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/

South Africa: Endurance horse fetches highest price at CdP auction

AfricanFarming.com - Full Article

A registered 14-year-old Arabian mare, Silvretta Neen, a proven endurance horse from some of the best Arabian breeding lines of the past five decades, fetched the highest price of R55 000 at auctioneer CdP Auctioneers’ open horse and chicken auction on 21 February 2026. The auction is held bimonthly at the Ditsong Willem Prinsloo Agricultural Museum near Pretoria.

1 April 2026
By Johan Norval

Her breeder, Dr Hercu van Niekerk of the Silvretta Stud on the farm Kililene near Modimolle, says he has since stopped breeding and now has only one horse left that the family still uses for endurance rides.

The online buyer was Xander Human from Riversdale, who plans to use Silvretta Neen’s genetics in his breeding programme. Human also paid R20 000 for the 20-year-old mare Silvretta Beate, who will likewise be used for breeding purposes.

Van Niekerk is a South African pioneer in the field of veterinary medicine in endurance riding and has achieved four-star veterinarian status with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI). In 2018, he was honoured for 50 years of service as a practising veterinarian and still serves as a consultant...

Read more here:
https://www.africanfarming.com/2026/04/01/endurance-horse-fetches-highest-price-at-cdp-auction/

UAE: MRM Stables dominant in Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup

www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2026CrownPrinceofDubaiEnduranceFestival

April 1 2026

MRM Stables lifted the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Wednesday after Abdulla Abdulrahman Al Bastaki sealed the fate of the showpiece event of the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival just past the half-way stage of the competition.

Riding Bullio Charles, Al Bastaki turned up the heat during the third and penultimate phase of the 120 km ride and took over the summit, thereafter doing just enough to ensure a simple but commanding 29 second victory.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup brought the curtains down on the annual Festival of endurance riding held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Al Bastaki began the day placed 23rd, but knew there was no reason to fret even though Fatma Jassem Al Marri, winner of the Private Stables Competition the day before, seized the initiative at the end of the first phase spanning 40 km when riding the Al Bawadi Stables-owned Dja De Beders.

Al Marri failed to hold on to the lead during the course of the second loop over 35 kms and dropped one spot leaving Mohammed Rashed Mugheer on M7 Endurance Stables’ Zeus FF in command.

Al Bastaki had moved up to 15th during the second loop and decided to push hard during the third phase over 25 km, a manoeuvre that yielded fruit immediately with the MRM Stables rider finding himself in command of the competition.

Maintaining the lead was going to be tricky, but both Al Bastaki and Bullio Charles were up to it and ensured nothing came in between them and a well-deserved success as they finished with 29 seconds to spare having scripted a time of four hours 23 minutes and 28 seconds (4:23:28).

Finishing second with a time of 4:23:57 was F3 Stables’ French lady rider Lea Vandekerckhove on A’Bandom’s Moonshadow, even as the UAE’s Mohamed Adel Al Hosani took third for Al Reef Ajban II Stables aboard SC Bonito with 4:24:16 on the clock.

Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Equestrian Club, Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, and Ahmad Saeed Al Falasi, Director of Joint Ventures and Strategic Relations, were present at the trophy presentation ceremony.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival comprised four rides and began on 23 March with the 120 km Ladies Ride won by ABH Stables’ Sara Hasan Ahmed on Wayward. The festival resumed after a bout of inclement weather with the Al Yamamah Cup for Mares on 30 March, an event won narrowly by M7 Endurance Stables after Hamdan Ahmad Al Mansoori’s success in the saddle aboard SW Jashfiya AA 50. The third event on the Festival’s schedule was the Private Stables Ride held on 31 March, where riding with absolute consistency Fatma Jassem Al Marri claimed a facile victory for SM Private Stables on the back of Celebryta.

Great Britain: Jo Chisholm Appointed England Chef d’Equipe Ahead of 2026 Home International

March 31 2026

Endurance GB has announced the appointment of Jo Chisholm as Chef d’Equipe for the England Squad ahead of the 2026 Home International, which will take place in Scotland on 5–6th September.

With a lifelong involvement in endurance riding spanning more than four decades, Chisholm brings extensive competitive and team experience to the role. Having started in the sport in 1989, she has amassed over 17,000km of competition mileage and completed eight 160km rides, alongside representing England as a rider at Home International level.

“I am very honoured to be appointed HI Chef,” said Chisholm. “This gives me another opportunity to give more back to the sport I love using all my experiences, and I hope to do my country and team proud.”

Chisholm is perhaps best known for her long-standing partnership with Grey Medlar, with whom she achieved multiple top results, including success at the Golden Horseshoe Ride and a BERA National Championship title in 2002.

Reflecting on her experience at the highest levels of the sport, she added: “Endurance riding involves the combination of athleticism and the ability to manage your pace over varying terrain and distances, whilst keeping your horse’s welfare as your top priority.”

In addition to her competitive career, Chisholm has previously held team management roles, including working with Young Riders and supporting squad leadership. Her appointment as Chef d’Equipe marks a return to a key leadership position within the England set-up.

