Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Great Britain: Organisers of The Red Dragon Ride Subsidize Costs to Support Riders



EGB.Myclubhouse.co.uk

The British Horse Feeds & The Golden Paste Company’s Red Dragon Festival of Endurance: Costs Reduced to Support Riders

The Red Dragon Festival of Endurance (30 September – 2 October 2022) is set to be a bumper year as organisers have subsidised stabling costs to support competitors and ensure the event remains popular despite the increased cost of living.

Long-standing title sponsors, British Horse Feeds (BHF) and The Golden Paste Company (GPCo), are thrilled to continue with their support and provide hundreds of pounds worth of prizes, as well as hosting the Best Crew Member recognition award.

Hattie I’Anson, BHF and GPCo International Business & Strategic Lead Manager said: “It is great that Red Dragon has gone from strength-to-strength despite the challenges it has faced over the last few years. This is testament to the hard work of the organisers and volunteers who keep the show on the road and do an incredible job.

“We have some great prizes for riders this year, including Speedi-Beet, Fibre-Beet, Cooked Linseed and the natural turmeric supplement TurmerAid™.”

With classes for every level, from novice to experienced rider, this year’s competition at the Royal Welsh Showground is guaranteed to provide an exciting atmosphere for competitors as they head out into the breath-taking terrain of the Cambrian Mountains.

For 2022 the event is hosting the Riding Club Endurance Team Championship.

John Hudson, co-organiser of the event with his wife Jane said: “The names of British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company have become synonymous with Red Dragon. We are so pleased to be working closely with Hattie and her team again. We are looking forward to a great weekend of endurance riding at all levels.”

One of the most highly anticipated events in the endurance calendar and a culmination of the season for many riders, this year’s event is not to be missed!

For more information and to enter click or tap on the link below:

The British Horse Feeds' & The Golden Paste Company's Red Dragon Festival of Endurance

Tuesday, August 30, 2022

FEI Issues Formal Notice of Termination for 2022 Verona WEC

August 29 2022

FEI World Endurance Championship Update

Last Friday, 26 August 2022, the FEI issued a formal notice of termination to the Organizing Committee for of the FEI World Endurance Championship 2022 in Verona (ITA) set to be held from 19-23 October.

The termination notice reflects the FEI's serious concerns regarding the planning and preparation of the Championship and specifically the readiness of the track, and is in line with the FEI's right to terminate as per Article 23b of the Horse Agreement (HA).

According to the Host Agreement, the Organizer has until 5 September (10 days from the receipt of the termination notice as per the HA) to remedy the situation.

We understand that National Federations are preparing travel and training arrangements, and while the final outcome of this process is yet to be known, we believe it is important that all National Federations are aware of the current situation.

Based on the feedback and responses received, the FEI Board will assess the situation at its Bard Teleconference on 8 September 2022 and decide whether the Championship in Verona can proceed or not at which point the FEI will inform all National Federations of the Board decision(s) and any other relevant information.

FEI Communications Department

Thursday, August 25, 2022

Survive Iceland Endurance Race Begins Today!

IHSGB.co.uk

August 25 2022

‼️SURVIVE ICELAND – the biggest endurance race‼️

The Icelandic equestrian association Landssamband hestamannafélaga] is organizing an AMAZING endurance race! 😍😍😍

Today will be the start of the 280km race, that will take 4 days. The route takes the riders across the Icelandic highlands.

10 teams from all over the world are going to compete in this spectacular event! 🤩 Vets are regularly going to check on the horses‘ welfare and the riders need to change horses every 25-35km 😍

This is an amazing and very different event and focuses a lot more on other qualities of our horses – compared to competitions. Stamina and strength will take you to your goal 🏆

We wish all horses, riders and organizers a healthy, fun and fair race! 😍

If you want to follow the race a little bit: the riders take spot trackers with them, so you can always see their position on this map: https://surviveiceland.samsyn.is/

Emirates Knights reap full mark in Rashford

PeriodicalToday.com - Full Aricle

The UAE riders won the full mark in their participation in the endurance races in the Rashford Arenas in Norfolk, Britain, and our riders excelled in the three rounds that started last June and concluded the day before yesterday through a group of races of different classification and distances.

August 23, 2022
By Tariq Saeed

The UAE riders won the full mark in their participation in the endurance races in the Rashford Arenas in Norfolk, Britain, and our riders excelled in the three rounds that started last June and concluded the day before yesterday through a group of races of different classification and distances.

