FEI Bureau Meeting, Dubai (UAE), 15-16 November 2007

Corporate
Legal
Communications & Commercial
Endurance

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Endurance:
The main item brought to the attention of the Bureau for information and approval following the meeting of the FEI Endurance Committee in Paris (FRA) on 2 April 2007 was the progress made by the Endurance Task Force established to carry out a full review of the discipline.

The Task Force's mandate is to proactively gather ideas/suggestions and propose changes indicative of the collective wish to continue to develop and raise the standards and perception of international Endurance around the world, keeping Horse Welfare issues as a primary concern.

Assigned areas of responsibility include:
1. Qualification - James Bryant (CAN): Criteria for Championships, Horse Log book/Results Record, Weights, Regional Championships, Handicap System, Leasing of Horses
2. Organization - Vijay Moorthy (IND): Public perception, Dress, Terminology, Abandonment of Events - Protocol, Approved technology, Handicap system.
3. Equine Protection - Fred Barrelet (SUI): Equitation training, Equine research, Minimum rest period between events, Local environment monitoring, Hold/Presentation/Criteria evaluation, Progression through ride distances.
4. Education - Maurizio Stecco (ITA): TD/Course designers, Availability of qualified officials, Maintenance of Official status, FEI database, Courses and development, Star rating of officials.
5. Legal Controls - Art Priesz (USA): Metabolic eliminations, Rider suspension, Enforced rest periods (horses).
6. Competition Structure - John Robertson (GBR): Low level distances (are they a danger?), star rating of distances, Number of vet gates - climate, TD responsibilities, Progressive closing of vet gates, Best Condition Rules.

The areas that have been looked at by the Task Force are:

Qualification criteria for horses and riders to compete in FEI events

Logbook

Event Development (Public perception)

Dress

Terminology

Abandonment of Events

Approved Technology

Handicap System

Roles of Official

Training of Officials

Categories and Rankings of Officials

Low Level Distances

Star Rating - distances

Technical Delegate Responsibilities

Best Condition Rules

Minimum weight

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Corporate:
The FEI Bureau held its statutory meeting on 15 and 16 November in Dubai (UAE). This report is an overview of the main items covered at the meeting.


AN FEI OPERATIONS MANUAL, which is the natural process to follow the organisation’s Internal Regulations, is being prepared. More than another set of regulations, the Manual is intended to document FEI’s main processes as they are performed today; show their relationship to various bodies in and out the organisation; and define ownership for processes. This is the first step in institutionalising FEI’s operations and making them independent of individual’s expertise or experience. Approximately 160 processes have been documented to date. The Manual will provide a solid base for transparency; it will demystify complexity, increase service level to stakeholders and put an end to a culture of rumour. The Manual will be submitted to the Bureau’s approval at its spring meeting in April 2008.


AUDIT AND COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE
The former FEI Finance Committee has been replaced by an Audit and Compliance Committee (ACC). The internal regulations of the ACC specifying its purpose; reporting process; election and composition; functioning; responsibilities and objectives; and periodicity and method of audit were approved by the Bureau.

The purpose of the ACC is to have a direct oversight responsibility for compliance with FEI Statutes, Internal Regulations, policies and procedures and Swiss law; internal control and risk evaluation; external auditors. Its main responsibility is to identify and control any risks as well as to ensure that those are adequately managed within the organisation.


NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
The detailed proposal submitted by the FEI Nominations Committee after its first meeting held in Lausanne in November was discussed at length. The comments made by the Bureau will be sent back to the Nominations Committee. The finalised version of the report will be sent to the NFs after which it will be made public.


CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Bureau allocated the following Championships:

2008
World Reining, Manerbio (ITA)
World Para-Equestrian Driving, St. Martin Greven-Bockholt (GER), 27-29 June
World Breeding Endurance, Compiegne (FRA), 22-24 Aug.
European Children, Athens (GRE), 10-13 July
South American Young, Riders/Juniors/Pre-Juniors & Children Jumping, Deodoro Military Club/ Rio de Janeiro (BRA), 2-5 Oct.
Balkan Seniors/Young Riders/Juniors & Children Jumping, Plovdiv (BUL), 4-7 Sept.
Balkan Senior Dressage, Istanbul (TUR), 20-22 June
Balkan Senior Eventing, Eskisehir (TUR), 27-29 June
Balkan Seniors Endurance, (ROU), 12-14 Sept.
European Veterans Jumping, Barcelona (ESP), 9-12 Oct.

