France: Carla Mosti’s Endurance Joy with ‘Flying’ Gino

FEI.org - Full Story

11 November 2024
Words by Stacey Stearns
Images by Oreste Testa

The French talent wants to build on a glorious victory...

A triumphant Carla Mosti felt like she was “flying” on Gino D’Armani as they soared across the finish line to take gold at the 120km FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors in Arborea (ITA) in September.

The victory was even sweeter for the 19-year-old French rider because of the special relationship she has built with her family’s eight-year-old gelding. Added to that was the feeling that all her hard work had paid off, and that her family and friends’ support and encouragement had been vindicated.

“I was filled with emotions when I won, joy – crying, pride, happy; I jumped into the arms of my loved ones,” Carla said.

“Gino was born at home, he is the first foal of Djalila du Porche, who belongs to us. He is a delicate horse; in his early days he was quite complicated. Gino is very sensitive and attentive to the slightest noise. He has very good cardiac recovery, is very generous, and a fighter...”

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/carla-mosti-flying-gino-darmani

UAE: Magic Glenn Torque fires MRM Stables to win in season-opening DIEC ride

GulfToday.ae - Full Article

November 10 2024
Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The 2024-25 Dubai Endurance season got underway at Dubai International Endurance City with a healthy dose of excitement as MRM Stables seized the spot after claiming the campaign-opening Seeh Al Salam Endurance Challenge by a mere second courtesy of star rider Saif Ahmed Al Mazrouei, who delivered aboard Magic Glenn Torque.

Organised by Dubai Equestrian Club, the 119-km four loop ride witnessed stiff competition from all the major stables involved in endurance riding in the UAE, with a total of 119 rider-horse pairings venturing into the sands of the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve.

And it was Al Mazrouei and his 13-year-old companion who won with a consistent approach that witnessed them stay close to the top of an evolving leaderboard. The pair posted a time of four hours, 12 minutes and 16 seconds (4:12:16), which was a mere second quicker than the 4:12:17 recorded by F3-1 Stables pair of Hamad Humaid Al Tamimi and 765 Sargon, even as third placed F3 Stables pair of Rashed Mohammed Al Mehairi and A’Bandom’s Rockabilly cantered in third a further 26 seconds behind in 4:12:43...

Read more here:
https://www.gulftoday.ae/sport/2024/11/10/magic-glenn-torque-fires-mrm-stables-to-win-in-season-opening-diec-ride'

Lancaster horse rider escaped wild dogs and more during the Mongol Derby, the world's toughest horse race

LancasterOnline.com - Full Story

MIKE ANDRELCZYK | For LNP and LancasterOnline Nov 7, 2024

The morning of her 38th birthday, Sarah Delia woke up with a headache.

The day before, Delia was bucked off a semiwild Naadam racehorse. It bolted away, leaving her alone to wander the eerily quiet, but blazing hot, Mongolian steppe.

That happened on day 4 of a grueling, intense 10-day competition called the Mongol Derby — billed as the longest and toughest horse race in the world.

Delia, who moved to Lancaster in 2017, grew up riding horses competitively in Tennessee but stopped riding for 17 years. She traded horseshoes for long-distance running shoes, attended law school and embarked on a career as an attorney specializing in corporate and commercial litigation for the law firm McCarter & English.

Lately, Delia had spent more time in an office chair than in a saddle. But then she read Laura Prior-Palmer’s 2019 memoir “Rough Magic: Riding the World’s Loneliest Horse Race.” The book tracks Prior-Palmer’s experience in the Mongol Derby, an annual 620-mile adventure horse race that traces the route of Genghis Khan’s horse messengers across the Mongolian steppe.

Suddenly, Delia felt the urge to get back in the saddle.

“It got under my skin,” Delia said. “Go big or go home, right?”...

Read more here:
https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/lancaster-horse-rider-escaped-wild-dogs-and-more-during-the-mongol-derby-the-worlds-toughest/article_211c67d6-9c7e-11ef-8241-637e082bf34c.html

The 2025 Gaucho Derby Academy is back

Equestrianists.com

Patagonia - January 22nd to 29th 2025

$5500

The Gaucho Derby is one of the world’s toughest horse races. This Academy is your gateway to the start line.

During a packed week in the Patagonian Wilderness you’ll tackle a navigation ride, a race day simulation and overnight wilderness ride, then team up with the local Gauchos to find and round up 150+ wild horses.

Our team of international race managers, medics, vets and Gauchos will teach you a bespoke set of skills while you train on horseback in the world’s most spectacular classroom. Evenings are spent at the Estancia around the fire drinking Malbec learning about the culture and history of this incredible region.

If you’re already signed up, thinking about taking on the Gaucho or Mongol Derby or just curious, this is the perfect introduction to The Equestrianists World Series.

Find out more here:
https://equestrianists.com/guides/gaucho-derby-academy/

Australian Endurance rider earns a ‘buckle’

MidlandExpress.com.au - Full Article

By Bill West
29/10/2024

Lauriston resident Russell Robinson is thrilled to have achieved his burning ambition of earning a much sought-after silver buckle in the 2024 Quilty Cup (Australian championships) over 160 kilometres.

The 71-year-old horse enthusiast describes endurance riding as “very addictive”.

“I’ve always loved horses … they get you through life … I was never much good at sport when I was young,” he said.

“I’ve only been doing it (endurance riding) for around 25 years, largely competing all over Victoria.”

Russell said the Tom Quilty Cup was the pinnacle of endurance racing in Australia, conducted by the Australian Endurance Riders Association Inc...

Read more here:
https://midlandexpress.com.au/sports/2024/10/29/russell-robinson-achieves-silver-buckle-in-the-2024-quilty-cup/

An ‘indomitable will’ and great love for his sport: farewell to top Irish horse aged 29

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Eleanor Jones 26
October, 2024

The owner of the top endurance horse J St Jake has paid tribute to his “indomitable will” and love of his sport after his death aged 29.

In 18 consecutive seasons, Jake and Helen McFarland represented Ireland over some of the toughest rides there and in Britain. They completed 19 160km/100-mile rides, Jake’s last at the age of 24. Among their most notable achievements were winning the Scottish and northern championships and a premier award at the Golden Horseshoe Ride.

Helen told H&H she bought 14.2hh Jake, who was by an Arab stallion and out of a traditional Connemara mare, when he was seven...

Read the rest here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/farewell-to-top-horse-j-st-jake-aged-29-876035

‘He’s a bit famous’ – rescue pony steps in to help young rider take Great Britain national title

West End Photography

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Eleanor Jones
6 October, 2024 19:21

A rescued pony stepped in at the last minute to help a young rider to a dream win in the national para endurance championship.

Alfie-Jay Errington won the 23km Endurance GB Emerald Championship with Redwings Milky Way, a 20-year-old Welsh pony who has been taking part in endurance rides for over a decade with his rehomers Niamh and Sarah Richardson.

“Niamh Richardson, 16, and her mum Sarah were attending the Lion’s Tail Endurance Ride in Leicestershire on 24 September when they heard that Alfie-Jay was sadly unable to take part in Endurance GB’s para endurance national championships because his pony was lame,” a spokesperson for Redwings said.

“Not wanting Alfie to miss his shot at the championship, Niamh offered Alfie the ride on Redwings Milky Way...”