The results of the last round, which spanned over two days, resulted in the jockey Salem Hamad Malhouf Al Ketbi winning first place for the second time in a row in the 160 km challenge, and Malhouf won the World Championship for the ability to ride “Aigol Email” for M7 Stables, and came in second place The jockey Abdullah Ghanem Al-Marri on the “Cali de Punklet” horse for F3 Stables, while the British rider won the third place on the “Majdi” horse...

Read more here:
https://periodicaltoday.com/emirates-knights-reap-full-mark-in-rashford/

Wednesday, August 24, 2022

Australia: Endurance horse ride at Johns River attracts 100 riders

Photo:Jo Arblaster Animal Focus

ManningRiverTimes.com.au - Full Article

August 22 2022

A TOTAL of 110 endurance horse riders entered the inaugural Johns River Endurance Ride.

After four previous failed attempts to run the ride the organising committee was delighted as the weather was sensational for the event.

On Saturday 36 riders signed up for the shortest event, the 20km ride. More than a dozen of those backed up for another 40km event the next morning.

In the 80km ride there were 43 starters coming from all over NSW to try and gain one of the brand new ride Endurance Buckles. To Complete Is To win is the motto of endurance riding...

Read more here:
https://www.manningrivertimes.com.au/story/7872536/three-events-in-the-inaugural-johns-river-endurance-horse-ride/

Sunday, August 21, 2022

2022 August Mongol Derby: It’s an Asian Affair



Mongolians make their mark in the world’s toughest horse race, finishing first and joint second, as a Chinese rider completes the podium

After a two year absence, the world’s longest and toughest horse race, The Mongol Derby, was run twice this year to make up for lost time due to Covid. The first race in July was won by American Deirdre Griffith and South African Willemein Jooste, but the second edition had a more homely feel to it, with two Mongolians amongst the strong starting pack.

After a two year absence, the world’s longest and toughest horse race, The Mongol Derby, was run twice this year to make up for lost time due to Covid. The first race in July was won by American Deirdre Griffith and South African Willemein Jooste, but the second edition had a more homely feel to it, with two Mongolians amongst the strong starting pack.

Based on the ancient horse messenger system used by Genghis Khan, in a country where the horse is king, at 1000km the Derby is the toughest test on the planet for equestrian endurance riders. Whilst horses are changed roughly every 35km, at checkpoints strung out throughout the country, riders must endure being in the saddle for up to 200km a day and face the challenges of riding over twenty-eight different semi-wild horses, with varying temperaments and bucking abilities, the inevitable falls and mishaps that happen along the way and navigating through challenging terrain, from giant sand dunes to freezing mountain passes. 

The thirteenth Mongol Derby kicked off on the 10 th of August with a truly international field; 46 riders, from twelve different nations, with Swede Olof Sundstrom taking the early lead on day one.

Whilst the weather changed on day two, from blistering sunshine to near freezing rains, the lead didn’t. Then disaster befell the leader on day three, as Olof awoke to find his horse missing. He’d chosen to camp out alone to gain extra riding time, rather than spending the night at one of the horse stations. In this scenario riders ‘hobble’ their horses (loosely connecting their front legs together with rope to prevent them being able to roam too far), but Mongolian steeds have a knack of managing to hop away, as Olof found out. Whilst herders found the Swede’s horse, he had to hitch a ride to the next horse station and sit out a two hour penalty, his lead gone. By the end of the day eight riders were vying for the lead, spread out between horse stations 9 and 10.

Day four brought rain, a lot of it, which meant a new set of challenges for competitors, but not enough to separate anyone from the leading pack; as eight riders bedded down that evening, hoping their clothes might be a little drier in the morning.

Day five saw two riders drop away from the leading group, with six making it to horse station 17 together. American and Mongolian riders where showing particularly well with the six made up of - Abbi Bell (USA), Bilegbat Erdensukh (Mongolia), Callie King (USA), Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar (Mongolia) Rochelle Latka (USA) and Victoria Wang (China).

