Stunning saddle donated as a fundraiser for the Mongol Derby

Bodalla’s Duncan McLaughlin and Moruya’s Cele Stone are among 16 riders selected for the 3600km Blue Wolf Totem Expedition across Mongolia commencing in May 2022. Raising funds for the Children of the Peak Sanctuary, the three-month adventure will see the pair onboard native Mongolian horses, riding roughly 50km each day. Riders cover the cost of the expedition itself but have each committed to raising at least US$5000 for charity.

BeagleWeekly.com.au - Full Article

by The Beagle
March 24 2022

Heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Annie Clarke who has donated this saddle to fundraise for the Veloo Foundation’s Children of the Peak Sanctuary Project, as part of the Blue Wolf Totem Expedition2022.

Above: Bodalla’s Duncan McLaughlin and Moruya’s Cele Stone are among 16 riders selected for the 3600km Blue Wolf Totem Expedition across Mongolia commencing in May 2022. Raising funds for the Children of the Peak Sanctuary, the three-month adventure will see the pair onboard native Mongolian horses, riding roughly 50km each day. Riders cover the cost of the expedition itself but have each committed to raising at least US$5000 for charity.

You can support Duncan McLaughlin by clicking here, and Cele Stone by clicking here.

Duncan McLaughlin said "Yes, tears were shed. This is a very special saddle. It’s the saddle Annie’s partner Ray Fulton had made before he died. Long-time endurance riders will remember Ray’s passion for the sport and also his tireless efforts on behalf of Vietnam Vets.

I remember racing to the finish with Ray in his very last ride at Canberra in 2006. In the end he won the ride five minutes ahead of me"

"I can imagine Ray racing - and winning - the Mongol Derby!...

Read more here:
https://www.beagleweekly.com.au/post/stunning-saddle-donated-as-a-fundraiser-for-the-mongol-derby

UAE: Al Wathba’s Ibrahim Ali clinches season-ending ride

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

A total of 127 riders take part in 120-km event held at Emirates Endurance Village

Published: March 21, 2022 15:17
Staff Report

Abu Dhabi: The young rider Ibrahim Ali of Al Wathba Stables claimed the title in the 120-km main race, held as part of the Abu Dhabi Endurance Festival at the Emirates International Endurance Village on Sunday.

A total of 127 riders took part in race, held as part of the season-end festival, which started on Friday.

Ibrahim Ali, riding Sha Shahem, managed to cover the total distance with a time of 4:07:17 hours and an average speed of 29.27km/h. He is closely followed by Khalfan Juma’a, riding Avenir Le Maggiore, came in second place for MRM Stables in a time of 4:07:18, while the F3 stables’ Rashid Mohammed Al Muhairi, riding Vulcani Violi, finished third in a time of 4:17:50...

Read more here:
https://gulfnews.com/sport/uae-sport/al-wathbas-ibrahim-ali-clinches-season-ending-ride-1.86616348

Bahrain: 120km endurance challenge

GDNOnline.com - Full Article

19 March 2022

The main race for the Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Cup will be held today at the Bahrain International Endurance Village.

The race will cover a distance of 120km.

Another 120km local-international race will be held for private stables.

His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) honorary chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will patronise the event.

A Best Horse Body Condition competition will also be held under the patronage of Al Fursan team captain Shaikha Noora bint Hamad Al Khalifa, on the sidelines of the main race.

Prizes and cash gifts will be presented to the top 10 horses which finish all the stages of the race...

Read more here:
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1036818

USEF Establishes the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund to Support Ukraine Horses and Equestrians

USEF.org

by U.S. Equestrian Communications Department | Mar 15, 2022, 4:00 PM EST

Lexington, Ky. - US Equestrian will be joining the FEI in their recently announced efforts to provide support to the equestrian community of Ukraine by establishing the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund. One-hundred percent of funds collected will go to the FEI solidarity relief fund and directly to those in need of support. The FEI is liaising closely with the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation (UEF) and neighboring countries to facilitate support. The USEF Board of Directors has committed to allocating additional relief funding.

The UEF reports “Horse owners, riding schools, athletes, breeders, and professionals are in desperate conditions without any resources of saving their horses. By making a donation or offering help, you will provide the Ukrainian equestrian community a hope for a better future and save lives of the Ukrainians and their loved ones."

USEF President Tom O’Mara reinforced the importance of the Ukraine relief effort, stating, “The U.S. equestrian community always comes together to help fellow equestrians and horses in need. The acts of war in the Ukraine require all of us to join in supporting human and horse welfare in the areas impacted however we can. We will work closely with FEI to ensure all funds contributed are distributed to those who need it most.”

