Road To The Mongol Derby: The Guru

Thoroughbreddailynews.com - Full Article

Sunday, April 29, 2018

By Kelsey Riley

TDN International Editor Kelsey Riley will be riding in the Mongol Derby in August 2018, and will be regularly blogging about her preparations and ultimately, her 1000-kilometer, 10-day ride across Outer Mongolia. Every rider chooses a charity for which they raise money as part of the process. Kelsey has chosen the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Program at the Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, KY. To learn more about Blackburn, click here.

“Don’t worry, you won’t even notice how bad you smell until you get back to the city.”

That was just one of the pearls of wisdom afforded me last week by 2013 Mongol Derby veteran Shelley Bates, shortly after she informed me that my plan of three clothing changes over my 10 day, 1000 kilometre journey across the Mongolian steppe was far too many–one at most, maybe none, but a change of socks every day, she suggested. What luxury.

While in England last week for the event of the year–no, not the Craven meeting, but rather the wedding of my friends Matt and Amanda Prior–I took the opportunity to travel down to Surrey to meet the woman known simply among Derbyists as The Guru: endurance trainer Maggie Pattinson, who operates On The Hoof Distance Training and has been at the forefront of the Derby organization and crew since the event was inaugurated nine years ago...

Read more here:
http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/road-to-the-mongol-derby-the-guru/

Waikato man Eion Kemp prepares for world's toughest horse race in Mongolia

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

REXINE HAWES
Last updated 12:00, April 30 201

Waikato man Eion Kemp is always up for a challenge.

And in August he'll leave his home in Matamata to compete in the world's toughest horse race, the Mongol Derby.

The 1000 kilometre derby, in Mongolia, is run across high valleys and open passes, semi-arid dunes, wetland and river crossings.

Temperatures can drop to -8 degrees Celsius and soar to 50deg C in one day.

In the past, riders had suffered dehydration, hypothermia, broken bones and concussion...

Read more here:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/103451395/waikato-man-eion-kemp-prepares-for-worlds-toughest-horse-race-in-mongolia

Tryon 2018 World Equestrian Games Endurance Test Event Held

April 29 2018

73 starters representing 24 nations tackled the 120-km CEI 2* endurance event Saturday April 28 at Tryon, North Carolina. It was the Test Event for the World Equestrian Games 160-km endurance event to be held on September 12.

The UAE took the top 4 places, all finishing together in a group, with Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Maktoum taking first aboard Upedro, a 10-year-old gelding, in a ride time of 7:21.44. Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum was second aboard Toumani Eureka, an 11-year-old gelding.

Former multiple European and World Endurance Champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain finished 5th riding Upsala El Saad, a 10-year-old gelding, in a ride time of 7:40.41.

Canadians Robert Gielen (riding his 9-year-old gelding More Bang For Your Buck) and Wendy MacCoubrey (riding her 9-year-old mare Black Barts Louta) finished 8th and 9th, in 8:52 and change.

USA's Heather Reynolds was 10th aboard the 11-year-old mare RTR Rimfires Etta. Ellen Olson was 12th riding the 7-year-old gelding Noslos Tuff Enuff. Kelsey Russell finished 17th riding the 8-year-old gelding Fireman Gold. Melody Blittersdorf finished 20th aboard the 18-year-old gelding Synthetic.

The other USA riders who were eliminated were Cheryl Van Deusen riding Nazeefs Flashy Rose, Gwen Gall riding TA Kwik Dance, Jeremy Reynolds riding Treasured Moments, Erin Lemmons-Innes riding Highh Treason, Tracy Hofstrand riding FLF Forever Champion, Erin Champion riding Landroval, Meg Sleeper aboard Syrocco Madrigal, and Holly Corcoran riding Authentika.

24 finished the race, and 49 were eliminated, and consensus is that the trail was tough and the vetting very strict.

USA rider Gwen Hall commented: "The hills are relentless and the rains as recent as Thursday evening made footing challenging in areas. Many eliminations due to lameness and despite our riding “back of the pack” the trail beat us today. This trail reminded me of another certain 100 – never hurry, never tarry. I learned a lot on this ride and am thankful for the opportunity to have participated."

