Sweden: Göingeritten a more than 30 years old tradition-filled distance ride

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

31 May 2019
Race report Susanne Hansson

Glimåkra, Sweden. Saturday 18 May 2019. Göingeritten is a tradition-filled distance ride with Glimma Ryttarförening as organizer. The ride has been arranged in various forms over the years since the start more then 30 years ago and has also been Swedish championship event for several years in a row.

This year, the competition was held with a complete new competition centre at Trollacenter in the Glimåkra.

“I was here as a rider for the first time in 1988. Since then a lot has happened with the event and with this new arena it is a fantastic competition” said Danish Lone Aalekjear Hansen, president of the international judge delegation in place.

Saturday hosted four separate distances with 120, 80, 50 and 40 km rides. The weather was perfect for riders, horses, officials and spectators, a pleasant temperature and a nice breeze...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/goingeritten-a-more-than-30-years-old-tradition-filled-distance-ride/

Mongolia: Gobi Gallop 2019 - The Road to Kharkhorin Set to Begin May 31st

May 28 2019

The 10 intrepid riders of the Gobi Gallop, the longest annual charity horseback ride on the planet, are heading to Mongolia from all corners of the globe this week. They are set to head off out of Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia on May 31st to head to their starting point of their ride just outside of Tsetserleg, Arkhangai.

Arriving in Tsetserleg late in the afternoon of June 1st, they will spend their time meeting their valiant, Mongolian steeds, ensuring that their tack is all adjusted and comfortable and getting familiar with local riding techniques and local culture. Each rider will be required to cover a minimum of 20 kilometers in a traditional wooden Mongolian saddle but for the rest of the journey they will be provided with comfortable modern Mongolian saddles with break away stirrups and toe caps for safety. With the guidance of local guides from Horse Trek Mongolia the host of the Gobi Gallop each year, each rider will have 2 horses to undertake the 700 kilometer / 10 day odyssey across Mongolia to raise money for Veloo Foundation’s Children of the Peak Sanctuary Project.

Not a race, but rather a true endurance ride that sees the challenge of managing the strength and endurance of both rider and horse for the full 700 kilometers, the Gobi Gallop is more of a team sport than a race and the focus is on getting all of the horses and riders across the finish line 700 kilometers later, healthy and happy. This year marks the 7th annual Gobi Gallop and, as always, will be capped off with a very upscale 5 star gala & charity auction at the White Rock Centre in Ulaanbaatar to welcome back the riders and the crew and congratulate them on completing this astonishingly tough ride.

To date, the Gobi Gallop and Gobi Gallop Gala have raised in excess of $450,000 USD to aid Mongolian children and families who scavenge in the trash to survive and they expect that this year’s event will carry them above the $500,000 USD mark.

Full updates on the progress, weather and challenges of the ride can be found at @GobiGallop on Facebook beginning May 31st.

More information and photographs about the ride, the route, the participants and the charity available on request.

Veloo Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 not for profit in the United States and a registered Canadian charity.

Media Contact: Buka
Communications.gobigallop@gmail.com
+976 95013120 (Mongolia)

Call for Riders: Gobi Desert Cup 2019

GobiDesertCup.com

We Invite You to the Adventure of a Lifetime.

Discover the slowly disappearing Mongolian lifestyle, ride one of the oldest and toughest horse breeds in the world, and be part of an authentic nomadic camp.

The 2019 Gobi Desert Cup will take place 27 August- 6 September in Mongolia. Entries are open, and we are now accepting international applications.

Up to 24 riders will be selected across the globe to participate in a unique, multi-stage endurance race over 480 kilometers in six days on Mongolian horses. Our event combines international horse welfare standards and dedication to the sustainability of the nomadic culture, this race is unlike any other in the world. Each day you will race 80 kilometers on a different Mongolian horse trained and explicitly conditioned for our event.

The terrain will change day-to-day and carry you across the land of Genghis Khan. Stay in a traditional nomadic camp, live without plumbing and electricity, and step back into time.

“It is truly the most character building challenge I have ever faced and overcome.” Kendall Moore 2017 Gobi Desert Cup Rider, Stannum Stock Horses.

Who can ride The Gobi Desert Cup?

Our riders have ranged from 24 to 71 years old. Anyone over 18 may apply.
We have had international FEI qualified *** endurance superstars who have won national championships and participated in the world championships. We also had some talented and brave eventers and show jumpers — exceptional horseman and woman who have taken part in the brumby challenge as well.

We look for everyday riders who will train, prepare, and crave the adventure. Will you turn up every morning with a smile and determination? Do you believe that when things get hard and things go wrong that it is all part of the journey?

Race Details

The race is based on a point system. Riders will compete individually and in teams of four. Each day the race begins at 7 AM, and participants will have 12 hours to complete the marked course.

What happens if a rider vets out? They will not get any points for the day but will keep riding the following day. If vetted out at the 40km vetting, they will be carried forward, and the horse will be picked up.

Riders are invited to an opening and closing ceremony with local entertainment and a presentation of awards.

There will be an award for the best-managed horses through the race.

The Mongolian Horse and Nomad Foundation

The Монголын адуу болон нүүдэлчдийн сан (Mongolian Horse and Nomad Foundation) is a Non-Government Organization based in Mongolia and the official foundation of our race. The non-profit is devoted to making a difference in the nomadic community.

