France WEG 2014: Test Event Feedback

Alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com

9/16/2013

Numerous people took part in the three test events in August 2013: the riders and the pacesetters, of course, but also the Normandy 2014 Organising Committee, the discipline managers, the French Equestrian Federation (FFE), the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI), journalists, volunteers, etc. We take a look at what they thought of these events.

Vittoria Panizzon, winner of the Eventing on Merlots Magic:

I’m really delighted. I had never been to Le Pin National Stud before and I really liked the setting as well as the course. I’m sure that the Games will be watched by many people next year. And if we can benefit from the same support and the same atmosphere as last year at the London Olympics, it will be fantastic.

Chester Weber, winner of the Driving:

I was really impressed by the competition venue. There is nothing better than bringing sport to the people, so I’m really happy that the event took place here, in the centre of Caen. I was very impressed with the surface too. I still think that there are a few details to sort out with regard to the surface for the dressage and the cones, but I liked the sand surface a lot. You can tell that the organisers have worked really hard on it.

Jean-Marc Varillon, manager of the Eventing discipline:

The review is positive on the whole: the cross-country course is excellent, the new timing technology works well, the convoy that took the horses from Le Pin National Stud to Caen went smoothly, the members of the Organising Committee and the volunteers worked well together... There are still a lot of things to do in preparation for 2014, but we’re confident.

Nicolas Wahlen, manager of the Endurance discipline:

The hardest thing is done: the route has been approved by the majority of the riders. Nevertheless, the 4 loops ridden in 2013, plus the new loop for 2014, still need to be improved so that the surface is better quality. The race went smoothly thanks to the new timing and pulse-taking technology, as well as the competent and well-respected judges. I would like to thank the competitors, who all got on board with the idea of a more eco-friendly race...

Read more here:
http://www.alltechfeiweg2014-normandy.com/en/news/test-event-feedback--a228.html

German completes epic 25,000km ride in Alaska

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Sep 18, 2013

German adventurer Guenter Wamser has completed his epic 20-year ride from Patagonia to central Alaska, ending one of the greatest horseback journeys in human history.

“A few days ago we arrived at our final destination in Alaska,” Wamser told Horsetalk by email.

“This is the end of my long horseback ride from Argentina to Alaska.

“We found a big pasture for the horses, so they got a few days to relax before we travel south to their wintering pasture at a friend’s place in Canada...”

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/09/18/german-completes-epic-ride-alaska/#axzz2fFhMbF8F

France wins team gold at European Endurance Champs

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on Sep 18, 2013

France has again won team gold at the FEI Open European Endurance Championships, but Jaume Punti Dachs kept the individual title in Spanish hands when he won on Quran El Ulm.

The UAE’s Sheikh Rashid Dalmook al Maktoum won the Open European Individual gold with Yamamah...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2013/09/18/france-team-gold-european-endurance-champs/#axzz2fFhMbF8F

Czech Republic: Dachs keeps it in the family with the European Gold

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

September 15, 2013
By Pamela@horsereporter

September 16, 2013, Most, Czech Republic ~ As the 88 competitors representing 23 countries left the start it was minus the current European Champion, Spain’s Maria Alverez Ponton and her steady champion mount, Nobby. Husband, Juma Punti Dachs, commented that after the recent birth of their third child, Anna, his wife did not currently feel fit enough to compete in a 160km Championship.

From the onset Dachs was up front and with a broad smile he crossed the finish to yet again have the family name on the winners trophy. Riding the 9-year old French-bred grey stallion, Quran El Ulm, he won the Meydan FEI European Championship in 7h 42m 40s ( 20.879kmph). Quran El Ulm (Ulm de Domenjoi x Movoska by Persik)

Another name missing from the line-up was that of HH Sh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, winner of the test ride last year, who is recovering from a leg injury. So the question was could the UAE’s Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri retain his crown of Open European Champion. After a closely fought contest between the Middle East countries it was Sh Rashid Bin Dalmook All Maktoum who stormed ahead to win the Open Gold trophy for the UAE in 7h 24m 44s ( 21.721kmph)...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=7903

Latest drugs scandal casts shadow over Sheikh Mohammed - the most powerful man in racing

Mirror.co.uk - Full Article

14 September 2013
by David Yates

Backer: Horseracing would be in dire straits without Sheikh Mohammed's cash

It was back in June 1977 that the John Dunlop-trained Hatta won Brighton’s Bevendene Maiden Stakes to give Sheikh Mohammed his first victory as a racehorse owner.