The morning of day six and a new twist for the Mongol Derby. Station 17 was a ‘lottery station’. Normally riders get to pick their horses from a line-up, first come first served, but at lottery stations (as used throughout the Gaucho Derby – an epic Patagonian race with pack horses, also run by Mongol Derby organisers The Equestrianists) riders have to ride what they’re given:

“This levels the playing field somewhat, and, to be frank, makes the whole thing a damn sight more exciting as a spectator sport.” – Tom Morgan, founder of The Equestrianists

Despite an initial fall from Rochelle Latka, on a particularly lively steed, the first lottery station did little to separate the riders up front, with the Mongolians local skills coming in handy when Erdene-Ochir’s stirrup leather snapped and the two men (riding together) managed to fashion a replacement from a goat leather lead rein.

Stations 19 and 20 were also lottery stations. Riders are allowed two picks and can swap their first horse for another if they’re not happy with their initial decision. Both Abbi Bell and Victoria Wang, took advantage of this after their first picks were a little too ‘spirited’, opting for safer, but perhaps slower, rides. This saw them both fall behind the leaders, as did Rochelle Latka, leaving just American Callie King in joint lead with the two Mongolians at horse station 21.

Day seven saw Callie sneak ahead of the Mongolians, with Erdene-Ochir finally hitting the deck as he was thrown off a particularly acrobatic livewire, proving even the locals can get caught out. He quickly made up for his mistake by rapidly catching Callie, before overtaking her to take the lead into the evening, with Callie just ahead of Bilegbat, Victoria and Rochelle.

With only three legs of racing left on the final day (at least for those at the head of the race), riders were on edge. Little separated the top five and everyone wanted to ride fast, if they pushed too hard however they risked getting a penalty (added time at the end) if their horse’s heart rate didn’t drop quickly enough, which, at this stage in the race, would inevitably mean throwing away any chance of a win.

In the end it was the Asian riders who got this fine balance right, with Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar managing to keep hold of his overnight lead and 19 year old Bilegbat Erdensukh and Victoria Wang crossing together in joint second, Callie King taking a very well fought fourth place.

“It’s brilliant for the race to get its first outright Mongolian win and I hope riders from around the world continue to get inspired by The Mongol Derby. Life in general is overtly manicured, we need a bit of toughness and chaos to dig deep and find out what we are really capable of." – Tom Morgan,
The Equestrianists founder

Visit www.equestrianists.com for more details

Comments from the finish line:

FIRST PLACE
Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar
28 years old

Current City/State/Country of residence
Mongolia, Tuv province, Altanbulag soum, 2nd bag
Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar

What was it like crossing the finish line as the winner of the world’s toughest horse race?

I’ve never crossed a finish line like this before so I never knew what that was like. When people welcomed me with cheers, milk and a Khadag (ceremonial scarf), it was amazing. I thought to myself how wonderful Mongolian culture and tradition is. The most beautiful moment was when I was coming in through the banners. I have never competed in a big international competition like this before, so winning this is truly an honour and brings me great pride. I think of it as one big lucky strike in the one life that was granted to me.
 
Do you have a favourite memory from the race that you could tell us about?
 
It was the times I spent with the other amazing racers from overseas. We communicated with each other using body language and hand gestures. If we (the Mongolian riders) were also abroad, we would’ve faced all the challenges they were going through in an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people. So helping them along the way, using hand gestures to communicate with each other, was the most memorable moment for me. 

You had such a positive attitude for the entirety of the race. How did you keep your spirits high
even through adversities? 

Throughout the race I thought to myself how wonderful it would be if we all treated each other so nicely, kindly and with a big smile. I am a man who always has a smile on their face. I thought to myself that we as Mongolians should show the world that we are people with joy and happiness on our faces, not melancholy or anger. They probably wonder what we are like.
 
You rode a few legs with Bilegbat, the one other Mongolian competitor. How was it being able to
ride together?

Riding with Bilegbat was great, we used to talk about crossing the finish line together but unfortunately he received a 4 hour penalty at station 22. He said to me it would be ridiculous to wait for him for 4 hours, so I rode on. I didn’t think to compete with Bilegbat, but rather wanted to bring fame and glory to my country Mongolia, to cross the finish line showing our way of life that is so  intertwined with our horses and animals. It was awesome riding with Bilegbat, he is very talkative and we discussed every topic during our rides together. We became very close and had many discussions.

There were a lot of new things you had to learn for this race including the navigation systems and
the vetting process. How was that? Is there anything you learned during the race that you will keep with you?
 