Mongolia is a country of ancient traditions, mostly untouched by the outside world. You will not find a kinder, more generous culture. Mongolians, especially the nomads, are proud to share their traditions with others. Unfortunately, with desertification of the Gobi Desert and rising costs, many nomads are leaving centuries of tradition to move to the capital of Ulaanbaatar to feed their families. Currently, 42% of Mongolians live in the capital city, rife with pollution and overcrowding. The nomadic culture is dwindling, and it is our mission to share their traditions and help to provide a sustainable way of life for these families.

Through our annual event, The Gobi Desert Cup, we provide a sustainable wage for our 90% local Mongolian staff to support their families, pay for schooling, and ensure proper nutrition and veterinary attention for their horses. We provide the most competitive wage of any Mongolian event, and the unique endurance race brings global attention to this dwindling lifestyle.

Apply today to join us on a life-changing adventure, unlike any other at www.gobidesertcup.com.

Germany: First CEI1* ride in Förste

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

23 May 2019
Race Report made with the assistance of Antje Weida

Rennbahn Förste, Germany. Saturday 27 April 2019. The “Kranz Distanz” in Förste started the season with a new German FEI event CEI1*. For most riders it was the first ride in this season, which led through the South Harz foreland.

There were national rides covering distances from 28km to 108km and an international FEI ride over CEI1* 80km and CEIYJ1* 80km. Ten riders started in the senior class and three riders in the young riders race.

This endurance ride also had an international flair with riders from Germany, Switzerland and Saudi Arabia.

The weather forecast was not good; rain was expected for the whole weekend. The first participants arrived on Thursday and Friday at the local racecourse and prepared everything for the start on Saturday morning.

After all horses had been checked by the veterinarians on Friday and Saturday, the first starters set off for the first loop at 7am. Fortunately with dry weather and later sunshine...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/first-cei1-ride-in-forste/

It’s Time for Equestrians to Get Clearer Rules About Rules

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Cuckson Report | May 21, 2019

No one reads a rule book from cover to cover until they fall foul of it; sometimes, not even then. By competing, you agree to abide by a sport’s rules but in reality, sitting down to immerse yourself in hundreds of pages of convoluted bumph is not appealing, especially when English is not even our native language. You rely on equestrian judges and officials to know them.

What’s more, FEI General Regulations and Veterinary Regulations always supersede the rules of your particular discipline, so ideally you should tackle those mighty tomes as well. If you go eventing, it’s even more onerous, for FEI Jumping Rules and Dressage Rules also apply in those phases.

FEI Eventing has “guidelines” about rule interpretation, but that memo also says that where said guidelines are inconsistent or contradictory the original rules should prevail! No wonder the eventers keep asking the FEI to re-do the lot from scratch...

Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/cuckson-report/time-equestrians-get-clearer-rules-rules/

South Africa: Endurance rider makes Soutpansberg proud

Soutnet.co.za - Full Article

23 May 2019

Former Louis Trichardt resident Lanel van Niekerk (27) is still making the Soutpansberg proud by not only winning the recent South African International Challenge (SAIC) endurance race over 160km, but also setting up a new South African record for the race.

Many residents may remember Lanel best under her maiden name, Van Niewenhuizen. She and her horse, a mare called Jozami Zanica, competed in the race on 27 April at the Bona Bona Game Lodge near Klerksdorp.

Lanel and Zanica also attempted the race in 2018, but had to withdraw from the event after Zanica injured her tendon after 100 km. “We were very disappointed but made sure we took the correct measures to treat Zanica’s injury so she could come back again in 2019,” said Lanel...

Read more here:
https://www.zoutnet.co.za/articles/sport/50038/2019-05-23/endurance-rider-makes-soutpansberg-proud

Chile: Prohibited substance case under FEI anti-doping rules

Inside.fei.org

May 22 2019

The FEI has announced a new adverse analytical finding (AAF) involving an equine prohibited substance. The case involves a *Banned Substance under the FEI’s Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations (EADCMRs).

The athlete has been provisionally suspended as both Person Responsible and Trainer from the date of notification until the FEI Tribunal renders its decision. The horse has been provisionally suspended for two months from the date of notification.

Horse: S H Ciro (FEI ID 104ZN21/CHI)
Person Responsible/Trainer: Paula Llorens Clark (FEI ID 10086065/CHI)
Event: CEIYJ2* 120 - Llay Llay (CHI), 30.03.2019
Prohibited Substance(s): O-Desmethyltramadol
Date of Notification: 15 May 2019

Details on this case can be found here.

Endurance Great Britain welfare conference in Newmarket

Endurancegb.co.uk

(Published:21 May 2019)

Endurance GB welfare conference in Newmarket focuses on improving long term performance of the endurance horse

Endurance GB’s welfare conference next weekend will bring together experts from the animal health, veterinary and sports science industries to focus on how to extend the careers of long-distance equine athletes.

The Endurance GB conference, taking place on Saturday 25th May at the Newmarket Equine Hospital, features an impressive line-up of speakers including; Dr Sue Dyson of the Animal Health Trust, Dr Roly Owers, from World Horse Welfare, Dr David Marlin, Scientific and Equine Consultant, together with Fran James and Tom Eaton Evans of the Newmarket Equine Hospital who will look at orthopaedic longevity and biosecurity.

Topics being covered range from identifying lameness, to understanding how ridden horse behaviour can predict the presence of musculoskeletal pain.

The conference will also hear findings from a pilot study looking at the weight that a horse can safely carry.

