Rider killed at equestrian event

An investigation is underway after a rider died after a fall from her horse during an equestrian endurance event in south Wales.

Jane Jones, 45, a mother-of-two from St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, fell heavily as her horse appeared to bolt after it was spooked, say organisers.

She was flown to Morriston Hospital by air ambulance but died en route.

Event organisers Endurance GB are investigating the circumstances of the accident at Margam Park on Saturday.

They said Ms Jones died from internal injuries.

The Endura endurance event, held on forestry land adjoining the park near Port Talbot, attracted around 100 entries.

Endurance GB chairwoman Wendy Dunham said Ms Jones was one of a number of pleasure riders taking part.

"We are absolutely devastated by this and our thoughts and prayers are with her family" Wendy Dunham

Endurance riding involves competitors following a marked out cross-country course of up to 20 miles, although for pleasure riders the distance is shorter.

Riders are timed rather than race each other.

Mrs Dunham said the sport prided itself on being the safest of the equestrian events.

'Reacted quickly'

"It does not involve jumping or three-day-eventing," she said.

"I've been involved in the sport for almost 30 years and it is the first fatality I'm aware of.

"We are absolutely devastated by this and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

"It would appear that Jane's horse was spooked and bolted. She fell heavily and despite swift response from other riders, the ride paramedic and the emergency services, she died on her way to hospital in the air ambulance."

Event health and safety manager Richard Tymons said: "Initially there were no physical signs of injury.

"The rider was helped into the event Land Rover and she remained conscious and lucid. She was complaining of chest and shoulder pains and we realised she was seriously injured.

"It was extremely unlucky that she fell onto a log and we believe she probably died from internal injuries."

She was an experienced horse woman who had taken part in similar rides

Her partner and seven-year-old daughter were at the event.

She also has a 14-year-old son.

There were two separate events held at Margam Park on the weekend - the Endura equestrian competition and the inaugural Festival of Horses.

Russell Ward of Neath Port Talbot Council said: "The accident took place in the forestry area surrounding the park and the event organisers reacted quickly."

He said the council immediately informed the Health and Safety Executive.

130 riders set for King's Cup

TODAY is the last day to submit entries for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Championship scheduled to start tomorrow at 11pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village premises in Sakhir. A total of 130 riders, including 55 from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have so far confirmed their participation in this prestigious event to be held under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser, who is the captain of the Royal Endurance Team, will lead the Bahraini riders in this event which is sponsored by Al Areen Resort and Gulf Energy for the second consecutive year and consists of 120-km race for the juniors and a 130-km race for the seniors.

The junior race will be divided into five stages with 32 kms for the first and second stages, 20 kms each for the third and fourth stages, and 16 kms for the fifth.

In the senior race, 30 kms were approved for the first two stages, 30 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 16 kms for the fifth.

Meanwhile, Al Areen Resort and Gulf Energy signed a BD50,000 sponsorship agreements yesterday at the Al Areen Resort premises, near the endurance village.

Shaikh Nasser attended the agreement ceremony as well as Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, chairman of both Al Areen Resort and Gulf Energy.

Breef's Endurance Committee chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa said this year's event is expected to feature one of the most exciting races in the season with top riders from Bahrain and other GCC countries taking part.

Shaikh Faisal, who will lead the Al Talia Stable team in the championship, confirmed that FEI (International Equestrian Federation) rules will be applied in the championship. Riders taking part in the junior race must be aged between 14 and 21, and all horses should have an international passport issued by FEI.

Shaikh Faisal tipped the Bahrainis to dominate this event with top riders such as Abdulhaq Qadoori, Yousef Taher and Khalid Al Khatiri of the Royal Endurance Team taking part.

He asserted that all riders are eligible to bring safety helmets with them for the races and only one person is allowed inside the veterinary area. Veterinary tests will be made just before the start of the race.

Shaikh Faisal said the Breef assigned a team of highly qualified judges for the championship. A judges committee is headed by Britain's Carol Bonton and includes three Bahrainis - Ghalib Al Alawi, Ali Ghuloom and Al Zo'bi.

India's Abdulaziz Al Shaikh was approved as the event commissioner while Bahrain's Mohammed Dadulla, Mahmood Abdulsaheb, Fahad Al Rumaihi were approved as supervisors.