2009
World Driving Pairs, Kecskemet (HUN), 18-23 Aug.
World Combined Ponies, St. Martin Greven (GER), 2-14 Aug.
World Young Riders/Juniors Endurance, Balbona (HUN), Dates TBC
European Para-Equestrian, Kristiansand (NOR), 20-24 Aug.
European Young Riders & Juniors Jumping, Hoofdoorf (NED), 9-12 July
European Young Riders & Juniors Dressage, Ermelo (NED), Dates TBC
European Children, Moorsele (BEL), 30 July–2 Aug
Pan American Endurance, Costa Azul (URU), 15-30 April

2010
World Driving Singles, Pratoni del Vivaro (ITA), June

The 2009 Rolex FEI World Cup TM Finals Jumping and Dressage had been allocated to Las Vegas by the FEI Executive Board.


CALENDAR
The 2008 calendar of FEI International Events was approved.


GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The current General Assembly format is being reviewed in order to take full advantage of the General Assembly week and keep it interesting and dynamic. A slightly modified version especially in regard to regional group meetings was approved for the FEI General Assembly which will take place in Buenos Aires (ARG) in November 2008.

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Commercial & Communications:
An extensive report on the activities of the Commercial and Communications Departments was presented. Cooperation with FEI’s major sponsors is progressing well and thanks to the support of Rolex with the Rolex World Cup TM, Samsung with the Samsung Super League with FEI and Alltech with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010, these events are evolving towards an unprecedented level of professionalism. Further efforts were still required in improving FEI top properties especially where competition format, standardisation and rights were concerned.

The Television Magazine “FEI Equestrian World” now reaches billions of viewers. Its contents has so far included 28 personality and lifestyle interviews; 14 event reports; 22 behind the scenes reports; 6 development stories; 21 series and event previews; eight results reports and one archive piece.

Another platform through which horsesport – and especially those disciplines who do not receive much traditional television coverage – can be promoted globally is Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).

Apart from news, live results, interviewers of winners, winning rounds, previews and reviews, it can include on demand highlights programmes, archive footage and educational programmes. FEI Television has an impressive collection of footage going back many years and is now in the very favourable position to put it to good use.

FEI Communications activities are expanding. The volume of news released since January 2007 has tripled as compared to previous years. As a result, the number of unique visitors to www.horsesport.org – soon to become www.fei.org – has increased from an average of 55’794 per month in 2006 to 71’376 in 2007.

An important problem identified further to the Championships, which took place throughout the summer, was the standard of media facilities and television production at FEI events. Necessary standards were not always met which resulted in difficult working conditions, delays and general discontent. It was agreed that it was a problem with which the FEI had to deal diligently from the initial bidding process.

FEI Licensing activities are also progressing at good pace. The videogame My Horse and Me, which will be launched in two weeks, has been well received by consumers. 450,000 pieces have been pre-ordered. The FEI is particularly satisfied with the fact 21 NFs have been involved in this project and its success is due to the level of cooperation reached.

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Legal:
Figures for 2007

33 cases (not including “Fast Track”) processed by the Tribunal (from 2007 and earlier years)

Only 4 cases, recently submitted to or hears by, are currently with Tribunal awaiting issuance of decisions

11 hearings (5 – in person; 6 – by conference calls)

4 appeals to CAS (2 withdrawn; one decided in favour of FEI; one pending)

Cases from the 2007 Events
38 cases opened (including “Fast Track”) to date (32 processed and 6 being processed by Legal Department)

Out of the 32 processed:
26 decisions issued
3 decisions in draft to be issued shortly
2 dropped by investigative body
1 with Tribunal

The total average time of process of cases, which involves the samples analysis, the evaluation of the case and gathering evidence as well as the decision making process is still too long and needs to be looked at in its entirety in order to ensure timely processing of cases.

