UAE’s Al Kitbi and Moheeba crowned Young Horse World champions

Inside.FEI.org - Full Article

12 September 2026
Author: Bella Fricker

The Barroca d’Alva equestrian estate in Alcochete (POR) staged an impressive display of horsemanship, tactical pacing and equine endurance at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses 2026.

Setting a fierce but calculated tempo, Salem Hamad Saeed Malhoof Al Kitbi (UAE) guided the Spanish-bred mare Moheeba to the Individual title while also leading his nation to Team gold. The pair completed the 120km course at an average speed of 23.764km/h.

Al Kitbi and Moheeba arrived in Portugal with proven form, having previously claimed victory in their qualifier at Loubejac (FRA) at an average speed of 19.9km/h. Al Kitbi – already an accomplished international championship medallist with Individual gold, Individual silver and Team gold medals to his name – reaffirmed his affinity for the Portuguese terrain, having also won the Barroca d’Alva test event in 2025...

Read more here:
https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/uae%E2%80%99s-al-kitbi-and-moheeba-crowned-young-horse-world-champions

UAE riders claim double gold at FEI Young Horses Championship

BigNewsNetwork.com -= Full Article

WAM
12th September 2026

LISBON, 11th September, 2026 (WAM) -- UAE riders claimed both the individual and team titles at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses (8-year-olds), held on Friday in Barroca d'Alva, Portugal, over 120 kilometres.

Sponsored by Emirates airline and held under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the championship featured more than 100 riders representing 26 countries.

Salem Hamad Malhoof Al Kitbi won the individual title aboard Mahiba after completing the four-stage race in 5:02:59, while compatriot Mansour Saeed Al Farsi finished runner-up in 5:06:26. Spain's Rodrigo Blanco took third place in 5:22:45...

Read more here:
https://www.bignewsnetwork.com/news/279301418/uae-riders-claim-double-gold-at-fei-young-horses-championship

UAE endurance team defends World Young Horses titles in Portugal

LISBON, 10th September, 2026 (WAM) -- The UAE national endurance team is set to defend its individual and team titles at the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses (8-year-olds) in Barroca d’Alva, Portugal.

Sponsored by Emirates airline and overseen by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), the 120-kilometre competition features riders from 26 nations across four stages. The 13-strong UAE contingent includes five riders in the main team competition—Salem Hamad Malhoof Al Kitbi, Issa Abdullah Issa, Rashid Al Mheiri, Naser Al Suwaidi, and Ali Al Falasi—alongside eight individual competitors.

Following successful weigh-ins, veterinary inspections, and technical briefings, as well as an opening ceremony in Alcochete attended by Dubai Equestrian Club Director-General Ahmed Rashed Al Kaabi, the squad aims to extend its dominant streak following gold-medal sweeps in Sardinia in 2024 and Jullianges in 2025.

Trainers Ismail Mohammed and Mohammed Al Subose highlighted the team's extensive preparation, high-calibre horses, and experience, while rider Salem Hamad Malhoof Al Kitbi noted the intense competition, high speeds, and challenging warm-weather conditions expected on the course.WAM.ae - Full Article

Rising Stars Ready for FEI Endurance World Championship 2026

Inside.FEI.org - Full Article

09 September 2026
Author: Bella Fricker

The global Endurance community turns its gaze to Portugal on Friday, 11 September, as the historic estate of Barroca d’Alva, prepares to host the FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses 2026.

Barroca d’Alva has been a fixture on the international Endurance calendar since 2004, hosting more than two dozen major FEI events. Set among the cork oak pastures of Portugal’s Ribatejo region, its sandy tracks provide a test of technical skill, stamina and horse-and-rider partnership over the Championship’s 120-kilometre course.

Host Nation pride and European Championship pedigree

The home crowd will have plenty to cheer as Portugal fields a strong line-up...

Read more here:
https://inside.fei.org/media-updates/rising-stars-ready-fei-endurance-world-championship-2026

The FEI Tribunal issues Final Decisions in cases involving a Prohibited Substance

Inside.FEI.org

02 September 2026
Author: FEI Communications

The FEI Tribunal has issued two Final Decisions in cases involving a Prohibited Substance.

In these cases, the horse Freesia De Lap AA (FEI ID 107MM78 /BRN), ridden by Hh Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa (FEI ID 10018838 /BRN), and trained by Muhammad Abbas Khalid (FEI ID 10220213/PAK (BRN)), tested positive for the prohibited substance Atenolol at the CEI3* 160 - Dubai (UAE), 28-31 January 2026.

The athlete provided a detailed explanation of the source of the Prohibited Substance in the horse and the circumstances surrounding the case, supported by corroborative evidence consistent with the horse's Adverse Analytical Finding.

In the Final Decisions, the FEI Tribunal concluded that both the athlete and trainer bore No Fault or Negligence for the Equine Anti-Doping Rule violation and consequently, the period of ineligibility was eliminated. The athlete and trainer will also not incur any fines and each party bears their own costs.

The full Decision for Hh Sh. Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa is available here.

The full Decision for Muhammad Abbas Khalid is available here.

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser gifts 33 horses in support of private stables

GDNOnline.com - Full Article

Wed, 26 Aug 2026

HORSERACING – His Majesty King Hamad’s humanitarian works and youth affairs representative, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman, and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) honourary president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa has directed the distribution of 33 horses as a gift to private stables, in support of their preparations for the 2026-27 endurance horseracing season.

This will contribute to increasing the base of participation and raising the level of competition in endurance events.

The initiative stems from Shaikh Nasser’s vision to elevate the sport of endurance horseracing, which requires high levels of preparation, qualification, and equipment, thereby enhancing their technical readiness and ability to achieve the best results in various competitions...

Read more here:
https://www.gdnonline.com/Details/1404450/Shaikh-Nasser-gifts-33-horses-in-support-of-private-stables

Mongol Derby-Race Day 10 -Until the Last Rider

photos by Tulgaa Skizz and Batbileg Dovchinbavuu

Equestrianists

By Candice Sparre
14 August 2026

Day 10 of the Mongol Derby had arrived and for the 19 riders still out on the steppe, this was it.

The winner had been crowned and the top seven places decided, but for the riders still out there, today was their final opportunity to complete the 2026 Mongol Derby and cross those finish flags.

After nine days of horses, navigation, penalties, questionable camping arrangements, broken kit and everything else the Mongolian steppe had thrown their way, there was one job left to do.

Get up. Draw a horse. And get yourself to that finish line.

Day 10 dawned rather dramatically, with dark clouds hanging over the landscape while the morning sun found its way through...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-race-day-10-until-the-last-rider

Mongol Derby - Race Day 9 - Finish Lines and Unfinished Business

Tulgaa Skizz photo

By Candice Sparre
13 August 2026

Day 9 of the Mongol Derby and the finish line finally came into play.

After eight days of racing across the Mongolian steppe, the leaders began the morning separated by kilometres rather than horse stations. The race for the win was still alive, the chasing pack had plenty to fight for, and further back, riders continued to grind their way towards those increasingly tantalising finish flags.

By sunset, the top of the leaderboard would look very different - and the first seven places of the 2026 Mongol Derby would be decided.