A veterinary team was also selected for the event and includes officials from Saudi Arabia, India, Belgium, Italy, Jordan, Pakistan, Iraq and Bahrain.

BELLA TREKS ENTERS CLIENTS IN A HORSEBACK ENDURANCE RACE IN CHILEAN PATAGONIA, SOUTH AMERICA

April 22, 2006 ? Livingston, Montana adventure company owner Felicia Ennis has partnered with the president of the Chilean Enduro Association to offer her clients an experience that blows the boundaries off a traditional ?dude? ride. Riders are encouraged to test their mettle and skill in the exotic Patagonia landscape of glaciers, granite mountains and turquoise colored lakes while competing in the unique one day Patagonia Enduro competition.

Experienced riders who participate will navigate through challenging and remote terrain including steep slopes, forests, prairies and rivers. Riders have a choice to ride 75km, 60km, 45km, or 25km. You will not want to miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Patagonia traditions. ?There are many endurance championships, but such as the one in Patagonia there are not. You have to experience it.? Elizabeth Huygue ? Chilean national champion

In addition to the Patagonia Enduro, Bella Treks offers hiking and birding adventures in the Torres del Paine National Park and has recently added vineyard tours in northern Chile. Felicia Ennis is personally involved in each trip, from the dream stages to the actual adventure.

Bella Treks owner Felicia Ennis, besides being fluent in Spanish, is an accomplished outdoors-woman with spark and spunk who is at ease in the southern hemisphere. She lived and worked at the exclusive Explora Hotel in the Torres del Paine National Park where she honed her Spanish fluency and gained intimate knowledge of native plants and animals. Among Felicia?s many accomplishments is her ascent of the South Tower, the first recorded female ascent of this route. Other mountaineering adventures have put her on summits in Bolivia, Canada, the U.S. and in Europe. Due to her love for exploration a glacier is even named in her honor.

Anyone interested in this event should consider spending the week prior or after the race riding with Bella Treks. It?s guaranteed to be an adventure of a lifetime!

If you have any questions or would like more information about Bella Treks, please contact Bella Treks at (406)223-2595.

Top UAE riders for King's Cup

SHAIKH Hazza'a bin Sultan Al Nahyan will lead the UAE team in His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Championship scheduled for Wednesday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Hazza'a, who notched an amazing victory in the World Championship last year in Dubai, will be among 25 top riders from the UAE in this prestigious event which consists of races for junior and senior categories.

Having won this event held in 2002, Shaikh Hazza'a is one of the major contenders. Other UAE riders taking part include defending champion Dr Jaber Baitar, Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Mubarak Al Khalili, Mohammed Al Shamsi and Khamis Al Rumaihi.

Sixteen riders from Saudi Arabia have confirmed their participation in the championship, including Prince Abdulla bin Fahad Al Saud, Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Kabir, Taher Al Turkmani and Nawad Al Otaibi.

From Kuwait, seven riders will be taking part. The team is led by Sulaiman Al Shatti who took part in the previous race. Other Kuwaiti entrants are Abdulla Al Sedairawi, Fahad Al Kandari, Yaqoub Al Nassrulla, Ali Al Khurafi and Bader Khalid.

Sponsored by Al Areen for the second consecutive year, the junior race will be over 120 kms and the senior race 130 kms.

The junior race will be divided into five stages with 32 kms for the first and second stages, 20 kms each for the third and fourth stages, and 16 kms for the fifth.

In the senior race, the 30 kms were set for the first two stages, 30 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 16 kms for the fifth.

The event will be held under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who will lead the Bahraini riders.

Meanwhile, routes committee head Fahad Al Rumaihi said the committee is giving its final touches on the race routes for both categories.

Appaloosa Horse Club Announces Inaugural National Championship Endurance Ride

Equestrian News Release
Moscow, Idaho - The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to announce its inaugural 50-mile National Championship Endurance Ride scheduled for June 3, 2006, in Palmyra, Wisconsin. The event is being hosted by and held in conjunction with an Appaloosa Distance Riding Association (ApDRA) ride, and will follow the guidelines and rules set forth by the American Endurance Ride Conference.

Horses and riders have until May 30, 2006, to qualify. Youth riders 16 and under as of January 1, 2006, do not need to qualify for the ride, but they are required to ride with a sponsor.

