Endurance Championship for Young Riders and Juniors

Photo by: Josie Whelan
USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Sep 23, 2017

Valeggio sul Mincio, Verona, Italy – The Distance Depot/U.S. Endurance Team met the substantial challenges of Saturday’s 2017 FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors, with three riders completing the course for a successful U.S. team finish. Leading the U.S. team to finish in the 11th position against 16 other national teams, was Chef D’Equipe Mark Dial.

“The entire Team showed a lot of maturity in their riding and professionalism throughout the entirety. There were several obstacles and challenges that were overcome by the athletes and their support staff which led to the success of finishing as a team. The entire team’s preparation was outstanding and I am can’t say enough about their willingness to improve upon their previous successes. Thank you isn’t enough to the Road Crew, Crewmembers, Selectors, and the Veterinary Advisory Group for their unwavering support of the U.S. Endurance Program,” said Dial.

Leading the U.S. across the finish line was Ainsley Suskey (Iola, Wisc.). Riding Julie Jackson’s Princess Deelites MHF, a 10-year-old Arabian mare, Suskey finished 49th overall with a time of 7:40:32. Teammates Annie Whelan (Louisa, Ky.), aboard Amy Wallace-Whelan’s Wallace Hill Leo, a 13-year-old Half-Arabian gelding, and Ragan Kelly (Waco, Texas), riding Tracy Kelly’s HK Kruzier, a 10-year-old Arabian gelding, were not far behind. Whelan completed the course in 8:16:38, finishing in the 53rd position. Overcoming a mishap at the second rest period, Kelly and HK Kruzier finished on a time of 8:16:39, finishing 54th.

Katelyn Baldino (Marietta, Ga.) and Melody Blittersdorf’s Synthetic were unable to complete the race after the third vet check. Dial stated, “Katelyn and Synthetic were primed for this Championship but unfortunately, we had stroke of bad luck which led to their pull for lameness. The pair showed a strong presentation throughout their time here and we can’t thank the Blittersdorf’s and Misty McAdams enough for their care of Synthetic.”

The United Arab Emirates won the 2017 FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Riders and Juniors. Saeed Salem Atiq Khamis Almuhairi of the United Arab Emirates is the individual world champion aboard Rabdan.

Click here for complete results and like USA Endurance on Facebook!.

The USEF International High Performance Programs are generously supported by the USET Foundation, USOC, and USEF Sponsors and Members.

Suspensions imposed over endurance drug breaches in Qatar

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

September 23, 2017
Horsetalk.co.nz

Three endurance riders and a trainer have received suspensions over drug infractions in Qatar in November last year.

The three horses all tested positive to diisopropylamine, a vasodilator used to treat peripheral and cerebral vascular disorders. It is a banned substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations.

The three riders − Matter Said Khalfan Al Saadi, who is registered in Oman; Gaje Singh Hari Singh, who is registered in India; and Maryam Ahmad S A Al Boinin, who is registered in Qatar − explained to the FEI Tribunal that they had no involvement in the preparation of the horses...

Read more at https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2017/09/23/suspensions-endurance-drug-breaches-qatar/#2uertoW03Q1gx0Uq.99

The Italia Endurance Festival - Opening Ceremony

ItaliaEnduranceFestival.com

22/09/2017 - evento sportivo

A magnificent choreography charmed the audience of the Italia Endurance Festival and definitely left a beautiful souvenir in the minds and hearts of those who were lucky enough to witness it.

When the main authorities concluded their welcoming speeches, the 33 participating teams present in Valeggio sul Mincio began their parade, just after setting of the sun.

Daniele Polato, city councillor of Verona, and Maurizio Danese, President of VeronaFiere, have underlined the economic benefits brought about by the Festival.

The riders of the nations that will be competing next Saturday and Sunday on the tracks developing accross the territories of Mantua and Verona, stepped on stage in alphabetical order.

Just before the dancing and horse acrobatics show, Mr. Mohammed Essa Aladhab, Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, collected a beautiful prize, a painting for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Almaktoum. The work of art is signed by the artist Mauro Malacarne, specialized in equine subjects.

When the painting was unveiled, the Italian National Anthem began to accompany the Italian Team on stage. Italy, the host country, won silver medal at the Senior European Championship in Belgium (August 2017).

Beautiful fireworks concluded this magnificent opening ceremony, lighting up the majestic castle of Valeggio sul Mincio that faces Parco Giardino Sigurtà.

Ramon Lopez Lax, FEI ride President of Ground Jury, officially starts the games, proclaiming the beginning of the Championship.

Australia: Drought won't stop the Kilkivan Great Horse Ride

GympieTimes.com.au

21st Sep 2017
by Shelley Strachan

DESPITE the persistent drought, or perhaps because of it, Kilkivan Great Horse Ride event organisers are confident next weekend's muster of trail riders, campers and spectators will be a huge success.