What I learned is how to use a GPS, which I’ve never used before. GPS shows you a direct way, which was a bit difficult. When I followed the GPS direct line, there would mountain after mountain. When
 you cross over many mountains, your horse wouldn’t go eventually. But I learned my lesson in the end. Instead I used the topography map and tried riding through the open plain. Otherwise, there would be mountains. Horses wouldn’t really go over rocky hilly terrains no matter what. English is definitely needed when riding with other fellow riders to understand each other. I learned a few words and phrases from my fellow riders. 

I’ve learned several sentences and phrases that I can use when meeting with foreign people, which I’m keeping to use later. As Mongolians we’ve never listened to the heart rates of the horses, we only ride them when we need to, but in truth we should calm the horses when we reach our destination. From the race and vet check, I’ve learned to keep the horses calm and to love them. In the future I’ll be keeping these vet parameters, as I love my horses.
 
 JOINT SECOND PLACE

Victoria Wang
31 years old

Current City/State/Country of residence, City/State/Country you are originally from and what’s
your link to New Zealand?

I currently live in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand. I am originally from Beijing, China.
 
 I was working and living in New Zealand for around 5 years, but none of my family is living in New
Zealand - everyone is back home in Beijing.

It’s the world’s toughest horse race for a reason, what was the toughest part for you? Can you
describe a moment where you really had to pull through either mentally or physically?
 
 The toughest part for me was the pre-race preparation before flying out to Mongolia - it was like a  mental torture sometimes. The Mongol Derby is not something you see or experience every day, so I did not have any clue whether my preparation was in the right way or not. I tried to contact the previous riders for tips or to study the YouTube videos uploaded by other riders, but still I felt quite unsure and anxious all the time about the race. I made a training plan for myself, but every day I felt I hadn’t trained enough, so the three months before August I was always living in anxiety, and I had to convince myself that the gym work was progressing.

During the race I did experience some tough time, but not too bad. One moment I did not expect was between HS22 and HS23, I made a wrong horse selection and my horse parked half way - he wouldn’t move at all unless I got off and led him forward. It was about 12km away from HS23, and it was in the hottest time of the day. There were several big mountains in front of us. When I realised that I had to walk for the rest of the leg, I was a bit lost and did not know what to do. Luckily it didn’t take too long for me to get my brain to work again. I calculated the time and it wasn’t too bad, even if I walked to HS23, so then I accepted the reality and pulled myself together and started walking forward.
 
There were several highs and lows in the race, what was your high?

The highlight was riding a beautiful grey horse from HS25 to HS26. I spotted the horse because he was wearing a special halter, and then the herder led him out of the group and he just looked strong and fast. When I rode him out of the horse station I could not hold him at all. At one second I thought I was going to die because if I lost my balance and fell off at that speed I definitely will have some serious injury. Then he slowed down slightly and I got all the control back. He just kept going for the rest of the leg at an enjoyable speed, and remained in balanced movement. Very special horse.

A lot of riders race to raise funds for a charity close to their hearts. Who was your charity and how
did you decide to raise funds for them?

There are three charities…
 
 • Steppe and Hoof, Mongolia - www.steppeandhoof.org
Steppe and Hoof is set up to help herders and their animals in Mongolia. Without the local herders and the mighty Mongolian horses we could not enjoy the Mongol Derby at all, so they need to be looked after well.
 
• HOPE Equestrian Therapeutic Centre, China - www.hopebeijing.org/english/home
 
As a Beijing local, I hope that more people in China could get interested in horses, and that they can also understand that horses are not just for entertainment or competitions, sometimes horses can help the general public in their daily lives.
 
• Beyond the Barriers, New Zealand - www.beyondthebarriers.co.nz/page/about
They give retired racehorses a second career to develop and help them to find a good home after  racing. Definitely plays an important role in the racing industry and I respect them a lot.
 
 What was it like crossing the finish line in second place of the world’s toughest horse race?

It still feels unreal. I did not expect I could get the second place tie because there are so many riders 
who are more professional than I am. I would have been happy enough if I just completed the race without any penalties, so this result is like the icing on the cake.

JOINT SECOND PLACE

Bilegbat Erdensukh
19 years old

Current City/State/Country of residence
Mongolia, Tuv Province, Bayan Soum, 3rd bag
Bilegbat Erdenesukh

What excited you most about this race and the challenge that comes with it?