Crew person Devan Horn commented: "So it turned out to be about a 32% completion rate. I truly feel in this case the vets were demanding perfection. Not 100% perfect and fresh, you were out. Also, the footing was rough being a newly cut trail, which effected a lot of riders." 

For complete ride results, see:
http://tawqeet.ae/ride?id=12020180428

To stay up to date with the upcoming WEG Endurance, see:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2018WEG/

Monte Hermoso celebrates 20 years of endurance in Argentina

Endurance-world.com - Article & Photos

27 Apeil 2018
Race Report made with the assistance of Debbie López for Equestrian Federation of Argentina

Monte Hermoso, Argentina. Friday 20 and Saturday 21 April 2018.

The Argentinean Equestrian Federation celebrated 20 years of endurance with several international racesin the city of Monte Hermoso. Two days of racing was on the agenda and more than a hundred combinations participated. Argentinian entries were joined by riders from Belgium, England, Slovakia, Chile and Uruguay who raced with local horses.

On Friday at 6.30 the start for the 160km race was given and an hour later in was the turn for those riding in the 80km juniors and seniors. The beach was the main attraction of the event and also proved the most difficult part of the different loops.

Saturday also started very early, with first the young riders and seniors for 120km race followed by the participants of 100km. In the afternoon a race for the locals was scheduled over 20km to encourage sports in the area...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/monte-hermoso-celebrates-20-years-of-endurance-in-argentina/

South Africa: Three local riders to tackle endurance ride

News24.com

THREE local sportswomen are set to put their endurance and horse riding skills to the ultimate test.

Riana Griebenouw, Kirsty Masterson and Anri Wolmarans will compete in the 160km South African International Endurance Riding Challenge at the Bona Bona Nature Reserve near Klerksdorp in North West Province.

The 160km ride will be divided into six legs: two legs of 40km each and four legs of 20km each. After each leg the horse will be thoroughly inspected by international accredited veterinarians, who decide whether the horse is fit to continue.

“This is not only a fitness challenge, but also a test of mental strength for both horse and rider,” says Wolmarans.

Masterson will ride Delmar Nadra, an 8-year-old mare bred by Daan Landman from Tsitsikamma, while Wolmarans will saddle up 8-year-old gelding Delmar Hasan - also bred by Landman. Griebenouw will take on the challenge on the back of Welbech Hurst Lienka, a 7-year-old from the Welbech Stud in Middelburg.

They will, along with seven other riders, represent the Eastern Cape at this annual challenge. Other team members are Leanne Wels, Antoinette van Zyl, Peet Diedericks, Megan Botha, Nicara Diedericks, Marti Geldenhuys and Xander Diedericks - all from different areas in the Eastern Cape.

Prohibited substance cases under FEI anti-doping rules

FEI.org

24 Apr 2018

The FEI has announced the provisional suspension of a Trainer as an Additional Person Responsible in the case involving the horse Sohair de Bruyere:

Horse: Sohair Des Bruyere (FEI ID 104VK62/QAT)

Person Responsible: Elizaveta Minina (FEI ID 10140497/RUS)

Date of notification: 5 March 2018

Additional Person Responsible: Hassan Khamis Mohammed A Al Shahwani (FEI ID 10131286/QAT)

Date of notification: 23 April March 2018

Event: CEI2* 120 - Doha, Mesaieed (QAT)

Date of Event: 20/01/2018

Prohibited Substance(s): Testosterone



The FEI has also announced adverse analytical findings involving equine prohibited substances. The cases involve the use of *Banned Substances under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).



The athletes have been provisionally suspended from the date of notification until the FEI Tribunal renders its decisions. The horses have been provisionally suspended for two months:



Horse: Thiyya Du Moriter (FEI ID 104KB15/UAE)

Person Responsible: Abdulla Rashid Al Naqbi (FEI ID 10032577/UAE)

Event: CEI2* 120 - Dubai (UAE)

Date of Event: 17/03/2018

Prohibited Substance(s): Trendione

Date of notification: 19 April 2018



Horse: Al Baaz (FEI ID 105KZ27/QAT)

Person Responsible: Hamad Fahaf A A Al Marri (FEI ID 10072903/QAT)

Event: CEI1* 100 - Doha, Mesaieed (QAT)

Date of Event: 17/03/2018

Prohibited Substance(s): Diisopropylamine

Date of notification: 19 April 2018



Details on these cases can be found here.