The following trends in relation to sanctions can be noted:

Gradual increase of average sanctions

New sanctions better aligned with WADA

Multiplicity of factors affecting sanctions including type of substances, explanations, legitimacy of original treatment, timing of treatment, degree of negligence, level of event, experience of rider, previous record, cooperation in investigation and many other factors

Consistency among Tribunal panels must be improved

Were identified as goals for 2008:

Improving consistency among Panels

Consistent communication regarding cases

Education of the persons responsible

Possible short process for Olympic Games and FEI World Equestrian Games

AUS: Avery pipped at line after 80km ride

Marlborough endurance riding star Kylie Avery and Silands Jasark had to settle for second place after being pipped at the post in last Saturday's ride at The Teme in the Avon Valley.

In a gallop finish Avery finished a fraction of a second behind Nelson rider Alison Higgins and Twynham El Omar who clocked a time of six hours 57.20mins for the 80km ride.

The thrilling finish was the second in recent weeks between the duo with Avery having got the better Higgins on her home turf previously.

While missing the race win Avery did have the consolation of seeing Silands Jasark awarded best conditioned horse.

Lorraine Stratford and Jay won the open 40km ride in a respectable time of 3.23.42, 14 minutes clear of Oxford rider Peter May on Silands TricTrac and Canterbury's Jenny Worsfold and Chandalla Chiffon. The trip north was worth it for May with Silands TricTrac taking out the best conditioned horse, making it a double for the local Silands stud.

Other local riders to qualify in the 40km endurance ride were Jaime Heywood and Black Galaxy, Lisa Ryan and Stonelea Silver Warrior, Oliver Radford and Silands Nizeta, Lisa Avery and Silands Mia Bella, Wendy Hodgkinson and Temptations Future, Missy Green and Xavier Cheerokee, and Natalie Roberts and Willowvale Barak.

Riding in the 25km training Rai Valley's Peter and Rosemary Schupbach both qualified.

Full results can be found in The Marlborough Express November 15.

Marzouqi wins Malaysian ride

Staff Report
Published: November 16, 2007, 00:10

Image by Cidinha Franzao

Dubai: The UAE's Naser Marzouqi on Hafiza Du Mas won the 160-km Sultans Cup in Terengganu, Malaysia last week with countryman Khalid Al Shafar finishing fourth on Supreme Dream.

Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, who was Chef d'Equipe of the UAE team, said the Emirati riders did extremely well in the night ride which was hit by heavy rain for almost the entire 160-km distance.

The ride, which got off to a 4.30 pm start, also ensured the Malaysia will be hosting the 2008 World Cup as the Organising Committee achieved the requirements of the FEI to host the world championship, according to a press release.

"The first two loops saw two Malaysian riders around 10 minutes ahead of the main group but the UAE riders made up ground and departed into the second and third loop in second and fourth place respectively," Ali Moosa said.

Last loop

"In the third loop, the two UAE riders, two Brazilians and a Malaysian rider were misdirected by a steward and ended up doing an extra 2.5 kms.

"That allowed French rider Jack Begaud gain a 17 minute lead but the UAE's Naser Marzouqi stayed in second place," he said.

Marzouqi went into the last loop close behind Begaud and soon overtook the Frenchman with a final loop average speed of nearly 25kmph to win.

He and Hafiza Du Mas completed the 160-km ride in a timing of 10 hrs 31 mins 50 secs.

Begaud finished second while Al Shafar and Brazil's Maria Vitoria finished almost joint third though a second separated the two to leave the UAE rider in fourth place.

The UAE winner Hafiza du Mas, trained by Antonio Moreno for the Emirates Stables won the Best Conditioned horse award.

"In the closing ceremony the speaker said 'It is often said the best Chefs come from France, the best Engineers come from Germany, and now we can also say the best endurance riders come from UAE,' purred Ali Moosa.

Results

* 1. Naser Marzouqi - UAE- (Hafiza Du Mas) 10 hrs 31 mins 50 secs;
* 2. Jack Begaud -France-(Idais Tohiba) 10:33:27;
* 3. Maria Vitoria-Brazil-(Filoteu Rich) 10:39.07;
* 4. Khalid Al Zafra-UAE-(Supreme Dream) 10:39.08;
* 5. Catherine Brunjes-USA-(Theatric) 11:02 .05.


Original Article

Pan Arab Endurance: Egypt seeks UAE assistance

UAE Equestrian Federation

Egypt had sought the help of the UAE to help them organize the equestrian activities in general and endurance riding in particular, during the forthcoming 11th Pan-Arab Games, which is scheduled to be held in Cairo from November 11, 2007.