To make a tax deductible donation please visit the USEF Ukraine Relief Fund Donation and help horses page here or send a check to USEF Memo: USEF Ukraine Relief Fund.

UAE: Al Wathba Village to host three endurance rides to bring curtains down on season

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Abu Dhabi Endurance festival to culminate with 120km ride on Sunday

Published: March 17, 2022
Staff Report

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates International Endurance Village will conclude the 2021-2022 season with three races from March 18 to 20 in Al Wathba.

The Sheikh Zayed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup for Private Stables 100km will be held on Friday, followed by Abu Dhabi Women’s Festival race for a distance of 100km on Saturday. The Abu Dhabi Festival race for a distance of 120km on Sunday will bring the curtains down on the season, which included 11 races...

Read more here:
https://gulfnews.com/sport/uae-sport/al-wathba-village-to-host-three-endurance-rides-to-bring-curtains-down-on-season-1.86514082

Gaucho Derby: Race Day 8 – And we have the winners

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Tom Morgan
11th March 2022

It’s been eight solid days of racing excitement here in Patagonia and this evening Anna Boden and Holly Conyers joined hands and rode over the finish line 45 minutes from cutoff time to claim a joint first place win. They hoisted a celebratory beer with the stunning Mt Fitz Roy in the background – a fitting end to the adventure of a lifetime.

These two ladies have ridden as a team since Day 1, had weather extremes thrown at them, navigated up and down mountains and survived the Meseta de la Muerta (Plateau of Death) – a bleakly beautiful windswept plateau between VC9 and VC10...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/day-8-and-we-have-the-winners/

Gaucho Derby: Race Day 3, Navigation, navigation, navigation

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Tom Morgan
8th March 2022

Some lucky riders who camped out awoke to an incredible sunrise, after a night of watching masses of shooting stars. There’s no smog and light pollution in this pristine country.

Whereas crew were awoken to pings from other not so lucky riders.

Jaco Storm (JST) was busily sending intel into Race Headquarters at the crack of dawn. The conversation went like this...

“Lost Horse”.

22mins later…

“Got him”.

6mins later…

“Gone again”.

30mins later…

“Can’t catch yet”...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/race-day-3-navigation-navigation-navigation/

Gaucho Derby: Race Day 2, Into the Wild

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Tom Morgan
5th March 2022

All the riders awoke to a cold, wet, snowy, sleety and windy morning at Horse Station 2. Charming… But by all accounts, the riders had slept well and were warm enough overnight.

However, unfortunately Camilla Shepherd (CSH) has chosen to self-retire from the race.

Holly Conyers (HCO), Kirsteen Thain (KTH), Holly Chamberlain (HCH), Rosie Bathurst (RBA) and My Nordström were the first to cruise out of Station 2 ahead of the rest.

The riders will ride a total of 7 horses throughout the 500km race with the first horse change to take place at Station 3. The rider’s good navigation skills meant they arrived promptly into this station, where they vetted their current horses through...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/race-day-2-into-the-wild/

Borders slowly opening to evacuated Ukraine horses as feed supplies dwindle

The Lensa Wola equestrian club in Głogów Małopolski is the support hub for equestrian aid destined for Ukraine. © Ukrainian Equestrian Federation Charity Foundation

HorseTalk.co.nz - Full Article

March 7, 2022
Horsetalk.co.nz

Horses being evacuated out of Ukraine following the Russian invasion are being permitted to enter Moldova without restrictions.

An order from Moldova’s agriculture ministry had been made to let all animals through, even those without documents, the Ukraine Equestrian Federation said. Ten days of quarantine would be required.

Two border crossings in Romania are also providing free entry for horses being evacuated from Ukraine, following the Russian invasion. A microchip and passport are required to get horses through Albitas and Halmeu. Slovakia, Romania and Hungary are also in the process of creating quarantine stations, the federation said. It was also working to organise a shelter in Ukraine in an area beyond the military actions...

Read more here:
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2022/03/07/borders-horses-evacuated-ukraine/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Canada+2nd+in+Nations+Cup+%7C+Meet+Vicky+Lavoie+%7C+Ward+and+Azur+Win+%24216%2C000+GP+%7C+Nations+Cup+Cancelled+in+Cali+%7C+Live+Oak+International&utm_campaign=HS-Enewsletter2022-Monday+March+7

Gaucho Derby: Race Day 1, aaaand they’re off

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Tom Morgan
5th March 2022

35 Riders lined up and charged out into the wilderness to contest in the second annual Gaucho Derby on the 3rd of March 2022. A mix of tension, excitement and anticipation were buzzing at the start line. Strong winds and the feel of foreign saddlebags were keeping these fit and fiery horses on the tips of their hooves. Some mounts gave their riders a small taste of what could be in store for them over the next 10 days. Mackenzie Stabler’s (MST) bucking bronco decided the start line wasn’t for him and took off with all her belongings.