The moment the race started and everyone bolted out of the start line was truly an exciting moment, I felt so many different feelings all at once. I thought to myself, “Wow, I guess this is how competitive and fast we’ll be competing throughout the race!” But I came to learn that that wasn’t the case at all. When it comes to moving from horse station to horse station, it’s mostly a game of who is smarter and more tactical. I had to learn to navigate, make sure the horses’ heart rate and physical well-being was sorted and also to let the vet know the horses’ scars and scratches. I always had to remind myself to not forget to do this.

What is your background with horses? And what is your current day-to-day like?

I was 4 years old when I first rode a horse and I was 5 when I competed for the first time in a horse race. I passed out on the horse during the race so I wasn’t able to place above 5th place. The second time I raced, there was really heavy rain and I got really hypothermic. An ambulance had to come and get me. A day in my life would be; in the summertime, I’d get up at 5am, work with my horses and graze them. From around 11am until 7pm, I’d just be outside tending to the horses, watering  them, scraping their sweat, and at night I’d water them again and let them graze. My summers are usually spent outside with the horses, in the middle of the steppe.

You were in last place after the first day of the race and made an incredible come back, passing 10
people on the second day. Tell us how you kept your mind in the race and managed to pull off
such an impressive feat.

It didn’t feel difficult as I figured there was definitely an opportunity when I noticed how most of the
riders weren’t far ahead of me.

When I found out I was in the lead I had much control. There wasn’t much need of staying in the stations for a long time. With only a cup of tea in my system I saved a lot of time, as opposed to the other riders who seemed to stay longer.   

What was it like crossing the finish line in second place of the world’s toughest horse race?

Thinking back now, I think my excitement stole a lot of my recollection of how I crossed the finish line. I wasn’t fully aware of what I was doing but I remember crossing hand in hand with Victoria Wang as we understood each other through hand signs very well. When I stood up raising my hand she instantly got my intention and we trotted in together.

 
 


Saturday, August 20, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 10: Here comes the cavalry

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Holly Conyers
20th August 2022

Mercifully for those still out on the steppe, the Mongolian weather gods awoke on Day 10 of the August 2022 Mongol Derby feeling a little ashamed of themselves for their stormy strop yesterday, and pulled out all the stops to redeem themselves. The sun was out, there was a pleasant breeze in the air, and nary a rain cloud in sight. Hallelujah.

With the inviting lights of the party at finish camp practically within sight this morning from HS27, just one final leg away, Brittany Hook (BHO) and Jessica Di Pasquale (JDP) sprang out of bed full of beans, ready to mount up and charge for the line at 7am on the dot. There was time for a final family portrait at HS27 before they started on their final leg of the adventure of a lifetime. The pair were the first to blaze through the flags at finish camp this morning, to many cheers from the assembled crowd...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-10-here-comes-the-cavalry/

Friday, August 19, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 9: When it rains, it pours

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Holly Conyers
19th August 2022

If riders thought they had seen rain during the Derby so far, or for that matter anywhere else in their lives, Day 9 of the August 2022 Mongol Derby was here to laugh in their faces and highlight their ignorance. Crew members and riders alike were awoken this morning by the din of raindrops akin to bullets hammering gers and tents, as the previously amiable blue sky and fluffy clouds were replaced by a solid wall of dark grey cloud and sheets of driving rain, all hints of sunlight extinguished. Temperatures plummeted, boots filled with icy rain and substandard waterproofs were blasphemed and exchanged for dry crew kit. It’s been quite frankly hellish out there, but that hasn’t stopped 13 more of our astonishing August 2022 Mongol Derby cohort chugging over the finish line. And those who were still going by the mid afternoon were rewarded with another seismic change in the weather: a beautiful evening, complete with glowy pink sunset. Never a dull moment...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-9-when-it-rains-it-pours/

Thursday, August 18, 2022

Swansea Building Society backs the Welsh Equine Endurance Team

Newdfromwales.co.uk - Full Article

August 18 2022
Lisa Baker, Editor, Welsh Business News & News from Wales

Swansea Building Society will sponsor the Welsh Equine Endurance Team for the second year running at the Home International Endurance Championships – one of the most prestigious equine events in Europe.

The event will take place between the 9th – 11th September at Longnewton, near Melrose, in the Scottish Borders. Last year, the Welsh team romped home to win the Celtic Challenge and came second in the Home International. This year, the team is aiming to go one better and win both trophies.