Alex Tennant, Director of Development and Welfare for Endurance GB said: “This day is aimed not only at anyone involved in endurance at all levels from novice to international but anyone interested in finding out more about the performance of the equine equivalent of the marathon athlete. Endurance GB is dedicated to offer education and discussion on improving horse welfare; which is the foundation of our sport and society. The theme of the day is, ‘Improving the longevity of the endurance horse’.

“Our speakers will be offering guidance on how we can plan our horses’ careers, training and competition to maximise health and fitness and minimise injury. There will be opportunities throughout the day for delegates to have any questions answered.

“Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors and guests who have supported this event.”

Welfare Conference sponsors, HPower and Meydan are event organiser and headline sponsor to the FEI European Endurance Championship which take place this summer at Euston Park in Suffolk on Saturday 17th August.

Jo Peck, Marketing and Communications Director of HPower which also organises the Royal Windsor Horse Show and London Olympia Horse Show, said: “We are proud to be associated with Endurance GB’s annual welfare conference and to be involved with building understanding of how long term performance for these incredible equine athletes can be improved. We have also been supporting Endurance GB in widening participation in the sport and are delighted that this summer’s European Championship will sit alongside the UK Endurance Festival featuring both national and Pony Club riders and teams in this popular and growing sport.”

Rebecca Kinnarney, Chair of Endurance GB said: “Endurance as a sport has consistently broken new ground in enhancing understanding of how equine athletes can best be cared for both in training and competition and we are proud that, while success is based on the strength of the partnership between horse and rider over long hours in the saddle, as riders we are always open to expanding our knowledge. This day promises both new scientific and research insight of benefit to both endurance and other equestrian sports. We would like to thank the conference sponsors for making the day possible.”

Tickets to the Endurance GB Welfare Conference at the Newmarket Equine Hospital, Saturday 25th May from 9am-5pm are priced £20 including lunch. Some spaces may still be available, to enquire, please contact conference@endurancegb.co.uk.

Riders celebrate success at Endurance Great Britain Golden Horseshoe Ride on Exmoor

Endurancegb.co.uk

(Published:20 May 2019)

Riders are celebrating coveted completions in Endurance GB’s Golden Horseshoe Ride on Exmoor, which after more than 50 years since it first began, remains one of the most challenging events in the sport’s calendar.

The oldest long-distance Endurance GB ride in the UK is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in Europe and sees competitors tackle classes ranging from 24km to 160km (100 miles) over spectacular moorland terrain.

This year’s top successes came in the Exmoor Stag class which takes competitors over 120km (75 miles) in two days. There were silver awards for Devon-based Karen Jones with Treasured Moonbeam and Kathy Carr who had travelled from Leicestershire to take part with Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle. A third rider, Exeter’s Gillian Mann earned a completion with HS Parnasse.

Cullompton-based Karen Jones and her 13yr old mare, Treasure Moonbeam, had success over the 160km in 2017 and so stepped down a distance to take on the 120km two day class.

On top of her Silver award, Karen collected the Exmoor Stag 75 mile Cup and the Exmoor Stag Award together with the Jill Calvert Cup for her crew.

Gillian Mann and her 13yr gelding HS Parnasse first attempted the 160km class in 2015 but were unfortunately unsuccessful. They went on, however, to successfully complete the one-day 80km class in 2018 so this year went one better in stepping up to a second day of competition.

Kathy Carr with Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle came to the ride with a strong record of success including a silver and bronze over the 160km class in 2018 and 2015. They have also enjoyed multiple successes at challenging rides including a notable 14th place at the European test-event in Brussels in 2016.

Kathy received a glut of silverware for her efforts on Exmoor including the Marcy Pavord Memorial Trophy, the Zayin Arabian Stud Award, the Esprit de Ferzon, the Dunlop Heywood Veteran Rider Award, the Saillard Fuller Silver Trophy the Exmoor Stag Fleur Award.

Kathy said: “That was a really tough one! It was definitely the most challenging Golden Horseshoe Route I've experienced. We just made Silver time on day two with one minute to spare. Paris never ceases to amaze me.”

A completion in the Golden Horseshoe is regarded as being on the ‘bucket list’ for most top level endurance riders, and the degree of the challenge registered this year with no completions in the weekend’s top class of 160km in two days. However, there were nine completions in the two-day 80km Exmoor Hind class with first place for Craig Budden from Southampton and GL Gilded Lance, a second place for Karen Wendy Jones on Indian Princess and third place for Charlie Turley and Safiya. Three riders enjoyed success in the one-day 80km Exmoor Fox class, Andrea Champ with Druimghigha Lantana earning first place, Sally McIlwaine and Winnie the Witch coming second and Antonia Milner-Matthews coming third with Clonmore Treasure.

However, one of the features of the weekend was the wide spread of Endurance GB entries from around England and Wales in other shorter distance classes. A total of 15 riders successfully took on the one-day 40km with 33 completions in the novice class. Elizabeth Madell and Twosox collected the Golden Horseshoe Para Award for her grade four completion in the Exmoor Otter Cub 40km Novice class.

In addition, the non-competitive pleasure ride, which gave grass-roots endurance riders the chance to sample the Golden Horseshoe route over the stunning Exmoor National Park, saw fifty riders taking part.

Devon-based Jo Chisholm who organises the Golden Horseshoe Ride with husband Andrew said: “Despite low entries in the longer distance classes, the shorter distances were supported well and riders tackled a typical Exmoor course with many hills incorporating steep climbs and rocky tracks, along with some wonderful moorland going, which was in places almost perfect with the recent dry weather.