President Steve Horseman said yesterday he and his management team had been heartened by the strong, unexpected support of many locals who have gone beyond the usual level of contribution to help ensure the event's success.

"Every day now we are receiving offers from locals which demonstrate the fantastic spirit that's still alive and well around here, despite the recent lousy weather pattern," he said.

"From the local camping ground owners who have made their premises available for a trail lunch site - despite it being one of their biggest weekends of the year - to the people baking extra quantities of goodies for the trail smokos and the craftspeople rallying their neighbours for extra display items while they are all also adversely affected by the drought, we are witnessing a wonderful display of country generosity...

Read more here:
https://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/drought-wont-stop-the-kilkivan-great-horse-ride/3226448/

UAE: Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Cuckson Report | September 19, 2017

The UAE desert endurance season is chugging into gear. It is accompanied by the annual spike in FEI horse registrations, mostly of the plane-loads of imported unfortunates set to hustle round the early 40km and 80km desert rides to “qualify” for the more onerous winter races to come. How much easier it must have been to invent the qualifying results in times past.

Current UAE endurance FEI registrations stand at 6,091 today, September 19th, out of 13,016 current FEI endurance horses worldwide. This is a 600% growth in 10 years, compared with 947 UAE horses in 2006. The biggest spurt was 2014-2015, around 1,500 extra horses year to year. That is depressing when you consider that by 2014 the abuses were more widely known, and that it might have occurred to people not to sell.

Last year, UAE registrations represented 46% of FEI endurance horses worldwide. Now it is 46.79%. No other country dominates horse ownership in any other discipline on this scale.

Worryingly, this figure taken in isolation makes it easy for the folks who support the warped notion of race-till-it-breaks to suggest that UAE domination means “best practice” and that they should be allowed to do what they want.

Even the FEI flags up that endurance is the world’s second fastest-growing horse sport: who they are trying to impress with that factoid, I don’t know. But it isn’t, anyway. Endurance is the fastest-growing sport in the UAE, but the UAE is just one of 130-odd countries affiliated to the FEI. The rest are not following at the same rate. Nothing like, in fact, and even if they wanted to, their best horses will quickly be sold to the UAE. What was it Benjamin Disraeli and Mark Twain said about Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics?...

Read more here:
https://www.horse-canada.com/cuckson-report/lies-damned-lies-and-statistics/

Great Britain: Annie Joppe’s endurance blog: talk about withdrawal symptoms, I am almost twitching

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Annie Joppe
10:55 - 19 September, 2017

It has now been two weeks since I sat on a horse. Talk about withdrawal symptoms, I am almost twitching. This is because it’s rest time for the horses. My winter plans include a five week break (expedition to Antarctica) during January and some of February which means that the rest breaks for the horses in some cases, of necessity is rather long and in the case of Chiara she will have two shorter ones.

Chiara is now on a two months’ break with six weeks to go before coming back into work for general conditioning and in particular schooling. There are several aspects of her work that need improving. One particular target will be working on her stiff side; her right side, especially right canter which she is always reluctant to strike off on her own accord. It is important that when competing she changes lead regularly and particularly useful if it becomes automatic for her without me having to nag her all the time...

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/annie-joppes-endurance-blog-talk-withdrawal-symptoms-almost-twitching-632684#oimxVfaYIKcSzRIW.99

Italy: 16 Teams to contend the World Title

ItaliaEnduranceFestival.com

18/09/2017 - evento sportivo

FEI MEYDAN Endurance Championship for athletes under 21 years of age; the curtain will lift shortly.
Lake Garda's bank watching toward Valeggio sul Mincio begins to come to life with the first arrivals, mostly from the more distant Countries.

33 Nations will be present at the big venue organized in and around Sigurtà Garden Park, and 16 of these Nations have been able to present a Team with at least 3 pairs.

We're now waiting for everyone to make their choices and designate those who will defend their Country's colors, and who will be in reserve as well.

The 4 USA riders are: Katelyn Baldino aboard Synthetic, Regan Kelly riding Kharismas Grace, Ainsley Suskey aboard and Princess Deelites MHF, and Annie Whelan riding Wallace Hill Leo.

Anya Levermann will represent Canada aboard Kataki.

Start list is here:
http://www.enduranceonline.it/events/events_details_n.php?gara_id=984&cat=V4_5

Malaysia’s Horse Whisperer

Thestar.com.my - Full Article

17 Sept 2017
By Rajes Paul

NOW, why would a septuagenarian, who quit the equestrian scene 10 years ago, want to get back on the saddle and compete in a 100-mile race?

For 72-year-old former world No. 1 equestrian rider Datuk Kamarud­din Abdul Ghani, it’s all about sending a message to the new generation.