But while the podium began to fill at Finish Camp, out on the steppe, the Derby was far from over...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-race-day-9-finish-lines-and-unfinished-business

Mongol Derby - Race Day 8 - The Steppe Isn't Done Yet

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

Tulgaa Skizz and Batbileg Dovchinbavuu photos

By Candice Sparre
12 August 2026

Day 8 dawned on the Mongol Derby with the finish line starting to feel dangerously real.

Eight days of racing were firmly in the legs, sleep was becoming increasingly theoretical, kit was beginning to show the strain, and apparently some riders were now continuing the Derby in their dreams.

But there was very little interest in slowing down.

At the sharp end, Laura van Laar (LLA) had one thing firmly in her sights: the finish line.

Behind her, Doniga Feliz Markegard (DMA) and Ella Greenslade (EGR) were still hunting as a pair, while Rangna Roux (RRO) had ground to make up and appeared in absolutely no mood to waste any more time doing it...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-race-day-8-the-steppe-isnt-done-yet

Mongol Derby - Race Day 7 - The Race Resets

Tulgaa Skizz and Batbileg Dovchinbavuu photos

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre
10 August 2026

Day 7 opened with a very different-looking race at the sharp end of the Mongol Derby.

Late yesterday, Lindsay Woods (LWO) became unwell on the steppe and activated her SOS. The medical team responded, with LWO subsequently treated for heat stroke. Unfortunately, the heat-related illness has brought her competitive Derby to an end, and LWO has now retired from the race.

Her racing may be over, but her Derby isn’t quite finished yet. LWO will now make her way to Finish Camp, where she’ll join those already there and swap racing for cheering duties, ready to welcome her fellow riders as they make their way across the finish line.

This morning also brought a number of adjustments to the running order at the front of the field...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-race-day-7-the-race-resets-

Mongol Derby 2026 - Race Day 6 - The Chase is on

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre
10 August 2026

Day 6 dawned with the battle at the front showing absolutely no signs of letting up.

Rangna Roux (RRO) and Lindsay Woods (LWO) had pushed beyond HS15 to camp on the steppe overnight, putting some extra kilometres between themselves and their closest rivals. Behind them, Laura van Laar (LLA), Ella Greenslade (EGR) and Doniga Feliz Markegard (DMA) had settled in at HS15, making the most of a good feed and some proper rest before setting off in pursuit this morning.

With the leaders beginning to stretch the field but the chasing trio refusing to let them get away, there was everything still to play for...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-6-the-chase-is-on-

Mongol Derby 2026 - Race Day 5 -The Gamble Is On

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre
8 August 2026

Five days into the Mongol Derby and the field is well and truly scattered across the Mongolian steppe. The front-runners are pushing on, navigation is producing some increasingly interesting lines, bodies are creaking, belongings are breaking and somewhere out there a Mongolian dog has ensured one rider will never look at a bush poo quite the same way again.

In other words, business as usual at the Mongol Derby.

Rangna Roux (RRO) and Lindsay Woods (LWO) wasted no time getting down to business this morning, while Doniga Feliz Markegard (DMA), Ella Greenslade (EGR) and Laura van Laar (LLA) remained relentless behind them, continuing to make gains on the front-runners...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-5-

Mongol Derby 2026 - Race Day 4 - Too hot to trot

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre
7 August 2026

The Mongol Derby rarely goes to plan, and Day 4 was no exception.

Heat, navigation mishaps, improvised repairs and a few unexpected logistical headaches combined to produce one of the most unusual days of the race so far. While the leaderboard continued to ebb and flow at the sharp end of the field, today's biggest challenge wasn't another rider... it was Mother Nature.

As temperatures climbed towards 33°C, Race HQ made the decision to implement a temporary race hold during the hottest part of the afternoon. Riding paused from 2:30 pm until 4:30 pm before resuming later in the evening, with riding hours extended until 8:30 pm.

The decision was a simple one. Horse welfare comes first. Always...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-4-Too-hot-to-trot

Mongol Derby 2026 - Race Day 3 -The Gloves Are Off

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre ·
6 August 2026

Three days in, and the Mongol Derby is beginning to show its teeth.

Yesterday's searing heat gave way to cooler temperatures across the Mongolian steppe, and our riders wasted absolutely no time taking full advantage. Spirits were lifted, horses recovered more quickly, and the pace at the front ramped up another notch. The relief was almost universal, with riders across the field commenting on just how welcome the cooler conditions were after yesterday's furnace-like ride.

That fresh energy was immediately obvious at the sharp end of the race.

Laura van Laar (LLA) continues to lead the charge across the Mongolian steppe, with Rangna Roux (RRO) refusing to let her out of sight. But if the leading pair thought they might enjoy a quiet day out front, they were mistaken. Lindsay Woods (LWO) has steadily begun reeling them in...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-3-the-gloves-are-off

Mongol Derby 2026 - Race Day 2 - The Heat is on

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre ·
6 August 2026

Race Day 2 brought another blistering day on the Mongolian steppe, testing riders, horses and every decision in between. Out here, the challenge isn't just riding fast, it's managing your horse, managing yourself, and knowing when to push and when to back off.

At the sharp end of the field, the race at the front is already beginning to take shape.

Alison Smith (ASM), Rangna Roux (RRO) and Laura van Laar (LVA) all rode out of Horse Station 2 together this morning, but it wasn't long before Rangna and Laura broke clear. The pair blasted out of Horse Station 3 shoulder to shoulder before repeating the feat at Horse Station 4 later in the afternoon, making it clear they have no intention of easing the pace...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-2-the-heat-is-on-

Mongol Derby 2026 – Race Day 1 – A Gentle Introduction

Equestrianists.com - Full Story

By Candice Sparre ·
5 August 2026

The waiting is over. Forty-three riders have officially launched themselves into the Mongolian steppe, swapping the comforts of Start Camp for semi-wild horses, split-second decisions and 1,000 kilometres of adventure.

Race Director Tom Morgan once again risked life and limb standing in front of 43 nervous riders and equally enthusiastic horses for the traditional countdown. Tom survived his annual game of Derby chicken and, in the blink of an eye, the field disappeared into the Mongolian steppe.

Behind him, however, the real story of Day 1 quickly became the Mongolian horse lottery.

Some riders struck gold. Others... drew absolute dragons...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-race-day-1-a-gentle-introduction

Mongol Derby 2026 - Start Camp Day 3 - The Final Countdown

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre ·
3 August 2026

Just like that, Start Camp is over.

Two full days of briefings, training rides and getting acquainted with semi-wild Mongolian horses have come to an end, and we're satisfied our 2026 cohort of Derby hopefuls are as prepared as they can be for what's waiting beyond the start line. The maps have been marked, the saddlebags packed, and tomorrow there's only one thing left to do: point 43 riders towards the horizon and let the adventure begin.

The final morning at Start Camp focused on turning information into confidence.

First up was a detailed run through of this year's course. While riders are entirely responsible for navigating themselves between horse stations, we don't send them out completely blind. They were guided through each leg of the route, shown compulsory waypoints, horse watering locations and areas requiring a little extra thought before setting off on their own tomorrow. Maps quickly disappeared beneath a sea of scribbled notes, highlighted routes and last-minute reminders...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/the-final-countdown

Mongol Derby 2026 - Start Camp Day 2 - Bucks, Braids and Batteries

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By Candice Sparre ·
3 August 2026

The first full day at Start Camp arrived with cool air, clear skies and a suspicious amount of peace and quiet. While riders surfaced from their gers for breakfast, Mongolian Horse Managers Munkh-Erdene, Enkhmunkh and Davaadorj had already disappeared onto the steppe to gather the morning's training horses.

