New Elite Chef for Endurance Great Britain

Endurancegb.co.uk

Congratulations to Andrea - our new Elite Chef
14 January 2014

Endurance GB is delighted to announce that the new Chef for the Elite squad will be Andrea Baker.
A challenging year awaits Andrea with the World Endurance Championships at the end of August.

Andrea is also a level 3 UKCC coach and this should be helpful in her new role.

A new FEI ride at Downpatrick, Northern Ireland with support for Young Riders

Endurancegb.co.uk

20th January 2014
The support comes in the form of a number of £250 bursaries to help with travel costs and is available to a limited number of Young Riders entering either the International CEI YR 2* or 1* classes

GB Young Riders Travel Bursary Announced.

British entrepreneur Andy Thorne and his wife, Nicki Gilbert, who is an FEI 3* Endurance Rider have very kindly agreed to support a number of up and coming young Endurance Riders to assist them to attend the St. Patrick's Coast (FEI) Ride being run in Ireland on 26th April 2014.

The support comes in the form of a number of £250 bursaries to help with travel costs and is available to a limited number of Young Riders entering either the International CEI YR 2* or 1* classes at the St. Patrick's Coast Ride. Applicants should be in full time education and be current members of Endurance GB or an affiliate organisation and be eligible to ride for Great Britain.

Speaking from her home in Norfolk, Nicki Gilbert said, "We are delighted to help with travel costs. Our Corporate and Social responsibilities are important to us and being able to help the younger competitors compete abroad is a great way to support the future of our sport." Andy Thorne went on to say, "With a reduction in other funding channels we felt this was a great way to help both British Young Riders and what promises to be a great new FEI event on our doorstep in Northern Ireland. The experience in travelling to and competing overseas is invaluable to our Young Riders, preparing them well in their quest to represent their country at major Young Rider, and in the future, Senior events." David Cunningham, St. Patrick's Coast Ride organiser, said, "We are delighted with the support from Nicki, Andy and Kestrel Liner Agencies. Getting a new event of this standard up and running is a major task and we trust this travel bursary will make a huge difference to those Young Riders looking for international experience and that it will encourage them to travel." Nikki Boud, from the organising committee said "Encouraging Young Riders and creating a pathway for those in Ireland is one of the key reasons we are organising this major ride and the support from Kestrel facilitating GB Young Riders to also compete means a lot to us as it will ensure that Young Irish Riders are up against stiff competition whilst also offering GB Young Riders a truly international experience."

The ride takes place at Downpatrick Racecourse, Co Down on Saturday 26th April 2014. Details can be found at www.stpatrickscoast.com.

Andy left school at 16 with no qualifications and went into the Shipping business. In 1994 he opened his first Company, and rapidly became the fastest growing Liner Agency business in the UK. In 2010 his efforts and those of his colleagues were recognised when they were named in The Queen's birthday honours list for services to International trade, receiving the coveted "Queens Award for Enterprise International Trade."

In 2011 he was named as one of 10 finalists for Entrepreneur of The Year in The UK National Business Awards and named by Lloyds of London as one of the "Top 100" people in Global shipping today.

Through their charity Kisses from Kestrel Andy and his wife Nicki donate a significant amount of their annual income to charitable and good causes. More information can be found at www.kestrel.com.

Endurance GB is the national governing body of long distance horse riding within the Great Britain and more information can be found on their web site at www.endurancegb.co.uk

Full eligibility details and details on how to apply for the Travel Bursary will be available from the web site soon.
Alternatively contact the organisers on stpats@enduranceridingireland.com from more information.

Bahrain: Shaikh Faisal horse show set

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

January 23, 2014

THE sixth edition of the late Shaikh Faisal bin Hamad Al Khalifa National Arabian Horse Show (Arabian horses) will kick off tomorrow at 5.30pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village and conclude on Saturday.

Organised by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), the event is being held under the patronage of chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sport, president of Bahrain Olympic Committee and Breef honorary chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Supervised

It will be supervised by local and international experts in the fields of veterinary, judging and registration, including skilled professionals from Belgium, Morocco, India, Switzerland and Dominican Republic...

Read more here:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=369277

Darley Awards Hollywood 2014

Carmel, California/ USA - September 26, 2013

"Darley Awards Hollywood 2014" as it's being called, took center stage at press conferences on both sides of the globe; first at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center during the second day of the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) and then Beverly Wilshire, Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills, CA.


The HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival Darley Awards, which come under the auspices of the Arabian Racing Cup, is clearly recognized as the highest achievement possible for racing Arabians in the U.S. This event, along with the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards for Ladies, have been graciously hosted the last two years by the Texas Arabian Breeders' Association. Now the Awards is taking the next step in international prominence. At the press conference, Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival and Head of International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities (IFAHR) Ladies Racing announced "Darley Awards Hollywood 2014".