“It’s not just about me riding again. Over the last five decades, I’ve competed in polo, show jumping, dressage and all distances in endurance races – from 40km to 240km.

“I’ve raced in the mountains, desert, jungle, hills and under all kinds of terrain and weather in different parts of the world. I’ve done it all. Now, I want the next generation of riders to go one level higher.

“I want to go around the country’s many riding places. I want to see them all flourish – from managing the stables to organising events and producing talents.

“We have good riders. We saw that during the recent KL SEA Games. But I want them to rise to another level,” said Kamaruddin, who intends to complete the Grand Slam of endurance by riding the 100-mile race in the Tevies Cup in Nevada, United States, next year.

He has already done two other 100-mile races – the Endurance Race in Florac, France, and the Tom Quilty Endurance in Tasmania, Australia, in the late 1990s...

Read more at http://www.thestar.com.my/sport/other-sport/2017/09/17/malaysias-horse-whisperer-septuagenarian-kamaruddin-still-going-strong-in-bid-to-make-country-proud/#vSyWIb4rCSEBwheC.99

Australia: Dungog equestrian competes in iconic endurance event

Dungogchronicle.com.au - Full Article

MICHELLE MEXON
14 Sep 2017

A Dungog equestrian has faced and conquered a gruelling challenge, completing a 400 kilometre horse endurance ride over five days.

Monique Echentille from Main Creek competed in the Shahzada Memorial Endurance Ride which attracts competitors from across the country.

Shahzada is held annually in the last full week of August in the mountains surrounding the picturesque Macdonald Valley, at St Albans, north west of Sydney.

The ride is named after Shahzada, a champion grey Arab stallion, foaled in 1913 in the United Kingdom and brought to Australia in 1925.

The ride’s motto is “To finish is to win” with the emphasis on completing the whole 400km course with both horse and rider fit and well.

Monique was one of 44 riders to start the 400km ride and one of only 20 to successfully finish with her mount Follydown Kadin, a 15-year-old Arab.

She completed the course in 47 hours and four minutes...

Read more here:
http://www.dungogchronicle.com.au/story/4914525/endurance-rider-conquers-shahzada/

US Equestrian Begins the Countdown to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 on Native Soil

USEF.org

An estimated 500,000 spectators expected for 14 days as the best-of-the-best compete in equestrian sport

by US Equestrian Communications Department | Sep 12, 2017

Lexington, Ky. – The FEI World Equestrian Games™ Tryon 2018 (WEG), which take place Sept. 11-23, 2018, at the Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C., US Equestrian, in conjunction with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and TIEC, are beginning to prepare spectators and athletes alike for the phenomenon that is the WEG.

Since 1990, the WEG has been held every four years, halfway between the Summer Olympic Games cycle, and brings together the world’s elite equestrian athletes from eight FEI equestrian disciplines – including the Olympic disciplines of dressage, eventing, and jumping.

The FEI serves as the worldwide governing body of equestrian sport, while US Equestrian is the national governing body for equestrian sport in the United States. With the WEG hosted on home soil, US Equestrian will be instrumental in preparing and coordinating with the athletes that are selected to represent the United States in Tryon in 2018.

“We are thrilled that the WEG is being hosted in the U.S.,” says US Equestrian President Murray Kessler. “[WEG] gives US Equestrian a great opportunity to celebrate the joy of horse sports with millions of Americans in a way that will help grow engagement and participation in all equestrian sports in this country."

Expected to be one of the largest sports-related spectator events in the U.S. in 2018, the WEG is expected to draw nearly 500,000 people during the 11 days of competition, with 40,000-50,000 spectators each day. The 2014 Games in Normandy brought an estimated economic impact of over $14 million and attracted almost 1,000 athletes, over 1,000 horses, 74 nations, 1,900 credentialed media from 52 countries, and approximately 575,000 spectators to the event. Similar statistics are projected for the Tryon 2018 Games.

The WEG returns to U.S. soil following the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Ky., in 2010. The Tryon 2018 Games will be only the second on U.S. soil. The full history of the WEG is available on the FEI’s website.