Unlike many horses around the world, Mongolian horses don't spend the night waiting politely in stables. They roam freely across vast family herds, so each morning the horse managers ride out to collect them. One or two trusted horses are left hobbled near camp for exactly that purpose, and before long a line of sturdy, semi-wild horses was making its way back towards Start Camp, ready to size up this year's riders.

Before anyone swung a leg over a Mongolian horse, there were a few essentials to cover first...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/mongol-derby-2026-start-camp-day-2-bucks-braids-and-batteries-

Mongol Derby 2026 - Start Camp Day 1 - The Adventure Gets Real

Equestrianists.com - Full Article

By The Equestrianists ·
2 August 2026

Hello, Derby fans.

Well… this is it.

After months and for many riders, years of dreaming, training, fundraising, second-guessing themselves and explaining to confused friends why voluntarily riding 1,000km across Mongolia on semi-wild horses seemed like a sensible life choice, the 2026 Mongol Derby has officially begun.

Not the racing (don’t get ahead of yourselves), but the part where everything suddenly becomes very, very real.

Today, our 43 riders left the comforts of Ulaanbaatar behind and boarded the infamous bus to Start Camp. Six hours later, with questionable circulation, rapidly diminishing phone signal and excitement levels through the roof, they rolled into the Mongolian steppe for the first time.

There is no turning back now...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/start-camp-day-1-the-adventure-gets-real

Mongol Derby 2026 – Rider rollcall

Equestrianists,com - Full Article

Hello, Derby fans.

We meet again. At long last, the wait is over. It's been an agonisingly slow year since our 2025 Mongol Derby riders galloped across the finish line somewhere in the Mongolian wilds – and barely five months since the Gaucho Derby threw us another ten days of Patagonian chaos for good measure. But never fear: the Derby drought is almost over. In just under a week's time, on Wednesday 5 August 2026, the start flag will go down on the 15th official Mongol Derby and we'll all be saved from existential boredom by another 10 days of thrills, spills and highly questionable life choices aboard semi-wild horses.

Check out this years rider list here

While the crew are busy scrubbing tack, charging GPS trackers and herding up champion racehorses from across the land, riders are beginning to descend on Ulaanbaatar. Months – if not years – of careful preparation are about to be put to the test in the longest and toughest horse race on the planet. Over 1,000km of self-navigated racing across the untamed Mongolian steppe, atop just marginally more tame horses.

As these intrepid adventurers wing their way to start camp from far flung corners of the globe laden with copious quantities of anti-chafing cream, you may be asking yourself: just what kind of screw must you have loose to take on this monumental equine adventure?...

Read more here:
https://equestrianists.com/updates/mongol-derby-2026-rider-rollcall

Butheeb (UAE) selected as replacement host for the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026

Inside.FEI.org

29 July 2026
Author: FEI Communications

The world-renowned Butheeb International Endurance Village (BIEV) has been selected to host the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026, following a decision by the FEI Board during its teleconference on 28 July 2026. This will be the second time the venue hosts a World Championship, having successfully staged the 2022 edition.

The decision follows the FEI Board’s decision on 1 July to withdraw the Championship from AlUla (KSA) and re-open the bid process.

The Championship will take place in Butheeb, located approximately one hour from Abu Dhabi city centre, from 14 to 20 December, with the Championship ride scheduled for 19 December 2026.

“We are very pleased with the decision to award the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026 to Butheeb,” FEI President Ingmar De Vos said.

“The Butheeb bid was one of four very strong bids received when we re-opened the process. The fact that four Organisers put themselves forward as potential hosts demonstrates the solidarity within the Endurance community and a shared commitment to ensuring there would be a FEI Endurance World Championship in 2026. The Butheeb Organising Committee has a proven track record of hosting events of this calibre, and we have very fond memories of the outstanding FEI Endurance World Championship 2022 held at the venue.

“In taking its decision, the Board considered all relevant factors, in particular the safety and security of human and equine athletes. The Organiser submitted not only a detailed plan covering all sporting aspects of the Championship, but also a comprehensive logistics outline, including the costs of transportation and accommodation of horses and delegations, as well as contingency plans to ensure the event is accessible to all eligible National Federations and their athletes. The Board was therefore satisfied that all the necessary conditions will be in place for a safe and successful Championship.

“We are extremely grateful to the Organising Committee and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation for their continued support of the Endurance discipline, and we are confident that the 2026 Championship will be an outstanding event.”

Since 2004, the BIEV has hosted around 180 FEI and 361 National Endurance events.

The venue has earned global recognition for its modern, well-equipped veterinary clinic, which features digital X-ray, ultrasonography and other diagnostic services, as well as highly qualified veterinarians and laboratory technicians. Located close to the Central Vet Gates and the Holding Area, the clinic includes examination areas, stables for in-patient treatment, and observation and administrative facilities.

The course, which passes through a forestry reserve, combines desert sand terrain, natural tracks and gently undulating sections. The BIEV is known for producing technical rides that prioritise horse welfare, in line with its mission to deliver exceptional international endurance events that celebrate sporting excellence, place horse welfare at the heart of every decision, embrace innovation and sustainability, and create unforgettable experiences for athletes, officials, spectators and partners.

China Equestrian endurance riding competition opens in north China county

BastillePost.com - Full Article

2026-07-19

China's 2026 Equestrian Endurance Riding Competition opened in Fengning Manchu Autonomous County, north China's Hebei Province on Saturday, bringing together professional riders and equestrian enthusiasts from across the country while boosting summer tourism on the grasslands.

More than 200 riders from dozens of equestrian clubs nationwide competed in the 40-km and 80-km endurance races at the Tianma Flight Town (meaning "heavenly horse flying") on the Bashang Grassland, where vast grasslands and summer temperatures averaging around 20 degrees Celsius have made it a popular destination for horse riding and summer getaways...

Read more here:
https://www.bastillepost.com/global/article/6020755-equestrian-endurance-riding-competition-opens-in-north-china-county

UK: Derbyshire teenager lands back-to-back endurance victories

DerbyshireTimes.co.uk - Full Article

By Phil Bramley
Published 17th Jul 2026,

Fifteen-year-old Derbyshire equestrian Hollie Brewell has achieved an extraordinary double victory, winning the challenging three-day 160km class at the Cirencester Endurance Ride just weeks after conquering the two-day 160km class at Pembrey.

Riding her super star nine-year-old Arabian gelding Cotswolds Shaquille (affectionately known as "Sharqui"), the Amber Valley-based teenager demonstrated maturity and horsemanship far beyond her years to secure top honours in hot summer conditions.

Over the three-day Cirencester event, Hollie and Sharqui tackled a demanding schedule: 64km on Day 1 (two 32km loops), 64km on Day 2 (two 32km loops), and 32km on Day 3 (two 16km loops). Despite scorching summer heat and exceptionally hard, dry ground, the pair delivered an immaculate performance to achieve a prestigious win. Crucially, they registered their lowest-ever end-vetting heart rate of just 39 beats per minute (bpm)—a testament to Sharqui's superb fitness and recovery capacity.