“The weather was once again kind to us with ideal riding conditions, not too warm but pleasant in the sun for the numerous volunteers around the course. The organisers would like to extend their utmost appreciation for the army of volunteers without whom this ride would not be possible.”

Endurance GB Chair, Rebecca Kinnarney, who attended the event expressed her thanks to the amazing team of ride organisers, vets and volunteers, without whom such a major event would not be possible and said she is looking forward to a great time next year.

Important Information Regarding Synephrine, Equine Prohibited Banned Substance

USEF.org

by Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) | May 15, 2019, 5:20 PM EST

The FEI would like to warn the equestrian community regarding synephrine, a substance listed as a Banned Substance (Specified Substance*) on the Equine Prohibited Substances List.

Note: Synephrine is also a banned substance under United States Equestrian Federation Drugs and Medications rules

A high number of samples taken from horses under the Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Programme have tested positive for the substance. Although investigations into the sources of the positive cases are still ongoing, the FEI would like to warn stakeholders of synephrine which may be found in the horse’s environment and advise on measures that can be taken to prevent a positive finding.

Synephrine is a stimulant which can cause vasoconstriction, an increased heart rate and is used as a weight loss aid.

In certain parts of the world, synephrine can be found in plants such as common rush (Juncus usitatus), Mullumbimby couch (Cyperus brevifolus) and the leaves of citrus trees (e.g. mandarin, orange and lemon). Synephrine has also been detected in Teff grass hay in some countries.

It can also be found as an ingredient of herbal and nutritional supplements, and commonly found in the peel extract of bitter orange (also known as Seville orange) which is used as a flavouring agent.

Measures that can be taken to prevent positive findings include using reputable suppliers of hay, feed and supplements, checking the horse’s environment for plants containing synephrine, and ensuring that any personnel taking supplements or other products containing synephrine wash their hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the substance. Additionally, it is recommended that samples are kept of batches of hay, feed and supplements given to competition horses to enable a thorough investigation to take place should the horse test positive for synephrine.

Further information concerning contamination prevention can be found here.

The FEI urges stakeholders to be vigilant of possible sources of synephrine in the horse’s environment and implement management practices to prevent contamination or inadvertent ingestion of the substance.

* Prohibited Substances that are identified as Specified Substances should not in any way be considered less important or less dangerous than other Prohibited Substances. Rather, they are simply substances which are more likely to have been ingested by Horses for a purpose other than the enhancement of sport performance, for example, through a contaminated food substance.

Australia: Mudgee Endurance Riders compete at Cooyal event

MudgeeGuardian.com.au - Full Article

May 15 2019

175 riders took to the Mudgee Endurance Riders course at Cooyal on May 11 and 12.

Just under 100 riders set off at 5am to take part in the main 80 kilometre event on the Sunday morning, while there were 37 entries in the 40km Intermediate ride which commenced at 6.30am.

The overall ride winner was Con Bouzianis who completed the course in 4 hours, 25 minutes, who also placed first in the heavyweight category...

Read more here:
https://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/6125528/it-started-off-cold-but-sunshine-soon-led-to-the-ultimate-country-side-view-for-endurance-riders/

Portugal: Pedro Godinho crowned national champion in Rio Frio

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

17 May 2019

Race Report made with the assistance of Dulce David
Photo Credit: Rio Frio

Polo Equestre de Rio Frio, Rio Frio, Portugal. Saturday 11 May 2019. Rio Frio hosted its 13th International Endurance Competition held in the last four years with the participation of 50 riders from 12 countries, Belgium, China, Colombia, Egypt, Hungary, Spain, France, Hungary , Ireland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Taipei.

The event had international competitions, the 2019 Seniors National Endurance Championship and the qualifiers.

The excellent conditions of the Rio Frio Equestrian Polo and its tracks for practicing endurance riding, as well as the know-how of the organizing committee, have clearly contributed to the acknowledgment of Rio Frio’s good conditions in the international world of Endurance and to the attraction of international riders.

Along with the excellent tracks and its layout, it is important to highlight its amazing logistic facilities: stables, vet gate, rest and cooling areas, and crew points near the main venue...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/pedro-godinho-crowned-national-champion-in-rio-frio/

Great Britain: World-famous Exmoor Golden Horseshoe Ride sets off this weekend in ‘near perfect’ conditions

(Published:16 May 2019)

More than 140 horses and riders will set out to take part in the world-famous Golden Horseshoe Ride on Exmoor this weekend.

The oldest long-distance Endurance GB ride in the UK is widely regarded as one of the most challenging in Europe and sees competitors tackle classes ranging from 24km to 160km (100 miles) over spectacular moorland terrain.

The ride was first held in 1965 with The Daily Telegraph newspaper as main sponsor. Starting from the ride venue in Exford, the 100 mile (160km) route includes several well-known Exmoor landmarks. Designed in two loops, one to the north and one to the south, the course takes riders north via Wheddon Cross to Webbers Post in the shadow of Dunkery Beacon, and then west towards Porlock. The second southerly route sees riders head west towards Withypool and Hawkridge before descending from the moor through woodland to cross the River Barle near Dulverton and then back to Exford via Winsford.