In order to qualify for the ride, an Appaloosa must be regular- or CPO-registered with the ApHC, and the owner must be a current ApHC member in good standing. Both the horse and rider must have completed 100 lifetime distance miles, although mileage accrued does not have to be from the rider/horse combination that is registering for the ride. The 100 distance miles can be accumulated from endurance and/or competitive trail rides of 25 miles distance or greater. However, 50 of the 100 miles must be from a successfully completed 50-mile endurance ride.

Qualified riders must dual-register both with the ApHC and with the ApDRA to enter the ride. The ApHC registration fee is $35 if registered by April 30, 2006, and a late registration fee of $75 will apply if registering from May 1 -through June 2. Applications for the ride can be downloaded at http://www.appaloosa.com. Contact Dawn Joy Haas with the ApDRA at (262) 495-8105 for ApDRA registration requirements.

The first Appaloosa to successfully complete the ride will be titled an ApHC National Champion and will receive a National Endurance Ride Championship trophy. The champion will also receive a buckle sponsored by JB Tack of Jefferson, Wisconsin.

The George Hatley Best Condition trophy will be awarded to the horse judged by the vet to be in the best condition at the end of the race. Only the first 10 Appaloosas to successfully complete the ride within two hours of the winning Appaloosa's time will be considered for this award. The name of the horse earning the award will be added to the trophy, which the award winner will keep for a one-year period. The remaining top 10 finishers will each receive an award ribbon. Western Cattle Company of Peru, Illinois, is also sponsoring a buckle for the best-condition award.

The Heart of Illinois Spring Get Out Show is sponsoring a belt buckle in memory of Louis Busch, to be awarded to the first youth finishing successfully.

All riders will enjoy a dinner on Friday evening, June 2, provided by several generous individuals, and will receive a bag of feed and a T-shirt provided by Nutrena. The ApHC would like to express appreciation to the sponsors of the ride and all the individuals who have put forth time and money to ensure the ride will be successful and enjoyable.

For additional information on the ride, please contact the ApHC Trail Department at (208) 882-5578 ext. 221 or trailrides@appaloosa.com.

Fugitivo recieves WAHO (World Arabian Horse Association) Trophy

photo by Favio Lorenz


Haras San Andrés del Moro


FUGITIVO received on April 8 of 2006 the WAHO TROPHY as the most outstanding Arab Horse bred and living in Argentina.

This very special Trophy was created by the WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organization) Executive Committee and aims to distinguish an exceptional horse in each Country who has an Arab Horse Registry recognized by WAHO.

Is the National Arab Horse Society in each Country who selects the distinguish horse for this award.

The Argentina Arab Horse Breeders Society took the decision after evaluating all candidates who's CV were submitted by owners and breeders to nominate FUGITIVO the recipient of this award.

The Award was presented with the presence of FUGITIVO and his breeders and owners, Celina & Miguel Pavlovsky from Haras San Andres del Moro. It took place during the Argentina National Horse Show this April at Palermo Show Grounds and the Trophy was presented by the President of WAHO Dr. Hans J. Nagel (Germany) and members of the Board, Mrs. Claudia Caraballo de Quentin (Argentina), Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka (Poland) and Mr. Peter J. Pond (Australia).

FUGITIVO is an Arab stallion born in April 1.980, his mother Fuga came from old Argentine lines and his father was imported from the U.K. of Crabbet origins. During his long 12 years of active competitions he won National Championships in Dressage, Jumping, Driving, Barrel Racing, Pole Racing and in Ridden Classes with English saddle and Gaucho Saddle. He won the Senior Championship in Halter.

In Open Championship (for all breeds) he won National Titles in Barrel & Pole Racing. He competed in Flat Races and won in Endurance Competitions. He is the most versatile winner of performance competition in Argentina and had passed to his sons and grand sons his successful competitive spirit. His sons had been winners in the Race Track with Horse of the Year Awards, and were very successful in Endurance Competition with more than 20 sons exported as successful endurance horses. Fugitivo also as a Maternal Grand Father continue transmitting his athletic conditions. In the last 3 years The Endurance Argentine National Championship were won by his grandsons. In the 2.004 National Championship the four first have FUGITIVO as a Father or Maternal Grand Father. FUGITIVO in good shape despite his 26 y.o. left his pasture as a recent retired stallion did a long travel to Buenos Aires to receive with honors this unique WAHO Trophy.