Team and individual gold, silver, and bronze medals will be at stake in eight FEI disciplines during the Games. Following are the FEI descriptions of each discipline represented:

• Jumping: a spectacular mix of courage, control, and technical ability that make it easy to see why it is one of the three equestrian Olympic sports
• Dressage: the ultimate expression of horse training and elegance. Often compared to a ballet, dressage features an intense connection between both human and equine athlete that is a thing of beauty to behold
• Para-equestrian dressage: para, meaning ‘parallel,’ is dressage for athletes with disabilities and is evidence of the incredible bond, trust, and communication between horse and rider; a regular fixture at the Paralympic Games
• Eventing: a formidable combination of cross-country, jumping, and dressage; known as the triathlon of the equestrian world. A truly complete sport that tests both the horse and rider in all aspects of horsemanship
• Driving: also known as combined driving, is three days of competition (dressage, marathon, and cones), and an incredible display of fitness and stamina for both horse and driver
• Endurance: an ultra-marathon with horses on a 160-km course in one day, endurance racing is the ultimate test of stamina for both horse and rider
• Vaulting: simply described as gymnastics on horseback, vaulting is a harmonious bond between horse and athlete that creates awe-inspiring acrobatic displays of skill and precision
• Reining: with a history based on the skills that ranching horses would have needed, including large, fast circles, flying lead changes, 360-degree spins, and sliding stops, reining is one of the most exciting, thrilling, and breathtaking equestrian sports to witness

Opening ceremonies will take place Tuesday, September 11, with competition beginning on Wednesday, September 12, 2018. A competition schedule is currently available online, and tickets are expected to go on sale later this month via tryon2018.com.

UAE: Video: Meet Emirati endurance rider Fatima Al Harthi

Emirateswoman.com - Full Article & Video

This up-and-coming equestrian athlete has a simple message for other young women: “Never stop.”

We’ve got another incredible young Emirati athlete for you to cheer on, and this one’s coming on horseback.

Fatima Al Harthi first got into riding as a child, inspired by her mother’s love of the sport. Now, at 27, she’s making a name for herself in the challenging field of endurance riding. That means racing distances of 80, 100 or even 120 kilometres, and spending up to 15 hours in the saddle.

This isn’t exactly a casual weekend ride.

Al Harthi, who’s based in Abu Dhabi, says that what keeps her going on those long distances is the bond she has with her horses.

“Horses are very beautiful and lovely to communicate with. They have a unique characters and feelings,” she says...

Read more & see video here:
http://emirateswoman.com/video-meet-emirati-endurance-rider-fatima-al-harthi/

Royal Cavalry of Oman win third place in French Florac Endurance Race

Timesofoman.com - Full Article

September 11, 2017 | 3:12 PM by Times News Service

Muscat: Royal Cavalry of Oman clinched third place in the 160km French Florac Endurance Race in France.

The latest achievement of Royal Cavalry of Oman was made possible by Ali Hassan Al Farsi, who rode ‘Khanjar’ to the third place after overcoming difficult conditions and stiff competition.

The result helped the Royal Cavalry to take the number of Omanis achieving qualifying berths in the World Equestrian Games to five.

The World Equestrian Games will take place at the Tyron International Equestrian Center in North Carolina, U.S., from September 11 to September 23, 2018.

More at:
http://timesofoman.com/article/116867/Sports/More-sports/Horse-racing-Royal-Cavalry-of-Oman-win-third-place-in-French-Florac-Endurance-Race

France: 2017 Florac

Boudheib Initiative

FLORAC 9th September 2017 - 160km CEI/CEN***


When one thinks of world class endurance, there are only 3 venues which spring to mind, Tevis, Quilty & Florac. So it was a huge priviledge to combine the philosophy of the Boudheib Initiative (BI) with this year's Florac CEI/CEN*** 160km. Event organiser, Jean-Paul Boudon's vision to invite Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nayhan's BI protocol strengthening the focus of the welfare of the endurance horse has been widely applauded.

The oldest 160km endurance ride in Europe & steeped in equestrian history, Florac, based in the heart of Persikland in the beautiful Cevennes region of Southern France, celebrated its 42nd year at the helm of international endurance this weekend and the crowds and participants were not disappointed! 54 competitors and their trusted horses set off at 4.30 am on Saturday morning to tackle the immensely challenging 160km 5 loop course set amongst some of the most spectacular scenery France has to offer, climbing and descending enormous hills and valleys - the weather also proved challenging with temperatures around 11 degrees and rain settling in around late morning. Fortunately conditions improved for most of the afternoon and 29 competitors (more than 50% completion rate) arrived home safely to enormous cheers, and some tears of joy as the atmosphere at Florac is exceptionally moving - to complete this course reveals the necessity for strong partnerships between horses & their riders.


Competitors from 9 countries from as far afield as Australia, Colombia, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, & the UAE. together with 5 entries representing the Royal Cavalry of Oman set out to win the coveted prize at Florac, but the overall winner with an average speed of 16.288 kph was Spain's Robert Diez Noguera riding 9 year old Sunit Du Colombier.

Huge respect and many congratulations go to Robert & Sunit Du Colombier who also won Florac's 160km together in 2016, a wonderful role model for sustainable endurance. 66 year old Daniel Ollivier and Pot Made led the way throughout the first 4 loops and were only beaten during the last 23km leg to come home 2nd with an average speed of 16.029 kph in Daniel's first participation at Florac - Daniel was delighted though to win the Boudheib Initiative's BECA (Best Endurance Challenge Award) 1st prize and received a cheque for 2,000 euros together with a Gaston Mercier endurance saddle & handsome trophy.