The competition has horses and riders competing over courses ranging from 40km in one day to a two-day 160km competitive endurance race contested by the Endurance GB home international teams: England, Scotland and Wales...

Read more here:
https://newsfromwales.co.uk/swansea-building-society-backs-the-welsh-equine-endurance-team/

August Mongol Derby Day 8: A home win

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
17th August 2022

Day 8 of the August 2022 Mongol Derby, and we are bursting with pride to report that a first home-grown champion has done it: Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar (EOU) has held off the pack of riders hounding him to clinch victory for Mongolia in the Mongol Derby. And what a champion he is: a supernaturally talented horseman with limitless reserves of good cheer and kindness, his elation on crossing the line will be a memory we cherish for a long time to come. Complete with a hands-free crossing, of course...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-8-a-home-win/

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 7: The heat is on



Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
17th August 2022

Day 7 of the August 2022 Mongol Derby has drawn to a close. Our leading rider is only two horse stations from reaching nirvana: the finish line, complete with cold drinks, hot showers and clean clothes. And yet, it’s looking like the title could go down to our second nail-biting dash for the line of the summer. Erdene-Ochir Uuganbayar (EOU) has shaken off the rest of the leading pack and has made it to HS25, but the unflappable Callie King (CKI) continues with her quietly determined stormer of a race and lurks just behind him, camped between HS24 and HS25 and no doubt ready to launch herself back onto the steppe first thing in the morning. Which of these two, or any of the others snapping at their hocks, will hurtle over the line first?...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-7-the-heat-is-on/

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 6: Luck of the draw

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
16th August 2022

Day 6 of the August 2022 Mongol Derby has drawn to a close, and things are heating up. After a long, hot day in the saddle, our leading trio of riders are camped at HS21, meaning only six horse stations remain between them and the finish line. If they keep up their current eye-watering pace, we could be crowning our victor in just two days’ time. But it’s still impossibly close to call: will the final champion be one of the group of six leading the race, separated by just one horse station tonight, or will a long shot tear through to the head of the pack? It’s all to play for, as we run through the day’s updates.

After the slightly soggy last couple of days, riders may have been relieved this morning to peek out of their gers at a gorgeous dewy morning, bright sunlight all around. Most riders spent the majority of the very toasty day (bar the odd summer shower) travelling along the beautiful Tuul River between HS15 to HS18, sacred to Mongolians...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-6-luck-of-the-draw/

Monday, August 15, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 5: Halfway horse

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Holly Conyers 15th August 2022

Day 5 of the August 2022 Mongol Derby, and our glorious jockeys have made it at least halfway through the ride of a lifetime. Five days down, another five maximum to go (most likely less for our eventual winner). And yet, the podium positions remain too close to call. The leading pack, comprised of the six riders bedding down at HS17 tonight, has put some daylight between themselves and the next closest threats, a rival sextet stationed at HS16. But in Derby terms, a one horse station advantage is hardly cause for comfort: easily won or lost by a stroke of navigational genius or disaster; a champion racehorse or a steady plodder. The next few days remain crucial, as we take a look at how today’s events unfolded as competitors passed through pre-historic rock formations, sand dunes and hilly terrain...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-5-halfway-horse/

Sunday, August 14, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 4: Ride, rinse, repeat

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Outlaw Kate
14th August 2022

Day 4 will go down in the riders’ memories as the day their gear either stood up to the ravages of weather or failed miserably while the skies chucked down moisture to an already saturated and soggy steppe. Did we mention that this race is tough? And Mother Nature can be a bitch? Not only are riders gunning for 100+ kilometers per day, they are withstanding incredible physical stress as they weather the weather and keep on pointing their horse’s nose towards that elusive finish line goal.

It’s at this point in the race that the little things matter: the candies/snuff/vodka graciously shared by the herder families at the horse stations; the warmth of the fire in the ger at the end of the day; the good humour of the medics as they patch up your butt. This race is an exercise in perseverance and an interesting case study on the effects of small acts of kindness, to say the least...