Coupe de France d'Endurance Equestre

COUPE DE FRANCE 2006 D?ENDURANCE ÉQUESTRE
(English Translation below)

Pour la deuxième année consécutive, la Coupe de France des Départements par Équipes sera organisée à l?Etrier des Monédières, au Lonzac (19), les 24 et 25 juin 2006.

Avant-programme:

Samedi 24 juin :
- à partir de 12h, accueil des chevaux et des cavaliers avec contrôle vétérinaire au box.
- 14h30-16h : présentation de chevaux à la vente.
- 17h : contrôle des allures par équipe.
- 19h : pot de bienvenue suivi d?un barbecue.

Dimanche 25 juin :
- 7h : départ de la course. Départs, arrivées et contrôles vétérinaires auront lieu à l?étrier des Monédières.
- 17h : remise des prix.

A l?issue de la course, le Trophée Virbac des Vétérinaires Cavaliers sera également décerné.

Nous attendons de nombreux cavaliers de la France entière pour la remise en jeu du trophée remporté l?année dernière par la valeureuse équipe de la Haute-Loire.

Le Comité Régional d?Equitation et Limousin Endurance Equestre seront heureux de vous accueillir à l?occasion de cet évènement.
Un dossier de presse sera bientôt en ligne sur le site : limousinacheval.com.
Vous pouvez également prendre contact avec nous pour toute information supplémentaire.

Contact: CRE Limousin
Fax : 05 55 06 93 81
Site internet : limousinacheval.com
Service de Presse : Emmanuelle Boucher
Tel : 06 24 48 42 37
Mail : emmanuelle.boucher4@wanadoo.fr

----
English Translation:
For the second consecutive year, the Coupe de France des Départements par
Équipes will be put on by the Etrier des Monédières, of Lonzac (19), on
June 24 and 25, 2006.

Schedule:

Saturday, June 24:
- Starting at 12 Noon, horses and riders may vet in.
- 2:30pm-4:00pm: horses for sale will be available for viewing
- 5pm: team parade
- 7pm: welcoming speech followed by a barbeque

Sunday, June 25:
- 7am: race starts under the control of the veterinary staff
- 5pm: official end of race

Directly after the race, the Trophée Virbac des Vétérinaires Cavaliers will
be presented.

We expect riders from all over France to compete for the trophy which was
won last year by the team from Haute-Loire.

The Comité Régional d?Equitation and Limousin Endurance Equestre will be
pleased to have you attend this event.

A press release will be available on our website : limousinacheval.com.
You are free to contact us for more information.

Contact: CRE Limousin
Fax : 05 55 06 93 81
Site internet : limousinacheval.com

Service de Presse : Emmanuelle Boucher
Tel : 06 24 48 42 37
Mail : emmanuelle.boucher4@wanadoo.fr

Ste Maries Endurance Results - France

Stes Maries 01/04/06

TOMAS Philippe KEVIN DE NARTHOUX 1
MILETTO MOSTI Cecile IDEAL DES VIALETTES 2
BENOIT Philippe AKIM DU BOULVE 3

[More ...]

US: Endurance riders to boogie at Buck Meadows

Published: March 31, 2006

ENDURANCE RIDER Holly Foiles of Groveland and mule Sarge will act as Buck Meadows Boogie hosts along with family dog Bart.

It's just you, your thoughts and your mount. It's a day filled with the sights and sounds of nature. It's rattlesnakes, bobcats and hours of riding. It's an Endurance Ride."

[More ...]

Endurance riders to boogie at Buck Meadows

Published: March 31, 2006




Endurance riders to boogie at Buck Meadows

Published: March 31, 2006

ENDURANCE RIDER Holly Foiles of Groveland and mule Sarge will act as Buck Meadows Boogie hosts along with family dog Bart.
Benjamin Hicks/Copyright 2006, The Union Democrat

By CAMERON PARKINSON

Photo: ENDURANCE RIDER Holly Foiles of Groveland and mule Sarge will act as Buck Meadows Boogie hosts along with family dog Bart.
Benjamin Hicks/Copyright 2006, The Union DemocratIt's just you, your thoughts and your mount. It's a day filled with the sights and sounds of nature. It's rattlesnakes, bobcats and hours of riding. It's an Endurance Ride.

