NZL: Why this Sample Horse is Fit For A King

WHO does the King of Malaysia trust to pick out the best horse in the country for him to ride in a marathon 160km event?

It's simple - the Kenilworth's Sample family.

And Brook Sample - who is also a national endurance horse-riding champion - chose a seven-year-old Arabian-Appalachian cross gelding called Pharoah for the king to ride in the weekends endurance event near Nanango.

Brook's father Bob said his son picked out the gelding from the family's 200 hoses on their Kenilworth farm and even decided not to compete against Sultan Mizan in the gruelling race held on Saturday.

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Australia wins team events at Nanango endurance ride

Horsetalk.co.nz June 12, 2007

H.M. Tuanku Mizan Zaind Abidin and Taljarri Moonlight Pharoah.
Picture: Franz Venhaus, EFA

Australia won both team events at the Nanango Forest Endurance ride at the weekend. The event was host to an international FEI 3* 160km ride, along with the Trans Tasman FEI 3* 160km and FEI 2* 110km.

Matthew Sample won the ride in 9:46:17, riding Brookleigh Ricardo. Best Conditioned went to fourth place-getter, Kristie McGaffen riding Ryton Remy.

The King of Malaysia, H.M. Tuanku Mizan Zaind Abidin, riding a loan horse from Brook Sample, the arab-appaloosa cross Taljarri Moonlight Pharoah, finished in 12th place.

Riding as an individual, New Zealand's Sandie MacLean, on Macedonian Rakkali, placed 7th in the time of 11:51:11.

New Zealand CEI** 107km team members Jordyn Piripi, Selwyn Boler, Alison Higgins and Kimberley Ryan all completed the ride on Saturday.

Fellow New Zealander David Marshall made his return to competitive endurance riding after a two-year absence, finishing in eighth place in the 107km ride. He rode Dakila Renoasette, in the time of 6:02:37. Also placed in this event was Mark Tylee riding Brookleigh Maestro, finishing 12th in a time of 6:10:00.

Kiwi endurance team wins gold in South Africa

Kiwi endurance team wins gold in South Africa

June 12, 2007

New Zealand's Horse of the Year team won gold at the Christiana CEI** 122km ride in South Africa on June 2.

The New Zealand placings were: Teresa Birkett 3rd, Kylie Avery 5th, Linda Pullar 7th and Lois Hosking 9th.

Struan Duncan qualified in the 80km ride and has since gone on to compete at a 92km ride in Cape Town, where he also qualified.

In Christiana, eight nations were represented at the ride.

Competitors report that the ride was a surreal experience, riding amongst galloping herds of zebra, waterbuck, wildebeast, inpala and springbok as well as rhino, giraffe, ostrich, monkeys, mongoose and more. "It has certainly been a trip of a lifetime for all involved. The South African Endurance community hosted us all very well and we have all made some special friendships along the way," a spokesman said.

Earlier, New Zealander Sandie MacLean placed second on Sanniesgun Sadan in the Open 80km ride at the South African Freestate Championships on May 25. She also completed on Sadan the day before in a stepladder ride over 80km.

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Nanango: Sample and Partners CEI*** Results

Ride Name: Sample and Partners CEI 3 Star, held on 9/06/2007
Location: Nanango
Distance: 160km 3 Star 1 Day

Open Division
------------------------------
1, Matthew Sample - Brookleigh Ricardo 9:46:17
2, Penny Toft - Don 9:53:22
3, Jeremy Robertson - El Sufwahn 10:32:10
4, Kristie McGaffin - Ryton Remy 10:43:15 Best Conditioned Horse
5, Meg Wade - Castlebar Balik 11:18:06
6, Wendy Chambers - Rokewood Shasada 11:39:09
7, Sandie Maclean - Macedonian Rakkali 11:51:11
8, Derek Armitage - Moorah Park Mickerby 11:53:58
9, Derryn Nix - Rowallan Rufous 11:54:20
10, Susan Sutcliffe - Saayid's Simply Red 11:55:06
11, Margaret Boland - Alandell Karlinta 11:57:03
12, H.M. Tuanku Mizan Zaind Abidin - Taljarri Moonlight Pharoah 12:12:50
13, Paul Brown - Brookleigh Scarlett 12:12:51
14, Mr Sopyan - Brookleigh Kentara 12:12:52
15, Renee Saxby - Cherox Assassin 12:33:38
16, Patricia Waddell - Box Hill Tonderburine : 12:33:39
17, Mohd Shuarb Ishak - Blue Bronco 12:33:48
18, Nadiah Tan Sri Tajudin - Bramall Jazzmin 12:34:14
19, Louis Botha - Sunhaven Brooklyn 12:34:34
20, Amir Ghani Ahmad - Miss Matawhero 12:34:35
21, Mal Caldwell - Celandra Ramazar 12:36:40
22, Anne Criner - Zara Farm Ayesha 12:39:01
23, Debbie Bugden - Conderosa Rassim 13:15:13
24, Raewyn Carter - Mt Eerwah Siridion 13:30:00
25, Mark Nimon - Abbeywood Solitare 14:32:12
26, Alwyn Torenbeek - Mary-Anne 14:50:00
27, Yukinobu Horiuchi - Pardon 14:50:02