Omani Royal Cavalry win endurance race in Germany

Timesofoman.com - Full Article

April 23, 2018 | 9:54 PM by Times News Service

Berlin: Oman’s Royal Cavalry won the first and third positions at International Babenhausen Endurance race in Germany.

It was a 160 km race and included 6 phases, which was held under the supervision of International Equestrian Federation.

Adil Said Al Bulushi secured the first position on mare Toscane owned by Royal Cavalry, while Rayan Al Mubte from Saudi Arabia came second on the mare Victoire, and Hisham Saleh Al Farsi came third on mare Un Dia owned by Royal Cavalry.

The race was launched at 6am before sun rise which caused some vision difficulty for riders.

The instructions from French trainer Romaine was not to jeopardize by going at high speed lest the horses get limp...

Read more at:
http://timesofoman.com/article/132783

Australia: Ravensthorpe Equestrian Club hold Endurance Event

Espernceexpress.com.au

April 21 2018

THE Ravensthorpe Equestrian Club will be hosting a two-day endurance ride over the June long-weekend (June 1-4) for distances of 160 kilometres, 80 kilometres, 40 kilometres, 20 kilometres and 10 kilometres.

Experienced and novice riders and their horses alike will be taking to the Ravensthorpe ranges to conquer the hills and take in the views riding on well-marked, dedicated tracks.

Based at the newly refurbished Ravensthorpe Equestrian Club grounds, participants will ride out on both the Saturday and Sunday on a number of different tracks, most of which will head towards and around the range.

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport embodied by the motto “to complete is to win”.

Although the sport awards prizes and trophies, these are minimal and the biggest prize for winners and all competitors is very well-earned bragging rights...

Read more here:
https://www.esperanceexpress.com.au/story/5350785/endurance-event-for-club/

France: On the way to a new endurance season

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

19 April 2018
Race Report made with the assistance of Clémence BAUDIN

La Voulte sur Rhône. France. Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 March 2018. Every year, the ‘La Voulte’ endurance ride marks the beginning of the Rhône-Alpes district endurance season with a national and international ride held in the southeast of France.

The ride of La Voulte becomes more and more known and attracts riders from every level. This year was the 21st edition, and the second at the international level. In the past this event took place in the Ardèche mountains, yet for several years it offers completely flat loops along the Rhône river. It is a real great pleasure to see many horses doing their first ride in La Voulte and becoming future champions in endurance...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/on-the-way-to-new-endurance-season/

Canadian Endurance Riders Announced for 2018 WEG Test Event

Horse-canada.com

March 6, 2018
by: Equestrian Canada

The following Canadian athletes have been invited to the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) Test Event – Endurance CEI 2*, to be held April 26-28, 2018 in Mill Spring, NC:

• Robert Gielen – Flesherton, ON
• Wendy MacCoubrey – Sainte-Justine-de-Newton, QC
• Kimberley Woolley – Finch, ON

The three athletes were chosen to compete in the 120km race based on their standings in the 2017 FEI Open Riders World Endurance Rankings, in which MacCoubrey was the highest placed Canadian, followed by Gielen and Woolley as the second- and third-highest Canadians.

MacCoubrey had an exceptional 2017 season that included multiple top-three finishes on her nine-year-old part Arabian mare, Black Bart’s Lolita (sired by Vondar Black Bart). The duo ended the year strong, earning fourth in the FEI Open Combination World Endurance Rankings.

Gielen was close behind in the FEI Open Combination World Endurance Rankings in eighth with his horse, More Bang for Your Buck (Doran x Forty Thieves). The nine-year-old Arabian gelding and Gielen have won six consecutive endurance races together at the FEI level since 2016.

The final athlete competing in the WEG Test Event, Woolley, has competed with her 12-year-old Arabian mare, Schakka Khan (Sambors Destiny x Hesa Champ), at the FEI level since 2013. The duo came in second at the 2017 Coates Creek Challenge, covering the 120km distance at an average pace of 12.14km/hr.

More information on the 2018 World Equestrian Games can be found here.

How will the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Mill Spring, NC, impact the Upstate?