The Egyptian Equestrian Federation through a letter addressed to the Secretary General of the

UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, requested technical support and guidelines to organize endurance ride as part of the Pan-Arab Games.

The letter hailed the development of endurance sport in the UAE with the able support of the country's rulers, as a result of which the UAE today is the global leader in endurance discipline. The letter said that the UAE has been actively involved in organizing endurance rides not only in their country but are also instrumental in helping several other countries in the region to develop the sport. "Their superiority in the field knows bounds and we request them for their support."

Two endurance officials Ahmed Ali Al Hammadi and Mohammed Esa Al Adhab from the UAE visited Egypt to offer their inputs in making the endurance rides successful.

The venues of the Pan-Arab Games will be in eight governorates in Egypt, namely Cairo, Giza, Port Said, Ismailia, Alexandria, Assiut, Aswan and North Sinai, said the official on condition of anonymity.

According to Egyptian media reports, it's estimated that some 7,000 sportspersons and officials from 22 Arab countries and regions will participate in the Games.

The Pan-Arab Games are one of the most important regional multi-sport event held in the Arab world, with the first Games being held in 1953 in Alexandria, Egypt.

UAE Endurance team For 11th Pan Arab Games in Egypt

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has nominated the following UAE riders for the 120-km endurance ride to be held as part of the 11th Pan Arab Games on November 19, 2007, at Saqarah Club Endurance Village, Cairo, Egypt.

The riders include Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Sultan bin Sulayem, Mubarak Khalifa Al Shafya, Mohammed Ahmad Ali Al Subose, Majed Mohammed Salman Al Sabri and Abdullah Thani bin Huzaim.

The first four riders are included in the Team Event category.

The Pan-Arab Games are one of the most important regional multi-sport event held in the Arab world, with the first Games being held in 1953 in Alexandria, Egypt.
Two Federation Qualifiers Held for ladies

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, in cooperation with the Al Asayl Endurance Centre, organized two Federation Qualifiers for ladies on Friday, November 9, 2007 at the Al Asayl Endurance Centre, Sweihan, Abu Dhabi.

Eleven lady endurance riders took part in the 80-km Qualifier out of whom nine riders completed the distance successfully. In the second 40-km Qualifier, 14 ladies started the ride in the morning and nine of them completed the distance.


All the rides were held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Equestrian Federation.

The lady riders/horses who completed the 80-km qualifier are as follows:

Sheikha Alyazia bint Sultan Al Nahyan (Yeraandco Jakara Silver, eight-year-old grey gelding owned by Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa),
Sheikha Maryam bint Omeir Al Qassimi (Sultan, six-year-old bay gelding),
Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi (Jen A Dale Zamarah, chestnut mare, Al Reef Stables),
Nouf Mohd Khamis Al Dhaheri, Sekura, 10-year-old chestnut mare, Al Reef Stables),
Reem Shaban Ibrahim Hasan, (Rivendell Sharman, 13-year-old chestnut gelding, Al Reef Stables),
Dana Ahmed Al Mansoor (Al Galhan, nine-year-old bay gelding, Al Reef Stables),
Shamsah Awad Al Otaiba (Eden Hope Liberty, 10-year-old grey gelding,
Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa),
Nariman Abdul Aziz Al Rostamani ( Lucien De Loube Jac, eight-year-old grey gelding,
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum),
Sonia Le Hecho (Steel the Thunder, 11-year-old grey gelding,
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum).

In the 40-km Qualifier, the following riders/horses completed the distance:

Sheikha Shamma bint Sultan Al Nahyan (Sonia, eight-year-old chestnut mare, Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa),
Sheikha Asma Taleb Al Qassimi (Castlebar Navho, six-year-old grey gelding, Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qassimi),
Amna Jumaa Al Awami,VVC Bon Vivant, 16-year-old chestnut gelding,
Sheikh Saqr bin Mohammed Al Qassimi),
Brenda Cooke (Al Habeeba, 14-year-old bay mare, Al Asayl Management),
Madiyah Masaood Al Mehairi, Raheef, 14-year-old gelding owned by rider),
Azza Mohd. Hela Al Kaabi (Sahi, eight-year-old bay gelding,
Obaid Ghedayer Al Dhaheri),
May Yousef Mubarak Al Khemairi, Baraka Latih, 10-year-old grey gelding, Al Rawahei Pvt. Stables),
Sonja Timani (RS Jaabir, 10-year-old bay gelding, owned by rider),
Mariam Mohammed Saeed Al Suwaidi (Botusa Park Tulas Lad, 12-year-old chestnut gelding, Hassan Rakan Al Mansouri).