Read more at:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-4-ride-rinse-repeat/

Saturday, August 13, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 3: it ain’t over till it’s over

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Outlaw Kate
13th August 2022

Day 3 of the Derby forced us to ditch everything we thought was a certainty when we shut the lights out on Day 2. At close of play yesterday the mighty Viking Olof OSU was sitting pretty, camped between HS6 – HS7 and while his lead was not substantial enough to completely disregard the chasing pack, it should have been sufficient to propel him to the next station and beyond with a bit of breathing space. However, the HQ switchboard sprang to life at 05:45 with this grim message from OSU relaying those fateful words: “Lost horse. I’ll go searching.”

Oh, the camping conundrum. As every Derby rider knows, camping is as much part of the Derby as chafed thighs or smelly socks and way more fun. But it comes with the risk that when you crack an eye open at 05:00 your horse might have hobble-hopped its way off to greener pastures, leaving you with a bewildered expression on your face, clutching an empty saddle...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-3-it-aint-over-till-its-over/

Friday, August 12, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 2: I get by with a little help from my friends

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Outlaw Kate
12th August 2022

Day 2 of the August 2022 Mongol Derby dawned clear and sunny but with a forecast of rain in the cards to shake things up a bit. Would those last-minute gear decisions – to pack or not to pack the rain pants – come back to bite any riders in the @ss? Not only must these riders withstand a grueling 12 hours plus in the saddle, but they must also look Mother Nature in the face and smile as she slaps them about the mug with blistering temperatures followed closely by near-freezing soggy conditions. Fortitude indeed...

Read more at:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-2-i-get-by-with-a-little-help-from-my-friends/

FEI Tribunal issues Consent Award in equine anti-doping case

Inside.FEI.org

05 August 2022
Author: FEI

The FEI Tribunal has issued a Consent Award in an equine anti-doping case involving a Banned Substance.

In this case, the horse Dactyle D’Aqui (FEI ID 106XH16/UAE), tested positive for the Banned Substance Testosterone, following samples taken at the CEI2* 120 – Bou Thib (UAE), 24-25 December 2021.

The athlete Muhammad Ali Fazal Amin (FEI ID 10103705/PAK (UAE)) and the trainer, Ahmed Ali Salman Hassan Al Sabri (FEI ID 10041041/UAE), both elected to admit the rule violation and accept the consequences in order to benefit from a six-month reduction of the otherwise applicable ineligibility period of 18 months.

In its final decision the FEI Tribunal disqualified the athlete and the horse from the event and imposed an 18-month ineligibility period on the athlete and the trainer; the provisional suspension each already served shall be credited against the imposed ineligibility period. The Horse was provisionally suspended for 2 months as of the date of the Notification Letter. The athlete and Trainer were also fined CHF 5,000 each and the trainer was asked to pay costs of CHF 1,000.

More at:
https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/fei-tribunal-issues-consent-award-equine-anti-doping-case-4

Thursday, August 11, 2022

August Mongol Derby Day 1: The lone ranger

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Holly Conyers
11th August 2022

A hot and heavy Day 1 of the August 2022 Mongol Derby draws to a close, and one brave man has proved he can handle the heat to propel himself into an early lead: Olof Sundstrom (OSU), a Swede bearing an improbable resemblance to his Viking forefathers, has arrived to conquer the steppe. Camping out with one of Mongolia’s many unbelievably hospitable families this evening, he is the only rider to have made it beyond HS3 today. But he’s in no position to rest easy: no less than 12 competitive riders have made it into HS3 tonight, just 8km behind him. Will he manage to put more distance between himself and the trailing pack tomorrow, or will they hunt him down?...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-day-1-the-lone-ranger/

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

August Mongol Derby Pre-Race: Cleared for blast off

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Holly Conyers
9th August 2022

We can’t quite believe our luck. The dust has barely settled on the steppe following the unbelievably high-octane return of the Mongol Derby in July after a two year hiatus and yet, here we are again: on the eve of another life-changing adventure for 46 riders from all corners of the globe successfully graduated from start camp, united by passion for the horse and a high pain threshold. What an absolute treat.

As usual, our team will be running themselves ragged to bring you live updates from the steppe on our social media pages, while daily race reports will be published here and live tracking will be available for the duration of the race after it kicks off tomorrow morning Mongolia time. Happily, you don’t have to wait until then for some top notch Derby drama. Start camp is only just wrapping up, and we have already had a taste of some of the excitement to come...