Upstatebusinessjournal.com - Full Article

By Trevor Anderson - April 11, 2018

Upstate business leaders aren’t putting the cart before the horse, but they are champing at the bit to see what kind of impact one of the world’s largest equestrian events will have on the region.

The Tryon International Equestrian Center (TIEC) in Mill Spring, N.C., will host the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) Sept. 11-23.

TIEC officials said the event could attract more than 1,000 riders, 1,500 horses, and 500,000 spectators from 70 countries, and have a $400 million economic impact in Western North Carolina and the Upstate.

“We’re excited for our neighbors in Tryon [N.C.] to host the World Equestrian Games late this summer,” said John Lummus, president and CEO of Upstate SC Alliance. “While the core action will occur in North Carolina, the event’s location within the greater ‘Charlanta’ region is a great testament to the transportation connectivity, beautiful climate, and hospitable environment this area has to offer.

“We anticipate a great deal of eyes will be on Tryon and nearby communities like Asheville [N.C.], Greenville, Spartanburg, and the surrounding retreats. The event draws 500,000 attendees from throughout the globe,” Lummus added. “Because the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport is the designated airport of entry for the games, we anticipate a great deal of economic impact as visitors explore our region’s additional amenities...”

Read more here:
https://upstatebusinessjournal.com/how-will-the-2018-world-equestrian-games-in-mill-spring-nc-impact-the-upstate/

Clean Endurance slams limited welfare progress in Middle East

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

April 11, 2018
Horsetalk.co.nz

Desert endurance racing in the Middle East continues to exact a heavy toll on horses, four years on from what should have been a watershed moment for the sport, according to the group Clean Endurance.

The group says it is dismayed that, four years after the Endurance Strategic Planning Group (ESPG) set out a blueprint for change, there have been no concrete signs of improvement in the FEI’s Group 7 region, in the Middle East.

The FEI formed the ESPG in 2013 amid growing concerns about horse welfare, doping and rule-breaking. Delegates included representatives from Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the European Equestrian Federation, the FEI Endurance Committee and FEI headquarters.

All had agreed, according to Clean Endurance, that, globally, all efforts had to be made to reduce the numbers of horses testing positive for prohibited substances and suffering injuries.

On November 6 that year, ESPG chairman Andrew Finding opened his presentation to the FEI General Assembly session on Endurance in Montreux, Switzerland, with the words: “President, ladies, gentlemen, friends: we have a serious problem to resolve for Endurance sport and thus for all equestrian sport. We may not like the nature of the media coverage, we may feel that it is not all correct, but we cannot deny the fact that the levels of doping and the incidence of catastrophic injury to horses are unacceptable.”

The ESPG, after months of consultation, presented 41 recommendations to the FEI Sports Forum in April 2014.

“The ESPG’s clear-cut approach gave campaigners cautious hope,” Clean Endurance said.

Four years later, Clean Endurance has revisited the recommendations. It believes that half of them were never adopted. Others, it says, have been only partially executed so far.

“In some respects, the situation has worsened in the desert rides since 2014,” it says...

Read more at https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2018/04/11/clean-endurance-limited-welfare-progress-middle-east/#fafcxTFuGmjTBj1k.99

Gallops of Morocco a view from participant Michèle van Kasteren

Endurance-world.com - Full Story

10 April 2018

On 7 March 2018 we reported about the Gallops of Morocco. Read the inside story of Michèle van Kasteren one of the participants.

I have bred Akhal-Tekes for over 20 years with whom I do compete almost quite as long in endurance. I have competed up to international level, but the Gallops of Morocco…? No, I must admit, I never heard about this concept before. It was my friend Clothilde, a polo player, who introduced me to the Gallops.

So what are the Gallops? It is an adventure combining equestrian tourism with competition. The aim is to achieve 200 km on a horseback in 6 days within a fixed time frame together as a team of 5 persons. Due to some circumstances, horses have been a little in the background for the past three years. Needless to say, I am a little out of shape when it comes to physical condition.