In the intervening years, the sheikh, his family and associates have won thousands of races — including hundreds at the highest level — and reshaped the landscape of the British turf.

The universally accepted way of viewing the Maktoums’ patronage of racing — not once have I heard contrary sentiments expressed in public — is to see it as nearly four decades of beneficence.

Racing is needy and the Maktoums are wealthy. We are lucky to have them — but, in every relationship, there is a tipping point. On Tuesday, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs announced the seizure of a cache of 124 unlicensed veterinary medicines at Moorley Farm, part of Sheikh Mohammed’s Dalham Hall Stud estate in Newmarket.

Moorley Farm is where endurance horses — who compete in long-distance events of up to 100 miles, held in Britain and all over the world — not thoroughbreds, are housed, so the British Horseracing Authority immediately distanced itself from action.

On Wednesday, the Maktoums’ endurance trainer Jaume Punti Dachs issued a statement to protest there was “nothing sinister” about the affair — although DEFRA has yet to conclude its report, and a criminal investigation by the police remains a possibility...

Read more here:
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/horse-racing/sheikh-mohammed-rogue-trainers-2271812

Spain: Jauma Punti Wins Gold Medal in European Championship Raid

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

[google translation]

September 16 2013

On the official website of the Catalan Federation of Equestrian, have published Jaume Punti triumph in the European Championship 2013 in Most Raid and the Silver Medal won by the Spanish team.

This is the news:

The Jaume Punti, new European champion RAID

The Catalan rider, Jaume Punti, has achieved Gold medal in the European Championships of RAID, which was held during this weekend in the Czech town of Most. In addition to the gold medal, the Spanish team also added the silver medal in a team of Jaume Punti, Laia Muixí and Javier Cervera.

The new European champion, competed on the back of Quran The Ulm, getting make the journey in a time of 7 hours, 42 minutes and 40 seconds, beating Jean-Philippe Frances Qrafik The Majorie and Kamila Kart with Raila des Sables, which finished second and third respectively. The also Catalan Laia Muixí, made a good tournament, finishing in eleventh place, while Javier Cervera, was ranked fourteenth.

For teams, the Gold Medal, would finally for the France, while Spain achieved the silver medal, while the bronze would be for the Italian team.

Source: FCH.
Greetings from Gabriel.

Royal Cavalry shines in Czech endurance race

Omantribune.com

MOST (Czech Republic) Rider Abdullah Bin Said Al Siyabi astride ‘Punjab’ of the Royal Cavalry, passed the stages of the Europe Open Endurance Championship, held at Most city in Czech Republic. The 160km race saw the participation of 91 riders from 23 countries.

The Royal Cavalry team for the event comprised of five riders, who qualified for the finals of the championship after passing international races, which were organised by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.

Brigadier Abdul Razaq Bin Abdul Qadir Al Shahwarzi, Commander of the Royal Cavalry, said the participation of the Royal Cavalry at the finals of the Europe Open Endurance Championship is an achievement for the Royal Cavalry as the team was thoroughly prepared to continue its good show at various international events.

He added that six riders from the Royal Cavalry qualified for the World Endurance Championship 2014 to be held in France.

Major Sinan Bin Sulaiman Al Abri, head of the team, said the participation of the Royal Cavalry riders at the Europe Open Endurance Championship came after they passed international races, besides taking part in major European races, which will benefit the technical team to assess the level of the team before participating at the World Endurance Championship 2014.

Oman News Agency

Australia: Saddling up for Biggenden ride

Abc.net.au - Full Article

16 September 2013
By Ross Kay

In the middle of the bush, miles from anywhere, a track winds through the gum trees and rocky terrain around Biggenden.

Riders on horseback make their way through the course, intent on finishing with a fast time, but also cautious of not pushing the horses too hard.

This is the core idea behind endurance riding; finish the course, but look after the horse.
"Basically you're looking at taking your horses over a set distance and bringing the horse back in a healthy, fit condition," said Brett Wright...

Read more here:
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/09/16/3849763.htm?site=widebay

Australia: Riders muster up strength for long trek

Examiner.com.au - Full Article

By PETER SANDERS Sept. 14, 2013

ENDURANCE riders from around the country competed at yesterday's North-East Equine Endurance Club Aayan Dubai 120-kilometre endurance ride.