Original Article

Shaikh Nasser hails UAE riders

November 15
BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated the UAE Crown Prince and Dubai Ruler and UAE Equestrian Federation president Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom on the Emirati riders winning the Malaysian Endurance Horseride Cup held yesterday in Malaysia.

Nasser Al Marzooqi of the UAE came on top in this 120-km race, beating favourite Jack Peugeot who came second, with third position won by the UAE's Khalid Al Sha'afar.

A total of 41 riders, including Malaysian Monarch Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, took part in the race which was divided into six stages.

The remaining riders represented Argentina, Brazil, the US, Japan, Spain, France, Portugal, South Africa, the UAE and Qatar.

Mubarak opens today Pan-Arab games

Egyption State Information Service
Sunday, November 11, 2007
President Mubarak opens the Pan-Arab Games at 7:00 pm with a number of Arab Kings and Presidents as well as Arab and foreign athletes attending including the Palestinian president and the head of the International Olympics Committee.

The 11th Pan-Arab Games (11-25 Nov.) will kick off in Cairo, the Arab Sports Capital, Sunday11/11/2007, with more than 8,000 athletes from 22 Arab countries participating.

They will compete in 33 games. The event will be covered by 1500 representatives of the media.


The opening ceremony, to be held at Cairo International Stadium, will feature a song by renowned Egyptian signer Tamer Hosni, to be followed by an operetta titled "Arab history and civilization".

More than 5,000 armed forces personnel, in addition to 950 students from the physical education faculties of Zaqaziq and Melwan universities, will take part in the operetta.

The operetta's music is composed and orchestrated by Omar Khairat. Executive direction will be under the supervision of the Armed Forces Department of Morale Affairs.

Egypt participates in these games with the biggest number of athletes, 671 athletes, followed by Saudi Arabia represented by 314 athletes, then Kuwait with 239 athletes.

Furthermore, Egypt takes part in 29 games, in addition to four for the handicapped.

Endurance Coverage of the Games

From A Club To A Village

Most of the time Sakkara Country Club is a fairly quiet place where Cairenes come to get away from the city smog, let their children have riding lessons, and read or chat by the pool. The past few days it has been undergoing a major transition to become an endurnance village in the style of the UAE under the guidance of a team from Abu Dhabi. The grass paddock where mares and foals used to graze or children would be led on ponies has had pristine white trot out lanes erected for the past two weeks. The vet gates are placed next to the wooden playground with the sign warning that the equipment is only for children under twelve, but no one is taking time to sit on the swings with tents for the press and important visitors to be constructed. As the teams arrive, the sounds of drills, spray painters and hammers are wafting on the autumn breeze in place of birdcalls and horse chatter from the stables, but the work looks good to be finished in time for the Monday race.



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Many of the members' horses have been moved to neighbouring stables to afford some boxes for the visitors. The Qatar team have been here for almost two weeks on their way home from France. Interestingly, this weekend is the Egyptian International and National Horse Show at the EAO (the Egyptian government stud in Ain Shams) and the line up for the International show is said to be spectacular as many of the horses have come to Cairo en route to a big halter show in the Gulf. Cairo is filled with horses right now.

I stopped by the lonely help desk to find some young people there who were more than happy to help, but who didn't know much about the technical issues I wanted to follow..I suspect that it's going to be much more of a generic help desk. But as I spoke to them I spotted an old friend who works with the Dubai team and the informational log jam broke. He was able to confirm that the set up and the track are being supervised by an organisational team from Abu Dhabi. He was on the team that was arranging the races in 2000 when Egypt was introduced to endurance racing, and said happily that he was enjoying just competing this time. He couldn't stop to chat as he had to meet people. Everyone is hustling now.