“As a celebration of the third year of sponsorship of the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival with the U.S. Arabian Racing Cup Darley Awards, the Oscars of Arabian racing will be held April 4-5, 2014, in Hollywood, California,” she said. It will partner once again with the HH Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Darley Awards, which recognizes the outstanding international women of Arabian racing.



According to Sawaya, the Awards will be given glamorous treatment over two evenings. The Darley Awards will be presented on April 4 at the Dolby Theater (formerly the Kodak Theater) in Highland Center. The Celebration Banquet will be held the following evening at Universal Studios, and the host hotel will be the Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Hotel.



Denise Gault, Chief Steward of the Arabian Racing Cup said, “We are honored to continue the partnership with the HH Sheikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Arabian Horse Flat Racing Festival for our third year together. Darley Awards Hollywood 2014 promises to be a world-class event."



Please check back here on the Cup's website, www.arabianracingcup.com, for more details as they become available.



Founded in 1983 by Dr. Sam Harrison, the Arabian Racing Cup (ARC)'s Darley Awards ceremony has become the showcase of U.S. Arabian racing. In 2012, the HH Sheikh Mansoor Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival and ARC joined together to promote this prestigious event. Supported by an extensive list of sponsors, the Darley Awards is under the direction of Lara Sawaya, Executive Director of the Festival, and organized by Arabian Racing Cup, the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, coordinated by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, in association with International Federation of Arabian Horse Racing Authorities, Emirates Racing Authority, Emirates Arabian Horse Society, and supported by General Authority of Youth & Sports Welfare. Emirates Airlines is the official carrier.
Contact Denise Gault, Chief Steward of the Arabian Racing Cup - 831.625.4275

Dunshaughlin girls in Dubai

Meathchronicle.ie - Full Article

21st January, 2014

Dunshaughlin girls Amy and Ellen McAuley have been based in Dubai with their father Paul for the past number of years and are now high level endurance riders in the UAE.

Last week Amy competed in the seventh HH Sheikh Mohammed Endurance Cup a CEI 160km three star event in Dubai and was with Scala Derick for the Seeh Al Salam Endurance Team based in Dubai...

Read more here:
http://www.meathchronicle.ie/sport/othersport/articles/2014/01/21/4019195-dunshaughlin-girls-in-dubai/

UAE President’s Cup endurance race launches next Thursday in Bu Theeb

Gulfnews.com

Event includes six races and a variety of heritage activities

WAM
Published: 16:47 January 19, 2014

Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President’s Representative and Chairman of the Club, the UAE President’s Cup Endurance Race, organised by the Emirates Heritage Club, will begin next Thursday over three days in Bu Theeb International Endurance Village.
The competition, which will held in cooperation and coordination with the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, includes six races in addition to a variety of heritage events.
The organising committee aims to encourage young people from schools and universities to learn the arts and skills of the sport of endurance racing.
The commission said the event will be accompanied by a heritage festival under the auspices of the Heritage Village, which will include performances by folk groups and a variety of pavilions.

Bahrain: Al Dossary claims endurance win

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

January 19, 2014

AL RU'OOD Stables rider Ghazy Al Dossary won the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Horseride Championship yesterday.

The event was organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) and was successfully held in the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Al Dossary clinched first place after finishing the race in four hours 49 minutes and four seconds. He competed with an average speed of 24km/h.

Al Zaeem Stables riders Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and Ali Al Ka'aby placed second and third, respectively...

Read more here:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=369005

Bahrain: Riders set for endurance championship

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

January 18, 2014

THE Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Championship flags off this morning at 7am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) announced that the veterinary examinations for the 120-kilometre and 84km (qualifying) races were successfully completed yesterday.

The examinations were conducted by international experts and was attended by the UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum...

Read more here:
http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=368958

Namibia: June Endurance clinic & FEI race with Virginie Atger

Endurance clinic & FEI race in Namibia with Virginie Atger (3rd in the World classification in 2013; French Champion in 2011, European champion in teams in 2011)

15 to 24 June 2014
10 days / 9 nights (including 2 overnight flights) with:
3/4 days endurance training/clinic with safari on horseback
Endurance race FEI 1* & 2* or NERA (Namibian Endurance Ride Association) on 21/06/2014

A unique experience combining a horseback safari observing African wildlife with a training course or an introduction to endurance riding on superb thoroughbred Arab horses.