"It's not for every horseback rider. But for those of us who like to get out and go it's a really neat thing," said Holly Foiles, a rider for the past 34 years. "It's a lot of personal satisfaction. You see things you would never see while driving around in a car."

Endurance rides can span 25, 50 and 100 miles with rides ranging from six to 24 hours.

"Most of the time you're trotting along," Foiles said. "It's not a race like you see on TV ... you have to know how fast your horse can go."

A major role in the strategy of the race involves routine veterinary checks to make sure the horses are healthy. According to Foiles, the horses must drop to a certain heart rate before being checked.

"You can pass people in the vet check. If they come in fast then it takes longer for their heart rate to come down to get checked."

Foiles and Anita Siondella are hosting a ride April 8 called the Buck Meadows Boogie with a 25- and a 50-mile races. The 50-mile riders leave at 6:30 a.m. and the 25-mile riders leave an hour later.

The 50-mile race generally takes 12 hours and the 25-mile race usually is under six hours. The races include veterinarian checks to make sure the horses are healthy, with three checks along a 50-mile route and one in a 25-mile race.

"Ultimately the riders are responsible for the horse," Foiles said. "You should be able to know your horse and know if something is rong."

Siondella rides Sam, a 16-year old horse who has more than 3,000 miles of competition experience. Sam has been on nine 100-mile rides, which usually last 24 hours.

"They have been riding together for 11 years," Foiles said. "Sam is a good horse. He's really an amazing guy."

Foiles rides 16-year old Sarge, a mule who is the last son of Frosty, Foiles' first horse.

"You try to find the most talented horse you can afford," Foiles said. "You want a horse that wants to go do this, that is happy after doing 50 miles and would be happy to go out and do another 50. Sam is that kind of horse and Sarge is pretty good at it."

Foiles said 35 riders have signed up from all over California and that a maximum of 100 can take part.

"We get people that show up in big fancy rigs and motorhomes, and then you get someone with a pickup and a tent," Foiles said. "It's not just for rich people that have money. It's for anyone who can get their horse into shape."
Click this picture to view a larger image.

ENDURANCE RIDER Holly Foiles of Groveland and mule Sarge will act as Buck Meadows Boogie hosts along with family dog Bart.
Benjamin Hicks/Copyright 2006, The Union Democrat

By CAMERON PARKINSON

It's just you, your thoughts and your mount. It's a day filled with the sights and sounds of nature. It's rattlesnakes, bobcats and hours of riding. It's an Endurance Ride.

"It's not for every horseback rider. But for those of us who like to get out and go it's a really neat thing," said Holly Foiles, a rider for the past 34 years. "It's a lot of personal satisfaction. You see things you would never see while driving around in a car."

Endurance rides can span 25, 50 and 100 miles with rides ranging from six to 24 hours.

"Most of the time you're trotting along," Foiles said. "It's not a race like you see on TV ... you have to know how fast your horse can go."

A major role in the strategy of the race involves routine veterinary checks to make sure the horses are healthy. According to Foiles, the horses must drop to a certain heart rate before being checked.

"You can pass people in the vet check. If they come in fast then it takes longer for their heart rate to come down to get checked."

Foiles and Anita Siondella are hosting a ride April 8 called the Buck Meadows Boogie with a 25- and a 50-mile races. The 50-mile riders leave at 6:30 a.m. and the 25-mile riders leave an hour later.

The 50-mile race generally takes 12 hours and the 25-mile race usually is under six hours. The races include veterinarian checks to make sure the horses are healthy, with three checks along a 50-mile route and one in a 25-mile race.

"Ultimately the riders are responsible for the horse," Foiles said. "You should be able to know your horse and know if something is rong."

Siondella rides Sam, a 16-year old horse who has more than 3,000 miles of competition experience. Sam has been on nine 100-mile rides, which usually last 24 hours.

"They have been riding together for 11 years," Foiles said. "Sam is a good horse. He's really an amazing guy."

Foiles rides 16-year old Sarge, a mule who is the last son of Frosty, Foiles' first horse.

"You try to find the most talented horse you can afford," Foiles said. "You want a horse that wants to go do this, that is happy after doing 50 miles and would be happy to go out and do another 50. Sam is that kind of horse and Sarge is pretty good at it."

Foiles said 35 riders have signed up from all over California and that a maximum of 100 can take part.