Although each rider was given traditional gaucho tack, many modified it to suit their needs and the chosen range of clothing and apparel varied greatly, from neutrals to neons, they donned it all...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/race-day-1-theyre-off/

FEI removes all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus

Inside.FEI.org

28 February 2022
Author: FEI

The FEI Executive Board met today to unanimously condemn the invasion of Ukraine by Russian military forces and agree on the ramifications to equestrian sport in Russia and Belarus.

In line with the IOC statement of 25 February 2022 urging International Sports Federations to relocate or cancel their sports events, the FEI Executive Board called on the FEI Secretary General to remove all international equestrian events in Russia and Belarus in the 2022 FEI Calendar in accordance with Articles 112.3 of the FEI General Regulations and 28.2 vi of the FEI Statutes.

In addition to removing all the Events from Russia and Belarus, the FEI Executive Board also unanimously agreed to freeze all FEI Solidarity and development activities and to cancel or relocate, where possible, FEI Courses for Officials scheduled to be held in Russia and Belarus in 2022.

The Executive Board requested that the FEI Board consider an Emergency Board Resolution addressing today’s recommendation by the International Olympic Committee Executive Board to prohibit the participation of all Russian and Belarusian Athletes and Officials. The FEI will continue to monitor the situation and decisions taken by the FEI Board will be communicated in the coming days.

During the meeting, the Executive Board also approved the allocation of a CHF 1 Million FEI Solidarity Relief Fund for the equestrian community in Ukraine. The FEI is liaising closely with the Ukrainian Federation and neighbouring countries to facilitate and coordinate logistical support as well as the financial aid.

FEI President and Chair of the FEI Solidarity Committee Ingmar De Vos (BEL) is currently in close contact with the National Federation of Ukraine and the equestrian community.

“We are deeply concerned for the welfare of all Ukrainians and the entire equestrian community in Ukraine,” the FEI President said. ”Their safety is very much our priority, and we are liaising closely with our key contacts in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to seek solutions to their most pressing needs.”

“Sport is a network which relies and thrives on team spirit and camaraderie and it is through these important friendships that we can offer support and make a difference to the people of Ukraine in these challenging times.”

Life in the saddle: The remarkable horseback adventures of Luisa and Pete

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Story

February 15, 2022
Pete Breidahl

Pete Breidahl has spent more hours in the saddle than he can count through countries most people only dream of visiting. How did an Antipodean lad end up riding across some of the world’s most inhospitable landscapes? He tells the story in his own words.

Luisa has never been very good at getting up at the best of times; but when it’s cold, she’s even harder to get moving and will often lie all snuggled up in our sleeping bags whining about how badly she needs a pee. She screws her cute little face up and squeals “Peeeeeete … it’s cold! I don’t liiiikkkke it!” and then starts giggling through fake tears.

I’m more a morning person, and when I need to go, I just get up and go for it if there isn’t an empty bottle handy “old army habit – gross, I know”. This morning though, I saw Luisa move out of bed faster than ever before.

We were staying pretty much smack bang on the banks of Turkey’s longest river, “The Red River” which winds its way through nearby Avanos before ambling towards the Black Sea...

Read more here:
https://www.horsetalk.co.nz/2022/02/15/remarkable-horseback-adventures-luisa-pete/?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Smart+Blankets+%7C+Budweiser+Clydesdale+is+Back+%7C+Prosthetic+Limb+for+QH+Stallion+%7C+Fecal+Transplant+Research&utm_campaign=HC_Enewsletter2022-Wednesday+Feb+16

Patagonia: 36 Riders Head to Gaucho Derby Starting Line

36 riders from 15 countries - Mexico, USA, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Switzerland, Ireland, Chile, Netherlands, Canada, South Africa, Kenya, and Hong Kong - will take part in the 2022 Gaucho Derby.

Billed as "The greatest test of horsemanship on earth," riders will navigate over some of the "wildest terrain on earth" a 10-day, 500-km multi-horse adventure over the mountains and pampas of Patagonia.

The race starts March 3.

Meet the riders here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/gaucho-derby-2022-riders/