- Tom Bouzianis - Conderosa Salima WDN (Leg 0)
- Sonya Ryan - Abrock Ned V/O Lame (Leg 6)
- Elisabeth Paton - Rafyke V/O Lame (Leg 5)
- Ursula Keenan - Sundown Park Eastwind V/O Lame (Leg 5)
- Bryan Priddle - Genet Zac V/O Lame (Leg 4)
- Garry Bennett - Freelance Gaytu Boysey V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Amily Daw - Magic Glen Hi Di V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Marion Lengronne - Dardanga Fingal V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Sarah Hamer - Boxhill Zac V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Yuko Kimoto - Bullarto Fiorelli V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Albert Knight - Abbeywood Rumor V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Clare Fleming - Mangueira Moksha V/O Lame (Leg 2)
- Tony Standfield - Sha'Almalih V/O Lame (Leg 2)
- Lesley Nancarrow - Zenith Park Quill V/O Lame (Leg 2)

Youth Division
------------------------------
1, Sasha Laws-King - Tubbarubba Cheval 10:37:03 Best Conditioned Horse
2, Chloe Lyons - Stanpark Strike 10:39:58
3, Saasha Turrell - Mingara Sampson 12:04:38
4, Kaylea Grogan - Hillbrae Zoro 12:04:39
5, Sharna Harvey - Binks 12:33:40
6, Kimberley Ryan - Splendacrest Dryad Time: 12:33:41
7, Vanessa Tiffen - Hirstglen Texas Rose 12:43:25

- Katherine Ryan - Meltharina Mars WDN (Leg 0)
- Brooke Warner - Zalman V/O Lame (Leg 6)
- Lisa Stoffel - Esau V/O Lame (Leg 6)
- Shelley-Ann Kimber - Gift V/O Lame (Leg 5)
- Terri Anderson - Ashwind V/O Lame (Leg 4)
- Aime Newton - Stanpark Simone V/O Metabolics (Leg 3)

Ride Name: SAMPLE AND PARTNERS FEI 2 STAR, held on 9/07/2007
Location: Nanango
Distance: 107km FEI 2 Star

Open Division
------------------------------
1, Jason Kirk - Magic Glen Coul Me 5:18:00 Best Conditioned Horse
2, Joyce Corbett - Reeflex 5:42:00
3, Dean Chamberlain - Zara Farm Shadasj 5:47:00
4, Emma Holland - Shardell Azrark 5:51:02
5, Stephen Gray - Raaward Samaya 5:51:32
6, Corey Nix - Dunbar Mahadik 6:02:35
7, Jonnie White - Die Kinder Spyder 6:02:36
8, David Marshall - Dakila Renoasette 6:02:37
9, Gayle Holmes - Capptain's Creek Rupert 6:07:00
10, Michelle Morrison - Summit Park Raz 6:07:01
11, Heather Ellis - Agape Genesis 6:07:15
12, Mark Tylee - Brookleigh Maestro 6:10:00
13, John Davidson - Rose Lane El Rayo 6:13:00
14, Chelsea Miller - Tierview Maverick 6:35:00
15, John Dugan - Quick and Easy 6:39:00
16, Linda Tanian - Magic Glenn Lashele 6:41:00
17, Asher Batty - Castlebar Oslo 6:41:05
18, Selwyn Boler - Argents Fire 6:55:00
19, Akhmed Pshunov - Aloha Spartacus 7:00:00
20, Sarah Pembroke - Mario 7:24:35
21, Sue Crockett - Alamo Kipling 7:24:42
22, Julie Kemp - Al Baraq 7:27:00
23, Alison Higgins - Danbar Silk N' Satinn 7:31:03
24, Ken Moir - Drumlin Moonshine 7:38:22
25, Karen Hamelink - Belgari Bentley 7:45:01
26, Dale Hargreaves - Sundust Frisco 7:50:51
27, Sarah Love - Koorong Elijah 7:51:55
28, Fiona Fenech - Pilgrim 8:04:10
29, Jane Davidson - Malcolm 8:25:03
30, Caroline Gillam - Dunwingeri Saahma 8:41:12
31, Paul Fitzgerald - Merton Amadeus 8:44:11
32, Fiona Green - Elfar Jonjaq 9:09:27
33, Warwick Toft - Bremervale Felicity 9:24:08
34, Helen Toft - Bremervale Bay Malibu 9:24:09
35, Stephen Harris - Kasban Pierre 9:26:17

