Bahrain: Shaikh Khalid sixth

Gulf Daily News
LEADER of Al Khaldiya Stables team Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished sixth in the St Galmier Endurance Race for the Bahrain Cup, held yesterday in France under the supervision of the International Equestrian Federation.

The 120-kilometre race was won by Inora Paulgans of France, who bested 91 other riders from the Czech Republic, Brazil, Britain, Denmark and Bahrain.

Shaikh Khalid presented the Bahrain Cup to Paulgans at the end of the race, which consisted of five stages: the first was over 35km, the second 30km, the third 20km, the fourth 29km and the fifth for 10km.

Shaikh Khalid's Al Khaldiya team included Yousef Taher, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Ahmed Abdulla and Jaffer Merza.

Leader of the Bahrain Royal Endurance team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa phoned Shaikh Khalid to congratulate him for the result and his excellent effort and performance.

FRA: CEI**120km Bahrain Cup Results

The CEI** 129km race has completed. There were 80 starters in the event, with 56 placements at the finish and 24 eliminated during the course of the event. Enora Boulenger, riding Idais Tobiha surged at the to pass Celine Schwartz on Hevenroz de Paulte and finish first. Schwartz nd Isabelle Boyor on Djalba du Barraly had ridden a close race during the first 3 phases of the race, running 1 and 2 for the first 90km.

The race ran the yellow (30km) and green (29km) loops each two times. These phases will also be used during the upcoming 160km National Championship event.

Complete Results on EnduranceEurope.net

FEI Endurance Task Force Starts Work

July 12, 2007 FEI Press

The six selected Chairmen of the newly established FEI Endurance Task Force held conference calls over the last two weeks to discuss and agree on their respective timetables and reporting procedures.

Each Chairman, together with their two co-members, will now start to review the various areas which have been designated to each Division.

Specific email addresses have been established so that National Federations can send any comments and suggestions they may received from their members directly to the Task Force Chairman.

Regular reviews will take place each month after the respective Chairman has provided the FEI with an updated report on the progress achieved. These reports will also be featured on the FEI Endurance Web pages.

A fuller report will be issued in October 2007 which is the half way point in the review process. The final report is scheduled to be released in March 2008 when the proposed new rules will be circulated to National Federations for comment and feedback.

Those new rules will come into force in January 2009.

FRA: National Championship of France

The 2007 Edition of the French National Championship will occur this Saturday. The Hippodrome in St. Galmier will be the primary venue of this event.

Endurance.Net and EnduranceEurope.net will have Merri Melde and Alice Proust at the event to provide images and stories from their unique perspectives. The official event web site is: http://ceistgalmier.free.fr/ - coverage will be provided at:

EnduranceEurope.net

More to Come!!

Top endurance horse Vlacq Khamul put down

From

horseandhound.co.uk
Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor

11 July, 2007
Top international endurance horse Vlacq Khamul has been put down after a "catastrophic" pastern injury.

The 12-year-old pure-bred Arab, known at home as "Kham", was owned and ridden Tricia Hirst from Meifod, Powys. The pair had competed around the world — most recently as part of Team GB at the World Equestrian Games in Aachen (August 2006).

"I am absolutely devastated," international endurance rider Tricia told H&H. "He was a horse of a lifetime — he took me around the world to places I never thought I would go to."

Kham was destroyed on Saturday at Rossdale & Partners in Newmarket where Tricia had taken him for a second opinion for a niggling lameness in his left fore.

"We'd had X-rays, nerve blocks, everything — but our vet found nothing, only a small hole at the back of his pastern," said Tricia. "So, because I was competing at Euston Park over the weekend, which was fairly near to Rossdales, I took him there for an MRI scan. They did more X-rays and an MRI but found nothing.

"So Marcus Head said he wanted to do another lameness work-up from scratch, starting with nerve blocks."

Tricia set out on the Euston Park ride with her daughter, but received a call on Saturday to say that the Arab's pastern had catastrophically broken down in front of staff during the trot-up. There was no choice but to destroy the much-loved family horse.