BECA's 2nd place went to French rider Virginie Atger with her lovely grey Tonik Armor in an average speed of 15.130kph and in BECA's 3rd position was Ali Hassan Yousaf Al Farsi riding Khandjar Du Boulve from the Royal Cavalry of Oman who also took 3rd place in the CEI3* event.

Not only is the Florac 160km race a resounding endurance success but was also an exceptional result for descendants of the famous horse Persik with the 1st four home all being Persik descendants:-


1st place - Sunit Du Colombier (Persik dam lines)

2nd place - Pot Made (Persik sire lines)

3rd place - Khandjar Du Boulve (Persik sire lines)

4th place - Papillon Du Parc (Persik dam lines)


Many great achievements are made in Florac but one of the most incredible tests of sustainable endurance has to be the continueing participation of Frenchman Denis Pesce who has taken part for the last 30 years and won Florac's formidable 160km eight times with five different horses and is still competing this year with his wife, Marilyn Lemoine, riding Ultimatum Mirbel.


The Boudheib Initiative is delighted to be part of Florac 2017 and offers very many congratulations to all who completed and we hope to see you all again next year.


Many thanks go to Jean-Paul Boudon and his team for the excellent event organisation and to the highly professional team of veterinary staff and ground jury who all helped to ensure Florac 2017 was a huge success.

BOUDHEIB INITIATIVE - DRIVING THE FUTURE OF ENDURANCE
www.facebook@boudheib

For full FEI results go to www.atrm-systems.fr

Article & photos by Leigh Young

Sweetwater County public defender competes in the 'toughest horse race in the world'

The Adventurists photo
Trib.com - Full Story

Elise Schmelzer 307-266-0574, elise.schmelzer@trib.com
Sep 10, 2017

It was pure joy galloping across the Mongolian grassland through cold rain and wind, a freedom unlike any other Rick Helson had experienced, a freedom worth the bowel issues to come.

Helson, a public defender from Sweetwater County, had traveled thousands of miles to try his hand at the self-proclaimed toughest horse race in the world. The event’s premise is simple and insane: draw a handful of riders from around the world, supply them with a fleet of semi-wild horses and give them 10 days to race 600 miles across the Mongolian steppe.

“The horses just ran and ran, that was an incredible feeling,” Helson recalled Wednesday, safely back in his Rock Springs office. “They just have heart like you haven’t seen.”

Helson had few expectations when he arrived for the race, modeled after a postal route created by Genghis Khan in the year 1224. Competitors even ride the same small, sturdy breed of horses that carried Khan to victories across the continent.

“I’m just old enough to know that it’s not going to be like I expect,” the 59-year-old said with a chuckle...

Read more here:
http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/sweetwater-county-public-defender-competes-in-the-toughest-horse-race/article_9cc39c3f-9a77-50f4-a909-554f3128b056.html

Cambodia: KL success spurs CEF activities at home

Phnompenhpost.com - Full Article

Mon, 11 September 2017
H S Manjunath

The Cambodian Equestrian Federation is to launch a nationwide drive to spot talented young riders who can build on the goodwill and competitive interest whipped up by the success of the men’s national endurance team at the recent 2017 Kuala Lumpur SEA Games.

On its first big mission in the region, the six-member Cambodian squad of Ly Sovanachandara, Lon Sopheaktra, Phay Visal, Moeung Sochea and Sim Narith, along with team leader Hoy Sopharith, returned with a team bronze medal to reward the CEF with a fitting gift to mark its 10th anniversary, formed, as it was, in 2007.

“We can not sit on the glory of this medal. We have to secure our future and build a much stronger endurance team that can aim higher,” said CEF President Mona Tep at a meet the press programme arranged by the federation for interaction with the members of the winning team at the Cambodian Country Club, the home of the City’s equestrian community, on Friday...

Read more here:
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/sport/kl-success-spurs-cef-activities-home

Australia: Melissa Longhurst and Pioneer Park Wings of Sudan win 2017 Shahzada

www.shahzada400.com

Melissa Longhurst and Pioneer Park Wings of Sudan repeated their 2016 feat of winning the 400-km, 5-day Shahzada over the week of August 21-25, 2017. The pair finished in an overall time of 38 hours. Melissa was also first Lightweight.

Finishing first Heavyweight was Robert Catlin aboard Avita in a ride time of 41:37. First Middleweight was Debbie Pevy riding Galaxy Mi in a ride time of 40:19.

44 started and 20 completed the ride.