“I wanted to make sure I could give 100% to the role,” she explained. “I’m looking forward to working with members of the England Squad—both familiar faces and new combinations—and supporting them to achieve their goals.”

The Home International is an annual fixture in the endurance calendar, bringing together teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Combining competition with a strong sense of camaraderie, it is widely recognised as a key development opportunity for riders progressing through the sport.

Chisholm believes the event plays an important role in building both performance and team culture.

“Team spirit is very important in endurance,” she said. “When the going gets tough, the team will rally behind a rider and provide the motivation needed to finish. That sense of support is invaluable.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 event, Chisholm’s focus is on creating a cohesive and supportive team environment.

“My priority is to get the best out of all our team members and to support each other with a real feeling of cooperation and encouragement,” she said. “A successful Home International is one where every rider achieves their aims to the best of their ability, alongside their horse.”

She also highlighted the accessibility of the Home International format, which enables riders at a range of levels to represent their country.

“Even our Elite riders started somewhere,” she said. “The Home International allows riders to experience being part of a squad and take that next step in their endurance journey.”

Chisholm’s appointment comes as Endurance GB continues to strengthen its pathway for riders, with the Home International serving as a stepping stone towards future international competition.

Encouraging riders to put themselves forward for selection, she added: “Go for it—you will receive support from the squad management to help you take that next step.”

Great Britain: ‘Unlikely’ Cob Secures Runner-Up Spot in Competitive Finish at Haywood Oaks

March 29 2026

An eye-catching performance from an unconventional partnership saw Jennifer Gaimster and her 14.1hh piebald cob, Striker, take second place in the 80km CER at the Haywood Oaks Endurance Ride on 28th March 2026.

Representing the West Riding Group of Endurance GB, the pair completed the course in 6 hours at an average speed of 13.3kph, delivering a confident and competitive ride capped off with a thrilling racing finish.

Striker, a 2014-born gelding with no recorded breeding, is not the typical profile of a high-level endurance horse – making the result all the more notable. The partnership only began their endurance career together in 2023 but have shown consistent progression through the ranks.

During the 2025 season, they recorded a third place at Avon Valley (62km CER), a fourth at Cirencester (80km CER at the Inter-Regional Championships), and an 11th place finish at the Red Dragon Festival of Endurance (80km CER). At Haywood Oaks, they stepped up again to secure their highest placing to date.

“Haywood Oaks was our first ‘race ride’ of the season and what a day it turned out to be,” said Jennifer. “Striker was calm and focused from the start, and we found a great rhythm early on.”

The pair rode in company with Iola Chapman, eventual winner, for the duration of the course, maintaining a steady pace across varied conditions, including sunshine, strong winds and hail. As the finish line came into sight, the competitive nature of the class came to the fore.

“We’d ridden together for the whole 80km, but when we turned for home, it was time to race. It was our first racing finish – I asked him to go, and he did. To feel that energy still there after 80km was incredible.”

As always in endurance, the result hinged on the final veterinary inspection. Having vetted out at the same venue the previous year, Jennifer admitted to feeling the pressure.

“There were definitely some nerves going into the final trot-up. But this is what the sport is about – the vets are there to ensure the horse’s welfare comes first.”

Striker passed with a heart rate of 50bpm and was awarded an ‘A’ for action, confirming an excellent recovery and securing their second-place finish.

“The relief was huge. I burst into tears – he’d done everything I could have asked of him.” Jennifer was quick to acknowledge the support behind the scenes, including organisers, volunteers and her crew, highlighting the collective effort that underpins success in the sport.

With a strong start to the 2026 season, this partnership continues to demonstrate that performance in endurance is not defined by breeding alone, but by careful training, horsemanship, and the strength of the horse-and-rider partnership.

UAE: Private Stables Ride

www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2026CrownPrinceofDubaiEnduranceFestival

March 31 2026

Consistency key to a stunning win for Al Marri and SM Private Stables

Consistency in sport is pivotal and Fatma Jassem Al Marri turned up a shining example of it when ensuring a facile victory for SM Private Stables in the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival’s Private Stables competition.

The 120 km event witnessed Al Marri make consistent leaps up the leaderboard on the back of Celebryta to bring herself to within striking distance, and then crank up the heat aboard her 12-year-old to win rather comfortably ahead of the rest of her rivals.

Al Marri and Celebryta completed the four-loop ride in four hours 14 minutes and 50 seconds (4:14:50), recording an average speed of 28.25 kph over the 120 km distance.

Finishing second, 32 seconds in arrears, were Ebraheim Ali Sabeel and Farzibus Cabirat, representing MAB Stables, who were timed at 4:15:22, while a distant third were SS Private Stables pair of Suhail Ali Al Ghailani and SW Kulmaalif, who were clocked at 4:19:12.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

The ride began with Abdulla Abdulaziz Al Tawash and Full Options Niellans (SS Endurance Stables) seizing the initiative at the end of the first loop spanning 40 kms, with Al Marri and her mount placed 16th. The latter began her ascent during the second loop spanning 35 kms, and climbed up five spots to reach 11th even as Al Tawash ceded the advantage to his SS Endurance Stables teammate Saif Juma Al Beljafla, who rode JM Jadjmili.