Read more at:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/august-mongol-derby-pre-race-cleared-for-blast-off/

Ding ding! Round Two: the August Mongol Derby is ready to roll

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Outlaw Kate
8th August 2022

Just when you thought you couldn’t stand any more Derby excitement, the August Derby is on tap with 46 more intrepid riders from all corners of the globe itching to take on the longest and toughest horse race in the world.

The key factors remain the same: same course (only in reverse), same sorts of horses, same amazing Mongolian hospitality to sample along the way. Yet this will still be an incredibly unique race for these riders. The weather will throw everything at them, the steppe will challenge them, and just like the 46 riders who preceded them a few weeks ago, they will need to call forth all their preparations and experience to see them across the finish line...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/ding-ding-round-two-the-august-derby-is-ready-to-roll/

Tuesday, August 02, 2022

July Mongol Derby Day 10: That’s all, folks…until next week

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
1st August 2022

We can’t quite believe it’s over. 10 days of top drawer thrills and spills later, all of our riders still out braving the steppe have ridden across the finish line, on another stupefyingly sunny day. A massive congratulations to all who participated for a superhuman achievement. We are busy totting up the final placings taking account of all those penalties and extra riding hours you’ve been reading about all week, but for now here is a rundown of the day’s action.

Closest to finish camp as the sun came up this morning were Lena Haug (LHA) and Kayleigh Davenport (KDA), camped just 10km shy of home. Holding their overnight position against those starting behind them at HS28, they were the first to storm across the finish line this morning, to raucous applause from the gathered crowds gathered. So raucous, in fact, that one of their two baffled mounts executed a swift about turn about 50 feet short of the line. Blip swiftly sorted, the two rode over the line together, hand in hand and enormous smiles plastered over their faces...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/july-mongol-derby-day-10-thats-all-folks-until-next-week/

Monday, August 01, 2022

July Mongol Derby Day 9: Coming in hot

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
31st July 2022

The podium positions may have been decided yesterday, but Day 9 of the July 2022 Mongol Derby brought plenty more action and emotional scenes as the rest of the field continued to bomb across the steppe towards their goal. On another summer sizzler, 11 more incredible riders made it across the finish line, with the rest of the field inbound tomorrow.

Riding hours were extended until 20:00, in order to try and allow as many knackered, creaking bodies to get themselves across the finish line and into a hot shower sooner rather than later. We would like to say this is solely for their benefit, but we also have the crew coming into close contact with riders to think about, now that riders are generally smelt before they are spied coming into horse stations...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/july-mongol-derby-day-9-coming-in-hot/

July Mongol Derby Day 8: Here come the girls

Equestrianists.com

Holly Conyers
30th July 2022

Day 8 of the July 2022 Mongol Derby will go down as one of the most thrilling in Derby history. In scenes of unbelievable drama that went right down to the wire, Deirdre Griffith (DGR) and Willemien Jooste (WJO) held their nerve and rode a tactical blinder to snatch victory from right under the noses of Chris Walker (CWA) and Patrick Heffron (PHE), who had been clinging onto the lead since Day 4. Timing their move to perfection, the ladies, who had been snapping at the erstwhile leaders’ hocks for days, overtook them at HS27, the second last horse station before the finish line. A few hours of almost unbearable tension later, and they crossed the line holding hands to take joint first place. A stunning performance by two outstanding horsewomen and athletes. We salute you, ladies. Read on for the blow-by-blow account of how the day’s drama unfolded...

Read more at:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/july-mongol-derby-day-8-here-come-the-girls/

July Mongol Derby Day 7: Battle of the sexes

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
29th July 2022

Day 7 draws to an end on the July 2022 Mongol Derby, and the tension has ratcheted up a notch at the head of the race. Overnight leaders Chris Walker (CWA) and Patrick Heffron (PHE) have ridden their pants off today to cling onto their advantage by a nose, camped at HS25. Still tantalisingly close behind them but just out of reach remain Deirdre Griffith (DGR), Willemien Jooste (WJO) and Tiffany Atteberry (ATA), riding hard and fast to reach a campsite between HS23 and HS25. Can the gents cling on until the finish line, just three horse stations away, or do the girls still have enough time to run them down?

Read more at:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/july-mongol-derby-day-7-battle-of-the-sexes/

Patagonia is Calling: The Gaucho Derby Academy is Coming Up

Equestrianists.com The Gaucho Derby Academy is back.. The 2025 event is taking place from 22-29 January and there are still a few spots up...