Read more here:
https://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/rescue-pony-steps-in-help-young-rider-national-title-873900

Italy Wins Bronze in Team Endurance at European and World Championships

IlMessaggero.it - Full Article

Monday 30 September 2024, 09:45

Bronze for Italy in team endurance at the European Under-21 Championship and the World Championship for young horses. A competitiveness that hit the mark, according to FISE president Marco Di Paola, 'thanks to the teamwork of technicians, trainers, grooms, and families, in the perspective of a comprehensive support for the talent of the athletes and their horses.'

EUROPEAN, THIRD PLACE FOR ITALY - Team Italy, composed of Mauro Fedriga on Kimono Dell’Orsetta, Lucrezia Romina Mondini on Twilight La Roncola, Martina Pisano on Zagaia Dei Laghi, Maria Chiara Fagiani on Elka Du Barthas, and Carlotta Ganelli on Free Gemma, secured the 6th tricolor medal in the continental youth medal tally, which awards them a total of 3 silvers and 3 bronzes in 10 editions. The continental challenge, hosted during the Sardegna Endurance Festival, awarded gold, the 5th in their career, to Spain, allowing them to reach France in the Hall of Fame. The silver went to the Marseille team, which, however, triumphed individually with Carla Mosti riding Gino D’Armani. The second and third steps of the podium were taken by the Spaniards Joana Ullastre Niubò (Balma Peu) and Celia Soler Capdevila (F Hazfat Al Shaqab)...

Read more here:
https://www.ilmessaggero.it/en/italy_wins_bronze_in_team_endurance_at_european_and_world_championships-8385406.html

UAE win FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses in Italy

WAM.ae - full story

September 29, 2024

SARDINIA, Italy, 29th September, 2024 (WAM) -- The Emirati riders clinched the team and individual gold medals at the 120-kilometer FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses at the Arborea fields on the Italian island of Sardinia.

The event was organised under the supervision of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and witnessed the participation of around 100 riders from 22 countries worldwide.

Emirati rider Rashid Saeed Hamad Al Ketbi added the individual title for the fifth time in the history of the UAE’s participation in the championship after winning the individual category on his horse with a time of 4:53:08 hours. Bahraini rider Ma'youf Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi finished second with a time of 5:02:46 hours, while a French rider came in third with 5:18:08 hours...

Read more here:
https://www.wam.ae/en/article/b5fj3o5-uae-win-fei-endurance-world-championship-for-young

Sardinia Endurance Festival: European U21 and World Young Horses Championships

ilmessaggero.it - Full Article

Friday 27 September 2024, 08:34

One hundred and thirty-eight athletes and 153 horses are ready to take to the track at the Horse Country Resort facilities in Arborea for the Sardinia Endurance Festival. At stake are the titles of European Under 21 and World Young Horses champions, both individual and team. Twenty-nine nations are competing: Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Bahrain, Belgium, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, United Arab Emirates, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Jordan, Great Britain, Italy, Kuwait, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Syria, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Turkey, Hungary, and Uruguay...

Read more here:
https://www.ilmessaggero.it/en/sardinia_endurance_festival_european_u21_and_world_young_horses_championships-8379805.html?next_page=1

France dominate at the Worlds - in more ways than you first thought

BellaFricker.co.uk - Full Article

Bella Fricker
September 11 2024

Well, well, well, quelle surprise, the French medalled. And not only did they take home team Gold but they also secured the individual Bronze medal in Melody Theolissat 👏

Ahead of the competition, national coach Jean-Michel Grimal admitted he had a tough time selecting his final team of five from the seven rider-horse combinations available. “They’re all good, and the horses are in perfect condition. There’s no reason to favour one combination over another. But only five can compete, so I had to choose. I based my decision on instinct." Well it was a good job he followed his gut!

As anticipated, the French riders executed an absolutely stunning tactical race. While there might have been a home advantage, with most of the team having previously competed at Monpazier, no one could have predicted the torrential rain. And boy, did it rain! We experienced a thunderstorm like no other. It's a mystery how there weren't any serious injuries to horses or riders on that first loop.

But what happened to Spain? Italy? Portugal? even Brazil?...

Read more here:
https://www.bellafricker.co.uk/post/france-dominate-at-the-worlds-in-more-ways-than-you-first-thought

Young British equestrian star gallops to national championships in Spain after regional victory

Surinenglish.com - Full Article

Sixteen-year-old Jazmin Grahm won an 80km endurance event in Andalucía at the weekend and is one of just five riders selected to represent the region

Anthony Piovesan
Malaga
Tuesday, 10 September 2024,

At just 16 years old, British girl Jazmin Grahm has been crowned the Andalusian champion in horse endurance riding.

The equestrian fanatic who resides in Estepona won the 80km ride in Granada on Sunday 8 September and was "all smiles" after her victory.

"She's been training so hard for the past couple of years and her win on Sunday meant so much to her, she couldn't stop smiling," her mother Caroline Grahm told SUR in English.

As a result of her win in the under 21s category on Sunday, Grahm is one of five riders selected to represent Andalucía at the national championships in Ávila, near Madrid...

Read more here:
https://www.surinenglish.com/sport/young-equestrian-star-gallops-national-championships-after-20240910181102-nt.html

Holly Corcoran and Kelsey Russell Complete 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors

Holly Corcoran and Lorienn. ©Terry Shampoe

USEF.org

by Leslie Potter/US Equestrian | Sep 10, 2024, 11:00 AM

Monpazier, France – Two U.S. combinations successfully completed the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors on Saturday, Sept. 7, joining some of the sport’s top international athletes in finishing the 160 km (100-mile) ride in southwestern France.

Holly Corcoran (Stroudsburg, Pa.) and Kelsey Russell (Williston, Fla.) crossed the finish line together, coming in 33rd and 34th out of a field of more than 130 starters. Corcoran rode her own 2012 Arabian mare, Lorienn (Syndicat x Lothlorienn). Russell rode Valerie Kanavy’s 2015 Half-Arabian gelding, Juno Im Gold (Flash Goldon x LM Parys).

The course for this championship spanned over six loops around the French countryside near the historic village of Monpazier. The field set off in the dark of a 5:30 a.m. start, with storms and heavy rainfall overnight and into the morning hours making for muddy going in places and requiring the riders’ care and attention to the footing.”

“We started out with two hours of darkness, and rain; thunder and lightning,” said Corcoran. “But taking that all into consideration, I made a decision to start very conservatively. So we were fine and steady and watched the footing as we were riding. Some of it was challenging because we couldn’t see where we were going.”

Lorienn is used to technical trails, said Corcoran, and that experience came in handy on this world championship track. She said that while she had to adjust her original plan a little bit, she was able to make up time in places to finish only about 10 minutes off of her estimate.

“The course was very technical; mountainous with rolling hills,” said Russell. “There really was not a flat place, and when it was flat the ground was sloped. There were a lot of changes in the footing, from paved roads to gravel to grass to plow fields and clay-based trail. There were a few real climbs and steeper downhills but for the most part it was rolling hills.”

“Juno” is based in Virginia in the summer and Florida for the winter. The varied terrain between the two locations—mountains in Virginia and sandy footing in Florida—helped prepare him for the challenges in France, but the weather was still a factor, with mud and deep puddles throughout the course.

“The weather made this course even more difficult and more technical,” said Russell. “We started in the rain and it stormed for the whole first 37-kilometer loop. [The rain] was nice to cool the horses, yet they were still hot from the difficulty of the trail. The rain made everything so muddy that unless you were on the gravel or the pavement you had to make sure to keep balanced and try not to slip in the mud. Hills are hard, sand hills are harder, slippery mud hills gives a new appreciation to what the horses are capable of.”