Details: http://www.cavalngo.com/media/documents/cavalngo_endurance_clinic_fei_race_namibia_15-24_june_2014_virginie_atger.pdf
And: http://www.cavalngo.com/products/86/horseback-safari-endurance-namibia

Benefits from the training/clinic:
• The International FEI race (1* and 2*) on 22/06/2013
• The Endurance clinic coached by Virginie Atger, trainer in various countries: France, Emirates, Brazil…
• The combination of a horseback safari an endurance race
• The high quality horses, trained for endurance riding
• High quality, light weight and comfortable saddles
• The reserve’s wide range of animals: giraffes, antilopes, lions, rhinos, oryx, zebras, crocodiles, birds, baboons, lynx…
• The charming and comfortable lodge

Caval&go – Unique Horseback rides
Tel. +33 (0)9 80 32 90 42 / Email. contact@cavalandgo.com
www.cavalngo.com

 Caval&go was created by Phoebé, Virginie and Aurélie, who each share a passion for horses and travelling. 

 These three curious and adventurous young women regularly set off for trail rides in France and further afield. With an interest in developing tourism that benefits the local population, they have formed a bond with local guides, farmers and horse owners on each of their trips, who share with them their culture, their love for their religion and, of course, their love of horses.

 With this experience of travelling and meeting locals, they created their travel agency specialising in equestrian tourism, organising trail rides and personalised horse riding holidays, in 2009. With a specialised knowledge of each destination and a close relationship with each travel partner, they create original holidays allowing each person to discover the world on horseback. Having ridden since they were children, they have each developed different areas of equestrian expertise over the years and will be able to advise you according to your level of ability, your desires and your budget, in order to find the most suitable trip for you.

For more information, see the flyer

and contact
www.cavalngo.com/

FEI Plan To Clean Up Endurance Won’t Include A Change In Person Responsible

Chronofhorse.com - Full Article

January 14 2014
By: Pippa Cuckson

Andrew Finding, chairman of the Endurance Strategic Planning Group, has said there’s no intention to change the status of rider as the principal “person responsible” in doping and other disciplinary matters, as confusion has emerged ahead of the endurance conference in Lausanne, Switzerland, on Feb. 9.

Concern that trainers could be slated in preference to the rider is a strong theme of responses, circulated last week, to the ESPG’s drastic proposals to clean up endurance in the Middle East. Most consultees would oppose any such move, which was favored by ESPG member Saeed Al Tayer, a senior employee of Sheikh Mohammed, during his presentation at the Fédération Equestre Internationale Generaly Assembly in Montreux, Switzerland, in November.

Many feel that making the trainer the PR would disadvantage the amateur sport in the rest of the world while reflecting circumstances that are unique to the Middle East. There, horses are trained out of large professional barns and mostly allocated to riders “on the day” who could hypothetically then be excused from doping violations...

Read more here:
http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/fei-plan-clean-endurance-won%E2%80%99t-include-change-person-responsible

Pressure mounts on FEI over endurance racing abuses in Middle East

Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article

Leading equestrian nations increase pressure on the International Equestrian Federation to act over the abuse of horses in endurance racing in the Middle East

By Pippa Cuckson
14 Jan 2014

Leading equestrian nations have increased pressure on the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to act over the abuse of horses in endurance racing in the Middle East.

One senior figure has even called for endurance racing in the Middle East to be disowned by the FEI, while the national governing body of the sport in America is considering banning FEI competitions being hosted alongside national events – a common practice worldwide – if the crisis is not addressed this season.

Last summer, Princess Haya, president of the FEI, convened the Endurance Strategic Planning Group in response to mounting global outrage about doping and the number of horses suffering fatal or serious injuries. Endurance stables in the Middle East, particularly those owned by the world’s most powerful racehorse owner Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, were at the centre of horse-doping and injury scandals...

Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/equestrianism/10572626/Pressure-mounts-on-FEI-over-endurance-racing-abuses-in-Middle-East.html#disqus_thread

Horse racing-Godolphin door permanently shut for tainted trainer

Sports.yahoo.com - Full Article

Reuters
January 13, 2014

DUBAI, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Godolphin's former trainer Mahmood al-Zarooni, banned last year following a doping scandal, will not handle the horses again, Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum has said.

The British Horseracing Authority (BHA) banned Zarooni for eight years after finding him guilty of administering anabolic steroids at his stables in Newmarket last year.

"I was shocked, really," Godolphin owner Sheikh Mohammed...

Read more here:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/horse-racing-godolphin-door-permanently-shut-tainted-trainer-095949433--rah.html

UAE: Rashid Dalmook wins Shaikh Mohammad Endurance Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Leads clean sweep of the top three places by riders representing the MRM Stables

By Leslie Wilson Jr
Racing & Special Features Writer
Published: 15:10 January 11, 2014

Dubai: Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum rode a tactically superior final leg to capture the prestigious HH Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup CEI 3* and lead a clean sweep of the top three places by the MRM stables on Saturday.
Heading out of the final veterinary gate in sixth position, and just 14 second ahead of teammate Saif Ahmad Al Mazroui, Shaikh Rashid made good progress aboard his mount Aghaab to move into contention midway through the 20km loop before delivering a strong finish to edge out Al Mazroui at the line.