Endurance riding is a unique equestrian sport that tests the fitness, stamina, and partnership of horse and rider over marked off-road routes. At regular intervals, known as 'vet gates', horses must pass rigorous veterinary inspections. Veterinarians measure heart rates, metabolic signs, and soundness; if a horse does not meet strict physiological criteria or shows signs of fatigue, they are immediately withdrawn...

Read more here:
https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/other-sport/derbyshire-teenager-lands-back-to-back-endurance-victories-8804111?fbclid=IwY2xjawTLgW5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFmdmFBOWlEVzJjbHY4QmNNc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoPJdn-ZayL0PGwEBaLVlwrY_KeHI2qYo3u3nHLsEcnYkP3_4b8qVzP6LvSU_aem_pn4A8HNbdnYlt-2CrOAJCw

British Youth set for historic return to European Endurance Championships in France

July 14 2026

Great Britain will field its first Young Rider endurance team at an FEI Championship since 2018, showcasing the next generation of equestrian talent and a deep commitment to horse welfare.

Endurance GB is proud to announce the three talented young riders selected to represent Great Britain at the prestigious FEI Endurance European Championship for Young Riders & Juniors. Taking place in the beautiful but highly technical terrain of Jullianges, France, on 31st July 2026, this event marks a major milestone for British equestrian sport. The determined young squad comprises Scarlett Chapple riding Durboro Tansy, alongside Carmen Benitez Tennant riding BAN - KEI Almanzor and professional rider Suzannah Todd riding Kefla.

The achievement marks a historic return to the world stage, with Great Britain fielding a full squad in this category for the first time in eight years. The championship course in Jullianges will test the ultimate limits of horsemanship, tactical maturity, and stamina over a demanding and undulating route. With only three combinations representing Great Britain, there is no "drop score" available—meaning every single horse-and-rider partnership must complete the course successfully in order to secure a team placing. Success in endurance is measured not just by speed, but by strict veterinary standards; horses must pass rigorous health checks, including heart rate and soundness evaluations, before, during, and immediately after the race to secure a successful placing and completion.

While excitement is building for France, the squad is also sharing a bittersweet moment following the withdrawal of squad member Alex Powell and her horse, Hope. Following a consultation and a decision made by Hope's home veterinary team, the difficult but correct call was made to withdraw her from the championships. In the sport of endurance, horse health, happiness, and welfare always come first. Endurance GB fully supports this decision, praising Alex, her family, and her support crew for their years of dedicated training and outstanding sportsmanship.

Endurance riding is the ultimate test of equine fitness, preparation, and the deep bond between horse and rider. Endurance is a long-distance discipline where competitors navigate marked trails across varied countryside. Crucially, the sport is governed by strict welfare controls. At regular intervals, horses are examined by a panel of veterinarians. If a horse’s heart rate (pulse) does not recover to a safe level within a set time, or if they show any signs of fatigue or unevenness, they are immediately and safely withdrawn from the track. The winning partnership is the one that crosses the finish line first while maintaining the peak physical condition of the horse.

Speaking ahead of the competition, Spain-based British rider Suzannah (Suzie) Todd, who rides the talented nine-year-old Tunisian-bred mare Kefla, highlighted the challenges ahead:

"Jullianges is a highly technical course, and it will not be a race of pure speed, but also agility over varying terrain and undulating tracks. In a field of young riders, it will be incredibly important to ride a mature race and not lose sight of the distance that is to be completed."

Katie Dickinson, Endurance GB Young Rider Chef d’Equipe, emphasized the significance of this campaign:

"This squad represents an important moment for endurance in the UK, marking the first time since 2018 that a British Young Rider team will compete at an FEI Championship. The riders are talented, dedicated young people who have worked incredibly hard to reach this level. They are not only excellent riders, but great ambassadors for the sport and for Great Britain. Their teamwork, horsemanship, and commitment make them a very exciting group to support as they represent the future of British endurance."

As a non-Olympic discipline, endurance riding does not receive central sports funding in the UK. The significant costs of international transport, training, veterinary preparation, and entry fees are funded almost entirely by the riders, their families, and the community. To help these young athletes compete on equal footing with their European peers, Endurance GB has launched a community fundraising campaign. Supporters can help power the team's journey to France by donating directly to the Young Rider Team Fundraising Campaign on Zeffy.

Endurance GB extends its heartfelt thanks to the incredible team of support crews, farriers, veterinarians, and families, as well as the generous sponsors making this campaign possible: Uvex, SGC, Zilco, Rhinegold, Equiverse Pro, and Lion Equestrian.

This international campaign reflects Endurance GB's broader mission to promote horse welfare, adventure, and personal achievement. From grassroots riders exploring local bridleways to elite athletes representing their nation on the world stage, the endurance community is united by a shared love for the horse and the thrill of the open trail.

Local Colorado rider to follow in the legacy of Genghis Khan and compete in the world’s longest horse race

SteamBoatPilot.com - Full Article

Paige Rylander will ride semi-wild horses across the Mongolian Steppe

Nick Slater | Jul 11, 2026

Dating back before the time of Genghis Khan, Mongolia has represented the genesis of horsemanship.

The annual Mongol Derby — a 650-mile horserace across the Mongolian Steppe — celebrates the relationship between humans and horses and is the longest horse race in the world. Steamboat Springs local Paige Rylander will compete in the 2026 iteration Aug. 5-14.

“I wanted to experience the epicenter of the horse-human relationship,” said Rylander. “I have competed in English riding through college, and I work at a ranch. This felt like the next step in my horse journey.”

The race roughly follows Khan’s postal route, which he developed in 1224 C.E.

The exact course that the riders must take changes each year. The riders utilize GPS and paper maps to follow the route.

Competitors hop between horses every 25 miles and utilize between 25-28 horses per race. At each aid station, riders refuel and migrate their gear — limited to a maximum of 11 pounds — between steeds.

Participants are permitted to ride between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. only. Over 1,000 horses are provided by 250 herders.

“You camp where you can,” said Rylander. “There is a culture of hospitality, and part of the fun is knocking on doors and asking if you can stay with them or camp on their land — especially when they’ve never heard of the race...”

Read more here:
https://www.steamboatpilot.com/news/local-rider-to-follow-in-the-legacy-of-genghis-khan-and-compete-in-the-worlds-longest-horse-race/

Australia: Triple photo finish in Tom Quilty Cup

Amy Everett and Box Hill Nifty, closest to camera, wins the 2026 Tom Quilty Gold Cup, from Charlotte Williamson on Stirling's Thor, part obscured and Emma Ireland, third, riding Razorback Rolex. Photo: Sarah Sullivan Photography.

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article

12/07/2026
Erle Levey

A midnight start and 160km later, it came down to a triple photo finish to decide the 60th anniversary of the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

The premier endurance horse ride in Australia attracted 225 entries from all states as well as a strong international contingent.

Held at Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Centre at Imbil, the course over five legs was challenging yet held in ideal conditions. A cool night with a near-full moon, foggy morning and a fine day.

Going out on the last leg, it looked as if the winner would be from a group of five riders fairly tightly bunched together – even after 140km.