Both Corcoran and Russell have ridden their world championship mounts throughout their entire careers, and that level of trust and communication helped them through the challenging ride. Corcoran got Lorienn as a four-year-old from her breeders, Asgard Arabians in West Virginia, and has brought the now-12-year-old mare up to her current level.

“She’s got a fair number of [100-mile rides] under her belt. She’s been FEI qualified for three or four years,” Corcoran said of Lorienn. “Her first 100 was the Bighorn out in Wyoming, and I knew then that she was really tough, because that’s a hard ride with 10,000 feet of change in elevation, and she handled it like a pro for her first 100. I’ve never seen this mare hit a wall. She’s just got the stamina and the wherewithal to just keep going, and she did. I was really pleased with that.”

Russell has ridden with Juno’s owners, Valerie and Larry Kanavy, for 15 years, and has worked with Juno since he was born and throughout his career. Her connection with the horse goes back even further than that, as she rode both his sire and dam in competition in past years. Now 9 years old, this year is the first that Juno was eligible to compete at an FEI championship, and Russell said he handled it like a seasoned pro.

“I have ridden hundreds of horses, and he is one of two that hold a very special place in my heart,” she said. “It took a long time to build a trusting relationship with him and he will do anything I ask and always gives me everything he has. Competing at this level brings a whole new environment and I am so proud of how he handled it,” said Russell. “He has come a long way. He is still young and has a bright future ahead of him. It feels very good to finish any race, and it feels great to have gotten him to this level and finished very sound; that is the most important thing to me.”

This world championship proved to be an opportunity for Corcoran to check some items off her list of goals in a sport where a lot of factors come into play and nothing is ever guaranteed.

“I’ve competed internationally before, and this was my first international completion,” she said. “Each milestone of being able to get to the venue, being able to start, being able to finish, was huge. I can’t express the joy that there was in finishing. I had my daughter there and a great crew. I could not have possibly done it without the crew that I had. Without them there and without their care, we never would have made it through, so I’m just very grateful for them.”

Russell echoed the sentiments, thanking the support crew that helped her and Juno along the way.

“We could not have done it without the continued support and encouragement from everyone who is a part of Team Juno. None of it would be possible without Larry and Valerie, who have been like second parents to me, or the great support group of my family and my friends and most importantly, the bond of a special partnership with Juno. We did something many were not able to do. I am so proud and happy for what Juno was able to do.”

The individual gold medalist was HH SH Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa (BRN) riding Everest La Majorie, a French-bred 2014 Arabian gelding owned by Royal Endurance Team of Bahrain. Saeed Ahmad Jaber Abdulla Al Harbi (UAE) won silver riding Castlebar Cadabra, an Australian-bred 2008 Arabian gelding owned by F3 Stables. Melody Theolissat (FRA) won bronze on home turf riding Yalla De Jalima, a French-bred 2014 Arabian gelding. France earned team gold while China won silver and Malaysia took the bronze.

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/holly-corcoran-kelsey-russell-complete-2024

FEI Endurance World Championship 2024

HorseSport.com - Full Article

By: Mirjam van Huet MCM Tekst/FEI | September 9, 2024

France grabbed the gold, while China and Malaysia secured spots on the podium - a historic first in the sport.

For the first time in the history of the FEI Endurance World Championships, teams from China and Malaysia secured a spot on the podium, taking second and third places, respectively, while host nation France took gold.

The individual medals went to Melody Théolissat (France) riding Yalla de Jalima (bronze), Saeed Ahmad Jaber Abdulla Al Harbi (United Arab Emirates) with Castlebar Cadabra (silver), and HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (Bahrain) with Everest la Majorie (gold). HH Sheik Nasser retained his world title, which he won at the 2022 FEI Endurance World Championship in Butheeb (UAE) with his horse Darco la Majorie.

“I intended to ride Darco here in Monpazier, but he got a slight injury,” the champion said the day after the competition. Instead, he decided to ride Darco’s half-brother, Everest la Majorie. This 10-year-old gelding finished second at last year’s test event in Monpazier, just 25 seconds behind Darco. “I knew Everest was also a top-level horse, but I didn’t expect us to win.”

When asked what the public can expect from him at the next FEI Endurance World Championship in Al Ula (2026), he replied with a spontaneous laugh: “Doing this a third time?”...

Read more here:
https://horsesport.com/horse-news/fei-endurance-world-championship-2024/

India’s Nida Anjum becomes youngest rider to complete FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors

KalingaTV.com - Full Article

By IANS
Sep 8, 2024

Monpazier: Nida Anjum Chelat, the 22-year-old equestrian from Kerala, created history by becoming the youngest rider in the world to complete the prestigious FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors in Monpazier, France.

Nida has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian woman to complete the Endurance Championship. Competing against 118 riders from 40 countries, she has solidified her place in Indian equestrian history with this remarkable accomplishment. This prestigious event, conducted by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), is a landmark moment for Indian equestrian sports. Nida’s remarkable journey saw her navigate a rigorous vetting process and tough competition from global equestrian powerhouses such as the UAE, Bahrain, Spain, France, Italy, etc, countries known for their deep-rooted equestrian traditions and facilities. A total of 45 participants only successfully managed to complete the race.

Riding her 12-year-old mare, Petra del Rey, Nida completed the 160 km course in just 10 hours and 23 minutes overcoming challenges that included six gruelling loops, with distances ranging from 20 to 38 km. During the championship, 73 horses were eliminated...

Read more here:
https://kalingatv.com/sports/indias-nida-anjum-becomes-youngest-rider-to-complete-fei-endurance-world-championship-for-seniors/

World Endurance Champion awarded in official ceremony

BNA.bh

8 September 2024

Monpazier, Sept. 8 (BNA): His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Captain of the Royal Endurance Team, was officially awarded the gold medal after being crowned champion of the 160 km FEI World Endurance Championship 2024 in Monpazier, France. His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee; and His Highness Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Vice President of the Supreme Council for Environment; other dignitaries; and the children of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad and HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad. HH Shaikh Nasser and the Royal Endurance Team celebrated the victory, which was met with widespread applause from the audience. The horse Everest La Majorie was awarded the Best Horse Condition Award. This marks the second consecutive year that His Highness Shaikh Nasser has secured the world title, following his victory in the previous championship held in Bou Thib, UAE. His Highness completed the race in 8 hours and 32 minutes, ahead of the UAE’s Saeed Ahmed Al Harbi, who finished second, and France’s Melody Theolissat, who took third. Royal Endurance Team rider Jaafar Mirza finished 14th. H.F, N.N, A.A

More at:
https://www.bna.bh/en/news?cms=q8FmFJgiscL2fwIzON1%2BDuInsYgbqVoBO2kSeitOsNk%3D

Sheikh Nasser and France Win Endurance Gold

FEI.org - Full Article

07 September 2024
Words by Stacey Stearns

All the action from Monpazier...

HH Sheikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa​ of Bahrain has triumphantly defended his FEI Endurance World Championship title, winning the Individual gold on Everest la Marjorie, a 10-year-old grey gelding and half-brother to his reigning World champion.

France won Team gold in front of a thrilled home crowd in Monpazier, defending their title. China and Malaysia rounded out the Team podium with silver and bronze.