- Noriko Hasegawa - Splendacrest Perfection WDN (Leg 4)
- David Horton - Ambira Bansim V/O Lame (Leg 4)
- Yvonne Knight - Abbeywood Romeo V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Scott Barker - Hadji of Damascus V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- James Sheahan - Manana Gaylord V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Gemma Haywood - Castlebar Calipo V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Arch Felton - Magic Glenn Charlie Brown Lame (Leg 3)
- Claudia Reid - Ningadoo Taban V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Stuart Cottle - Magic Glenn Aaron V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Simone Krahnen - Kyuna Cherakee V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Paul Lengronne - Deep Forest Contest Lame (Leg 0)

Youth Division
------------------------------
1, Angela Hawks - Crysari 5:40:00 Best Conditioned Horse
2, Tarnia Kittel - Raaward Chanelle 5:42:00
3, Ian Davidson - Tristram Nicholas 6:13:00
4, Amanda Powell - Shonavale Kamilla 6:18:00
5, Nick Fry - Rivalyn Shianne 6:29:00
6, Brittnee D'Hondt - Timbertop Adonis 6:32:22
7, Danielle Van Eck - Veloce Mamma Mia 6:32:26
8, Carmel Trevorrow - Niarob Ngym-El-Sadat 6:45:00
9, Terrence Weier - Crystabarbara 7:00:03
10, Tami Parnell - Churinga Desire 7:00:05
11, Corey Lunt - Shardell Sharana Golden 7:06:00
12, Jordyn Piripi - Murland Park Mikahla 7:31:09
13, Aanja Hamelink - Kilkivan Msalute 7:45:00
14, Amaya Fenech - Cedar Springs The Full Monty 8:04:11

- Rebecca Miller - Midu Ariel V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Hayley-Jean Steuer - Sasam V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Ingrid Ambrosiussen - Tarwarri Sharhim V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Bridget Nottle - Kadeen V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Rochelle Knihinicki - Castlebar Demon V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Sarrah Lee Fenech - Monty V/O Lame (Leg 0)

Namibia hosts World Riders at Walvis Bay

Namibia Endurance news

Namibia Endurance Ride Association
News
31/05/2007 Team from Brazil also at Walvis bay ride.

Brazil has announced their "Young Rider Team" to ride at the Walvis bay Championships. Guilherme Santos was nominated as Coach and the team, Aline Hnório, Ana Carla Maciel, Karina Arroyo, Mariana Salles, Naira Dias and Patrícia Taliberti to ride in Namibia, representing Brazil. It looks like the Walvis bay Africa Championships will be an interesting event with riders from all over the word. Here at home, our local riders and the NERA Committee are all preparing for the biggest Equestrian event of the year in Namibia.
31/05/2007 NHF APPALOOSA 2nd Annual Fun Day


30/05/2007 Australia rides with us at Walvisbay 2007

An Australian team will be taking part in the Walvisbay 2007 Championships. The final Australian team will be announced on the 07 June. (We will keep you posted) The Chef D'Equipe, Australian Endurance Team, Dr Trish Annetts and her team are sure to give our Namibian riders good competition, and more international exposure. They are well experienced riders and compete regularly on international rides. Check out the Australian website http://www.aera.asn.au/ .

NERA will announce the Namibian Team in a few days to come. Keep a look out for updates and info about the ride on the Walvisbay Africa Championships 2007 webpage, it will soon be updated almost daily, during and after the event.

28/05/2007 Walvisbay 2007

The NERA organizing team is getting ready for the Walvisbay 2007 Africa Championships. The BIGGEST event for endurance horse riding in Africa for 2007, is coming closer. Visitors and riders from around the world has shown interest in the Walvis Africa Championships and we are sure to see many of them at the ride.

As we have so many top performing horses and riders, it will most certainly be a huge task selecting the Namibian team. Competition will be even stronger this year than last year, with more international teams participating. We foresee an exciting and fun filled ride. In conjunction with www.namibianhorse.com we hope to bring you up to date reporting and pictures of the event, as it happens.
Start practicing, get your horses ready!!!
For more info contact us at: e-mail: secretary@namibiaendurance.org

NZL: Charolette Wadsworth - New Endurance Rider

Marlborough's equine enthusiasts continue to produce outstanding results, with nine year old competitive trail rider Charlotte Wadsworth the latest to achieve national accolades.

Competing against riders aged up to 18 the youngster and her mount, BTR Windy Spirit, claimed the national junior distance horse and rider of the year title and the season-long New Zealand points title.