But the idea to participate into a «soft» endurance team ride and meanwhile discover Morocco, where I have never been to, was an idea I immediately got hooked on. Exploring the Sahara on a horseback! What a fabulous challenge to take. 200 km in a week should be ok…I’ve done 160 km in a day in the past. The program sounded fantastic, so it didn’t take much effort for Clothilde to persuade me to participate. But this was 3 weeks before the start of the Gallops!...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/gallops-of-morocco-a-view-from-participant-michele-van-kasteren/

China: Over 100 compete in equestrian endurance in Anhui

Globaltimes.cn - Full Article

Source:Ecns.cn
Photos by: China News Service/Han Suyuan
Published: 2018/4/9 15:05:20

The 2018 China International Equestrian Endurance Competition opens in Dangshan County, East China's Anhui Province, April 8, 2018. More than 100 jockeys from more than 10 countries and regions took part in the race, the highest level of its kind in China, held along the old riverway of the Yellow River...

See more at:
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1097055.shtml

KER Brings Unique Expertise to FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018

Equimanagement.com - Full Article

Kentucky Equine Research will coordinate feed, forage and bedding for the FEI's World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 as the Official Equine Nutritionist.

KENTUCKY EQUINE RESEARCHAPR 9, 2018

Kentucky Equine Research has been named the Official Equine Nutritionist of the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 (WEG). This is a familiar role for the company, which has coordinated the logistics of importing, controlling and distributing feed, forage and bedding at major international equestrian competitions for more than 20 years.

Horse owners know that consistency is key to feeding and managing healthy horses, especially in the midst of travel and competition. When show schedules take horses across international borders, biosecurity concerns and import procedures make staying on familiar feed a challenge. Kentucky Equine Research has a long history of helping national federations and athletes navigate this process at events around the world.

“Competition support is a little-known aspect of Kentucky Equine Research’s services to the global equestrian community,” said company founder and president Joe D. Pagan, PhD. “We have feed-manufacturing partners on six continents and are familiar with the sources and processes necessary to ensure the world’s top horses continue to receive their proven diets in Tryon...”

Read more here:
https://equimanagement.com/news/ker-brings-unique-expertise-to-fei-world-equestrian-games-tryon-2018

Road to the Mongol Derby: Why the Derby?

ThoroughbredDailyNews.com - Full Story

April 3 2018

By Kelsey Riley

TDN International Editor Kelsey Riley will be riding in the Mongol Derby in August 2018, and will be regularly blogging about her preparations and ultimately, her 1000-kilometer, 10-day ride across Outer Mongolia. Every rider chooses a charity for which they raise money as part of the process. Kelsey has chosen the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s Second Chances Program at the Blackburn Correctional Complex in Lexington, KY. To learn more about Blackburn, click here.

If, after wrestling with a wayward 2-year-old Thoroughbred that has bolted on you for a mile, you finally pull him up–with legs, arms and back screaming in pain–and the first thought to cross your mind is, ‘that was a great workout!’…you may be meant for the Mongol Derby.

I don’t know what exactly possesses around 40 riders from across the world each year to take up the challenge of riding half-broke horses across the outer Mongolian steppe for 1000 kilometres (4,960 furlongs), but I have a much better idea after learning recently about the 42 riders from 13 different countries that I’ll be saddling up (and likely, on a few occasions crashing down) with come August.

Reasons for taking on the world’s longest and toughest horse race?...

Read more here:
http://www.thoroughbreddailynews.com/road-to-the-mongol-derby-why-the-derby/

Shipping in 900 horses from around the world

TryonDailyBulletin.com - Full Article

By Catherine Hunter
Published 8:00 am Wednesday, April 4, 2018

People learn more about WEG equine transport plans

TRYON — Five hundred thousand people and 900 horses are coming to the area in September.

While the sheriff’s office, the state troopers and local fire and rescue departments are working to figure out traffic, local horsemen and equine vets are talking about the horses.

Tryon Equine held an informative discussion about the transport, care and quarantine of the horses coming to the area for the World Equestrian Games in September. Tryon Equine co-owner Anne Baskett, a veterinarian, spoke to a crowd of 50 or more who attended the talk last Wednesday.

“I did not realize all the pieces that had to come together,” Baskett said.

There are more than 100 vets and 75 volunteers involved in assuring the horses’ health and safety during the two-week event in September...