The ride attracts Endurance GB competitors of all levels across a range of classes over the three days. This year, five riders will take on the greatest challenge The Golden Horseshoe Ride itself which covers 100 miles (160km) in two days. The five include three west country-based riders, David Yeoman from Somerset riding Eaunoire Cassie, Gillian Mann from Exeter with HS Parnasse and Kirsty Wiscombe from Dorset riding Yawl Hill Maverick. Travelling further afield are Gillian Talbot from Chepstow with Sa'da Sekora and Sue Cox from Cambridgeshire with Eden El Nyhl.

Five riders will tackle the Exmoor Stag class, which takes competitors over 120km (74.5 miles) in two days. Again the West Country is well represented by three riders, Karen Jones from Cullompton with Treasured Moonbeam, Amanda Tovey from Bristol with Diving Belle and Carri-Ann Dark from Wiltshire with HS Drift. Also lining up in the Exmoor Stag class are Sue Box from Usk with Kazeme El Mystral and Kathy Carr from Leicestershire with Aberllwyd Femme Fatalle.

The most popular class over the weekend is the 24km Pleasure Ride with nearly 50 entries. Horses have to pass stringent vet checks before starting as well as veterinary inspections during the ride to ensure they are fit to continue. Riders and horses are supported during the ride by crew who travel to water points along the route.

Ride organiser Jo Chisholm said after rain and then sunshine this week, the going on the moor for the ride is good and the weather forecast of light cloud and a gentle breeze for the weekend would make for ‘near perfect conditions’.

Cornwall-based Jo, who runs the ride with husband Andrew along with an army of Endurance GB volunteers said: “We are pleased with the level of entries and both the weather and ground conditions look set to provide the ideal conditions for tackling this spectacular course. The Golden Horseshoe Ride attracts riders from across the country and we are looking forward to welcoming them and seeing a wonderful and enjoyable two-days of competition.”

Rebecca Kinnarney, Chair of Endurance GB said: “The Golden Horseshoe and Exmoor Stag classes are two of the greatest classes in the Endurance GB calendar. A completion at this event is regarded as a pinnacle of achievement in our sport but is an achievable ambition with a combination of fit, well-prepared horse and rider, clement weather conditions and a light sprinkling of luck! We wish everyone taking part every success but more importantly, a thoroughly enjoyable weekend.”

Australia: Table Top Endurance ride run by Oso Arabians offers scenery and sunshine

TheRural.com.au - Full Article

May 15 2019
Jo Arblaster

Nearly 200 horses, riders, strappers and families pitted themselves against the weather, the terrain and the clock at the annual Table Top Endurance ride held by Oso Arabians.

Riders from Belgium, Hong Kong, Iraq, Scotland and Switzerland joined competitors from NSW, Queensland and Victoria.

The events ranged from 40 to 120 kilometres, with those entered in the longer rides required to be on course at 2am...

Read more here:
https://www.therural.com.au/story/6126294/scenery-and-sunshine-helps-riders-endure-table-top-challenge/?cs=6528

Great Britain: Royal Windsor endurance ‘winner’ disqualified for using reins as whip

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Lucy Elder
14 May, 2019 10:51

The “winning” rider at Royal Windsor’s CEI2* endurance ride was denied his victory for using his reins as a whip.

Jaafar Merza Abdul Nabi Hassan, riding for Bahrain, was the first across the line in the 120km international on 10 May.

But he was disqualified by the ground jury for using his reins as a whip on his ride, Assad, meaning the win went to Ghanim Said Salim Al Owaisi, of the UAE, on Maison Blanche Vengai.

Endurance GB chairman Rebecca Kinnarney said the disqualification sends a “clear signal” to those in the sport that horse welfare is “paramount”...

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/royal-windsor-endurance-winner-disqualified-jaafar-merza-abdul-nabi-hassan-687134?fbclid=IwAR1cuDpCwIsHJ-wgQLadK8-zn7BhcY1p4LXem1fC41i_cWcw6SsOBLm0724

Great Britain: Horse who vanished for 33 hours after fall makes comeback at Royal Windsor

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Lucy Elder
14 May, 2019 17:30

A horse who hit the headlines after vanishing in a forest for 33 hours proved he is none the worse for his adventure by completing an international endurance ride weeks later.

Basil Del Mulo was miraculously unscathed after parting company with his owner/rider Karen Greig at the King’s Forest Spring Ride on 6 April, leading to an exhaustive search by RAF officers, police and numerous helpers.

The 12-year-old grey gelding has now “redeemed himself” by completing Royal Windsor CEI* (80km) on 10 May, finishing in a respectable 19th place.

Karen underwent a bilateral mastectomy several days after the King’s Forest ride, so Basil’s breeder, Richard Allen, took over the reins for Windsor...

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/basil-de-mulo-royal-windsor-endurance-687221

Pioneer the Gaucho Derby in March 2020

TheAdventurists.com

The greatest test of horsemanship and survival skill on Earth

Sat on a horse, drenched to my skin, squinting to stop my eyeballs being blasted by icey laser rain, battling our way over a pass in the Andes was where I realised the Gaucho Derby is going to be the most epic thing humans and horse can do together. I’ve recently returned from the depths of Patagonia on the route test of the soon to be legendary Gaucho Derby. And well… it’s going to be the greatest test of horsemanship on the planet.

Cutting your way through endless forest with no paths for a full day. Cresting wind-blasted peak after peak. Crashing out for the night under the stars with our trusty steeds beside us. Working for sections with not just your own horse but a pack horse. One wrong navigation decision might cost a full day’s ride.

This is going to be the other toughest horse race on the planet. And different to the Mongol Derby in pretty much every way. Apart from the horses thing.