"He was part of the family. In 2004 he was ranked 9th in the world and was the 6th best pure Arab. In 2005 he partnered me at the European Championships in Compiegne and then my son Philip rode him in Bahrain at the Young Riders World Championships," said Tricia. "But I just had to carry on at Euston, it was awful."

Tricia said she had a number of other young horses at home, and a two-year-old by the same sire as Vlacq Khamul that she has bred herself.

"But none are quite like him," she added.

Horse and Houng article

All African Games: Endurance as Equestrian sport

(source: China, Peoples Daily Online)


The ninth All-Africa Games is to be unveiled on Wednesday in Algiers, capital of the North African country Algeria. The following is a brief introduction of this year''s edition of the Games.

The Algerian authorities have chosen Algiers, Tipaza town, Boumerdes and Blida town to host the games. The four venues are scattered over a radius of about 60 km, Kenyan media reported

According to material on the official web site of the Games, over 20 events will be held in this year''s games. The events for the disabled such as athletics, wheelchair basketball are also included in the timetable.

Equestrian sport will make its debut at the ninth Games and will involve endurance riding and show jumping. The sport was first included in the Olympic Games in 1900.

High-profile events will be athletics, swimming and weightlifting in which Africans conquer the world in past major international sports events. For athletics, three-time world cross country championship Edith Masai has predicted that the heated contest between Kenyans and Ethiopians will extend to Algiers.

Kenya has sent its ever largest team to the pan-African event since the country hosted the 1987 Games in its capital of Nairobi.What brings more limelight to the games is that it is part of the qualifiers for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in some events, while in other events like table tennis, it is the sole chance for African sports people to fight for slots of the Olympic Games. Many countries have attached importance to the process of choosing team members.

In addition, several athletes have said that their aim is not just to end up in the medal bracket but using the continental games to prepare for the World Championships in Osaka this August.

AUS: Moyston - Hundreds endure endurance ride

Hundreds endure endurance ride

One of the 100 horses and riders to compete in the endurance ride held at Moyston.
One of the 100 horses and riders to compete in the endurance ride held at Moyston.
MOYSTON - Moyston'S Endurance Ride has been hailed a success, with the event attracting more than 100 riders and their horses from across the state.

The 5am start, on an icy Sunday morning, for the 80kilometre endurance ride did not deter riders from getting involved in the event.

Event organiser Sioux Reid said the weekend was enjoyed by many people of all ages.

"We even had one lady in her 70s participate in the 80kilometre ride," Reid said.

More than 200 people attended a spit roast dinner and band performance on Saturday night, which had `lots of people up dancing'.

Riders were very positive about the weekend, with many commenting on the great facilities at the Moyston recreation reserve and the beautiful scenery.

"We had riders telling us that when the sun broke out of the clouds the view across the Grampians' plains was just fantastic," Reid said.

The Sunday ride went smoothly thanks to the assistance of the police, CFA and many volunteers from around the region.

"As long as we have that kind of support, we'll hold it again," Reid said.

Results

Heavyweight: 1st Dianne Tobin riding Commanche Man, 2nd Carl Adamson riding Bowzatus, 3rd Luke Steele riding Shadrach. Fittest horse Bowzatus.

Middleweight: Equal 1st Fay Bushby riding Pyrenees Phenomenon, Fiona McAuley riding Corandirk Edison, 2nd Janine Stembridge riding Storm, 3rd Jan Scholes riding Gayland Mariah. Fittest horse Gayland Mariah.

Lightweight: 1st Brittnee D'Hondt riding Breema Currowen Winston, 2nd Kelly Armistead riding Khamsin, 3rd Shannon Decker riding Kanafor Kassan. Fittest horse Breema Crrowan Winston.

Junior: 1st Samantha Noble riding Springbridge Bungerdore, 2nd Jessie McKinnon riding Sandine Belcoo, 3rd Caitlyn Sidlouskis riding Kanafor Kassan. Fittest horse Springridge Bungerdore.



[More ...]