The trail looks like a recap of the trail used in the 2000 120 km race with a long loop that comes out of the club and south to the pyramids of Dahshur and then back again. The second and third loops will also leave the club to the south and then branch to the right and then to the left respectively. The encroachment of the Giza municipal dump and the sand and gravel miners on the desert to the west of the club has eliminated any trails to the immediate west or north. The quarries provide trails in abundance but not the sort of trails that are of interest in this racing climate, and they aren't all that photogenic.

The tennis courts at the club have been taken over by an army of men with screwdrivers and paint sprayers who are erecting temporary boxes for visitors. Previously, some of the teams have stabled at farms close to the club, but this is probably a better solution. At this point, it isn't completely clear how many teams are coming. There will be Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Libya, Bahrain, possibly Jordan, and of course Egypt. I will visit the offices of the set up team at the club to try to get a list of horses and riders today. Endurance riding doesn't even ping on the news radar in Egypt so there have been virtually no public statements available.

In all the bustle of construction, the people working with the horses are on their own more relaxed schedules. All the training that can be done has been and now everyone is just seeing that the horses are calm and healthy, going for walks in the desert and taking them out to graze on the grass at the edge of the desert. Showjumpers from participating countries are joining endurance colleagues as they finish with their competitions and the talk is all horses of course. The Libyans are newcomers and finding the scene a bit daunting, but one of the Qatari riders was saying that they've been encouraging their Libyan counterparts to enjoy the competition and figure out how it all works to be ready for more in the future. The brightly painted horse truck that they used for transport will probably have to give way to air transport at some time.

The Syrian horses were supposed to come in last night and the temporary boxes should be pretty much done by this afternoon, so I expect to see more activity at the club when I check there after my daily schedule of trail rides and lessons for kids. Hopefully, I will find out who is riding for Egypt as well. At this point, I know that one of my neighbours was nominated to the team, but he was expressing some concern about the footing for the trail. The desert here is empty sand with a sprinkling of flint on top. The horses usually sink into the sand enough that the stones don't bruise but the minimum four to six inch layer of soft sand that they have to cope with does take its toll on the tendons. The "trail" is not a track, groomed or otherwise and while the organisers will try to select the best footing, there will be deep spots as well. The temperatures are looking good for riding, with projected highs of about 26 C (about 78 F), fairly low humidity and mixed sun and clouds.

Sultans Cup: Temperature and Humidity statistics

www.Malaysia-Wec.com (full size image)

Dr Balakrishna Polanaidoo, DVM, (aka. Dr. Bala) has prepared a detailed analysis of the weather which prevailed during the 2007 Sultan's Cup.

The following image is a graph of statistical weather data, including air temperature and humidity. Of interest:

lowest temperature: 22.5 C (72.5 F) at 5:45AM
highest temperature: 31.4 C (88.5 F) at 11:45AM
lowest humidity: 70% at 11:45AM
highest humidity: 100% 5:45PM - 5:45AM

USA: Amie Chenault wins 2007 Old Dominion Tripple Crown

11.13.07
Sweet Briar Stable Manager Hangs on for Endurance Riding Triple Crown
Amie Chenault, the stable manager at Sweet Briar College, and her 13-year-old Arabian, Zeek, are winners of Old Dominion Endurance Rides Inc.’s 2007 Triple Crown.

To receive the award, the same horse and rider team must compete in all three distance rides organized by Old Dominion, a Virginia-based non-profit group that promotes and supports the sport of endurance riding.

The first event, the 30-mile “No Frills” ride was held on April 14 in Front Royal. Chenault and Zeek tied for first place with a ride time of four hours.

The second ride, a 50-miler called the “Old Dominion,” was held June 9 in Fort Valley, Va. Zeek and Chenault rode to a second-place finish in seven hours and 56 minutes, winning the Best Condition Award in the process.

The final leg of the Triple Crown, the 50-mile “Fort Valley” ride, was held Oct. 27 in Fort Valley. Chenault and Zeek took first place with a ride time of six hours, 32 minutes.

“I was really shocked at how well we did at the last ride in Fort Valley because Amherst and the surrounding counties had a few cases of Potomac horse fever this summer,” Chenault said. “Zeek tested positive [for it] in July."

Chenault said she was one of the lucky ones who caught the signs of the disease in time.

“Zeek was treated and, as you can tell, he has fully recovered,” she said.