In her first year of the sport, Wadsworth made an immediate impact competing in Marlborough, Nelson, Christchurch and Ruahine. Riding out on her own for the first time, Wadsworth wasn't fazed competing in rides from 20 to 40km which often required her to spend up to four hours on the course.

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Assisi Endurance Lifestlye: Endurance sport forges Italy-UAE partnership

Assisi Endurance Lifestyle presented today in Rome at the Hotel Bernini Bristol
Assis Endurance Lifestyle

This morning, at the Hotel Bernini Bristol of Rome, a press conference was held to introduce the economic-institutional aspects of the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle.
The main topic of the conference was the development of commercial relations between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, a country where Endurance is the national sport par excellence.
His Eminence Abdulhamid A. Kazim (Ambassador in Italy of the United Arab Emirates), Giuseppe Lomurno (Chairman of sistemaventi.it), Gianfranco Caprioli (Permanent Under-Secretary for the Promotion of Exchange of the Ministry of International Trade), Paolo Angelini (Executive of the Department for International Promotion and Co-operation ICE), Aurelio Forcignanò (Director of the General Confederation of Italian Industry of Perugia), Stefano Cimicchi (Sole director of APT Umbria); Claudio Ricci (mayor of the Municipality of Assisi); Rocco Girlanda (Chief Executive Officer of Edicor/Lifestyle Magazine) and Gianluca Laliscia (Chief Executive Officer of Umbria Endurance Equestrian Team) took part in the event.
Abdulhamid A. Kazim (Ambassador in Italy of the UAE) highlighted the fact that the event planned to be held in Assisi from 21st to 24th June represents an occasion of enrichment in the bilateral relations between Italy and the UAE, as well as dialogue among people of different cultures. Horsemanship is highly regarded in the United Arab Emirates and, thanks to this sport, we have managed to cross boundaries and spread our values of loyalty, friendship and co-operation.
The Permanent Under-Secretary for the Promotion of Exchange of the Ministry of International Trade Gianfranco Caprioli explained how In the last few years the region of the Persian Gulf has been one of the main targets for the Ministry of International Trade, which aims at creating an on-going co-operation with the United Arab Emirates for the growth of Italian small- and medium-sized companies.
The market of the UAE is a major reality, not only for large companies but also for small- and medium-sized firms, stated Paolo Angelini (Department for International Promotion and Co-operation ICE). For the next two years ICE is going to invest in this geographical region and will support Italian companies in setting up activities, relations and trade exchange.
Thanks to sistemaeventi and to ICE we are in the process of developing significant relations with the United Arab Emirates, confirmed Aurelio Forcignanò (Director of the General Confederation of Italian Industry of Perugia) during the press conference. Umbria will not be the only region involved in this project. We have in fact widened the area of interest also to the General Confederation of Italian Industry of Lazio, Tuscany, the Marches and Abruzzo.
In the course of the Assisiendurancelifestyle event there will be the opportunity for women entrepreneurs to meet, and to create an economic bridge between the West and the United Arab Emirates.
The one in Assisi is just one of a series of important events organised by the Umbrian territory explained Stefano Cimicchi (Sole director of APT Umbria). The Assisi Endurance Lifestyle is a means of communicating strong and brave values in that it combines a specific discipline with other aspects of life such as cultural and economic exchange.
We are working to modernize the area and to host high-profile events of this type stated Assisi’s mayor Claudio Ricci. The Assisi Endurance Lifestyle is becoming an all-encompassing project of integrated communication which enhance the whole territory around Assisi and the region of Umbria.
Rocco Girlanda, Chief Executive Officer of Edicor introduced the new publishing project Lifestyle, launched with Il Corriere dell’Umbria, which aims at following each phase of the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle. Girlanda highlighted the success met by the first issue of the Lifestyle Magazine: more than 50 thousand copies have been sold and in 26 outlets it was sold out. Increasingly sport is linked to tourism and to the economy of a territory concluded Gianluca Laliscia, a.d. sistemaeventi.it. By now this link is also being recognised by this sector’s analysts, according to which sports tourism is no longer a niche phenomenon. While being an international sports event, the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle also represents an occasion for doing business for Umbria, a region which is spreading on European and world scale. We believe that this event can become a regular rendezvous for all Endurance enthusiasts as well as for those Italian entrepreneurs who are interested in the new opportunities of development offered by the United Arab Emirates. In terms of excitement, the entrance of the riders (the participants to the Endurance race) in the city of Assisi will undoubtedly be an unforgettable moment for all participants and for the whole Umbrian community.
On 22nd June the theatre Lyrick of Assisi will host the International forum Italy-United Arab Emirates– Development guidelines for common growth - Economy, Tourism, Sport and Culture. At the end of this conference a group of Italian entrepreneurs will meet a group of entrepreneurs from the Emirates with the aim of developing B2B relations.
Finally, by way of confirmation of the international flavour of these Umbrian events, a video-message by Princess Haya bint Al Hussein (Chairperson of FEI) will be broadcast during the press conference in Rome. This is how Her Royal Highness wanted to be close to the organisers of the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle.