Shaikh Nasser wins race in UK

Shaikh Nasser wins race in UK

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa led the Bahrain Royal team to victory in the Thetford International British Endurance Race for 160km, defeating a number of European champions.

Shaikh Nasser finished the race in a total time of eight hours and 16.2 seconds (8.16.21) with an average speed of 19km per hour. World champion Jack Pego came second with a total time of 8.34.11, while third place went to Sofia Arinda with a total time of 8.34.12.

The first stage of the 160km race, which was for 39kms, saw Shaikh Nasser place third riding his horse Basic. Shaikh Majed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum of UAE came first followed by his brother, Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Bahrain's Ghazi Al Dossary finished the stage in 13th place while his teammate, Raed Mahmood, finished in 14th place.

In the second stage, which was for 27kms, Shaikh Nasser came second behind Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who came first. Ghazi Al Dossary and Raed Mahmood finished 12th and 13th, respectively.

In the third stage, which was for 34kms, Shaikh Nasser led the race and succeeded to remain on top until the end of the race.

In the 120km race, Shaikh Daej bin Salman Al Khalifa finished in the 12th place with a total time of 6.47.58 hours, while UAE's riders Mubarak bin Shifya and Mohammed Ali came first and second, respectively.

Meanwhile, the endurance royal team will be leaving today to participate in the St Gelmir endurance race which will start next Thursday for 120kms. Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the team.

[More ...]

GBR: A successful Ride day at Euston!

Near Thetford, in the SouthEast of Great Britain, on the morning of 8 July and Endurance Race began at 6am. 18 Riders from 9 countries starting the three CEI classes. The race was used as a proving point for the UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar endurance squads as they prepare for the upcoming European Endurance Championship in September. 2 riders from Britain, 2 from India, and 3 from France competed the starting field of the 160km race.

The day also saw CEI*** 120km CEIYR*** 120km events, as well as 6 CEN classes, ranging from 100km Endurance level to 41km CR rides. In all, @100 riders particiapted in a full day of endurance.

HH Sh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa riding Basic Instinct won the day at the 160km distance, followed by the 3 French riders. At the 120km, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya riding Omani Iman was first to finish while in the 120km Young Rider class, Sarah Rogerson and Chantalle prevailed.

Complete Results

Bahrain Royal Endurance team set for England race

Bahrain - Gulf Daily News
BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance team is set to participate this morning in the Thetford Endurance Race in England.

This will be the second participation for the Royal team in the Thetford race with both senior and junior teams, and will serve as a preparation for the next Endurance Europe Championship.

The race will consist of two different categories, including the 160-kilometre distance and the 120km event.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the Bahraini team in the 160km event along with Ghazi Al Dossary and Raed Mahmood; while Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead the Al Khalidiya Stables team in the 120km event along with Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and Jaffar Merza, who will be a substitute rider.

Participate

Meanwhile, the UAE's riders are also set to participate in the 120km race, led by sons of Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, prime minister and vice-president of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The pre-race medical check-up was held yesterday with the attendance of all the participants.

Several members of the Royal Endurance squad are also set to participate in the St Gilmer Endurance race in France.

The delegation is led by team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan, and includes riders Yousif Taher, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Ghazi Al Dossary, Ahmed Abdulla, Mohammed Abdulaziz, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Abdulsamad and Jaffar Merza.

PanAm - Definite List of Entries: 8 countries 3 continents

Paticipants from 8 countries on 3 continents are listed by Cidinha Franzão on EnduranceBrasil. A full 12 member Adult squad from home country Brazil is joined by 12 Young riders to complete the Brazilian entries. Argentina and Uruguy each field both Adult and Young Rider teams while Chile, COLÔMBIA, and GUATEMALA each field partial teams. Open competitors from ÁFRICA DO SUL and GRÃ BRETANHA complete the field of 48 on the definite entries for the CEI**** event to be held July 19-20 near SÃO PAULO - BRASIL! Follow the lead up to the event at:

EnduranceBrasil


[More ...]