And now it’s time for that most excellent thing, the Pioneers edition of the Gaucho. This is the first time it’s ever been tried. This is when the adventure is greatest. When you will really be cutting a path through equine history. Helping to shape the race for riders to come.

we’re opening applications for the very soon. 

We’ll be releasing little bits of information over the coming weeks so stay tuned...

Sign up for updates here:
https://www.theadventurists.com/adventures/gaucho-derby/

Cheerio for now,

Tom
Gaucho Derby & Mongol Derby Founder

Argentina: Successful second edition of the Bragado Endurance Festival

Endurance-world.com - Full Article

13 May 2019
Race report made with the assistance of Cecilia Hynes

Bragado Endurance Festival, Bragado Endurance Club, Bragado, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Friday 3 and Saturday 4 May 2019. Organised for the second consecutive year, Chacras del Bragado received more than 150 entries in its BEF (Bragado Endurance Festival), with M7 Stables Sponsorship.

After last year’s magnificent organisation, many riders and spectators joined the event. There were Uruguayan, Chilean, American, Chinese and local riders.
This time, the heart rate monitor system for the horses was “Kronos”, and same as last year Yamamah APP showed the live results.
On Thursday, after the horse admission, a horse auction was held, to partially subsidise the expenses of the Argentinean team who will compete in the Pan American Championship in Llay Llay (Chile) in October. These horses were donated by Argentinean breeders to promote the sport and help the Argentinean riders. The auction was a success and all horses were sold...

Read more here:
http://endurance-world.com/successful-second-edition-of-the-bragado-endurance-festival/

Endurance GB responds to FEI Royal Windsor Endurance Ride result

EnduranceGB.co.uk

Commenting on the FEI Endurance 80km CEI-1* and 120km CEI-2* at Royal Windsor, Endurance GB Chair Rebecca Kinnarney said: “The opportunity to compete at a major FEI ride here at Windsor gives British riders a wonderful experience at a showcase venue and we were delighted that 14 of our riders completed the CEI-1* class successfully.

“The work of the veterinary commission was exemplary throughout the course of this ride and the Technical Delegate and organising team adapted to difficult conditions at the start in the mist to ensure safety.”

Commenting on the disqualification of the first rider to cross the line in the 120km CEI-2* for breach of a sport rule in respect of use of the reins as a whip, she added: “Endurance GB welcomes the application of the rules by the Ground Jury at Royal Windsor Endurance in respect of this rider. While most other equestrian disciplines allow whips and their rules accordingly pertain to excessive use, FEI Endurance rules simply don’t allow whips to be used. Something being used as one was witnessed by the Ground Jury in this case, and so the rider was subject to a strict liability test.

“In the light of the current FEI investigation into the ‘reshaping’ of endurance, the outcome of the Ground Jury’s deliberations at Windsor sends a clear signal to all those involved in the sport as riders, trainers and crews as well as those watching the sport closely from the side lines that the welfare of the horse is paramount.

“Endurance GB are grateful to the Ride Organisers, HPower, and to the Crown Estate for enabling this event to go ahead.”

The top six British riders to complete the FEI CEI 1* were; 8th, Lauren Mills (HS Jamal), 19.272km/hr; 10th, Anna Bridges (Crystal Wissam), 19.254 km/hr; 11th, Louise Rich (Oakleazefarm Czamak) 19.106km/hr; 12th, Georgina Vaughan (Polaris) 16.661km/hr; 13th, Nicola Chappell (Viniculture) 16.615km/hr; 14th, Sarah Ainsworth (LB Armanii) 16.614km/hr.

How a teen became the first woman to win the grueling Mongol Derby

NYPost.com - Full Article

By Hailey Eber May 11, 2019

She was less than a day into a 10-day, 1,000-kilometer horse race, but Lara Prior-Palmer was already in trouble.

She’d been in high spirits when she set off from the start line with her 29 fellow competitors that morning, but now the 19-year-old British teen was all alone in the middle of the Mongolian steppe, the landscape stretching out before her. Her fellow riders had all left her in the dust, and she couldn’t figure out how to work her GPS. The small gray horse she’d been given to ride was lame, so she’d gotten off him and been walking alongside him for hours in the heat and humidity, both of them thirsty for water they didn’t have...

Read more here:
https://nypost.com/2019/05/11/how-a-teen-became-the-first-woman-to-win-the-grueling-mongol-derby/

VA Tech Senior Races Horses Across Three Continents

TheRoanokeStar.com - Full Article

– Amy Painter
May 8 2019

Hanna Bartnick contended with sharks, bears, and sandstorms during her capstone project and transcontinental odyssey.

As 23-year-old Bartnick raced her Boerperd gelding along South Africa’s aptly named Wild Coast, the duo negotiated jagged boulders, water crossings, vertical climbs, and narrow trails crowned with thorns.

It wasn’t until horse and rider arrived at the sandy shores of the Umzimvubu River on day two of the grueling Race the Wild Coast competition that the student paused to consider her most dangerous threat – sharks.

Located in the Eastern Cape province just south of Port St. Johns, the river, which feeds into the Indian Ocean, is a well-known breeding ground for bull sharks, making its waters some of the most perilous in the world. While swims were a daily part of the race, Bartnick and her competitors were warned to avoid this particular waterway...