Only three seconds separated the top pair with Shaikh Rashid clocking an impressive 6 hours 22.44 minutes...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/rashid-dalmook-wins-shaikh-mohammad-endurance-cup-1.1276444

Australia: Wagin to host Quilty Cup

Farmweekly.com.au - Full Article

AMANDA RAYNER
12 Jan, 2014

WAGIN is set to host the 2014 Tom Quilty Gold Cup 100 mile endurance ride on October 3, 4 and 5.
The Tom Quilty ride is the premier event on the national endurance ride calendar and the one event that every endurance rider wants to compete in.

Riders leave with pitched excitement at midnight on Friday night, trying to complete the gruelling course before midnight on Saturday.

It is a test for both the horse and rider against the terrain and the elements.

Horses are vetted stringently pre-ride and along the way at various checkpoints and then at the end of the ride.

If all vet criteria is met the horse and rider are deemed 'fit to continue' and ultimately receive the coveted silver buckle for completion.

In 1966 RM Williams organised the first 100 mile (160km) endurance ride in Australia...

Read more here:
http://www.farmweekly.com.au/news/agriculture/rural-lifestyle/general-news/wagin-to-host-quilty-cup/2683846.aspx

FEI Endurance Rules Changes in Effect in 9th Edition, 2014

10 January 2014

A few changes were made to the FEI Endurance Rules, which took effect January 1 2014. The changes are as follows:

801 THE COURSE/*Field of Play:
801.8
The finish must be long and wide enough to enable several horses to finish at speed without interfering with each other , and must provide sufficient run - out to allow Athletes to safely come to a stop after crossing the finishing line in any potential sprint or gallop. It must be situated as close to the Vet Gate as possible.

1. The ‘field of play’ is defined as; the defined course (loops or phases), the defined crewing areas on course or within the vet gate, the vet examination area and the hold area at or within the vet gate. For Championships, there will be restricted access to the field of play as defined in the schedule.

2. The maximum number of grooms allowed within the vet gate will be 5 per horse to take into account availability of space or too ensure that the horse is allowed sufficient space to rest. A ccess to the vet gate and the vet gate examination area may be restricted by the Organiser under advice from the FEI Technical Delegate. Such restrictions must be clearly shown in the FEI approved schedule.

3. All horses must remain at all times clearly under observation of FEI Veterinary Officials, Ground Jury and Stewards.

815.3 Mandatory Rest for Horses:
815.3.1
After competing in a CEI events, a horse must be given a mandatory minimum rest period, as defined, before it is again eligible to participate in a National or FEI competition (Rest Period commences at Midnight on the day that the ride
finishes as denoted by the maximum ride time allowed and finishes at Midnight, the day before published ride start time):
Distance completed
start – 40 km - 5 days (retirement only)
start – 80 km - 12 days
Over 80 – 120 km - 19 days
Over 120 km-140 km - 26 days
Over 140 Km - 33 days


817.4 Teams and Individuals

817.4.1
Teams: If an NF starts three or more combinations all results are available to establish their Team result and are also eligible for individual classification and placing/awards. Only the highest placed three members shall count as the Team for classification and to receive a team medal.
Should any combination whose result was available to count towards Team Classification, subsequently fail an FEI sampling procedure which results in the loss of that individual’s result(s) within the event, the classification of that entire team will become null and void.
Such loss of Team classification will not affect the individual classification of the other members of that team.

825,4 CEI 1 & 2 Star Endurance Events
Where a Foreign FEI Official is required within the terms of Art. 825, such Foreign Official cannot be resident in the same country or time zone in which the event is taking place.

See the complete 2014 9th Edition FEI Endurance Rules here:
Clean version: http://www.horsesport.org/sites/default/files/Endurance_Rules-2014-clean_11Nov2013.pdf
Mark-up version: http://www.horsesport.org/sites/default/files/Endurance_Rules-2014-markup_11Nov2013_0.pdf

Year-End Endurance Videos from Endurance-belgium.com

January 10 2014

Leonard Liesens has created three new slide-show videos reviewing Endurance-belgium's last few endurance riding seasons:
Tribute to the Endurance Horse
Endurance Eldorado - Heaven or Hell
Endurance Riding and Amazones.

Liesens and Caroll Gatelier supplied the photographs that compose the slideshows from events in France, China, Russia, Italy (European Championship at Assissi), Czech Republic (European Championship at Most), Lexington, Kentucky (World Endurance Championship), Euston, UK (Workd Endurance Championship), and Idaho.