FEI rebukes 2005 World Endurance Championship hosts

Horse&Hound.co.uk

Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor

7 June, 2007
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has officially reprimanded the organising committee of the 2005 World Endurance Championships, putting an end to a two-year doping saga.

In January 2005, the World Endurance Championships ended in controversy when the results were overturned at the medal ceremony by the organising committee (Emirates International Endurance Racing) — without the FEI's permission. France's Barbara Lissarague was crowned World Champion instead of Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Al Nayan.

Afterwards, organisers said Hachim — the horse ridden to victory by Sheikh Hazza — had failed a doping test (see panel, right). But the FEI refused to acknowledge this at the time, although its laboratories later confirmed the horse had tested positive for methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory drug.

An extrapolated legal process ensued before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ultimate arbitrators in sporting disputes, upheld Sheikh Hazza's disqualification and the FEI turned its attentions to the organising committee.

"Whether or not Sheikh Hazza was ultimately found to have committed a doping offence had a bearing on certain issues raised in the protest filed with the FEI against the organising committee," said FEI legal director Alexander Mc Lin. "It was only after that was assessed that all the issues relating to the organising committee's actions could be looked at."

He said: "A reprimand will go on the record," adding that this would be "taken into consideration" if the organising committee applied to host another event.

But what actually happened in Dubai is still not clear. The plot reads more like a Dick Francis novel than a judicial process.

In the CAS judgement it is stated that Hachim was "allegedly the subject of persistent doping rumours".

Giving evidence to CAS, organising committee vice-chairman Saeed H Al Tayer said a "reliable source" told him Hachim was doped, but refused to name that source.

He testified that, based on those rumours, the organising committee declared second-placed Ms Lissarague the winner. Sheikh Hazza was mounted at the medal ceremony but left halfway through.

Mr Mc Lin told H&H last week: "What exactly occurred is still not entirely clear. Clearly, the organising committee acted on information it obtained from a laboratory."

Mr Mc Lin further explained that, unlike police, the FEI does not have the powers to force parties to reveal their evidence.

He added: "If the perception is that the FEI didn't investigate this enough, I can assure you that is not the case.

"The FEI has to make a decision based on what evidence it has, and unfortunately the evidence in this case was not conclusive."

H&H was unable to contact the organising committee, Emirates International Endurance Racing, for comment, nor the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation, to comment on behalf of Sheikh Hazza.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (7 June, '07)

Andes horseback challenge

Photo Credit: © Pablo Betancourt

5 June, 2007

A HORSE riding opportunity of a lifetime following Charles Darwin’s route through the remote Andes Mountains has been launched by youth charity The Prince’s Trust.

The Trans-Andes Horseback Challenge provides riders with the opportunity to take on a unique equestrian experience and raise money for disadvantaged young people across the UK.

The six-day challenge takes place from February 1-10 2008 and will see riders trek more than 150km on horseback across the stunning landscape of the snow-capped Andes mountain range, from Mendoza in Argentina and to the Chilean capital of Santiago.

Accompanied by a team of local “gauchos” (horsemen), participants will experience “cabalgata” or traditional horseback trekking. They will ride with western-style saddles and bridles and negotiate steep climbs, rugged terrain and remote mountain passes, crossing rivers and camping out under the stars each night along the route. The itinerary follows one of Charles Darwin’s expedition trails and passes breathtaking ravines, ancient volcanoes and hot springs, as well as taking in the diverse flora and fauna of the region.

With up to eight hours a day in the saddle at high altitude (up to 4,500m), participants need to be confident riders and have a high level of fitness - committing to follow a comprehensive training schedule in the months leading up to departure in order to prepare for the intense physical demands of the journey.

Endurance GB rider Fiona Fairhurst took part in the first Andes Challenge earlier this year. She said: “Although for me the horse riding itself wasn’t most difficult part of the challenge, this is certainly no trek up the Brecon Beacons – the Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world – the scenery is jaw-dropping and the route is tough.

But the challenge is far more than just an amazing riding experience. Being away from everyday life in an environment like this allowed everyone to learn something about themselves and their lives. On a mountain, miles from anywhere, you are just concentrating on surviving, but everyone pulls together and the team spirit created is remarkable.”

The Trust’s Challenges aim to raise £500,000 over the next year to help thousands more young people across the UK to realise their potential and turn their lives around.

For more information or to sign up on the Trans-Andes Horseback Challenge call 020 7543 1370 or visit www.princes-trust.org.uk/andes.