USEF Approves New Drug for Horses

The board of directors of the United States Equestrian Federation has approved the use of the new non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug Equioxx (firocoxib).

This new NSAID is the first cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) sparing drug to be approved by the FDA for use in horses. The drug specifically targets cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an enzyme responsible for causing inflammation and pain in the body, and spares COX-1, which is associated with many beneficial functions, including production of the protective mucous lining of the stomach.

Firocoxib is restricted to use outside competition until the rule allowing its use takes effect August 1, 2007.

[More ...]

Endurance changing for the good

Dubai: Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: July 02, 2007, 00:24

Abu Dhabi: Ever since Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was elected as President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), many equestrian disciplines including endurance riding have seen changes for the good.

The sport of endurance, in which the UAE are one the strongest competitors, is not only one of the fastest growing disciplines in the world but has also been evolving into a highly competitive sport.

Under the FEI, the Endurance Committee has been testing and experimenting on various aspects of the sport as part of the Endurance Review which is being conducted during 2007 and early 2008.

Finish line

In the recent CEI Three-star 120km Bab Al Shams endurance ride held at Assisi in Italy, the organisers Assisi Endurance Lifestyle experiment with the new "Formula One Finish" which has been mooted to make endurance rides more attractive and spectator friendly.

As against the current practice of waiting for all the fit horses to complete the ride within the stipulated time, in Assisi the new move involved the closing of the out gates onto the course loops one hour after the arrival of the first horse to cross the finish line.

Any horse stopped by the use of the 'Formula 1' finish at a Vet Gate was still required to complete all Vet examinations and, in doing so, meet all of the parameters to continue even though not being required to do so.

Ian Williams, FEI Director of Endurance who was present at the event was quoted on the FEI website as having said, "Those involved in the trial were very positive with the outcome.

"We will now pass the findings on to the FEI Endurance Task Force who will consider the possibilities further.

"We will need to also further trial this style of finish over 160km to gain a full picture of its effect."

Speaking to Gulf News, Vijay Moorthy, Head of Endurance at the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation said, "The 'Formula One' finish when adopted does make it easier for the horses as well as those officials involved in the event.

"It makes the sport a little more spectator friendly and is easier for the media also," Moorthy added.

FRA: 2007 Florac First to Finish

1	11:14	FRA	DEMIERRE Cecile	SHAMAN
2	11:30	FRA	BOISSERON Catherine	EULALIE D'OUT LAW
3	11:30	FRA	SOUCHARDPierre	DARKAN

There were 74 Horse/Rider teams at the 4:00AM start. At this time, 7 have finished this world class course. 26 teams are still on the course as night falls in the Florac valley! Detailed Results

[More ...]

FEI News: 'Formula 1' Finish receives warm approval

At the CEI 3* 120km event held last weekend, on the outskirts of the world famous Italian city of Assisi, the proposed 'Formula 1' finish was tested to much approval.

This test is the third in a series of trial events being undertaken as part of the Endurance Review which is being conducted during 2007 and early 2008.

The first trial involved a scientific study of Endurance horses competing in Dubai in February this year. The second trial, held in Portugal in the spring, tested the use of four vet gates (rather than five) over a 160 km course to ensure riders took more responsibility for the care of their horses rather than relying of the Veterinary Officials.

Last weekend's trial involved the closing of the out gates onto the course loops one hour after the arrival of the first horse to cross the finish line. Any horse stopped by the use of the 'Formula 1' finish at a Vet Gate was still required to complete all Vet examinations and, in doing so, meet all of the parameters to continue even though not being required to do so.

All of the horses effected by the closure of the course were supportive of the trial and felt that it was in line with the need to protect the horse in Endurance competition.

Whilst the riders were confident in their horse's ability to go on and complete the full distance despite the unusual hot temperatures experienced on the day, they felt that the closing of the course and the ability to still be placed in the overall standings was good for the sport.

Ian Williams, FEI Director of Endurance who was present at the event commented, 'Those involved in the trial were very positive with the outcome. We will now pass the findings on to the FEI Endurance Task Force who will consider the possibilities further. We will need to also further trial this style of finish over 160km to gain a full picture of its effect'.