More at:
www.shahzada400.com

Endurance riders prepare for the Tom Quilty 2018 returning to Tasmania

Examiner.com.au - Full Article

Lucy Stone
@ljstone09

9 Sep 2017, 8 a.m.

It’s midnight, but the night isn’t quiet.

Under a cold winter sky in Wirrina Cove, South Australia, a swirling mass of horses and people are preparing, lining up to start the ultimate test of equestrian endurance.

This is the Tom Quilty Gold Cup: riders and horses are faced with a gruelling 160 kilometres of challenging tracks, across all terrain, in all weather, for the ultimate prize of the Quilty trophy.

At the end of each stage, they have to go through a rigorous, impartial vetting process to ensure each horse is fit and well to continue the next.

In Australia’s outback heritage the icon of horse and rider rings through literature and culture – the Man from Snowy River, the drover and his dog, Phar Lap and Jim Pike, the yearly spectacle of racehorse and jockey striving for the Melbourne Cup.

And the Tom Quilty is made of the same stuff of legend.

The race was created in the late 1960s by RM Williams, who wrote to horseman Tom Quilty asking for support creating a long distance horse race. From that letter came an annual endurance race and the birth of an amateur sport.

To finish a Tom Quilty, regardless of placing, is to win, with just the satisfaction of gaining a highly coveted Quilty buckle.

There’s no prize money allowed in Australian endurance riding – riders take part for the love of testing themselves and their horses against their own times, against the elements, and each other.

The midnight start launches the hopes of more than 150 riders, including several international riders joining the challenge.

By daylight, in just 10 hours, 28 minutes and 40 seconds, Brooke Brown-Cordell and Tierview Salama become the winners of the 2017 Tom Quilty...

Read more here:
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/4903341/the-ultimate-endurance-race/

Coming up: 2017 the Italia Endurance Festival for YRJ

ItaliaEnduranceFestival.com

In 2017 the Italia Endurance Festival makes a name for itself again.

On Saturday September 23rd the world’s spotlights turn on Valeggio sul Mincio, in Verona (Italy), where the best under 21 binomials from all over the world will challenge one another.

For the second time in four years, the wonderful location of Parco Sigurtà, by now a synonym for endurance, was selected to host this prestigious world event, proving that its track is very much appreciated just like the venue’s high quality structures and sense of hospitality.

The origins of the Italia Endurance Festival date back to 2012, when Parco Sigurtà, awarded by the European Garden Award as Europe’s second most beautiful park in 2015, hosted the Italian Championships.

Since then, Valeggio hosted the 2013 World Chapionships for Young Horses, the 2014 European Championships for Juniors and Young Riders, the 2015 World Championships for Young Horses and this year’s 2017 World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders.

Once again, for the event that will take place on the 23rd of September, Meydan’s prestigious brand will stand by the FEI.

2012: Italian Endurance Championship
2013: World Endurance Chapionships for Young Horses
2014: European Endurance Championships for Juniors and Young Riders
2015: World Endurance Championships for Young Horses
2016: World Endurance Championships for Juniors and Young Riders - test event
2017: World Endurance Championships for Juniors and Young Riders.

Great Britain: Annie Joppe’s endurance blog: laying ghosts to rest

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Annie Joppe
10:55 - 7 September, 2017

What a good weekend we’ve just had, well and truly laying the ghost of the European championships in Brussels to rest.

This was to be our last competition of the season which had always been the plan. Originally I had hoped to do a two-star with Chiara at Euston but with all the preparation for the Europeans, attention was firmly focussed on Fantom. So I made the decision to enter the one-star, to go a little faster and consolidate her experience at this level before moving up next season.

With this in mind, I introduced some sustained canter work into Chiara’s training schedule and was lucky enough to be allowed to use the stubble fields close by to do both this type of cantering and to do interval training using a sharp hill. She revelled in this type of work, getting stronger each time until I was happy with her level of fitness for our intended goal.

Because of the holiday traffic on this, the last weekend of the school summer holidays, we decided to set off early on Friday and had a straightforward journey of about seven hours to Euston Park on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders. On the journey, unlike Fantom two weeks previously, Chiara managed to demolish a large haynet, several apples and carrots and at least a few gulps of her fibre beet tea that she likes.

It was good to be back at Euston again, not having been able to compete there yet this year. Again everything was so well organised and competitors and crew alike were made to feel very welcome with excellent hospitality provided...

Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/blog/annie-joppes-endurance-blog-laying-ghosts-rest-631229#YUamvvE2Jfs9EFW3.99

Bahrain: Equine conformation in focus

BNA.bh - Full Article

09 : 20 AM - 07/09/2017

Manama, Sep. 7 (BNA): A lecture on the fundamentals of Horse Conformation will be presented by national equine judges Mahmood Faraj and Elias Faraj as speechmakers, dealing with various general aspects of horse conformation.