FRA: France Victorious at CEIO Nation's Cup

By Endurance.Net
The French endurance team was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2007 CEIO Nation's Cup held June 2 at the endurance venue at Compiegne France.

Detailed results of the race are on www.endurance.net

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Bahrain Third at France Challenge

Bahrain: Gulf Daily News

BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team bagged third place overall in the Compiegne International Endurance Horseride Championship at the Compiegne racecourse near Paris.The team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, completed the six-stage, 160-km race in 11 hours, 25 minutes and 20 seconds.

They were behind champions France who crossed the finish line first in 9:31.08, followed by Belgium (10:08:36) in second place.

The four-member Bahraini squad consisted of Mohammed Abdulaziz, Yousif Taher and Ghazi Al Dossary apart from Shaikh Nasser.

The race was dominated by French riders who took the top four positions in the individual event with Thomas Philippe finishing first in 1:12.30, followed by compatriot Begaud Jacque (1:01:12) in second place, Dietsch Pascal (1:06:55) third and Lemoine Maryli (1:08:10) fourth.

Bahrain's Abdulaziz finished ninth overall in 1:19.57, Taher was 13th in 1:30.30, while Al Dossary withdrew from the race following an injury to its horse.

Apart from Bahrain, 11 other nations - Algeria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE - took part in the championship but only 17 riders completed the race.

Top officials from Compiegne Province attended the event and presented trophies to the top three teams and the first 15 riders in the individual event at a prize-giving ceremony.

Shaikh Nasser expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team both in the team event and the individual category.

"We took this race very seriously and were keen to complete it without any injuries as we have a number of other races to take part in Europe in the next two months," said Shaikh Nasser.

It is Bahrain's second appearance at the Compiegne racecourse having taken part in the 2005 Europen Championship which was held at the same venue and attended by His Majesty King Hamad.

"This race was a qualifier for the 2007 Europe Endurance Horseride Championship to be staged in Portugal in September and those who complete three races over 160 kms will qualify for this prestigious event," added Shaikh Nasser.

"It's a privilege to be taking part in such a prestigious event. The result is also very good despite the fact that we took part in this event without our main horses. The horses we took part are in are the ones based in Europe," said Shaikh Nasser.

"The environment here is amazing and the Equestrian Stadium has a top quality circuit with excellent sand tracks," he said.

The team will return today from Paris and continue preparations for future races to be held in the UK and France next month.

Results (in order of country, horse, total time):

Individual event: 1 Thomas Philippe (France, Joel Gabirat, 1:12:30 hrs), 2 Begaud Jacque (France, Koum Des Jamets, 1:01:12), 3 Dietsch Pascal (France, Hifrane Dui Barth, 1:06:55), 4 Lemoine Maryli (France, Sherahki, 1:08:10), 5 Van Den Abeele (Belgium, Epson Dela Brus, 1:09:13) 6 Mosti Laurent (France, Xalene Dela Dro, 1:13:13).

FEI: 2008 WEC Qualification Criteria - 10:40 requirement dropped

World Senior Endurance Championship 2008 qualification criteria for approval by the FEI Bureau

The FEI Technical Committee, together with the FEI Endurance Department have now submitted the final wording of the World Senior Endurance Championship 2008 qualification criteria for approval by the FEI Bureau.

The original Criteria which was posted on the FEI Web site and circulated to all FEI National Federations for comment has been amended with regard to the maximum ride time allowed at the additional qualification ride - to be achieved within twelve months of the nominated entry date of the 2008 Championship.This is now the same as the other qualification ride to be achieved within twenty four months of the nominated entry date.

The original thinking behind the suggestion of a shorter maximum ride time for the additional qualifier was to ensure that horses competing in Malaysia had proven levels of increased fitness. However, some Federations felt that the differing conditions found at FEI 160 km events around the world made this increased requirement unfair on certain nations. Further, there was concern that the need for additional speed was contrary to the desire for increased levels of horsemanship that are not directly linked to the ability to increase speed.

The FEI Technical Committee will therefore address these fitness issues by applying stricter criteria on the day of competition as provided for under art 807 and 808 of the FEI Rules for Endurance Events.

Final Qualification Criteria: Horsesport.org

The Patriot's Day 100 Endurance Ride

California - Plumas County News
5/30/07
By Centella Tucker
Special to Feather Publishing

The Patriot's Day 100 Endurance Ride was held May 19 in Greenville and attracted riders from California and beyond.



The event, co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Greenville and the Indian Valley Riding and Roping Club, brought 33 entrants to Coppercreek Camp for the first 100-mile endurance ride in Greenville.

This ride was held with the hope of attracting the AERC National Championship Ride to this site in 2008 or 2009.