Read more here:
http://theroanokestar.com/2019/05/08/va-tech-senior-races-horses-across-three-continents/

Australia: 2019 Tom Quilty Nominations Now Live

TomQuilty2019.com.au

Nominations for Tom Quilty Gold Cup 2019 have opened

May 8 2019

The Stirling’s Crossing Endurance Club – located in the picturesque Mary Valley on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast – will play host to Australia’s most prestigious endurance horse riding event, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, in July 2019.
The annual Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA) event is one of the biggest national championship endurance rides in the southern hemisphere, spanning 160 kilometres and attracting over 400 endurance riders from across Australia and beyond.

The club is delighted to host the Tom Quilty Gold Cup in Imbil for the first time and looks forward to welcoming thousands of people travelling from all corners of the land to participate ― whether as a rider or a support crew.

The event will be held at the club’s home base, the Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Complex which is Australia’s first purpose-built endurance facility. The complex combines state-of-the-art facilities with beautiful, diverse topography and an impressive range of tracks through the neighbouring Imbil State Forest.

Nominate now at:
https://www.tomquilty2019.com.au/

Will the World Equestrian Games Return After All?

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

Due South | April 30, 2019

As the problem-plagued 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) wrapped up in Tryon, N.C., one thing seemed clear – there would not be another WEG, at least next time around in 2022. But hold on a minute before you write WEG’s obituary.

Surprise! There already is one entity coming forward and revealing its interest in bringing WEG back for 2022.

First, though, a bit of history before the big reveal. You must understand that the difficulties involved in staging the WEG as a compilation of eight world championships are legion. (The FEI is now saying there are seven disciplines because it is including para-dressage with able-bodied dressage as one, but they ain’t the same.)

The feeling in many quarters after the Tryon experience was that WEG had just become too big and way too expensive. When the WEG began as a one-off in 1990, it included only six disciplines. Reining and para-dressage were not in the picture.

The success of that event in Stockholm led to a decision that there should be another WEG in 1994, though perhaps the FEI should have quit while it was ahead. Paris, the original host, cancelled, and the Dutch stepped in at short notice. Unfortunately, the 1994 WEG in the Hague was a financial disaster...

Read more here:
https://horse-canada.com/due-south/will-world-equestrian-games-return/?utm_source=Enews+May+6%2C+2019&utm_campaign=EnewsMay62019&utm_medium=email

Take it from the youngest winner of the toughest horse race: "We all have a bold mode"

Salon.com - Full Article

Salon talks to Lara Prior-Palmer about "Rough Magic" and her historic 2013 win of the grueling Mongol Derby

ERIN KEANE
MAY 6, 2019 8:59PM (UTC)

In 2013, Lara Prior-Palmer became the youngest rider and the first woman to win the Mongol Derby, a grueling endurance race across 1,000 kilometers of the Mongolia Steppe. The 10-day cross-country race retrace's Genghis Khan's horse messenger system route from the 13th century. Londoner Prior-Palmer, 19 at the time and a year out of high school with "dead end jobs" and equestrian competitions occupying her time as she waited to hear about applications to work in an orphanage in Ethiopia or an organic farm in Wales, embarked on this adventure not after training for years with dedication and purpose but after coming across the race's website — entry deadline already blown, the fee more than she could afford — and entering, by her own admission, on a whim.

It was going to be either too much, as Prior-Palmer puts it, or nothing at all. Her aunt, the World Champion equestrian Lucinda Greene, tells her matter-of-factly, "I suspect you won't make it past day three, but don't be disappointed..."

Read more here:
https://www.salon.com/2019/05/06/take-it-from-the-youngest-winner-of-the-toughest-horse-race-we-all-have-a-bold-mode/

An Unlikely Victory in an Unforgiving Horse Race

NYTimes.com - Full Article

By John Williams
May 5, 2019

If you like your memoirs to revolve around singular experiences, Lara Prior-Palmer’s “Rough Magic” delivers. In 2013, having recently turned 19, Prior-Palmer decided — on a whim — to enter the Mongol Derby, a rugged long-distance horse race. The competition asks participants to race for several days over 1,000 kilometers of Mongolian grassland, on a series of 25 wild ponies (a new horse every 40 kilometers). It was a “truly peculiar invention,” Prior-Palmer writes. “A Pony Express-style format that mimicked Genghis Khan’s postal system but seemed from afar more like a perfect hodgepodge of Snakes and Ladders and the Tour de France on unknown bicycles.” Prior-Palmer became the youngest person — and first woman — to win the race. Below, she talks about realizing she was writing a book, the reason she’s “inspired by creatures” and more.

When did you first get the idea to write this book?

It was written before it was to be a book, in that I was astounded by what had happened and had the clearest memory afterward, so I wrote everything down on the plane home, just clinging to it...

Read more here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/05/books/rough-magic-lara-prior-palmer-mongol-derby-interview.html

Australia: 2019 Mudgee Endurance Ride held on May 11 and 12

MudgeeGuardian.com.au - Full Article

May 26 2019

The long standing Mudgee Endurance Ride is once again being held at Cooyal on May the 11th and 12th.

The ride is a memorial to Ray Gooley who was the club's head veterinarian for 36 years.

Pre-ride vetting takes place from 11am on Saturday with 10 kilometre and 20 kilometre introductory rides starting at 1pm on the day.

The main 80 kilometre ride starts at 5am on Sunday with the 40 kilometre ride at 7:30am.

Presentations are at 4pm with the prize list headed by the Ray Gooley Memorial Trophy for Best Managed Horse.