The event organisers at Horses Universal expressed their gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the representative of His Majesty the King for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and President of Bahrain Olympic Committee, for his care and sponsorship to various equestrian sports, as well as Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF). They also commended the efforts of Dr. Khalid Ahmed Hassan, Director of the Royal Stables and Tawfiq Al Salehi, Director of the Media and Information Office of His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The two lecturers, Mahmood and Elias Faraj, have extensive experience in the equestrian field. The former is a National Judge and Vice President of the Organising Committee of the BREEF’s Arabian Horse Beauty Show, while the latter is a National Judge, member of the High Committee of the BREEF’s Arabian Horse Beauty Show, as well as a holder of a Diploma from the UK in Horse Conformation and Horse Physiology...

Read more here:
http://www.bna.bh/portal/en/news/800431

Gobi Desert Cup: Endurance horse-trek the brainchild of western Queensland rider

ABC.net.au - Full Article

ABC North West Qld By Zara Margolis and Harriet Tatham
Posted Tue at 12:58pm

After competing in the world's longest equestrian race in Mongolia, adventurer Camille Champagne Bargenquast thought she would create her very own endurance event.

In 2015, Ms Champagne Bargenquast spent $30,000 representing Australia in the Mongol Derby; a 10-day, 1,000-kilometre endurance race that she said many competitors failed to compete.

"It was very scary at times. I remember a particular time I was fearing for my life in the race — it's tough," Ms Champagne Bargenquast said.

Undeterred by the challenge Ms Champagne Bargenquast, who lives on Linda Downs station, 220 kilometres south-west of Mount Isa and 8,000 kilometres from Mongolia, will launch the inaugural Gobi Desert Cup on September 6.

The event is a six-day, 480-kilometre, multi-stage endurance race.

"I met wonderful people there,'' she said of her fist endurance ride in Mongolia.

"Together we decided to organise an endurance event which would allow people who did not want to go through the roughness of the event to participate on quiet horses..."

Read more here:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-06/western-queensland-woman-plans-endurance-horse-ride-in-mongolia/8851410

Meydan desert clean-up effort preserves Dubai wilds

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

My Arena, My Environment campaign cleans desert after endurance horse racing

Published: 16:10 September 6, 2017 Gulf News
Staff Report

Dubai: A “leave-no-footprints” eco venture is making a real difference by cleaning and recycling all waste left behind during endurance horse racing in the sandy barrens of Dubai.

Meydan Group confirmed on Wednesday that its training programme for stable grooms and staff involved in endurance racing is meeting its target to ensure an undisturbed desert remains after races.

Wastes like plastic bottles, and caps left behind after every endurance event are collected both at the Dubai International Endurance City and along the endurance racing track in the desert which is home to several species.
“The aim is to preserve the desert and its wildlife by cleaning up and recycling wastes produced during endurance rides,” the company said in a statement...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/news/uae/environment/meydan-desert-clean-up-effort-preserves-dubai-wilds-1.2085995

Italy: Monaco to Compete at the World Championships

Hellomonaco.com - Full Article

4 September 2017

In preparation for the World Championships for Young Riders under the age of 21, to be held in September in Vallegiosul Mincio (Italy), a number of nations recently attended the Pôle France du Cheval et le Don in Lignières, in order to take part in the final stage of the qualifying rounds. During the CEIYJ, the International Young Rider Race, which is 121 km in length, the young riders of the world’s elite were able to measure up against one other. French riders, former world team champions in Tartas, and riders from Qatar, Bahrain and the Principality of Monaco, represented by Emma Noury, were in attendance.

Ticket to Pisa

To qualify for the world championships, the Monegasque had to rank in three international races. Mission accomplished since, at the end of March, the young rider had obtained her first qualification with her steed, Tonik de Gargassan, while she came in 5th with Urga du Sauveterre in April...

Read more here:
http://www.hellomonaco.com/news/sport-fitness/equestrian-endurance-monaco-to-compete-at-the-world-championships/

From WestConnex to the Mongolian plains of Genghis Khan

Greatlakesadvocate.com.au - Full Article

Tim Barlass
5 Sep 2017

Belinda Ritchie knows a thing or two about transport. Her day job is as general counsel to Arcadis, part of the consortium of companies building Sydney Metro and WestConnex. Her expertise is in project management and sorting out the legal headaches presented by large infrastructure projects.

But today she departs for a transport challenge of a different kind. She will be part of a four-woman Australian team competing in a race to cross the Gobi Desert in Mongolia on horseback. The inaugural Gobi Desert Cup across the desert known for its dunes, mountains, snow leopards and Bactrian camels, will take six days covering 80 kilometres a day. That's a long time in the saddle.