These comprised 2024 Gold Cup winner Emma Ireland from the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Imbil rider Charlotte Williamson along with 2025 equal winner Nikki Sample, and first-time Quilty rider 24-year-old Amy Everett from the Hunter Valley.

Another Imbil rider Ute Jordan had been a strong contender all of the way.

A bit more than an hour after leaving ride base on the fifth and final leg, the horses rose into sight from the final creek crossing. There was about 400m to go and three riders were galloping towards the finish...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/12-07-2026/triple-photo-finish-in-quilty-cup/

Australia: 100 miles, one goal

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article

02/07/2026

PRECEDE

The Tom Quilty Gold Cup, the premier event on the Australian Endurance Riders Association, is being held at Imbil this weekend. ERLE LEVEY looks at what inspires riders from across Australia and from overseas to saddle up for the challenge.

BREAKOUT QUOTE

“The Tom Quilty is considered the pinnacle of the sport in Australia. It’s what most riders are aiming for – to start, complete and get a Tom Quilty buckle as a result.“

The 60th anniversary of Australia’s premier endurance horse riding event, the 2026 Tom Quilty Gold Cup, is ready for a midnight start on Saturday 4 July.

Riders from across Australia will be competing in the 160km event, being held at Imbil this week.

The iconic ride, to be completed within 24 hours, will comprise a strong contingent of international riders – from the US, Spain, New Zealand, France and the Netherlands.

The leading riders are expected to complete the ride on Saturday afternoon – a little more than 12 hours undertaking the challenging ride through Imbil State Forest and rolling countryside between Brooloo and Mitchell Creek.

This anniversary ride celebrates the initial event in 1966, to the west of Sydney, that saw 23 starters. By comparison, the 2026 Tom Quilty has has attracted 231 nominations...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/02-07-2026/100-miles-one-goal/

FEI reopens bid process for FEI Endurance World Championship 2026 following withdrawal of AlUla (KSA) as host

Inside.FEI.org

01 July 2026
Author: FEI Communications

On 1 July 2026, during its in-person Board meeting, the FEI Board approved the termination of the Host Agreement for the FEI Endurance World Championship 2026, which had been scheduled to take place in AlUla (KSA) on 28 November. The decision was taken further to the Organising Committee, the Royal Commission for AlUla, informing the FEI on 29 June that, due to the current geopolitical situation, it was no longer in a position to organise the Championship as planned.

The FEI Board also approved the reopening of the bid process with the objective of identifying a new organiser and keeping the Championship on the 2026 calendar.

"This was not a decision the FEI Board took lightly," FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. "We are acutely aware of the impact this has on National Federations, Athletes, Officials, support teams and, above all, the preparation of the horses. However, under the circumstances, we had no option but to seek an alternative Organiser.

"We recognise the importance of the FEI Endurance World Championship for all those involved in the discipline and are fully committed to securing a new host. The bid process will open shortly and the matter will be rediscussed by the Board at the end of July.

"I would also like to thank the Endurance community for its continued commitment to the sport and for its support in this challenging situation."

A comprehensive summary of the decisions taken by the FEI Board will be issued shortly.

Australia’s endurance epic: Imbil saddles up for the Tom Quilty

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article

29/06/2026
Erle Levey

It has been all hands on deck as the Stirling’s Crossing Tom Quilty 2026 committee and volunteers prepare the Imbil equestrian centre for the nation’s premier endurance event this week.

With 231 nominations for the iconic test of horsemanship being held over July 3-5 there was line-marking and mowing to be undertaken, and water pipes to be installed for more than 300 camp sites to accommodate an estimated 900 riders and support crews on site.

It is the 60th anniversary of the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, that saw 23 starters in that first event to the west of Sydney...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/29-06-2026/australias-endurance-epic-imbil-saddles-up-for-the-tom-quilty/

UAE riders claim top three spots in Emirates Global Endurance Series opener in France

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Youth, junior and senior UAE contenders shine in FEI-sanctioned French opener

Last updated: June 22, 2026

COMPIÈGNE, France: UAE riders dominated the concluding competitions of the first leg of the Emirates Global Endurance Village Series, held today in Compiègne, France, under the supervision of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI).

In the Emirates Global Endurance Village CEI2* 120-km race, Emirati rider Salem Hamad Malhoof Al Ketbi, aboard SW Kabroz, won first place. Fellow Emirati rider Mansour Saeed Al Farsi, riding Baileys Rembrandt, finished second, while Issa Hamad Al Anzi, aboard Ermine d’Artagnan, secured third place. The four-phase race featured 94 riders.

In the Emirates Global Endurance Village Youth and Juniors CEI2* 120-km race, Emirati rider Rashid Khalid Mohammed Abdullah, aboard Baraka Unica, won first place. Jaber Badr Jaafar, riding Erada Victorias, came second, while Lia Clerici, aboard Chekhov, finished third. The four-phase race featured 23 riders...

Read more here:
https://gulfnews.com/sport/uae-riders-claim-top-three-spots-in-emirates-global-endurance-series-opener-in-france-1.500582135

Camilla Coppini: Always Learning from her Horses

FEI.org - Full Story

02 June 2026
Stacey Stearns

The Italian is developing a reputation as one of European Endurance's most promising talents... In Endurance, progression rarely happens overnight. The sport rewards riders who know how to build horses carefully, gain experience patiently and develop judgement one ride at a time. Italian Endurance athlete Camilla Coppini has embraced that philosophy throughout her career, rising steadily through the ranks by focusing on development as much as results.

Still among the younger generation of elite Endurance athletes, the 27-year-old has already established herself as part of Italy’s senior Endurance programme through a series of mature FEI-level performances and championship appearances. But for Coppini, success has never been about skipping steps.

"A successful ride, especially in this discipline, goes beyond the mere sporting results translated into terms of performance," Coppini explained. "It depends on various aspects, on the objective set and on the horse.

“A qualifying competition with a horse that requires greater effort in terms of preparation and interpretation of the horse and conditions can have greater value than a competition conducted out in the lead but in easier conditions..."

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/camilla-coppini-always-learning-her-horses

Great Britain: West Sandford rider wins iconic endurance challenge on debut appearance

Julian Johansen and his Arab gelding CF Samuel won the two-day 80km class at the Golden Horseshoe Ride. (Julian Johansen)

CreditonCourier.co.uk - Full Article

By Alan Quick
Tuesday 2nd June 2026

A WEST Sandford rider has won one of the UK’s most iconic long-distance horse riding challenges on his first attempt at the event.

Julian Johansen and his nine-year-old grey Arab gelding, CF Samuel, won the two-day 80km class at the Golden Horseshoe Ride, held on Exmoor.

The event, which is widely regarded as the oldest and one of the toughest endurance rides in the UK, saw riders take on challenging terrain during an exceptionally hot year.

The achievement was made even more impressive by the fact that this was Julian and Samuel’s first multi-day endurance class.

Before the Golden Horseshoe, the pair had only competed up to 40km in a single day. They only started endurance riding together in 2025, making this just their second season in the sport...