“Well, I’m over the moon, I don’t have any words to describe this … coming here as a World champion is a big burden … defending and winning is difficult. I’m thankful for my team, my family, and everyone for helping me. It was a battle, the weather, the terrain, and we’ve done it with heart,” said Sheikh Nasser after his win...

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/sheikh-nasser-and-france-win-endurance-gold

Emirati Knights Claim Silver in Endurance World Championship

Wam.ae

September 8, 2024
by Hatem Mohamed

MONPAZIER, France, 8th September, 2024 (WAM) – The UAE's equestrian team secured a remarkable second-place finish in the FEI Endurance World Championship. The grueling 160 km race, held in Monpazier, France, attracted 118 riders representing 39 nations.

The championship was graced by the presence of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain, and other dignitaries from the equestrian world.

The Bahraini royal team, led by Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, dominated the event. Sheikh Nasser successfully defended his world title, clinching first place with an impressive time of 8:32:00 hours. This marked his second consecutive individual gold medal following his victory in the 2023 championship in UAE.

The UAE team's Saeed Ahmed Jaber Al Harbi earned the individual silver medal, finishing the race in a time of 8:32:51 hours.

U.S. Endurance Team Ready to Compete at 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors

USEF.org

The U.S. Endurance Team at the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship ©Terry Shampoe

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Sep 6, 2024, 12:00 PM

Monpazier, France. – With the completion of the first horse inspection at the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors, the five members of the U.S. Endurance Team are set to begin their 100-mile (160km) ride beginning at 5:30 a.m. CEST (11:30 p.m. ET) on Saturday, Sept. 7.

The U.S. Endurance Team will be represented by Holly Corcoran and Lorienn, Heidi Perreault and Favailas Marechal, Jeremy Reynolds and Treasured Moments, Kelsey Russell and Juno Im Gold, and Cheryl Van Deusen and Madjule. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion and team vet Dr. Olivia Rudolphi with team leader Nicole Zerbee.

The exciting week of competition kicked off with the opening ceremony in the center of Monpazier, a historic village in the Southwest of France, on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 6. The vetting-in took place on Friday morning, with all U.S. horses accepted. The ride will take place over six different loops beginning at the Hippodrome de Marsales Monpazier. Course maps and additional information are available on the event website, wec-monpazier2024.com.

Competition Information

The CEI3* 160km ride will run on Saturday, Sept. 7, beginning at 5:30 a.m. CEST (Sept. 6 at 11:30 p.m. ET). Awards will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 8, with the closing ceremony at 10:30 a.m. local time.

Official Website

Livestream

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More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-endurance-team-ready-to-compete-at-2024-fei

Endurance Aces Set for 2024 World Championship

FEI.org - Full Article

04 September 2024

Monpazier will play host to the planet's finest...

A total of 145 athletes and 155 horses are currently preparing to compete in Monpazier in the south of France for the FEI Endurance World Championship 2024.

Set in natural surroundings on the border of the Lot and Dordogne, the combinations will begin the 160km Endurance ride on Saturday, September 7. It's an interesting mix of participants: from the reigning world champion—on a new horse—to young and veteran talent.

As is customary at the FEI Endurance World Championship, all eyes are on the three Individual medallists from the previous edition, as well as the three national teams that reached the podium last time. The event will be shown live on Saturday on FEI TV...

Mediterranean countries aim to defend their positions

For the Team medals, it's up to the Mediterranean countries—France, Portugal, and Italy—to defend their positions. In the last World Championship in Butheeb they claimed the gold, silver, and bronze, respectively. Notably, all three nations have registered seven combinations, giving the chefs d’equipe in Monpazier the option to finalise their teams of five combinations each, right up until the day before the competition.

France's selection includes three riders who were part of the 2022 medal-winning team: Virginie Atger, Clementine Chaud, and Philippe Tomas. Additionally, France's vast pool of Endurance riders has provided new talent for the national team, including Camille Garbet, Melody Theolissat and Julien Lafaure

Portugal's selection features the experienced rider Ana Barbas, who has already won Team silver (FEI Endurance World Championship in Butheeb, 2022) and team bronze (FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, 2006). That performance in Aachen was partly due to Jao Raposo, who is also in the selection for Monpazier.

Italy has selected three riders who also competed in Butheeb, where they won bronze: Letizia Milani, Carolina Tavassoli Asli, and Costanza Laliscia. The latter brings two possible contenders to Monpazier: Fara du Barthas and Emirat du Barthas...

Read the rest at:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/endurance-aces-set-2024-world-championship

A mix of young & veteran talent coming to FEI Endurance World Championship

Inside.FEI.org

02 September 2024
Author: Mirjam van Huet

A total of 145 athletes and 155 horses are currently preparing for the journey to Monpazier in the south of France for the FEI Endurance World Championship 2024.

Set in natural surroundings on the border of the Lot and Dordogne, the combinations will begin the 160-kilometre Endurance ride on Saturday, 7 September 2024. It's an interesting mix of participants: from the reigning world champion—on a new horse—to young and veteran talent.

As is customary at the FEI Endurance World Championship, all eyes are on the three individual winners from the previous edition, as well as the three national teams that reached the podium last time.

Mediterranean countries aim to defend their positions

For the team medals, it's up to the Mediterranean countries—France, Portugal, and Italy—to defend their positions. In Butheeb, they claimed the gold, silver, and bronze, respectively. Notably, all three nations have registered seven combinations, giving the chefs d’equipe in Monpazier the option to finalise their teams of five combinations each, right up until the day before the competition.

France's selection includes three riders who were part of last year's medal-winning team: Virginie Atger, Clementine Chaud, and Philippe Tomas. Additionally, France's vast pool of Endurance riders has provided new talent for the national team, including Camille Garbet , Melody Theolissat and Julien Lafaure

Portugal's selection features the experienced rider Ana Barbas, who has already won team silver (FEI Endurance World Championship in Butheeb, 2022) and team bronze (FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, 2006). That team performance in Aachen was partly due to Jao Raposo, who is also in the selection for Monpazier.

Italy has selected three riders who also competed in Butheeb, where they won bronze: Letizia Milani, Carolina Tavassoli Asli, and Costanza Laliscia. The latter brings two possible contenders to Monpazier: Fara du Barthas and Emirat du Barthas.

New horse for reigning World Champion

The reigning World Champion, Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa (Bahrain), has opted for a horse swap just before Monpazier. Instead of Darco la Majorie, with whom he won both the 2022 World Championship in Butheeb and the test event in Monpazier (2023), he plans to saddle Darco’s half-brother, Everest la Majorie. Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has demonstrated in the past that he can triumph with multiple horses: in his ten previous World Championship appearances, he has won one individual gold (2022, Butheeb), one individual bronze (2016, Samorin), and one team bronze (2008, Malaysia). Each time with a different horse.

The runner-up from the last World Championship is Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi (United Arab Emirates). He has only ridden in two World Championships before. On both occasions, he secured a podium finish: gold in Pisa (2021 ) and silver in Butheeb (2022). Both times with the horse Haleh, who is once again ready for Monpazier.

Should Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi and Haleh secure another podium finish, they will join the elite group of combinations in history that have won an individual medal in three consecutive championships. Only Becky Hart and Valerie Kanavy have ever achieved this. Hart, together with her horse Grand Sultan, claimed the world title three years in a row (1988, 1990, and 1992). Kanavy was World Champion in 1994, runner-up in 1996, and World Champion again in 1998.