Chenault said she is grateful for her family and friends’ support, as well as her pit crews at home and on the road. Zeek’s home pit crew includes veterinarians Martha Moses and Anne Bonda and farrier Becky Vail. Chenault’s aunt Melissa Carter and her family and her friend Ellen Eagle supported them on the road.

“Without a great pit crew this would not have been possible,” Chenault said.

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Trial Event for the 2008 FEI World Senior Endurance Championship

FEI Press News
November 14
First-place horse and rider, Naser Marzouqi (UAE) riding Hafiza du Mas (photo: Cidinha Franzao)
Heavy tropical storms and torrential rain greeted the 38 horse and rider combinations who set out on the first phase of the FEI CEI 3* Trial event at Terengganu, East Malaysia at 4.30 pm on the afternoon of 10 November 2007.

Eighteen combinations from around the world joined by 20 locally based combinations took part in the trial event to assess the weather conditions and facilities planned for the 2008 FEI World Senior Endurance Championships.

This second trial event was part of the two-year-preparations being undertaken by the organising company YDSM and the Malaysian Equestrian Federation.

The event, The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2007, needed to meet the minimum criteria for overseas combinations (40% completion rate within 16 hours ride time) imposed by the FEI to asses the safety and ability of horses to successfully compete in the climate of Terengganu State.

The tropical storm and heavy rains in fact produced cool, near ideal conditions - albeit very wet, which brought about a completion rate of 66% for the overseas combinations who had arrived some three weeks earlier into the extensive quarantine facilities purpose built for the event by the OC.

These facilities are part of a newly constructed International Endurance Centre which includes full equine hospital, central vet gate, full conference and hospitality buildings together with extensive catering outlets.

Some six nations from South America, North America, Europe, The Middle East and Asia were hosted by the organisers. These nations were also joined by riders from the UAE and Malaysian based South Africa and Australian riders. Unfortunately though, no Australian based combinations that had been invited by the organisers were able to compete. They had been prevented from traveling because of the recent equine travel restrictions imposed in Australia.

First to cross the finish line at just after 8.00 am the following morning was Naser Marzouqi from the UAE riding Hafiza Du Mas with a total ride time of 10 hours 31 minutes giving an average speed of 14.86 kph. Jack Begaud from France with Idais Tohiba was second with a speed of 14.82 kph. UAE rider Khalid Al Shafar on Supreme Dream took third place by a short head in an exciting racing finish for the line just ahead of Maria Vitoria Liberal Lins on Filoteu Rach from Brazil, both riding at 14.69 kph.

The first 16 combinations all successfully completed the 160 kms achieving the present minimum FEI Championship qualifying speed of 12 kph.

Full result details can be found on the following link http://www.malaysia-wec.com/sc_results.html

Full information can be found on the official website for the event on the following link http://www.malaysia-wec.com/sultanscup.html

The final ride detail showed that of the 18 overseas combinations that started the ride, 66% achieved completion and were joined by over 50% of the locally based horses and riders. 8 horses were presented for the Best Condition Award later that morning.

Whilst everyone taking part in the trial event accepted that the cool wet weather had greatly assisted in the high performances achieved, there was praise from the teams for the dedication and commitment from the Malaysian organisers.

Ian Williams, the FEI Director for Endurance who attended the event commented, “The trial run has fully met the criteria imposed by the FEI and the facilities present at the venue were of the highest standard. The weather was extremely kind so no one must forget what the temperature and humidity can be like and to think that it is easy to complete 160kms in tropical conditions. However those who have been successful at this trial event have shown that with the right degree of experience and care, and with assistance from the cooler weather, it is possible to compete safely in Terengganu.”

Pan Arab Endurance

"The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has nominated the following
UAE riders for the 120-km endurance ride to be held as part of the
11th Pan Arab Games on November 19, 2007, at Saqarah Club Endurance
Village, Cairo, Egypt.

The riders include Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Sultan bin
Sulayem, Mubarak Khalifa Al Shafya, Mohammed Ahmad Ali Al Subose,
Majed Mohammed Salman Al Sabri and Abdullah Thani bin Huzaim.


The first four riders are included in the Team Event category.

The Pan-Arab Games are one of the most important regional multi-sport
event held in the Arab world, with the first Games being held in 1953
in Alexandria, Egypt."