Read more here:
https://www.creditoncourier.co.uk/sport/west-sandford-rider-wins-iconic-endurance-challenge-on-debut-appearance-912399

Wales: Newlyweds to take part in Man v Horse race minutes after saying 'I do'

WalesOnline.co.uk - Full Article

The couple will tie the knot then leap into action, joining hundreds of horseback riders and runners in a thrilling and unique Welsh race.

by Portia Jones
15:11, 24 May 2026

Just minutes after saying 'I do,' a couple will leap into action, joining hundreds of horseback riders and runners in a thrilling and unique Welsh race.

Animal lovers Safron Chapman and fiancé Nigel Griffin will celebrate their wedding by taking part in an annual Man Vs Horse challenge on June 13, 2026.

Each year, in Llanwrtyd Wells, mid-Wales, this punishing 24-mile race pits human runners and horse riders against each other across varied terrain.

Dreamed up over a pint in 1980, it still stands as one of the UK's most eccentric and challenging sporting spectacles...

Read more here:
https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/newlyweds-take-part-man-v-34003833.amp

Australia: Locals off to ‘pinnacle’ of endurance rides

theExpressNewspaper.com - Full Article

THE Far North Queensland Endurance Riders Association recently held its annual Pioneer Trek, with three riders now looking to the “pinnacle” of endurance riding events next week – the Tom Quilty.

25 May, 2026

Around 20 riders headed off from the Tepon Equestrian Park and ventured out on their respective 20km, 40km, and 80km rides, with club vice-president Brian Prove happy with how the event turned out.

“It was a good success. We had some first-timers come and do 20km rides and they really enjoyed that,” he said.

The Tom Quilty Gold Cup, which R.M Williams himself had a hand in bringing to life, is the national championship of the Australian Endurance Riders Association whereby qualified riders attempt to ride 160km in just 24 hours.

Riders from the local FNQ group who have qualified for the Tom Quilty include: Kristie Sheehan, Grace Zagata, and Brian Prove, and they will be heading to Sterling’s Crossing, Imbil next Thursday to contest the event.

“I am very excited, I mean, it’s the pinnacle of endurance riding – it’s the national championships,” Prove said.

“And the history of it is very interesting. R.M Williams and his good mate, Tom Quilty, got together, because in 1965 America ran a 100-mile event (the Tevis Cup), so those two thought Australia could do it better...

Read more here:
https://www.theexpressnewspaper.com.au/locals-off-to-pinnacle-of-endurance-rides-2026-05-25

Australia: Riders set to go the distance

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article and photos

15/05/2026
Erle Levey

Nominations have opened for the 60th anniversary of Australia’s premier endurance horse riding event, the 2026 Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

The Stirling’s Classic, a 120km ride in the Mary Valley, was an important stepping stone for riders and horses on their pathway to qualifying for the event.

The recent ride at Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Centre provided an insight into the conditions expected at the event to be held at Imbil in early July.

It follows a change in the qualification criteria for riders that has been introduced this year to keep up with the changing face of the sport.

The initial TQ in 1966 near Sydney had few requirements – riders accepted the challenge and entered with their horses on the day, many of those coming straight from the paddock.

It was not necessary to have helmets, saddles, even footwear. There was no need to show the experience of the rider.

There was no qualifying of horses to see if they were ready to go the distance, and to be comfortable among other horses of different ability and temperament. Vets were always involved in assessing horses as they progressed through the legs of the course to ensure they were fit to continue.

Now, 60 years, on it has been decided to set criteria that may better support inclusion and equity for riders while still maintaining the same veterinary care of horses with regular checking by veterinarians before, during and at the conclusion of events.

It’s similar with riders – they need to show they are capable of riding the distances in a field of horses that can number 200-300.

A trail ride is one thing, but it’s another to set out at midnight on a 160km ride through some challenging terrain, with a large field of the fittest endurance horses from across the country...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/15-05-2026/riders-set-to-go-the-distance/

Great Britain: Veteran Anglo Arab defies the odds to win 80km at Shuckburgh Hall

May 3 2026

 A 20-year-old Anglo Arab proved that age is no barrier to performance, as Balishla and Powys rider Fiona Griffiths took victory in the 80km CER at the Shuckburgh Hall Endurance Ride.

Part of Endurance GB’s Silver Anniversary Ride Series, celebrating 25 years of the sport, the popular fixture attracted record entries and delivered a competitive day of riding in warm, dry conditions.

In a strong class, Griffiths led from Jennifer Gaimster in second and Scarlett Chapple in third, with riders needing to balance pace carefully over firm, at times slick, ground.

For those less familiar with endurance, the 80km CER (Competitive Endurance Ride) is a speed-based class run over multiple loops, with horses required to pass veterinary inspections throughout the day. Performance is judged not only on speed, but on the horse’s fitness, recovery and soundness, placing welfare at the centre of competition.

Griffiths, who has amassed more than 15,750km of competitive mileage since starting endurance in 2002, was quick to emphasise that the win was not the original goal.

“It was absolutely fantastic to win. We hadn’t set out to go for it – we just wanted a completion. After a few tough rides recently, I really needed a good day.”

Balishla – known as “Goofy” at home – has now accumulated close to 3,000km in competition since starting the sport in 2012. His longevity is particularly notable given he was written off as a six-year-old with navicular.

“We bought him as a four-year-old, and he’s now 20 and still having the best time,” said Griffiths. “He tries his best all day and just loves ride day – he’s a real showman.”

The lead-up to Shuckburgh was not without drama, with Griffiths facing a last-minute shoeing issue the evening before departure.

“At 7pm the night before, I heard that awful ‘clip clop’ of a lost shoe. The farrier was on holiday, but thankfully ours came to the rescue within the hour. It was a 4am start after that – but that’s endurance, you just get on with it.”

On course, riders were required to adapt to testing underfoot conditions and rising temperatures.

“The ground was hard and quite tricky in places, so we took the first loop steadily. As the day went on and it got hotter, I was just focused on bringing him home well.”

The pair’s performance reflects a long-term, welfare-led approach to training and campaigning.

“Longevity is everything,” Griffiths explained. “It’s not about winning today – it’s about still being out there and enjoying it years down the line.”

That philosophy was evident throughout the ride, with Griffiths also taking time to assist another competitor who had become lost on course—highlighting the supportive nature of the endurance community.

“That’s what the sport is about – helping each other out.”

With Balishla now enjoying a short break, plans for the rest of the season will be guided by how the veteran gelding feels following the run.

“He’ll have a week or so off now and then we’ll see. I’ll let him decide.”

For Griffiths, the result is another milestone in a long and varied endurance career—but one that continues to be driven by the partnership with her horse.

“You don’t do this mileage without plenty of ups and downs. You learn something every ride and just keep trying to improve.”

 

Australia: Marathon a great test

Amelia Best leads Tracey Eastaughffe and Mark Liesegang out of the forest in the 320km ride. Photo: Sarah Sullivan Photography.

NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article

01/05/2026

The Far-A-Way Easter Endurance Carnival is a four-day event that embodies the spirit of horsemanship with the feature event being a 320km ride. ERLE LEVEY was at Imbil to capture the challenge that both horse and rider face.

BREAKOUT QUOTE

“Endurance takes a real team effort. If you cannot work as a team, it makes life hard.”

Riding 320km over four days is a real test of attitude … of body, of mind and of spirit.

To complete such a physical and mental challenge it needs a special bond between horse and rider. So much depends on the teamwork and understanding of each other.