Riders followed the trail over the Keddie Ridge saddle to Walker Lake and back.

They later traveled through Haun's Meadow and along the ridge overlooking Lake Almanor.

The first to finish completed the ride in just over 13 hours, including 2 hours 45 minutes of mandatory rest times at five veterinary checks where the well-being of the horses was evaluated.

Anderson resident Betsy Adamson on Wriana's Destiny and Redding resident Deanna Guinasso on RGR Flash Fire rode across the finish line in a photo finish at 6:34 p.m., after a 5:30 a.m. start.

First-place horse Wriana's Destiny also earned the Best Condition Award.

Other special recognition goes to First Junior Rider Katie Lydon and Rusty of Manton.

First Featherweight was Betsy Adamson of Anderson on Wriana's Destiny.

First Lightweight was Deanna Guinasso of Redding on RGR Flash Fire.

First Middleweight was Ron Belknap of Coarsegold on Sussman.

First Heavyweight was Gina Hall of Carson City, Nev., on Fire Mountain Destiny.

The Turtle Award went to Cynthia LeDoux-Bloom of Fort Bragg, riding SJ Kerensky to the finish at 12:46 a.m. Sunday, May 20, after an early afternoon fall slowed her pace.

The toughest rider was Renie Burnett of Anderson on Czentinel, who finished 25th with a possible broken collarbone.

Malaysian King to visit rural Qld horse event

ABC News Online

The King of Malaysia and some of the world's best horse riders are heading to Queensland's south Burnett for an international endurance event.

Nanango residents are preparing the small rural town for its first royal visit.

Atop the Blackbutt Range, Nanango has been battling drought and the loss of coal mining jobs.

A royal visit, and the influx of 1,000 people for an international endurance ride on the Queen's Birthday long weekend is a welcome distraction.

Barbara Timms from the Nanango Heritage Endurance Riders Association concedes a royal competitor has been something of a challenge.

"We've had all the embassies sending out their demands for what's required and that sort of thing," she said.

Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin has booked an entire motel, one of only four in the township.

Horse buyers are expected from the United Arab Emirates and there have been rumours of offers of $1 million for one noted Queensland-bred champion.
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Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser bags second place

Bahrain Gulf Daily News


ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa came second in the 120-km Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy held yesterday in UK.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, headed the five-member Bahraini team which included Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

Shaikh Nasser settled for second position after gruelling competition with Great Britain's Liz Taylor, who won the race.

As for the other Bahraini riders, Shaikh Talal took fourth-place ahead of Abdulla who came fifth, Mahmood sixth and Abdulsamad seventh. The event, which was the first for the Bahraini team this year and took place near Tottenham, consisted of three races over 80 kms, 120 kms and 160 kms.

The Royal Endurance Team took part in the 120-km race which was divided into four stages.

The first stage was over 40 kms, 30 kms for the second and third stages while the fourth stage was over 20 kms. After the race, Shaikh Nasser and other team riders were congratulated by His Majesty King Hamad. This event was part of the team's training programme in Europe which also includes participation in other races in the UK, France and Portugal.

The King of Malaysia to compete in Endurance ride in Australia

Equestrian Federation of Australia



Sultan of Terengganu, HRH Tuanku Mizan
EFA National Office, Friday, 25 May 2007

The Nanango CEI 3-Star 160 km International Endurance ride near Kingaroy in Queensland will have a royal competitor. The current King of Malaysia hopes to gain the necessary qualification to compete in the FEI World Endurance Championships, which will be held in his country next year.

As the Sultan of Terengganu, HRH Tuanku Mizan* was elected King of Malaysia at the Conference of Rulers in on 3 November 2006. He will serve as the Paramount Ruler of Malaysia for the next five years.

The 45-year-old King is a keen Endurance rider and will join an international field of riders and officials from New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Poland Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates and Australia in this ride.

The event is conducted by the Nanango Heritage Endurance Riders Association, a club of the Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA), which is affiliated with the Equestrian Federation of Australia and governs the sport of Endurance on its behalf.

The ride itself will start at 5:00 AM on Saturday, 09 June 2007, at the Nanango Showgrounds. Most riders are expected to complete the distance of 160 km by late afternoon. A number of veterinary examinations at five so-called “vet gates” will ensure the horses’ welfare and assess their fitness to continue the ride.



*Note: The full name of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia is Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Al-Haj.

Royal team gear up for France event

Bahrain Gulf Daily News


ROYAL Endurance Team delegation arrived in France for the Compiegne International Endurance Horseride Championship to be held on Saturday at Compiegne racecourse of the Equestrian Stadium, near Paris.

The race, which is over 160km, is regarded as a qualifier for Europe Endurance Horseride Championship to be staged in Portugal in September.