Al Marri made further progress during the third loop running over 25 kms and yanked herself up five spots to reach sixth going into the final loop. At the same time, Beljafla held on to his spot at the top of the summit. Going into the final loop over 20 kms, Al Marri was 5 min 37 sec behind leader Beljafla and knew she had to go full throttle to have a chance of winning.

And Al Marri pushed hard during the course of the final phase, revving her mount and sending Celebryta flying at a pace that was nearly 8 kph quicker than the previous loop.

The end result was simply stunning as Al Marri and Celebryta ran home victorious with 32 seconds separating them from their second placed Emirati compatriots Ebraheim.

Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, presented the winners with their trophies.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival comprises four rides and began on 23 March with the 120 km Ladies Ride won by ABH Stables’ Sara Hasan Ahmed on Wayward. The festival resumed after a bout of inclement weather with the Al Yamamah Cup for Mares on 30 March, an event won narrowly by M7 Endurance Stables after Hamdan Ahmad Al Mansoori’s success in the saddle aboard SW Jashfiya AA 50.

The Festival continues with the 120 km Private Stables Ride tomorrow followed by the main event, the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup on Wednesday, 1 April.

UAE: Yamamah Cup for Mares

www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2026CrownPrinceofDubaiEnduranceFestival

March 30 2026

Al Mansoori and SW Jashfiya AA 50 hold their nerve to win Al Yamamah Cup

The 2026 Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival resumed at Dubai International Endurance City in Seeh Al Salam on Monday with M7 Endurance Stables recording a narrow victory in the Al Yamamah Cup for Mares courtesy of a textbook perfect ride by Hamdan Ahmad Al Mansoori aboard SW Jashfiya AA 50.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival is held in honour of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the United Arab Emirates, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Al Mansoori and his 10-year-old mount went through the motions with absolute calm to claim one of the biggest prizes of their career after completing the ride in four hours 18 minutes and 18 seconds (4:18:18), having posted an average speed of 27.87 kph. The pair were fifth going into the fourth and final loop of the 120 km ride - the farthest they had dropped from the lead - but having calculated precisely when to strike, Al Mansoori and his mount launched a perfectly timed fight to overhaul their rivals and win by three seconds. Finishing second were F3 Stables pair of Rashed Mohamed Al Mehairi and Beduina Christiana, who were timed at 4:18:21.

Rounding off the podium was another pair from M7 Endurance Stables - Fares Ahmad Al Mansoori and his partner SW Jorka, who were a further second behind at 4:18:22. Hamdan and his mount SW Jashfiya AA 50 began the day posting the second best time during the first loop over 40 kms and were three seconds behind Alazem Stables pair of Hamad Mohammed Al Shamsi and Beduina Caroline. And while Al Shamsi and his partner managed to hold on to the lead over the second loop spanning 35 kms, Hamdan and SW Jashfiya AA 50 dropped two spots as they planned forward with tactics that would serve them well during the second half of the race.

The third loop over 25 kms witnessed a change of guard at the summit with Hamdan’s teammates Saif Juma Beljafla and Explosive De Venelles unseating Al Shamsi and Beduina Caroline.

Hamdan had dropped a further spot during the third loop and was placed fifth going into the final loop spanning 20 kms. He was staring at a 40 second deficit, but he knew SW Jashfiya AA 50 had plenty of fuel left and was not going to be the one running on fumes during the sprint phase of the event.

And so it was that after Hamdan asked for an effort, his mount obliged with a kick that eventually took the pair three seconds clear of the rest and to a nervous but well- deserved victory.

Al Mehairi did well to finish second. Having started the day in 12th, he moved up to 10th and then eighth before working harder to settle for silver. It was a rather up and down affair for third placed Al Mansoori, who began the day at fourth, climbed up to third and then dropped six places to ninth before returning to take third on the podium. Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, presented the winners with their trophies.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Festival comprises four rides and began on 23 March with the 120 km Ladies Ride won by ABH Stables’ Sara Hasan Ahmed on Wayward.

The Festival continues with the 120 km Private Stables Ride tomorrow followed by the main event, the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup on Wednesday, 1 April.

Wales: Man versus Horse Race in Llanwrtyd Wells secures sponsor

CountyTimes.co.uk - Full Article

23 March 2026
By Josh Price

One of Wales’ quirkiest endurance events has secured a new headline sponsor for its 45th year.

Cambrian Training Company and its sister business Trailhead Fine Foods, a leading Welsh work-based learning provider and snack manufacturer, will back the iconic Man versus Horse Race in Llanwrtyd Wells for its 45th running on Saturday, June 13.

The 22-mile race will see runners and horse riders compete across tarmac roads, farm and forestry tracks, open moorland, bridleways, and rivers, climbing up to 4,000ft.

This year introduces a brand new course and GPS tracking...

Read more here:
https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/25960218.man-versus-horse-race-llanwrtyd-wells-secures-sponsor/