It’s a matter of attitude, a matter of remaining focused at times that can be quite isolating.

Yet there’s also the joy of riding in the Australian bush in different conditions … at the first break of day, in sunshine or in rain.

That is the challenge of the endurance rider who undertake the marathon at the Far-A-Way Easter Endurance Carnival in Imbil.

Held at Stirling’s Crossing Equestrian Centre, the carnival attracted 220 entries in the 11 events.

The weekend presented riders with the chance to prepare their horses for the 2026 Tom Quilty Gold Cup, to be held at Imbil in July...

Read more here:
https://noosatoday.com.au/news/01-05-2026/marathon-a-great-test/

Endurance in Montalcino: Italian Championships 2026

https://www.initaly.it/en/articolo/campionati-italiani-endurance-2026-a-montalcino-quattro-giorni-nella-12085

Autore: Redazione • 28/04/2026 12:57

Endurance in Montalcino: Italian Championships 2026

From 6 to 10 May 2026, Montalcino becomes the stage for the Italian Endurance Championships and the “Festival Terre Toscane”. Organized by the Generali Endurance Team with support from FISE, FEI and MASAF, the event combines high-level competition with territory promotion and horse welfare.

About 300 horse-and-rider combinations are expected to take part; FEI international classes will feature 184 athletes from six countries and 14 Italian regions. The program spans all levels: from Pony and Under-14 national championships up to the CEI3* Absolute Italian Championship over 160 km.

Main schedule

• 6 May – Opening and official ceremonies
• 7 May, 9:00 – Italian Pony Championships
• 8 May, 6:30 – Under 21 (120 km) and Under 14 (90 km) Championships
• 9 May, 6:00 – CEI3* Absolute Italian Championship (160 km)

Venues and practical information

Official ceremonies will take place at Castello Banfi – Poggio alle Mura, while the operational hub will be in Sant’Angelo Scalo. All competition phases include strict veterinary checks, essential for horse welfare and event integrity.

The competition is set within the scenic and cultural context of the Val d’Orcia, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors should respect local rules, follow directions to parking and spectator areas, and expect some unpaved access routes...

More at:
https://www.initaly.it/en/articolo/campionati-italiani-endurance-2026-a-montalcino-quattro-giorni-nella-12085

JACK AU XOIS excels in French Endurance race

OmanObserver.om - Full Article

Published: 05:04 PM,Apr 27,2026

The horse ‘Jack Au Xois’ continued his outstanding performances in endurance racing after securing first place in the 103 km Vizac Endurance Ride held recently in France, adding another achievement to the growing list of notable Arab successes on the European stage.

The victory was achieved under the guidance of rider Theo Jonas. The horse is owned by Mohammed bin Rashid al Saadi and was originally developed and conditioned in Oman under the supervision of trainer Mohammed bin Hamood al Balushi. In the lead-up to the race, the horse was sent to France, where it underwent pre-race preparation under the guidance of trainer Elisabeth Hardy.

This achievement builds on Jack Au Xois’ consistent record, having previously secured third place in the His Majesty the King's Endurance Cup in the Kingdom of Bahrain, reflecting the horse’s steady progress and ability to compete at a high international level...

Read more here:
https://www.omanobserver.om/ampArticle/1188673

Great Britain: Major sponsorship announced as hoof boots rise in popularity across endurance riding

April 23 2026

A new three-year title sponsorship of Endurance GB’s National Championships has been announced, reflecting the growing use of hoof boots across the sport.

The Hoof Boot Shop will become Title Sponsor of the National Championships from 2026, in a partnership that highlights a noticeable shift in how endurance horses are managed and competed.

A sport evolving with horse welfare at its core

Endurance GB, the National Governing Body for endurance riding in Great Britain, oversees a discipline where horse welfare is central to competition. With veterinary checks before, during and after rides, the sport places a strong emphasis on soundness, recovery, and long-term horse health.

In recent years, more riders have been exploring alternative hoof care approaches, with hoof boots becoming an increasingly common sight at all levels of the sport.

National Championships showcase the best of the sport

The National Championships remain the pinnacle of domestic competition, bringing together combinations from grassroots through to elite level.

Held at Thetford 2 on 15–16 August 2026, the Championships include:

• Senior National Championship (160km in one day)
• Young Rider National Championship (100km)
• Championship Series from 20km Foundation level through to Advanced

Qualification takes place across the season, combining performance-based points with results at Area Qualifiers, ensuring the Championships reflect both consistency and progression.

From grassroots fitting service to title sponsor

Founded in 2021, The Hoof Boot Shop began as a mobile fitting service, travelling across the UK to help horse owners find the right hoof boot for their horse.

Since then, it has grown into a nationwide network of approved fitting partners, alongside online fitting services and a specialist product range.

Rachael, Managing Director of The Hoof Boot Shop, said:
“Endurance riders are incredibly focused on what works best for their horses, and that’s something we’ve seen more and more over the last few years. Hoof boots are becoming part of that conversation, particularly for horses competing over varied terrain. We’re proud to support a sport where horse wellbeing and performance go hand in hand.”

A partnership that reflects wider changes in the sport

Endurance GB believes the partnership reflects a broader shift within the discipline, rather than simply a commercial agreement.

Bella Fricker, Marketing and Sponsorship Director at Endurance GB, said:
“This isn’t just about a sponsorship – it’s about recognising how the sport is evolving. We’re seeing more riders explore different approaches to hoof care, and that’s being driven by a real focus on horse comfort and longevity.

The Hoof Boot Shop are a natural partner for the National Championships because they’re already part of that conversation within the endurance community.”

Supporting the future of endurance

The three-year agreement also represents continued investment into the sport, helping to support the National Championships and strengthen partnerships within the equestrian industry.

As riders begin their qualification journeys for 2026, the Championships will once again bring together the very best of endurance riding – from emerging combinations to experienced international competitors.

Wipawan Pawitayalarp: Meet Thailand’s Endurance Trailblazer

FEI.org - Full Story

17 April 2026
Words by Stacey Stearn

The experienced athlete reflects on her career, her horses, and the path that has shaped her success...

The name Wipawan Pawitayalarp is well known in Thailand’s Endurance riding community and beyond. She has competed in six major international championships and was part of the Thailand team that won gold at the FEI Asian Championships 2025 on home soil in Pattaya.

In 2011, Wipawan became the first woman to win the Sultan Mizan Cup at Terengganu International Endurance Park in Malaysia with Mulawa Angelus. The field that day was experienced and largely male, at a time when women in the region were still underrepresented in the sport. Her win came after years of steady work, training, and a strong belief in the partnership between horse and rider – something that continues to define her career.

“Becoming the first woman to win the cup was very meaningful,” she said. “I hope it showed that women in Southeast Asia can compete strongly and succeed at the highest level. If that inspired even a few young riders, then it means even more...”

Read more here:
https://www.fei.org/stories/sport/endurance/wipawan-pawitayalarp-meet-thailands-endurance-trailblazer

Feed Manufacturer Joins Endurance GB for “Suitably Mounted” Welfare Initiative

April 9 2026

Endurance GB is pleased to announce that Baileys Horse Feeds will be supporting the organisation’s Suitably Mounted welfare initiative throughout the 2026 endurance season.