This year the longest standing member, John King, celebrates 46 years with the Mudgee Endurance Riders Club...

Read more here:
https://www.mudgeeguardian.com.au/story/6107280/endurance-riders-saddle-up-for-the-return-of-a-long-standing-event/?cs=12

South Africa: Gear up for world’s toughest horse race

GoExpress.co.za - Full Article

By Matthew Field - May 2, 2019

The third iteration of Race the Wild Coast (RTWC) – billed as the toughest horse race in the world – will be starting on October 19 and is now open for registration.

The event is limited-access only with and only 20 riders will be allowed to take part.

The 350km ride sees participants travel on horseback from Port Edward to Kei Mouth over a period of four to five days. Each participant will ride three horses over the course of the race, with each horse covering on average of 50km per day.

In addition, there will be 12 scheduled veterinary checks every 29km to ensure the well-being of the horses.

According to race organiser and 2017 Mongol Derby winner Barry Armitage, RTWC is sure to prove a challenge to experienced riders.

“RTWC is a complex multi-stage race in which riders must brave this challenging wilderness and swim rivers while keeping horses fit for vet checks. It is no doubt the ultimate test of endurance and horsemanship for any long-distance rider,” Armitage said...

Read more here:
https://www.goexpress.co.za/2019/05/02/gear-up-for-worlds-toughest-horse-race/

Endurance GB expands Championship series with backing from new Sponsor

EverythingHorseuk.co.uk - Full Article

03/05/2019
ehuknews

Endurance GB’s popular 2019 Championship series is to be expanded this year and sponsored by Rider Fitness & Conditioning Specialists, RiderCise®. The series, which includes the Southern and Northern Championships is this year joined by a third event, a new Welsh Championship to be held at Pen Ddol Y Gader, Carmarthenshire (31st Aug-1st Sept).

This year’s RiderCise Southern Championship takes place at Three Rivers on Saturday 15th June, while the RiderCise Northern Championships are being held at the Cumbria Challenge Ride on Sunday 15th August.

All three Championships are open to Advanced and Open horses and take place over contrasting landscapes, each comprising an 80k CER or GER with the winner being decided on performance formula.

The Three Rivers route covers a section of Wiltshire downland with stone tracks and bridleways as well as roadwork through picturesque villages along the Wyle Valley, while the Cumbria Challenge crosses gently undulating limestone moorland with around 20% being on tarmac over mostly unfenced roads. The RiderCise Welsh Championship will take riders over sections of forestry and then miles of open, grassland mountainside...

Read more here:
https://everythinghorseuk.co.uk/endurance-gb-expands-championship-series-with-backing-from-new-sponsor/

Local NY equestrian to compete in world's longest horse race

WGRZ.com - Full Article

A woman from Orchard Park was one of 40 riders internationally chosen to compete.

Author: Leanne Stuck
Published: 11:29 PM EDT May 1, 2019

EAST AURORA, N.Y. — 26-year-old Claire Taberski grew up in Orchard Park riding horses.

"I started riding at the age of 10 at a farm in Orchard Park," she said.

"I think I was just one of those girls that always loved horses and loved ponies like every little girl's dream, but I never grew out of it," the equestrian added.

Taberski was the captain of the Equestrian Team at Canisius College and works with horses every day. She is a life-long equestrian and is always looking for her next adventure.

When an internet search led Taberski to discover the longest and toughest horse race in the world, she knew she found her next adventure.

"I thought this is the craziest thing I've ever heard of and thought I would apply," she said...

Read more here:
https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/local-equestrian-to-compete-in-worlds-longest-horse-race/71-1b198d52-f9c5-4cff-8323-e61c4828b7b5

New Zealand: Horse rider wins championships in Taupō over Easter Weekend

NZHerald.co.nz - Full Article

May 1 2019
Stratford Press
By: Alyssa Smith

Pip Mutch and her daughter Isla are proof the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

The mother and daughter from Kohuratahi each claimed New Zealand endurance horse riding titles in Taupō over the Easter weekend.

Pip won the 160km event for the 2019 Dunstan Horsefeeds ESNZ Endurance and CTR National Championships, while nine-year-old Isla won the 60km championship at the same event.

Pip says has been riding horses since she was a toddler and prepared for this event with lots of slow walks around the hills in Kohuratahi (near Whangamomona)...

Read more here:
https://www.nzherald.co.nz/stratford-press/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503390&objectid=12224511

Ireland: Wintry hints in the air at endurance rides at Florencecourt Estate

Farmweek.co - Full Article

By Robert Irwin - May 1, 2019

THE Irish Long Distance Riding Association (ILDRA) headed to the west of the country for their first ride at the sprawling Florencecourt Estate on April 14.

A wintry chill was in the air with hints of rain, although many riders made their way around the trails before the rains began.

Both CTR (Competitive Trail Rides) and Pleasure riders enjoyed the varied trails at Florencecourt, which meander through streams and over quaint wooden bridges of the Claddagh River. The riders then made their way towards the mountainous section of the trails of Benaughlin Mountain before descending along the Cuilcagh Way, which offers superb views across County Fermanagh and County Monaghan.

The attending veterinary officer on the day was David Nealon MRCVS, with all horses passing their respective endurance distances.

An endurance rider, Hannah Catterall introduced her new horse ‘Hugo’, to his first ever pleasure ride and even tried out a vetting...

Read more here:
https://farmweek.com/wintry-hints-in-the-air-at-endurance-rides-at-florencecourt-estate/