The Organisers had worked hard to attract the general public to this showcase event. Fashion shows, an open air Gala Dinner and breathtaking firework display took place on the eve of the competition. Some 10,000 people watched the event on the day, increasing to over 20,000 who attended the prize-giving ceremony and the following musical entertainment, all of which took place below the floodlit medieval city of Assisi with its many churches and cathedrals.

Christiana, South Africa CEI*** 120km Race

The Timaru Herald
The New Zealand endurance horse riding team which includes Timaru's Linda Pullar has taken a win in Christiana, South Africa.

Pullar, riding a loaned 10-year-old grey South African mare, was the second kiwi rider home and a strong contributor to New Zealand's success.

Pullar was selected among the four-strong kiwi team to compete against South Africa at last year's Horse of the Year Show in Hastings.

During the 122km event Pullar said her loaned horse was well behaved, especially as there were a number of animals in the wildlife park.

She was delighted with how scenic the event was, taking in sights of eland, springbok, a rhino and giraffe.

"Some riders saw monkeys and zebras but there was no time to lose concentration on the ride as the stones under the soft red soil posed a continuous hazard."

As the ride was on flat terrain and Pullar was used to the rolling New Zealand hills she said she found herself getting quite sore from riding in the same position and in an unfamiliar saddle.

The kiwis managed to finish the day with the fitter horses however, several of their opponents failing the required veterinary testing.

"When our final rider came in we were jumping for joy and hugging each other.

"It's a day that we will never forget."

[More ...]

2007 Ride & Tie World Champions!

June 21 2007 - Humboldt County, California


Photo by Corey Rich


San Diego woman Rufus Schneider, and partner Tom Johnson, repeated a feat accomplished only once before in the history of Ride & Tie. This past weekend Schneider became the second woman ever to win the Ride & Tie World Championship since the sport's inception in 1971. The 34-mile race, which combined two runners taking turns riding their team horse across a rugged hilly course, took place June 16th in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park in northern California.

At the tail end of the race another record was set: Madison Trocha became the youngest runner to ever complete a Ride & Tie World Championship at nine years of age. Madison partnered with her horse Barbie and her father Bob Trocha to best the previous youngest record, set by a ten-year-old girl in 1983. The oldest person completing this year's Championship race was 72 years of age.

[More ...]

Italy: Assisi - Giacchero First to Finish Riding India

Italy

Assis Endurance Lifestlye: Bab Al Sham's Endurance Cup concluded with Italian rider Patrizia Giacchero taking the top prize on 'India' in a ride time of 7:27:19. The 120km course traversed fields and hills, with spectacular views of historic architecture and Italian countryside all around.

The venue was at the Misura Endurance Village, near Perugia Italy. Misura Endurance Village was built with a modern artistic open-air theme, to provide guests and competitors with a functional and elegant venue. Open-air restaurants, bars, galleries and shops dot the beautiful setting of the Endurance Village.

The organizers of this gala Endurance Event provided transportation, accomodation, stabling, and lodging for competitors from across the European continent. 94 horse and rider teams entered the event and 20 received completion times.

Full coverage of the event can be found at Endurance.Net - Assisi.

Top Ten Finishers:


1 Patrizia Giacchero / ITA India 07.27.19

2 Daniela Blasi / ITA Los Angeles Estashadek 07.37.11

3 Diana Origgi / ITA Primula Baia 07.44.23

4 Nicholas Cianfrocca / ITA Dameliette 07.44.26

5 Maria Alvarez Ponton / ESP Kalynka De Montegut 07.52.15

6 Marta Bravi / ITA Big Sky Fyrre 08.37.17

7 Ivan Fondriest / ITA Sharaby 08.38.19

8 Loris Venturi / ITA Zodjaco 08.38.19

9 Mario Cutolo / ITA Zyad El Asil 08.53.07

10 Vincenzo Catalano / ITA Parytet 09.01.15
[More ...]

Japan: National Joba Club and NTT DoCoMo at Endurance Ride

Japan's Perfect Ride

It really was a perfect ride. After a few days of rain and unsettled weather, ride day dawned with bright blue sky and comfortable riding temperatures. It couldn't have been much better weather! And all of the work- the plans - paid off for a smooth and exciting event. The meals, the meetings, the awards, the trail, the pre-ride symposium, the transport of vets and officials from Narita airport to the small country town of Kita-Karuisawa - everything was 'right'. The completion rate was pretty good - 10 out of 18 finishers - in spite of (or maybe because of) a tough course. The race felt much like those we have in the USA. I think the fact that Hasumi san has 4 Tevis buckles and knows what 'real endurance' is about had something to do with this. Riders did their own thing, the pressure to win was not strong, to finish was a big deal.

And relative to events I've seen around the world, I would call this one a 'world class' event, as good as it gets. An incredible effort was made by so many people, from organizers to volunteers, from local people to Tokyo transplants (Hasumi san recruited employees from his publishing company to come out and help!) to foreign officials and vets - a sincere effort and willingness to give 100% was the mode.

The ride's main sponsor was Joba Ride - the horse 'robot' training machine made by National. There was a booth set up near the vetting area with several units for people to try - it was almost like a carnival ride atmosphere - the little horse robots were working all day long. This machine has become very popular in Japan, and honestly I want one! It's a great workout for abdomen and glut's and legs. I think I can even type at the computer while I'm riding....

The rider tracking provided by NTT DoCoMo - a cellcom company - was incredible, and to my knowlege the first of it's kind. Every rider carried a cellphone with GMS coverage, and a GPS tracking system. Several guys were set up in the office/community room with wires and computers and software to project the tracking onto a large screen, syncronized with a map of the course. We knew at every moment exactly where every rider was. Officials, crews, OC, we all knew how the race was going, when riders would be in, when the passed the check points, etc. Fantastic!

I haven't been to any other rides in Japan, but I heard from many that they were all well run. There's a very active group in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, that ran Japan's first endurance ride, and many since then including the National Championship rides. They were all here - with or without horses (which have to be ferried from island to island) - to ride or crew or help.

...and I heard talk about 'next year' - I think this ride is a keeper!

Steph
Endurance.Net

Australia: Riders saddle up at Moyston

The Ararat Advertiser
June 22

MOYSTON - Riders from across the State will be saddling up this weekend for an endurance event in Moyston.

Around 150 people have signed up for the big weekend of riding which will encompass four events.

There will be a 87 kilometre, 45km, 25km training ride and 25km harness ride.

The course will take in undulating bush tracks, sandy and gravel roads in and around Moyston.

It is being run by the Moyston community in conjunction with the Victorian Endurance Riders' Association.

Rides begin at the Moyston Recreation Reserve on Sunday, the start time for the 87km ride is 5am, the 45km at daylight, the 25km at 9.30am and the harness at 10.30am.

The track takes in the Moyston West, Stears, Redmond and Moyston to Pomonal and Halls Gap Roads, it also encompasses the Mount William Picnic Ground.

Motorists are being urged to take care in these areas on Sunday and avoid them where possible.

Police will be escorting horses and riders across the highway, motorists are reminded that horses have the right-of-way.

Not just a one day event endurance rides are generally a weekend affair and the Moyston community is capitalising on this by creating a social community event.

Tomorrow night entertainment and a spit roast will be provided at the recreation reserve in the lead up to the event.

The entire community is invited along to enjoy a roast and listen to some music.

Funds raised from the evening's events will go towards the Moyston Country Fire Authority.

The Moyston community organised the weekend as an opportunity for the district to gather as well as raise funds for the CFA.

Action will begin at the recreation reserve tomorrow morning.

Nominations open for the event 10am, from then on it will be all go.

All horses are required to be assessed and passed by a vet before taking part in the endurance event and this process will begin at 12noon.

Later in the day competitors will have a chance to practise on the track, at 5.30pm there will be a race briefing.

Following this entertainment will begin.