And she admits she hasn't done much preparation: "You should probably do a lot more than I have," she said. "I only found out about it five weeks ago.

Ritchie is no stranger to long hours at the reins. In 2014 she was awarded Young Adventurer of the Year by the Australian Geographic Society after spending a year riding the entire 5330 kilometres of the Bicentennial National Trail from Melbourne to the north of Cairns. It was a horsewoman friend who has just completed the trail who told her about the Gobi challenge...

Read more here:
http://www.greatlakesadvocate.com.au/story/4901283/from-westconnex-to-the-mongolian-plains-of-genghis-khan/?cs=7

Great Britain: UAE riders sweep all categories at Euston year-ender

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Fifth and final event wraps up successful second season at Suffolk venue

Published: 15:58 September 3, 2017
Staff Report

Dubai: Emirati riders won all three categories of the fifth and final Euston Park Endurance Ride, sponsored by Longines, in Suffolk, England, on Saturday.
Ahmad Azealdein won the 80km CEI1* ride on Morro in a time of 04:08.24 averaging speeds of 19.32km/h.

Rashid Al Mazrooei won the CEI2* 120km ride on Athos du Nouvion in 06:33.14 averaging 18.31km/h, and Saeed Al Muhairi won the CEIJYR2* 120km ride on Bullio Solute in 06:18.57 averaging 19km/h.
The latter horse also won the best condition award in that class along with Temporada ridden by Humaid Al Mazroui in the CEI2* 120-km...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/uae-riders-sweep-all-categories-at-euston-year-ender-1.2084366

Endurance GB announces major support package

Endurancegb.co.uk

(Published:04 September 2017)

Endurance GB (EGB), the National Governing Body for the sport of endurance riding in England and Wales, has announced the support it has received in 2017 – both financial and in kind – from HPower Group Endurance (HPGE). This has included over £59,000 of entry fees, received from the Euston Park Rides, which have been donated to EGB.

HPower Group has a long history of organising major equestrian events in the UK and around the world and is behind the hugely successful Royal Windsor Endurance (now five years old) and the Euston Park Endurance rides, run by HPGE for the first time in 2016.

The investment in the Euston Park Rides in particular has allowed HPGE to actively work with EGB to grow the sport of endurance within the UK with the ambition of making Great Britain a strong competing nation in the discipline.

HPGE’s focus will be supporting the core operational areas of Endurance GB, such as technology, IT and general office costs, in order that sufficient resource can be put into the administrative areas that will make a difference long into the future.

With this support EGB will put into action an enhanced programme of activities that will directly benefit its members, event organisers and local Groups all over the country. Horse welfare within the sport will continue to be at the top of the EGB agenda and this increased financial investment will ensure that even more focus is put on ensuring best practice at all UK endurance rides, to position the UK as a world leader.

The latter part of 2017 has seen FEI rides organised by EGB receive additional financial support. The wider support will ensure that the discipline will provide something for everyone, from 10km to 160km competitions. At the same time, much effort will be put into supporting international teams, young riders and para-endurance riders. It is hoped that more riders will participate at national and international competitions, as a result.

Building upon the excellent events held so far in 2017, Euston Park has been developed into an Endurance Centre of Excellence, with training programmes for officials, vets and trainers. EGB also have access and use of HPGE’s media operation and agencies to assist in promoting and publicising the positive nature of the sport in the UK to a wider audience.

John Hudson, Chairman of EGB, said: “This level of support gives EGB the opportunity to really move UK endurance onto the next level. We are looking forward to developing a close and productive relationship with all our stakeholders and supporters in order to enhance our offering and delivery of services. With additional support, we hope that all our members see a real benefit, and that we are once again able to compete for the top prizes abroad.”

FEI Meydan World Endurance Championship for Young Riders & Juniors Verona Italy

Photo credit: Sport Endurance EVO
Endurance-world.com - Full Article

by Admin
2 September 2017

Valeggio sul Mincio, Verona, Italy. Saturday 2 September 2017.
The second last weekend of September promises to be high activity in Valeggio sul Mincio.
On Sunday 24 September CEI1*, CEIYJ2*, CEI2* and CEI2* Ladies are scheduled.
But main event for the weekend will be on Saturday with the FEI Meydan World Endurance Championship for young riders and juniors.

Nominated entries for each country had to be announced latest by 28 August and 14 September will be the last day for the definite entries.

Last week the long list of participations has been published with 159 riders from 34 countries.
It was already clear from the previous edition in Chile that the next championship would receive a greater number of starters and this due to the logistically challenges although the organisers didn’t expect so many registrations.

“The number will change once the team leaders select their final teams but for sure there will be around 100 riders at the start-line...”

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/fei-meydan-world-endurance-championship-verona/