Jaume Punti Dachs, the Spaniard who has so far won five medals across seven World Championships (individual gold and silver, and three team golds), is bringing his trusted partner Echo Falls. The horse is not only known for his achievements and striking appearance (a white coat with dark spots), but at eighteen years old, he is also one of the oldest horses competing at the highest level. However, he is not the oldest in this championship; there are two others of the same age. Spirit de Crouz and Sabah du Courtisot, representing Portugal and Belgium respectively, are also registered.

Oldest and youngest participants

That equestrian sport can be practised well into later life is exemplified by Tom MacGuinness. The 73-year-old Irishman is competing in the FEI Endurance World Championship for the fifth time. His first time was ten years ago, at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Caen. In Monpazier, he will start with his thirteen-year-old mare Horseware HLM Fontana.

The youngest entrant is sixteen-year-old Jiahe Sui, who will represent China on the back of the French-bred Eiwa de Bozouls. This is Sui’s first time being selected for a World Championship. The young athlete has no fewer than six teammates by her side, bringing the total number of entries from the Chinese federation to seven. The chef d’equipe will have to make a choice, as each country can field a maximum of five combinations at the start.

China is on the rise in the sport of Endurance. After fielding a team for the first time in history at the FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 in Butheeb (UAE), they now have another team ready. The four combinations that competed were then unable to complete the ride. With seven contenders, China has new opportunities in France.

To compete for a team result, a country needs three combinations to finish the distance within the allowed time. On the list of final entries, 21 countries have three or more combinations heading to Monpazier. Additionally, 18 countries were able to field one or two combinations.

For the full list of Definite Entries, click HERE

‘Dream come true’ for Somerset horse rider selected to represent the Netherlands

UK.Sports.Yahoo.com - Full Article

Ethan Evans
Sat, 31 Aug 2024,

A HORSE rider from Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, has been selected to represent the Netherlands in the World Endurance Championships.

Shanti Roos, 47, has been chosen to compete in a 100-mile race against 144 riders from 39 countries.

The race will start at 5.30am on September 7 in Monpazier, France.

Ms Roos said: "This is a dream come true, I have tried to qualify for the Dutch team for nearly 10 years, training on the Quantock Hills and competing in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and even Costa Rica."

She will ride her nine-year-old Anglo Arabian gelding, Fripon Au Xois...

Read more here:
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/dream-come-true-somerset-horse-040000610.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAGntKrXB6TLkqT_z5KITLB_wjPzxw0keCIs2ZlAHWnzDZQMz4kD5W2Yc-uIvp0QdlwdioJkIaWKUktHfQ8aJueww9ZcmPJdT3PYEKnorpIHFzH28lqu1-GMTpQpi2llbs2wevX_DLv8XeW7yvyeHQ7WN5SiHrXIfTPWXgNdnjhA7&guccounter=1

Kerala rider all set to compete in FEI Endurance World Championship

SocialNews.xyz - Full Article

POSTED BY: GOPI
SEPTEMBER 2, 2024

Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 2 (SocialNews.XYZ) Kerala rider Nida Anjum Chelat (22) is all set to make history by competing in the FEI Endurance Equestrian World Championship for Seniors in Monpazier, France, on September 7.

Building on her success in last year’s FEI Junior Championship, Nida is once again set to bring pride to India.

The prestigious event conducted by the International Equestrian Federation will be a landmark moment for the sport in India as it will place Nida among the global equestrian titans who have honed their skill in countries known for their deep-rooted equestrian traditions and facilities...

Read more here:
https://www.socialnews.xyz/2024/09/02/kerala-rider-all-set-to-compete-in-fei-endurance-world-championship/

Italy: Sardegna Endurance Festival 2024: A Prestigious Event for Young Riders and Horses

IlMessaggero.it - Full Article

31 August 2024, 10:12

Less than a month remains until the start of the Sardegna Endurance Festival 2024, scheduled from September 26 to 29 at the Horse Country Resort in Arborea. The event will host the 'FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors,' a continental challenge for under 21s, and the 'FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses,' a global showcase reserved for young horses under eight years old. Supporting the organization of one of the most important global events in the discipline is the International Equestrian Federation, which this year will enjoy the exceptional patronage of three Ministries: Tourism...

Read more here:
https://www.ilmessaggero.it/en/sardegna_endurance_festival_2024_a_prestigious_event_for_young_riders_and_horses-8326127.html

Namibia: Desert Challenge lives up to billing

Namibian.com.na - Full Article

Colin Makondo (left) and Marjulyn Myburg took part in the testing Namibian Desert Challenge at Swakopmund. Photo: Francois Lottering

By Francois Lottering
29 August 2024

Sixty riders and their horses took on the gruelling 2024 Namibian Desert Challenge in the Dorop National Park outside Swakopmund.

The event, held under the International Equestrian Federation FEI and the Namibian Equestrian Federation banners, lived up to its billing as competitors from Namibia and South Africa battled to complete the course.

Riders took part in eight different classes ranging from heavy weight to the young riders class. The distances varied from 47,40 to 119,90 kilometres with one rider, Klara Louw in the young rider category, covering 127,30km.

Terrains varied from gravel, to the Swakopmund river’s soft sand, to the harsh red sand of the Namib’s dunes. The first group of riders started at 06h00 while it was still dark, with the last group starting just before sunrise...

Read more here:
https://www.namibian.com.na/desert-challenge-lives-up-to-billing/

Circus Cowgirl: Trick Rider Kansas Carradine Takes on a New Journey

CowboysIndians.com - Full Story

BY Wendy Wilkinson
August 27, 2024

The latest trick in trick rider Kansas Carradine’s impressive equestrian career? Riding 300-plus miles across remote Patagonia in the famously grueling Gaucho Derby.

“Imagine yourself thundering deep into the wilds of Patagonia on horseback. You’ve got your steed and you’re navigating across some of the wildest terrain on earth attempting to win one of the toughest and most unusual equine challenges in history,” reads a description from The Equestrianists website. “This is the greatest test of horsemanship and wilderness skills on earth. This is the Gaucho Derby.”

Trick rider Kansas Carradine didn’t have to imagine it. She did it.

If you couldn’t be on a horse with equestrians from 11 different countries riding at the “end of the world” through the wilds of Argentina, enduring diverse terrains and unpredictable elements for the 2024 Gaucho Derby, the second-best thing might have been staying glued to the action with real-time updates. For this author, that meant direct messages from Carradine herself while she was in the saddle competing a continent away...

Read more here:
https://www.cowboysindians.com/2024/08/circus-cowgirl-trick-rider-kansas-carradine-takes-on-a-new-journey/

Bahrain Team announced for world championship

GDNOnline.com - Full Article

28 August 2024

ENDURANCE HORSERACING – HIS Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs, Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman, and Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has announced the kingdom’s squad participating in the 160-kilometre FEI World Endurance Championship in Monpazier, France, taking place on September 7.

Shaikh Nasser will be leading the team riding his horse Everest La Majorie. Shaikh Isa bin Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa on Fizz Fageole will also be taking part, along with Jaafar Merza on Bolt De Venelles, Othman Al Awadhi on Ermine Dartagnan, and Salman Isa on Elmer de Bozouls.

Sarhan Hameed on Be Goode and Hamad Isa on Deese La Majorie were announced as spares...

Read more here:
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1331302/Team-announced-for-world-championship

U.S. Endurance Team Confirmed for 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors

USEF.org

by US Equestrian Communications Dept. | Aug 27, 2024, 5:00 PM

Lexington, Ky. – Definite entries for the 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship for Seniors have been confirmed, and US Equestrian is pleased to announce the athlete-and-horse combinations that will represent the U.S. The competition will take place on Sept. 7, 2024, in Monpazier, France. The team will be led by Chef d’Equipe Lisanne Dorion, team veterinarian Dr. Olivia Rudolphi, and team leader Nicole Zerbee.