"We get people that show up in big fancy rigs and motorhomes, and then you get someone with a pickup and a tent," Foiles said. "It's not just for rich people that have money. It's for anyone who can get their horse into shape."

Al Reef Challenge endurance ride today

By A Correspondent

30 March 2006


ABU DHABI ? The 120-km Al Reef Challenge, to be held today, is the first evening endurance ride of the season and will also end the endurance season. The ride is scheduled to start at 4.30pm.

Over 115 riders have confirmed their participation for the Al Reef Challenge endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. The ride, organised by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, is being sponsored by the Al Reef Stables. The CEI 3-star, 120-km ride will be run in five stages. Pre-ride inspection will be held on the same day at the Village premises between 2.30 and 3.30pm.

Some of the riders contending in the Challenge include: Shaikh Hazza bin Sultan Al Nahyan who will be riding 10-year-old grey gelding Ramalea Captain Srarlight, Shaikh Khaled bin Sultan Al Nahyan who will be riding nine-year-old grey mare Ainhoa Hadliz, Shaikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Khalifa Al Maktoum who will be aboard 11-year-old bay mare Henham Fahrida, Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qasimi (Coolahlee Park Charlene), Sultan Ahmed Al Baloushi ( EO Jabari), Jasim Ali Abdullah Yousif Al Hammadi (Roxborough Zepher), Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed (Estaban), Jesus Manuel Berna (Risco Moreno), Yousef Ahmed Bloushi (Carallio), Khalid Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi ( Mindari Aenzac), Yousef Abdullah Al Hammadi (Maramanup Surnrise), Mohammed Ibrahim Al Hammadi (Kurandea), Federico Zubaiurre (Yimood), Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Knight MA), Ali Yousef Hussain Al Hammadi (Sandine Velencia Boy), Yousif Mohammed Hasan Al Hammadi (Caverna), Mohammed Yousuf Al Hammadi (Gato), Hassan bin Ali (Shalzara Park Shaitayn) and several others.

There is a Best Conditioned Horse competition also.

UAE: Marzouqi clinches Abu Dhabi Cup

Khaleej Times Online: "?I think my patience to ride the horse to his ability was rewarded at the end. My horse was in good shape but I didn?t want to ride at a crazy pace and pay the penalty of what the other rider did,? said Marzouqi, who had won the President?s Cup junior ride in 2003 and runner up the following year.

?I follow instructions from my crew but decide on the pace and other matters instinctively. In endurance, riding a winner is as important as the welfare of the horse. I think I achieved both today,? he added."

[More ... ]

Fahad, Faleh Swaid claim top honours in Endurance Ride

Published: Sunday, 19 March, 2006, 08:43 AM Doha Time

Qtel chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Thani (centre) presents the winners trophy to Fahad Hamad al-Athba while Sultan of Terengganu HRH Sultan Mizan Zian Alabdin looks on
Fahad Hamad al-Athba claimed the top honours in the senior category of the Endurance Ride held at Messaid on Friday. Fahd finished the gruellin 120km race in 11hrs 02min 43secs, ahead of Abdullah Nader Abdulrahman Feteas and Ali Khurbash who took the second and third spots.
Fahad riding Tequila, a 11-year old chestnut horse, was placed first at the end of the first vet gate, but faltered to be third in the second stage. However, Fahad dazzled later to maintain the first place in the remaining four stages.
The second placed Abdulla astride Nader, a Anglo-Arab 12-year-old grey horse, gradually improved from the fifth place in the first stage to keep abreast with Fahad, while finishing the race in a timing of 12hrs45min.15secs.
Faleh Swaid al-Ajmi, riding Elate, a pure Arabian, nine-year old grey horse, won the junior category in 5hrs51min.56secs. Megan Gwenhol Jones finished second ahead of Abdulla Salem al-Marri.

Shaikh Khalid races to victory

SHAIKH Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa steered Farhoz De Paute to victory in the senior section while Amur Al Muammry notched the junior title in the 120-km Bahrain Open Endurance Championship yesterday at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.

Shaikh Khalid, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef)acting president and Al Khaldia stable captain, showed great stamina and control to win this race in five hours, 45 minutes and three seconds for an average of 26.64 kms per hour.

The Breef chief was followed by Jaber Al Dosseri of Al Talia Stable who completed the race on Omsura Nasrohn in 5:48:02 in second place and Fahad Ismail was third on Aloha Shiralee in 5:59:21. 20.