Read more here:
http://www.tryondailybulletin.com/2018/04/04/shipping-in-900-horses-from-around-the-world/

New "Endurance Horse Podcast - Every Mile a Memory" Launches

April 2 2018
by Merri Melde-Endurance.net

"Endurance Horse Podcast - Where you get to share your adventures of riding good horses through beautiful country"

Taking advantage of the growing popularity of podcasts, Christina Hyke, an endurance rider from the Midwest region launched the new Endurance Horse Podcast on March 14.

Inspired by a running podcast that she listens to, The Extra Mile, Chris thought it would be nice if there was a similar podcast for horse people. "Specifically endurance horse people," Chris said, "where we could keep track of each other's success and challenges, and encourage each other."

As a photographer, Chris is good with Photoshop and Lightroom, so she thought she might be able to figure out how to put a podcast together. Her first recording, which became her first introductory podcast, was recorded while on horseback in the Wisconsin woods.

As a 'newbie' endurance rider, Chris has less than a thousand miles, so considers herself a Green Bean. ("I think I'm a cooked bean, or a baked bean - I'm not sure on the Green Bean thing.")

Chris's first full episode, released March 27, features short stories from a variety of endurance riders, from beginners to a World Champion (Becky Hart); riders from the US, Canada, Great Britain, New Zealand; Arabian riders to other riders of other breeds (Palomino, Morgan, Mustang, Quarter horse, Appaloosa, Thoroughbred, Miniature); and riders with old horses and young horses. The episode also includes a piece from a distance driver. "16 people, 8 horse breeds, and 4 countries is a great start," Chris said.

Would you like to participate? Endurance riders from around the world are encouraged to submit an audio recording. "Tell us about yourself and your horse and what you're doing, and if you're conditioning, what techniques you're using, what tips you might have on electrolyting, hauling long distances, anything related to camping. What your hopes are. Doing your first LD? Stepping up to 50's or 100's?" Share your experiences on the trail or about the rides you've done.

Chris describes herself as an equine photographer, wife, mother, friend, and lifelong horse woman. Her first introduction to endurance riding was a clinic called "A Taste of Endurance Riding" - which was a 5-mile intro ride that she won on her horse. "I know, that's not even a conditioning ride… but it definitely was a taste of endurance riding because of the people. It was a potluck, it was educational, everybody was friendly, it was fun, it was wonderful. It gave me this overall feeling for the vibe that the sport gives here in the Midwest, which is super supportive. That's how I knew I was going to get into endurance riding.

"The reason I'm doing this podcast isn't so much because I'm qualified to do so, though I wanted to do some good in the world and bring our endurance family closer together."

New episodes of the podcast will be released once a month.

If you'd like to send Christina your story, or would like more information, send her an email at endurancehorsepodcast@gmail.com

Listen to the first podcast at
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/endurance-horse-podcast/id1359332091?mt=2

and subscribe to "Endurance Horse Podcast" on iTunes.

The First WEG: A New Endeavor, To The Tunes Of ABBA

Chronofhorse.com - Full Article

By: Beth Rasin
Mar 29, 2018 - 3:05 PM
Sponsored by the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina


If you’re a fan of the award-winning Netflix series “The Crown,” you probably think of HRH Prince Philip as, at best, merely tolerating the horses so adored by his wife Queen Elizabeth. But in reality, the Duke of Edinburgh, a rider and carriage driver, presided over the Fédération Equestre Internationale from 1964-1986 and is credited with developing the concept of a World Equestrian Games in 1982. In 1984, the FEI General Assembly chose Stockholm to host that first WEG, which would take place in 1990.

It’s fitting that the idea came from royalty, as nothing like it had been attempted before.

“The organization of World Championships in six disciplines within the span of two weeks in a small country like Sweden is more than a major undertaking,” said Princess Anne, FEI president from 1986-1994, according to the Chronicle report in 1990. “It is an unprecedented endeavor.”

The Swedish Equestrian Federation established a staff of 30 people who worked for five years in preparation for the Games, and they were aided by more than 2,500 volunteers, many of whom were set up to guard the horses. The event was deemed the “Horse Festival of the Century,” and a huge clock pillar in Stockholm counted down the days until the Games.

With the exception of parts of the endurance, the entire event was held within city limits...

Read more here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/the-first-weg-a-new-endeavor-to-the-tunes-of-abba