Lebrina's Shannon Hill won in what organiser Carolyn Foley described as a ``very fast'' six hours and 38 minutes, from Alex Jones, of Queensland (7:28), and Ellie Maddick, of Railton (8:14).

Ms Foley said that Hill's winning time was a little over an hour more than some people had to take to complete an 80-kilometre ride...

Read more here:
http://www.examiner.com.au/story/1776825/riders-muster-up-strength-for-long-trek/?cs=12

Spain's Jaume Punti is 2013 European Champion

September 14 2013

Adbulla Ghanim al Marri of the UAE has won the open division of the 160-km 2013 European Championship at Most, Czech Republic, riding Nikos in 6:41.53, at an average of 21.2 km/h. Finishing in second place 18 seconds later was the UAE's Rashid Dalmook al Maktoum, riding Yamamah (Kurrajong Concorde).

Finishing 3rd, and winning European gold, and the European Championship, were Spain's Jaume Punti Dachs, riding Quran el Ulm, in 6:42.28.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad al Khalifa of Bahrain finished 4th, riding Dhab, in 6:42.32.

For more coverage, photos and results, see
http://www.endurance.net/international/CzechRepublic/2013EuropeanChampionship/

FEI Endurance Strategic Planning Group Holds First Meeting

Thehorse.com

By Edited Press Release
SEP 12, 2013

The Endurance Strategic Planning Group, which was set up following a round table session at the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland, on July 24, held its first meeting via teleconference on Sept. 10.

The group, chaired by Andrew Finding (GBR), consists of Brian Sheahan, BVSc, MACVSc, (AUS), chairman of the FEI Endurance Committee; Jean-Louis Leclerc (FRA); Saeed Al Tayer (UAE); Joe Mattingly (USA); and the FEI’s Ian Williams (endurance director) and Graeme Cooke, MA, Vet MB, MBA, MCIM, MRCVS, TD (veterinary director).

“Together we reviewed the FEI Bureau’s direction to us and considered the mission statement we have been given,” Finding said. “We have all agreed that we are comfortable with accepting that mission statement and working to achieve the objective which is to create an environment within which athletes compete in the spirit of fair play while horses compete in partnership with human athletes where at all times their welfare is of paramount concern. The mission statement says, ‘The strategic plan for endurance over the decade 2013-2023 will define a global rate of growth for the sport; growth that is manageable and effectively supervised by the FEI and (national federations). Increased levels of participation, more events and improved standards are to be encouraged where all (national federations), athletes, trainers, officials, and organizers adhere to and promote the highest 'Clean Sport' standards and meet the FEI Code of Conduct for the welfare of the horse.’

“This was a really good and positive meeting in which all members of the group provided valuable input with a determined commitment,” he continued. “Every member has undertaken to add detail in their area of special insight and knowledge over the next two weeks. We will review this work when we meet for our first face-to-face session in the first few days of October. Progressively through September and October we will develop the draft strategic 'plan in outline' which we will reveal at the endurance session which will take place on Nov. 6 in Montreux (Switzerland) in the framework of the FEI General Assembly. As we move through our work, Dr. Brian Sheahan and Ian Williams will be consulting the FEI Endurance Committee.”

Sheahan added, “I am very happy. We have already made a big step forward.”

Bahrain: Royal Team ready for European ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

September 13, 2013

BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team is set to compete in the 2013 FEI Open European Championship, scheduled to take place tomorrow in Most, Czech Republic.

Leading the kingdom's riders will be Royal Endurance Team Captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa as well as Al Khalidiyah Stables leader Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The ride is 160 kilometres in distance and it will be divided into six stages. The first will be 31km, the second 25km, the third 35km, the fourth 31km, and the final two phases will each be 19km.

Around 90 participants are entered in the event representing 22 countries.

Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid both arrived at the venue yesterday. They went directly to undertaking their final preparations for the event, which is set to feature many of Europe's leading endurance riders plus many from across the GCC and the rest of the globe.

Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid both expressed their confidence in Bahrain's riders doing well in tomorrow's ride.

The team has recently been outstanding in their most recent participations across Europe, which included a fine showing in the territory of Normandy in France, where Bahraini ace Raed Mahmoud finished as the overall runner-up amongst an international field of competitors.

Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid added that the European ride can only be beneficial for the team as they continue to gear up for bigger global races, culminating with the world championships where they hope to be amongst the very best.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa is also in Most to attend the event. He said yesterday that the European championship is a great opportunity for Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team to showcase their abilities at a top-class event and wished the entire team, especially Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid, success in tomorrow's race.

The veterinary examination will take place today in Most, along with the other final preparations for the ride.

Great Britain: Nothing sinister in drugs seizure claims trainer

Racingpost.com - Full Article

By Tony Smurthwaite 7:25PM 11 SEP 2013

THE endurance trainer at the centre of latest furore to hit Sheikh Mohammed's Newmarket headquarters has insisted that there was nothing sinister about the consignment of 124 unauthorised equine medicines seized by government officials last month.

On the contrary, Jaume Punti Dachs, who trains endurance horses on part of Sheikh Mohammed's Dalham Hall estate at Moorley Farm East in Newmarket, said that Defra's Veterinary Medicines Directorate was concerned only that he had bought them overseas and imported them rather than buying them in the UK.

Punti Dachs and his wife Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton compete regularly in endurance sport and claim to expect such official visits. In addition to releasing a statement in which he denied any suggestion of wrongdoing, the trainer listed the names and quantities of medication he had brought in from overseas alongside the equivalent product, some under different trade names, he had ordered later that day and which were delivered to him the following day from the Newmarket Equine Hospital.

His statement read: "My stables in Newmarket was visited by the Defra Authorities in early August, where they searched the premises and found normal medications that I brought to the UK and they confiscated them because they were not licensed in this country...

Read more here:
http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/nothing-sinister-in-drugs-seizure-says-endurance-trainer/1528353/top/#newsArchiveTabs=last7DaysNews

Great Britain: Rider Ginny Gidley helps South West win 100-mile Celtic Challenge

Thisisnorthdevon.co.uk - Full Article

September 12 2013

ENDURANCE rider Ginny Gidley praised her "amazing" horse after they helped the South West team win the Celtic Challenge.

Ginny and Desert Kudos, her super-fit nine-year-old horse, finished sixth in a 100-mile race over the Wiltshire countryside.

In a test of speed and stamina against the best from Wales, Scotland and Ireland, they led Devon and Cornwall to first place overall.

Ginny had trained four times a week to ensure they were ready for the arduous task of crossing the terrain of Barbury Castle.

Racing over two days, they had to cover loops up to 20 miles at a time and pass through various checkpoints where the horses were given stringent health checks.

"It's a bit like marathon runners the way you train," said Ginny...

Read more here:
http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/Rider-Ginny-Gidley-helps-South-West-win-100-mile/story-19785119-detail/story.html#axzz2eh0eWx00

Great Britain: Unauthorised medicines seized at Sheikh's stud

Racingpost.com - Full Article

By Graham Green 4:56PM 10 SEP 2013

SHEIKH MOHAMMED is facing fresh embarrassment following the seizure of 124 medical products, none of which have been approved for use on horses in Britain, at part of his Dalham Hall Stud operation in Newmarket.

Although there is no suspicion the haul was destined for the thoroughbred side of the sheikh's operation, the discovery of so many unauthorised medicines on the premises comes in the wake of the doping scandal earlier this year caused by disgraced Godolphin trainer Mahmood Al Zarooni, since banned from the sport for eight years.

The products, which have not been named, were found at Moorley Farm East, which provides the base within the sprawling estate for the endurance horses owned by members of the Maktoum family...

Read more here:
http://www.racingpost.com/news/horse-racing/sheikh-mohammed-unauthorised-medicines-seized-at-sheikhs-stud/1527628/#newsArchiveTabs=last7DaysNews

Czech Republic: Entries announced for European Championship

http://www.endurance.net/international/CzechRepublic/2013EuropeanChampionship/

September 11 2013

Definite entries have been announced for the 2013 Meydan FEI Open European Championship in Most, Czech Republic. 89 riders and horses from 22 countries will start and run for the title of European Champion 2013 on Saturday the 14th.

The race will be 160 km long and will be divided into six phases of 31 km, 25 km, 35 km, 31 km, 19 km, and 19 km.

The race will begin at 6:30 AM. Best Condition judging will take place 3 hours after the finish. The prize giving ceremony will take place Sunday at 11:00 AM.