Amur of Al Asayel Stable followed suit to win the junior race, which was also over 120 kms, clocking 6:17:48 on Princess. He was ahead of Royal Endurance Team riders Jaffar Mirza who steered Jamil to second place in 6:20:00 and Ebrahim Al Rumeihi who came third on Hard in 6:35:30.

A number of GCC riders from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also took part in the race but were unable to complete the event which was the third on the federation's calendar this season.

The General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa flagged off the race at the Endurance Village gate.

The event was also attended by Breef endurance committee chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, who honoured the top three riders in the seniors race, while Shaikh Khalid honoured the winners in the junior section.

Hinkle to lead World Equestrian Games planning

Business First of Louisville - 12:44 PM EST Monday

The Kentucky Horse Park's director of operations has been selected to lead the planning of the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Rob Hinkle has been hired as chief administrative officer by the World Games 2010 Foundation Inc., the organization in charge of the Fédération Equestre Internationale World Equestrian Games, according to a news release.

Hinkle has served as director of operations for the Kentucky Horse Park since 1999. He joined the park as senior special events coordinator in 1991.

Hinkle was director of equine operations for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., before joining the Kentucky Horse Park.

He also was a member of the team that wrote and presented Kentucky's bid to the Fédération Equestre Internationale last year.

The 2010 World Equestrian Games is expected to draw more than 300,000 attendees and have a potential economic impact of about $100 million.

This will be the first time that the games will be held outside of Europe, and it will be the first time that the games are staged at a single venue.

The two-week event, which takes place every four years, includes the world championships of seven equestrian sports: show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting and endurance riding.

The competitions are expected to draw about 800 equestrians and 1,000 horses from 50 countries and to attract more than 1,000 journalists. The event will be televised in 180 countries.

The World Games 2010 Foundation Inc. will hire a CEO at a later date to oversee all aspects of the games, the release said.

CEI ? Süddeutschland International

June 4- 6, 2006
Hechingen, Germany

www.sueddeutschland-international.de
www.p-s-e.de


Dear Endurance-Riders,

We are happy to announce a new endurance event in southern Germany. We want to continue the tradition off the well organized rides in Donaueschingen and Tanneck in former times.

The CEI in Hechingen will be a good start in the international season of 2006. The conditions of our rides are comparable with the profile in Aachen. So our rides are a good possibility to test your horses and prepare them to this most important event in 2006.

We try to present you a very good organizition and also a very pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

with best regards
your organizing commitee
André Schaudt
Klaus Kimmich

FEI Schedule

2004 World Endurance Championship Press Release

A final decision on the determination of the gold/silver/bronze medals!

"The FEI has received the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the matter of the appeal concerning the winner of the 2005 FEI Endurance World Championship, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed al Nahyan (UAE). The outcome of the decision is that Sheikh Hazza is disqualified after his horse Hachim tested positive to the prohibited substance Methylprednisolone. "

EnduranceNet Coverage

FEI Press Release

Huge field for Emirates Endurance Ride tod

By A Correspondent

9 March 2006


DUBAI ? Over 80 riders have confirmed their participation for the Emirates Challenge endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, March 9, 2006.

The CEI 3-star, 120-km Emirates Challenge ride will be run in five stages of 32 km, 30 km, 24 km, 18 km and 16 km respectively. It will feature horses aged six and above and the ride is scheduled to start at 6am.

Some of the contenders taking part in the ride include Shaikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Jaber Bittar, Jesus Manuel Berna, Yousef Ahmed Al Bloushi, Omair Hussain Abdullah Al Bloushi, Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Al Hammadi, Khalid Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi, Khalifa Ahmed Atiq Al Marri, Khalifa Matar Mohammed Al Neyadi, Abdullah Saeed bin Huzaim, Abdullah Thani Ahmed Al Dalali, Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha, Salem Rasahid bin Ghadeyar, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya, Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi, Thani Mohammed Al Muhairi, Hassan bin Ali and Sultan Ahmed Al Bloushi.

As is the case during all the endurance rides in the UAE, whips, spurs and long reins are not permitted during the ride.

The riders have been requested that they make sure that their horses are sufficiently warmed-up before being taken inside the vet gate. No more than two persons and the rider will be permitted to accompany a horse inside the vet gate at any time.

The riders have also been instructed that they must wear hard type riding helmets and shoes with heels.