The following athlete-and-horse combinations will represent the U.S. Endurance Team and are listed in alphabetical order.

• Holly Corcoran (Stroudsburg, Pa.) and Lorienn (Syndicat x Lothlorienn), her own 2012 Arabian mare
• Jeremy Reynolds (Dunnellon, Fla.) and Treasured Moments (DA Adios +/ x Hidden Treasure), a 2010 Arabian mare owned by Heather and Jeremy Reynolds
• Kelsey Russell (Williston, Fla.) and Juno Im Gold (Flash Goldon x LM Parys), a 2015 Half-Arabian gelding owned by Valerie Kanavy
• Alex Shampoe (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Promissin Gold (ZT Raashaqa x Hals Metourmaline), a 2013 Arabian mare owned by Valerie Kanavy
• Cheryl Van Deusen (New Smyrna Beach, Fla.) and Madjule (Madjani x MV Bonnie Z), a 2015 Arabian mare owned by Jose Ortega

The following combinations have been named as alternates and are listed in ranked order:

• Alex Shampoe (Colorado Springs, Colo.) and Southern Justice, a 2012 Arabian gelding owned by Dessia Miller and Valerie Kanavy
• Heidi Perreault (Hillsborough, N.C.) and Favailas Marechal (Ultimatum Mirbel x Formosa My Pride), a 2015 Arabian gelding owned by Marilyn Lemoine Pesce and Denis Pesce. This combination will be the traveling alternate for the team.
• Holly Corcoran (Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania) and Poete (Bandjo De Falgas x Poetikka), her own 2007 Arabian gelding

Competition Information

The 2024 FEI Endurance World Championship will begin on Thursday, Sept. 5, with the opening ceremony in the city center of Monpazier at 6:00 p.m. CET. The first vet inspection will take place on Friday, Sept. 6, and the CEI3* 160km Championship ride will run on Saturday, Sept. 7, beginning at 5:30 a.m. CET (Sept. 6 at 11:30 p.m. ET). Awards will be presented on Sunday, Sept. 8, with the closing ceremony at 10:30 a.m. CET.

Official Website

More at:
https://www.usef.org/media/press-releases/us-endurance-team-confirmed-for-2024-fei

National endurance riding championship puts horses through their paces in Inner Mongolia

BastillePost.com - Full Article

2024-08-27

The 2024 China National Endurance Horse Riding Championship came to an end on Sunday in Damao United Banner, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, with winners being crowned in the different events.

The championship, the highest-level endurance riding event in China with more than 200 participants, includes a 120km individual competition, a 100km individual competition, a 100km team competition, and 40km and 80km qualifying competitions...

Read more and see video here:
https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/4107818-national-endurance-riding-championship-puts-horses-through-their-paces-in-inner-mongolia

GBR Endurance Team for the World Championships announced

Endurancegb.co.uk

Thursday, 11 July 2024


Endurance GB are pleased to announce that the following riders and horses will represent Great Britain at the FEI World Endurance Championships, to be hosted at Monpazier in France on 7th September 2024.

The team is comprised of:

Alice Ingram with her own Best Off Du Vallois (Ghamil x Samshara du Vallois)

Carmine Villani with his own Bayla d’Alluech (Nourkhan x Piruet)

James Dickinson with his own Magdy (Spearmint/Magnetika)

Rebecca Pinder with Amanda Kettlewell's OSO Irazu (SDA Silver Legend/OSO Silver Ileanna) and direct reserve horse Invricel

Nicola Thorne and her own Dayway Stream Bliss (Castlebar Gulfstream/Khalida) with LI Wallonia as a direct reserve horse

Reserve – June Tate with her own Ehteyat (Calin du Loup x Frynch)

Chef d’Equipe, Fiona Bloom, says “although the British squad will face strong competition from across the globe with France being the current World and European Champions and Spain has dominated previous Championships with Germany, Bahrain, UAE and Portugal all strong contenders; the British team should never be under-estimated. We are well prepared and will fly the flag high.”

Fort Worth Rodeo star takes third in the World’s Toughest Horse Race

ForthWorthReport.org - Full Story

by Press Release
August 20, 2024

20th August 2024, TEXAS, U.S.: Fort Worth resident and former National Finals Rodeo pickup man, Josh Edwards, takes third place in this year’s Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race. Completing the race, a 1,000 kilometre endurance ride across the Mongolian Steppe, in just 9 days, Edwards was the only rider not from Australia to finish inside the top five.

Inspired by the ancient horse messenger system of Genghis Khan, this year was the 14th time the race has taken place. Riders face up to 200 kilometres a day in the saddle on semi-wild horses, making it the ultimate test of equestrian endurance. This year 42 riders from across the globe made up the field, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, Brazil, China and South Africa...

Read more here:
https://fortworthreport.org/2024/08/20/fort-worth-rodeo-star-takes-third-in-the-worlds-toughest-horse-race/

Three Shropshire brothers make their mark in world’s toughest horse race

ShropshireStar.com - Full Story

August 20 2024

Three brothers from Ludlow made history by becoming the first trio of siblings from the UK to compete in the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race. Augustus Read (23), the eldest brother, crossed the line in 6th place, alongside Americans Margaret Holloway and Gianna Aycock, and Britain’s Lola Day. Younger brothers, Charles (21) and Bert Read (19) finished the race in joint 11th place, out of 42 riders, alongside Grey Godsal another of the British contingent.

Following eight days of intense competition, Melbourne-native Missy Morgan took this year’s crown, closely followed by previous winner and Mongol Derby veteran, Perth-based Sam Jones, who won the race back in 2014...

Read more here:
https://www.shropshirestar.com/your-world/2024/08/20/three-shropshire-brothers-make-their-mark-in-worlds-toughest-horse-race/

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team riders shine in Hungary

GDNOnline.com - Full Article

Mon, 19 Aug 2024

ENDURANCE HORSERACING – Bahrain Royal Endurance Team riders Isa Hameed Al Anezi and Salman Isa Al Radhi excelled in their respective races held as part of an international ride in Szilvasvarad, Hungary.

Al Anezi triumphed in the 120-kilometre youth race, while Al Radhi took second place in the 100km seniors’ event.

The pair followed the lead of His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Bahrain Royal Endurance Team commander Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who won the 120km seniors’ ride...

Read more here:
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1330605/Royal-Endurance-Team-riders-shine-in-Hungary

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 10 – A hero’s welcome

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
16th August 2024

And just like that, it’s all over. The 2024 Mongol Derby has drawn to a close on Day 10, with the rest of our heroic riders pulling out all the stops to complete the adventure of a lifetime. The drizzle did nothing to dampen our spirits out on the steppe, as riders, crew and friends and family alike thronged at the finish line to cheer on those riding into camp.