As part of the partnership, Baileys will attend ten endurance rides across the UK, offering riders the opportunity to access free horse weighbridge services, body condition scoring and expert nutrition advice.

The initiative forms part of Endurance GB’s wider commitment to promoting horse welfare, education and informed decision-making within the sport.

At selected rides, riders will have the opportunity to:

• Weigh their horse on a professional weighbridge
• Have their horse’s body condition assessed
• Speak to Baileys nutrition specialists about feeding and management

Supporting Responsible Horsemanship

“Suitably mounted” means that horse and rider partnership are matched in size, weight, fitness, skill and experience – all factors contributing to protecting the horse’s long-term physical and mental wellbeing.

Understanding a horse’s bodyweight and condition helps owners make informed decisions about feeding, training and workload. Many owners estimate their horse’s weight visually, but these estimates can often be inaccurate. Using a weighbridge allows riders to monitor weight more accurately and track changes throughout the season.

Body condition scoring alongside weighing also provides valuable insight into a horse’s overall condition and fitness. John Coldicott, Endurance GB Welfare Director:

“Horse welfare is central to everything we do in endurance riding. The Suitably Mounted initiative is about providing riders with information that helps them better understand their partnership with their horse. Most of our members are already well within the recommended guidelines, but initiatives like this allow riders to access accurate information about their horse’s weight and condition in a supportive environment. It’s not about judgement or enforcement – it’s about education and good horsemanship.”

A Shared Commitment to Horse Welfare

Baileys Horse Feeds are widely recognised for their expertise in equine nutrition and their commitment to supporting horse owners with practical, evidence-based advice.

Their involvement in the Suitably Mounted initiative reflects a shared commitment between Baileys and Endurance GB to support responsible horse management and horse welfare across the sport.

Jane Buchan, Marketing Manager for Baileys Horse Feeds, adds;

“We’re delighted to be supporting Endurance GB’s Suitably Mounted initiative this season. Understanding a horse’s bodyweight and condition is a fundamental part of responsible horse management, helping owners tailor their horses’ diets to achieve an optimum balance of condition and fitness. By bringing our weighbridge and nutrition team directly to rides, we hope to give riders easy access to practical information that can help support their horse’s health, performance and long-term wellbeing.”

A Supportive Approach

Guidelines established by the Suitably Mounted Group (SMG), a collaboration between welfare experts and other professionals in the equine industry, suggest that the rider and all tack should not exceed 20% of the horse’s healthy bodyweight.

Endurance GB recognises that conversations around weight and condition can be sensitive topics. The purpose of the Suitably Mounted initiative is not to judge riders, but to encourage education and awareness.

Recent Endurance GB member survey results highlight the strength of the endurance community’s welfare culture:

• 80% of members support the 20% horse–rider weight ratio guideline
• 90% of riders report they are already compliant

The initiative therefore focuses on providing riders with the opportunity to understand their horse–rider partnership better, rather than enforcing rules.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

The Baileys team will attend selected endurance rides throughout the 2026 season, offering riders the chance to weigh their horses, discuss feeding and management, and learn more about maintaining healthy body condition.

Riders are welcome to visit the Baileys stand during the day to ask questions or take advantage of the free services available.

By helping riders understand their horses better, the initiative aims to support stronger partnerships, better management decisions and the long-term welfare of endurance horses.

Flying vet's frontline account of a brutal 400km Patagonian endurance race

Queenslandcountrylife.com.au - Full Article

By Campbell Costello
April 4 2026

The snow line had crept down overnight and as I reached out of my sleeping bag to find my headtorch - you could tell it was frigid with Patagonian cool.

I was manning the fourth veterinary checkpoint for a horse race across Patagonia; the inaugural "Pass of Tears".

A 400km multi horse endurance race that salutes the mighty Argentine "Criollo" horse and Gaucho horsemanship that allows one to navigate the unforgiving Patagonian terrain.

I was stationed at an Estancia called "La Josefina" - a 17,000 hectare ranch nestled along the northern shores of Lagos San Martin against the border with Chile...

Read more here:
https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/9210642/campbell-costello-patagonias-pass-of-tears-vet-on-wild-race/

Great Britain: Shanti Roos and Fripon storm to endurance victory at Kings Forest

Wsfp.co.uk - Full Article

6th April 2026

A RIDER based in the Quantock Hills has taken top honours at a national endurance riding event, showcasing both athletic performance and the unique partnership between horse and rider.

Dutch-born rider Shanti Roos, who has lived in the UK for over 20 years and runs an Airbnb business with her husband in the Quantocks, stormed to victory in the 80km (50-mile) race at Kings Forest, Suffolk last weekend

Riding her 11-year-old French-bred gelding, Fripon, Shanti delivered a perfectly judged performance to take the win by four minutes and 30 seconds, finishing at an impressive average speed of 17.01km/h...

Read more here:
https://www.wsfp.co.uk/sport/shanti-roos-and-fripon-storm-to-endurance-victory-at-kings-forest-894621

Australia: 49 years of endurance in the Warrumbungles with an international flavour

Image by Jo Arblaster - Animal Focus.

EquestrianLife.com.au - Full Article

Around 120 riders and horses are gearing up to hit the trails this weekend for the Tooraweenah Endurance Club’s annual event.

Ellen Dunger for Endurance NSW
Published 8 Apr 2026

This year’s weekend of events is going up a notch. In addition to the usual 7, 20, 40, and 80-kilometre events (with 120km event added this year), there are also international-standard FEI-level rides.

With more endurance riders registered worldwide than the Olympic discipline of eventing, the Tooraweenah Club partnered with Canobolas Endurance Riders to give Australian competitors the opportunity to qualify for overseas international events.

It is the first time FEI events have been staged at Tooraweenah and ride secretary Sonia bonham said the inclusion has bolstered entries, with an additional 32 nominations coming from as far afield as southern NSW and Queensland.

“It is our 49th year and we are runnng our first FEI event.” she said...

Read more here:
https://equestrianlife.com.au/articles/49-years-of-endurance-in-the-warrumbungles-with-an-international-flavour/

Kayti Curtis: 310 Miles of Endurance in Patagonia

Tooeleonline.com - Full Article

Kayti Curtis, endurance horse racer, participates in many races including the recent Gaucho Derby in Patagonia

April 01, 2026
Cailéan Anderson

Kayti Curtis is a resident of Erda City who has participated in horseback riding since she was seven years of age. Over the last seven years she has participated in a number of races around the state of Utah, throughout the United States, and in foreign countries—the most recent competition being the Gaucho Derby in Patagonia.

The Gaucho Derby is 310 miles (approximately 500 kilometers), lasts ten days, then consists of 40 participants and approximately 600 horses with each contestant utilizing a fresh horse for each leg of the race.

Well, most received seven horses, anyway. Curtis received an eighth because of a mishap involving one of the horses she had received for the race.

“I received a bonus horse because one of the horses I was camping out with overnight—and the way you camp is the horses are hobbled and tied to lead lines—so, my horse was just grazing while he was hobbled and decided that he did not want to be there anymore. He cantered away wearing his hobbles, made his way back to the horse station, and rejoined his friends..."

Read more here:
https://www.tooeleonline.com/articles/hometown/310-miles-of-endurance/