It is also forbidden to give water or any other kind of assistance from inside a car. Any horse that is retired after the start must be shown to an official Ride Veterinarian before it leaves and venue. Furthermore, crewing of horses is not permitted in the entrances or inside the vet gate. All the participants have been requested by the Federation to follow these rules to make the rides smooth and trouble-free.

In the Emirates Challenge ride, The Best Condition Competition is restricted to the first ten horses that cross the finish line.

Asian equestrian panel meet in Abu Dhabi

By A Correspondent

7 March 2006


ABU DHABI ? A three-member committee from the Asia Equestrian Federation held a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Sunday with the officials of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and discussed equestrian activities during the forthcoming 15th Asia Games, scheduled to be held in Doha, from December 1 to 15. Hussein Mohammed Hussein, secretary-general of the UAE Federation, chaired the meeting.

The members of the Asian Federation included II-Hong Kim, secretary-general of the Asian Equestrian Federation, Won-Oh Park, secretary-general of the Korean Federation and Mehdi Nikooee, chairman of the R&R Committee and also council member.

The meeting discussed at length the problems faced by some of the Asian Federations willing to participate in the Doha competitions due to the exorbitant costs of transportation of horses from the Asian countries via Europe and then to Doha. In lieu of this, the Asian Federation members suggested Dubai could be considered as the intermediary place from where the horses could be sent to Doha.

Hussein Mohammed Hussein expressed UAE?s readiness to provide all possible facilities to make this event a success. Hussein requested that the suggestion should be put forward in the meeting of the Organising Committee in Doha. A joint technical meeting attended by both the parties could follow this to discuss the other procedures. He also requested for a list of the participating countries to be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in the UAE to make sure that those countries maintained the quarantine procedures in accordance with the UAE regulations. Hong Kim explained that they were working on appointing endurance technical committees. He said since endurance was not very popular in the East Asian countries and that the Asian Federation did not have sufficient experience in selecting the ride officials, the FEI had prepared a list of officials. The FEI recommended that the list be presented to Hussein Mohammed Hussein, who is also the chairman of the Asian Endurance Committee, who on his behalf offered all the support from the UAE technical committee to make the event successful.

Hong Kim also sought advice and help from the UAE Equestrian Federation keeping in mind the humble standard of endurance rides in Asian countries. He suggested that a seminar should be organised on endurance on the sidelines of the General Assembly meeting of the Asian Equestrian Federation to be held in Malaysia from April 27 to May 2.

Endurance ride at Boudthib today

By A Correspondent

2 March 2006


DUBAI ? The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, in cooperation with the Boudthib Endurance Village, is organising Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Nahyan Challenge Cup for Juniors and Young Riders at Boudthib Endurance Village, Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, March 2, 2006.

The CEI, Two-star, 100-km ride, which will be run in four phases of 30 km, 30 km, 24 km and 16 km respectively, has so far attracted over 30 riders. The ride is scheduled to have a mass start at 6.30 am.

The Federation is also organising two Federation Qualifiers on the same day at the same venue. The 84 ?km Qualifier, which will be run in three phases of 30 km, 30 km and 24 km respectively, will feature around 50 riders and will start at 6.45 am. As many as another 50 riders will vie for qualification in the 46-km ride which will be run in two phases of 30 km and 16 km respectively and will be flagged off at 7 a.m.

The UAE Equestrian Federation organizes Federation Qualifiers at regular intervals to help riders and horses to qualify themselves to ride in higher category rides.

The rides are held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Heritage Club. The Boudthib Endurance Village is part of the Emirates Heritage Club.

The Emirates Heritage Club is closely involved in the development of several traditional and cultural activities and sports in the country, including endurance riding. The club also provides vital training facilities for children in the UAE and its modern and excellently planned endurance village has become a training ground for several aspiring young endurance riders.

Boudthib is located past Al Wathba on the left side of the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highway. One can also reach the Boudthib endurance Village from different emirates by following these directions: From Abu Dhabi ? On Al Ain Road at exit for Zayed Military City, turn left and follow signs.

From Dubai- On Abu Dhabi Road at Al Mafraq bridge take exit to Al Ain Road and continue up to exit for Zayed Military City, turn left and follow signs.

From Al Ain ? On Abu Dhabi Road at Al Khatem Bridge exit right and follow signs.