Vet Don presided over a bustling HS28 this morning, as 8 riders arose ready to conquer the last leg of the 2024 Derby. Off most went early doors, to relish a final gallop across the steppe before the dream comes to an end. They were mounted up and ready for blast off by 6:30 on the dot, clearly now extremely motivated by the prospects of warm, dry clothing and a camp bed. Marni Hamilton (MHA) was onboard a prancing pony who looked well up to the job. Her response to Don’s request for a final call sign and comment on check out: “MHA, I hope I live”. (Spoiler, she did.) Fred Berry (FBE) blasted straight past Don completely ignoring him in his excitement to reach his goal, followed by Kelly Westlake (KWE): “KWE, let’s send it.” HMO: “Let’s get her done.” That’s more like it...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-10-a-heros-welcome/

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 9 – Sharing the spoils

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
15th August 2024

Day 9 of the 2024 Mongol Derby sees another 26 of our spectacular cohort of riders reach finish camp to become official Mongol Derby veterans. Welcome to the tribe: you’re now a member for life. While the slightly damp and dreary weather wasn’t much of a cause for celebration, everybody still out on the course gritted their teeth to battle through it, either to join the party at finish camp or make it that bit closer out on the steppe. Many loyal riding companions and newly minted friends for life have touchingly chosen to cross the line together and share their final race placings, showing the kind of sportsmanship that makes the Derby such a special experience for so many. It’s been a day of emotional reunions, remarkable riding and hard-earned cold beers. But it’s not over yet: still out on the course we have 10 determined jockeys who get to enjoy some more steppe magic before it’s all over tomorrow...

Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-9-sharing-the-spoils/

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 8 – All hail the Queen

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
14th August 2024

Day 8 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, and she’s done it. The exceptional Missy Morgan (MMO) has crossed the finish line in superb form, having ridden alone all the way from HS12 where she last saw another Derby rider on Day 4. And she’s managed it with zero vet penalties, and only a few late riding penalties marring her Vet Card. Let’s be very clear here: this was a bloody good ride. About as good as it can possibly get, in fact. Massive congratulations, MMO. You’ve been a pleasure to follow for those back home, and for all our crew, hosts, horses and riders who have met you out on the steppe. A very deserving champion is born...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-8-all-hail-the-queen/

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 7 – Ladies’ day

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
13th August 2024

Close of play on Day 7 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, and the competitive tension has ratcheted up a notch. All eyes are fixed on the two formidable horsewomen loose between HS25 and HS26, each camping out with exceptional host families for what will potentially – touch wood, barring any Derby disasters tomorrow – be their final night out on the steppe. Sam Jones (SJO) has put in an incredible day’s riding to claw back Missy Morgan’s (MMO) 1.5 horse station advantage from a couple of days ago. MMO rode out of HS25 just an hour and a bit ahead of her, normally only about 10km difference in Derby terms. And, to make things even more interesting, they appear to have consulted contrasting maps, each disappearing off down different river valleys. Will navigational nous prove the deciding factor in the final dash for finish camp? Only time will tell...

Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-7-ladies-day/

26th Issue of Arabian Horse International is released

ArabianHorseIntl.com

August 12 2024

The 26th issue of the Arabian Horse International online magazine, edited by Cidinha Franzao, has been released.

This issue features an in-depth look at the secret behind the Endurance Champions in France (hint: the sire Persik is a key), and a tribute to Benedicte Emond-Bon Atger;

It’s translated to Arabic too!

Read it here:
https://issuu.com/arabianhorseintl/docs/arabian_horse_intl26

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 6 – Snakes and ladders

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
12th August 2024

Day 6 of the 2024 Mongol Derby has seen our riders labouring under another summer scorcher out on the steppe. HQ had decreed that riding hours would be extended from today onwards by an hour from 6:30 to 19:30, giving riders more of a chance to make the most of cooler evenings and mornings to keep battling on towards the finish line at HS29. Out in front leading the charge, Missy Morgan (MMO) continues on her professional romp round the Derby course, eating up yet more ground to reach HS22 this evening. But her closest competitors are giving their all in the chase. Sam Jones (SJO) and Josh Edwards (JED) have rejoined forces and closed the gap slightly, having ridden a textbook day to reach their campsite just short of HS21. MMO still has a healthy lead, but at the pace her pursuers are travelling a penalty of just a few hours or a couple of slow horses could make all the difference. Can she handle the heat to cling on the whole way to the finish line, another 7 horse stations away?...

Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-6-snakes-and-ladders/

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 5 – Lucky dip

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
12th August 2024

Day 5 of the 2024 Mongol Derby has delivered one of the most astonishing ends to a day’s racing in Derby history. Missy Morgan (MMO) has pulled off a stunning feat of daring and horsemanship to extend her lead to a horse station and a half over her nearest rivals, in the most extraordinary form possible. Rounding off a sweltering day’s racing out on the steppe, MMO had a perfectly timed stroke of luck to draw a champion naadam horse from HS17. She pulled off an unbelievable leg, flying from HS17 to HS18 in just 1hr 45 minutes and sneaking into safety by the very tightest of margins. She’s put daylight between herself and her former riding companions Josh Edwards (JED) and Sam Jones (SJO), and she’s now more than halfway round the course. Can she continue to hold her nerve and keep her lead, or do they have their own superstar horses to come to claw it back?...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-5-lucky-dip/

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 4 – The parting of the ways

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
10th August 2024

Day 4 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, and the heat is on. The morning dawned clear and crisp, not a cloud in the sky. The weather held all day, with the sun beating down on hot and bothered horses and riders by the afternoon. The tension has risen along with the thermometer. Some unlucky vet penalties have led to a dramatic split in the leading pack at the head of the race, and also given others riding hard to catch up with them a chance to disrupt the rankings. Missy Morgan (MMO) finds herself camped out in the wilds tonight with only her noble steed for company, breaking away from former co-leaders Sam Jones (SJO) and Josh Edwards (JED): will she manage to cling on to her freshly seized lead, or will the weight of riding alone prove too much? Riding solo, and especially at the front, can be a draining experience. Think of it like bike racing right at the front of the peloton the whole way, rather than having team mates to take turns battling into the headwind. Sometimes your horse won’t travel as well as it would in company and requires a lot more encouragement, being solely responsible for every navigational decision can be draining, and if the worst does happen and you take a tumble you’re going to be hard pushed to catch a loose horse alone. As we approach the halfway mark of the race, anything could happen...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-4-the-parting-of-the-ways/

American distance jockey is stranded in Mongolia after getting too sick to ride in 620-mile race: ‘They told me to ride it out’

NYPost.com - Full Article

By Richard Pollina
Published Aug. 8, 2024,

A Wyoming-based extreme distance jockey was left to fend for herself in Mongolia after race organizers allegedly “couldn’t give a crap” about what happened to her when she fell too sick to compete in the 620-mile trek across the East Asian country.

Dede Anders, 49, was a last-minute entry in the Mongol Derby and arrived in Mongolia on Aug. 1 after race organizers reached out to her last month when another competitor dropped out, she told the Cowboy State Daily.

From the nation’s capital of Ulaanbaatar, Anders took an eight-hour trip to the race starting point and was all set to take the lengthy ride across the Mongolian Steppe.

The race — self-proclaimed as the world’s toughest horse race — recreates the horse messenger system developed by Genghis Khan in 1224, according to The Mongolian Derby’s website.

However, on Monday, two days before the race was set to start, she became violently ill...