The team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, had taken part in the Europe 2005 edition championship which was held at the same venue and attended by His Majesty King Hamad.

Other team members include Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

Apart from Bahrain, 11 other nations have so far confirmed their entry for the championship. They are Algeria, Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE.

Shaikh Nasser said the team have been always keen at taking part in these races to gain more experience despite the tough and inconvenient environment surrounding these venues.

The Breef chief said only four riders will compete in this race and will be chosen according to their fitness and physical conditions.

The five-member team have taken part in the 120-km Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy which was held yesterday in the UK, near Tottenham, where Shaikh Nasser came second.

The Equestrian Stadium has a top quality circuit with excellent sandy tracks in the imperial forest of Compiegne and holds the 2004 record of participating nations - 19 nations and 87 competitors, half of them were foreigners.

Shaikh Abdullah in top form

Khaleej Times

28 May 2007

DUBAI - Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qasimi produced top class form to win the hotly contested Dukeries 160km FEI in England. It was a splendid accomplishment for the winner of the individual bronze medal at the 2007 JYR World Championship. He was riding Castlebar Sobea on whom his brother finished 4th in JYR WC. This eight-year-old mare was bred in Australia by Meg Wade and Chris Cates

The ride location was in Nottinghamshire where lie the present day remains of Sherwood Forest, once the playground of kings and dukes. It originally comprised huge private estates, established by nobility in a 200-year shopping spree that used the profits from the industrial revolution. Clumber Park, Thoresby and Welbeck were the country seats of powerful dukes. Today, they are still known as 'The Dukeries'

From the start Shaikh Abdullah alongside his endurance trainer Anzag Mahmood Chaudhry rode at a smart pace averaging the fastest, 17.37kph, over the opening loop of 40km but a trio of British riders, including the third place finisher Susan Hawes, were determined to overcome the UAE challenge.

The foremost was Fiona Hamilton who held a fifteen minute lead over the UAE duo at the end of the fourth stage. But at the vet gate, the UAE horses made smart presentations that sent them out just three minutes behind.
It was a jubilant Shaikh Abdullah who crossed the finish holding the UAE flag just ahead of Chaudhry. This was the first time that both their horses Castlebar Sobea and Sergai had competed in a 160km ride. Shaikh Abdullah has now set his sights on being selected to represent the UAE at the 2007 Open European Championship due to be held in Portugal in September.

Six-member Royal Team for UK ride

Gulf Daily News - Bahrain

SIX-member Royal Endurance Team is in the UK to participate in the Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy scheduled for today at 7.30am (Bahrain time).

The Bahraini team will be captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and includes Khalid Al Ruwaie, Jaffer Mirza, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

The event, which will be the first for the Bahraini team this year, will take place near Tottenham and consist of three races over 80 kms, 120 kms and 160 kms.

The Royal Endurance Team will take part in the 120-km race which will be divided into four stages. The first stage will be over 40 kms, 30 kms for the second and third stages while the fourth stage will be over 20 kms.

Shaikh Nasser, accompanied by team rider Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, reached the race venue yesterday and was briefed about the race.

The Breef chief also watched the veterinary tests of the team horses ahead of the championship.

Shaikh Nasser later met with members of the team and team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan and stressed on the importance of this race which is named after Bahrain. Dr Hassan said the Bahraini team is expected to impress in this competition.

Australia: Clare completes hat-trick

Invernell Times

LOCAL endurance rider, Clare Fleming and her purebred Arabian gelding Mangueira Moksha have continued on their winning way following the recent Eden Creek Endurance Ride.

The pair (pictured below) won the Best Conditioned Horse Award for the third time this season.

The two vets that presided over the weekends' activities, examined Moksha an hour after he had finished the 80km ride.

He was deemed to be the winner, based upon his ability to be able to go on, his fitness, freshness and soundness.

It was a big weekend, with close to 100 horses completing in either the 40km training ride or the 80km Endurance Ride.

Earlier Clare rode her Anglo mare Birramalee Queen of Hearts in the 40km ride.

They completed successfully, with a ride time of just over three hours. They were presented with a thermos as a completion prize.

On Sunday morning, the 80km ride started in the cold and wet track following an inch of rain on the Friday evening.

Clare decided to take it easy for this ride, as she is planning to ride Moksha in the 110km International Trans Tasman Endurance Ride on the June long-weekend in Nanango, Queensland.

Clare and Moksha did the ride in just under six hours.

They took it steady, so as to avoid any leg injuries or muscle soreness, which might arise from riding and sliding about in the muddy conditions. Moksha passed all the vet checks and successfully completed the ride. Much to her surprise, Clare finished second in the Lightweight division, and was third rider across the finish line.

At presentation, Clare was given two bags of horse feed and a feed bin for her prizes.