Read more here:
https://nypost.com/2024/08/08/us-news/wyoming-horse-racer-dede-anders-abandoned-in-mongolia-after-getting-too-sick-to-ride-in-620-mile-mongol-derby/

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 3 – Three’s company

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
9th August 2024

The sun returned to shine down on us by the end of Day 3 on the 2024 Mongol Derby, and sets on another day of excellent racing, outstanding sportsmanship and a healthy dose of mayhem. Our leading riders have had a long, fast day in the saddle to cover a marathon day, propelling themselves from their campsite just beyond HS6 last night all the way to HS10. A 4 horse station day is no mean feat, especially when accounting for a high mountain pass and one emergency ejection along the way. But so far, the three frontrunners have managed to dodge any major drama: Josh Edwards (JED), Missy Morgan (MMO) and Sam Jones (SJO) are fast morphing into a three-pronged lean, mean Derby machine. But have they formed a firm enough bond to bind them through the ups and downs which are surely still to come over the remaining 19 horse stations, or are they all still harbouring personal hopes of clinching victory for themselves? Only time will tell...

https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-3-threes-company/

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 2 – Into the woods

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
8th August 2024

And then there were four. The dust has settled on Day 2 of the 2024 Mongol Derby, as four members of last night’s leading group of seven pull off a near flawless Derby day to put themselves just beyond the reach of a competitive chasing pack a mere 10k behind them at HS6. Sam Jones (SJO), Missy Morgan (MMO), Josh Edwards (JED) and Lola Day (LRD) have ridden beautifully today with the help of some exceptional equine partners to eat up the ground, navigate expertly through woodland and mountain passes and secure themselves a 5-star Mongolian goat shed for the night. The Derby dream. Pats on the back may well be deserved, but they can’t rest too easy: a determined throng of 6 riders will be making the most of the comforts of HS6 tonight to recharge and launch their bid for the lead at 7am tomorrow morning...

Read more and see photos here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-2-into-the-woods/

Mongol Derby 2024 Day 1 – We have lift off

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

Holly Conyers
7th August 2024

A whirlwind Day 1 of the 2024 Mongol Derby comes to a close, leaving in its wake several slightly bruised jockeys, a lost Vet Card somewhere between the start line and HS1, and some thrilling sporting drama. Typically the first day of any Derby is pretty hectic, but this one was a rollercoaster for the ages. Emerging victorious from the fray, 7 of our intrepid riders have bedded down for the night at HS3, the rest of the field spread out behind them all the way back to just shy of HS2. Sleeping soundly tonight in the comfort of HS3 are Almira Zakiyeva (AZA), Josh Edwards (JED), Lola Day (LRD), our 2014 Derby champion Sam Jones (SJO) and team New Zealand Brydie Black (BBL) and Emma Watson (EWA). But they’re by no means shot of the rest of the field. Camping out alone and just a few kms out of HS3, Gideon Kotkowski (GKO) has ridden a stormer to keep himself within touching distance of the lead. A slow start by the leaders in the morning could see him leaping up the rankings, assuming his horse is still there by his side when he wakes. And the rest of the field are hardly a station behind. It’s all to play for...

Read more, photos and videos here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-day-1-we-have-lift-off/

Mongol Derby 2024 – Pre-Race Training Day 3 – Marmot mayhem

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Holly Conyers
6th August 2024

Just like that, bootcamp is over. Two full days on the steppe at the Mongol Derby start camp, and we’re satisfied our 2024 cohort of Derby hopefuls are prepped and ready for blast off. Or, at least, as prepped and ready as you can ever actually be for whatever particular curveballs the Derby decides to chuck your way. The day dawned bright and pleasant, just like yesterday. Riders would be forgiven for assuming it would be another (largely) smooth day of briefings and test rides on nice calm horses. But they hadn’t yet reckoned with the miniature fluffy ball of terror that is the Mongolian marmot.

For some, the first obstacle of the day was shaking off the sore head and bleary eyes from their introductory night to the steppe and the start camp bar supplies. Last night following dinner, riders were treated to a mini naadam, the Mongolian national festival. Normally this involves Mongolian wrestling, horse racing and archery, but accompanying events also include contortionists, musical performances and throat singing (if you haven’t heard it, have a Google). Our local performers put on quite the show to really embed the riders in the phenomenally rich cultural heritage they are witnessing out on the steppe. Yes, they’re here to race horses, but these horses are only here as part of Mongolia’s fascinating history and traditions, many of which are kept alive to this day. Apparently this extends to watching everything from the back of your horse, if you’re a true Mongolian herder like our start camp team...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-pre-race-training-day-3-marmot-mayhem/

Mongol Derby 2024 – Pre-Race Training Day 2 – Bootcamp begins

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Holly Conyers
5th August 2024

Day 2 of Pre-Race Training, and our crew and riders woke up to a glorious first morning on the steppe. Sunny but relatively cool with promising clear skies and innocent fluffy clouds: the dream training day. A positive omen for our riders’ first brush with some famously spicy Mongolian horses. As riders rose and tucked into breakfast, our herders were already up with the larks and rounding up our test drive mounts ready for later in the day. Generally, horses in Mongolia range totally free in large herds. One or two reliable horses are always left hobbled or tied together close to home (or, in this case, Derby start camp) so herders have a willing steed to help them track down the others when the need arises...

Read the rest here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-pre-race-training-day-2-bootcamp-begins/

Mongol Derby 2024 – Pre-Race Training Day 1 – The riders roll in

Equestrianists.com - Full ARticle

Holly Conyers
4th August 2024

And so it begins. Our riders are now safely installed in the 2024 Mongol Derby start camp, having completed Day 1 of Pre-Race Training and cleared the first hurdle to Mongol Derby success: the very lengthy bus ride out from Ulaanbaatar to the steppe. They now have two more days of Derby bootcamp to test all their gear, finalise their snack selections and get familiar with some of their mighty Mongolian steeds before the gun goes off on the 2024 Mongol Derby and they thunder across the start line. There’s no going back now.

The Derby itself starts on Wednesday, and riders have 10 days to complete the approximately 1,000km course. Until the final day of racing action, we’ll be bringing you live daily reports covering each day’s thrills and spills. For now, read on for a rundown of what the riders and the crew have been up to today, and some background info on the course you’ll shortly be watching them conquer live on our tracking map...

More at:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-pre-race-training-day-1-the-riders-roll-in/

Australian Team Announced for Endurance World Championship for Seniors

Equestrian.org.au

The team for the Endurance World Championship for Seniors which will be held in Monpazier, France on 7-10 September 2024 has been confirmed. Congratulations to the following combinations:

Team

Catherine Bailey and Razorback Targaryen

Brandon Dick and Cameo Cranberry Moon

Andrea Laws-King and Heathfield’s Bin Sadaqa

James Sheahan and Minton East Chaucer

Alexandra Toft and Calcium Artagnan

Reserves

1st - Tahlia Franke and Rosevale Park Bay Sarin

2nd - Alexandra Toft and Twilight te

Mongol Derby 2024 – Meet The Jockeys

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

by Holly Conyers
31st July 2024

It’s almost here folks. In just over a week’s time, on 7 August 2024, a brand new batch of highly skilled and adventure hungry riders will take on the 13th edition of the mighty Mongol Derby.

Here at Equestrianists HQ we’re into the final throes of Derby prep. Start camp gers are being assembled, rider tack packs are being checked and rechecked, and the stars of the show – the horses – are being herded into position all across the steppe for the longest and toughest horse race in the world. We can hardly wait.

While the tension builds, what better way to whet your appetites for the sporting thrills and spills to come than to take a sneak peek into the backgrounds of our protagonists themselves: the riders. All have come through our rigorous application process and emerged triumphant. That’s a pretty big achievement already. But who will take the spoils and be crowned champion of the 2024 Mongol Derby? It’s all to play for...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2024-meet-the-jockeys/