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Malaysia Confirmed to host World Endurance Championship

Malaysia Endurance Blog


Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Malaysia Confirmed to host World Endurance Championship

IT'S confirmed! Malaysia will get to host the 2008 World Endurance Championship after passing the final test set by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, yesterday.

To qualify for the host job, at least 40 per cent of the foreign riders taking part in the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge at the Terengganu International Endurance Park, had to complete the 160km race.According to event manager Azrin Zuhdi, the foreign riders' completion rate was 67 per cent while the overall completion rate was 71 per cent, well above the international average of 46 per cent.


The race was full of surprises as non-ranking rider Naser Marzouqi of United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerged champion after shrugging off challenges from top ranking riders, including world number one Jack Begaud of France.


Naser crossed the finish line with his 12-year-old mare, Hafiza Du Mas, in 10 hours 31 minutes and 50 seconds, beating Begaud on 11-year-old gelding, Idais Tohiba, by one minute and 23 seconds.


Malaysian rider Faizal Ismail, astride 10-year-old Rayyan, sprang a surprise early on by finishing first in the first two rounds but squandered the lead in the next five rounds to finish 10th.


Third place went to another UAE rider, Khalid Al Shafar, who took 10:39:07s to finish the race with gelding Supreme Dream, a second faster than Brazillian Maria Vitoria Lins on gelding Filoteu Rach.


Yang di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, riding 13-year-old gelding Harmere Cairo, completed the race in 14:20:26s to finish 23rd.


A total of 41 participants, including 20 riders from Spain, France, Qatar, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, Japan and Belgium, took part in the three-day event.

Posted by Malaysia Endurance at 12:00 PM

UAE: Endurance: Abdullah wins top honours

Gulfnews.com
photo: Abdullah Rashid Mohammad, on EO Fahad, reacts after winning the 100km Boudtheib Endurance Cup for juniors at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem yesterday.

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Published: November 10, 2007, 22:52

Abu Dhabi: Abdullah Rashid Mohammad from Al Wathba Stables won the 100km Boudtheib Endurance Cup with a convincing ride on EO Fahad at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem here.

The 15-year-old finished first in each of the four stages of 30km, 30km, 24km and 16km to finish ahead of Al Reef Stables' Naser Khamis Ali Saeed in the season's first competitive ride.

Both Mohammad and Saeed were involved in a close contest and finished almost 30 minutes ahead of third-placed Butti Mohammad Khalaf Al Merri.

"This is my first win here in the UAE. I have won a junior ride in the UK," said Abdullah, who is trained by Al Wathba's top rider and trainer, Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri.

"Conditions were nice in the early part of the ride, but after that it became a bit hot. But my horse [EO Fahad] was in good form," said the youngster.

Abdullah and EO Fahad completed the ride in a total time of 3 hours 59 minutes and 23 seconds. "There are quite a few rides for juniors this season and I am looking forward to some more top finishes. I will also be taking part in a few open rides," said Rashid, who averaged 25.06 km/h speed through the 100km ride.

Naser Khamis, younger brother of top UAE rider Abdullah Ali Khamis, did give Rashid a solid fight. Khamis on Tris Filou finished just over a minute behind the winner while the rest of the field were left far behind.

A total of 32 youngsters took part in the ride which was accompanied by two Qualifier Rides, one over 44km and the other over 80km.

Endurance squad for Arab Games

Bahrain Gulf Daily News
12 November

BAHRAIN's Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa named members of the national endurance horseride team who will take part in the endurance race of the Arab Games scheduled for November 19 in Al Giza, Egypt.

Shaikh Nasser will lead the seven-member team which also includes Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Yousif Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary, Ahmed Abdulla, Manal Fakhrawi and Raed Mahmood.

Shaikh Nasser said the selection was based on the performance and results of the riders in recent championships. The team will head for the Egyptian capital on Thursday to prepare for the race.

The Breef chief stressed on the importance of taking part in such regional competitions, adding that he is keen to take a place on the podium in the upcoming event.

UAE's Naser Marzouki Wins Sultan's Cup

Bernana.Com
SETIU, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- United Arab Emirates' Naser Marzouqi edged France's Jack Begaud to win the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Race 2007 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) here Sunday.

Naser astride "Hafiza Du Mas" finished the 160km race in 10 hours 31 minutes and 50 seconds while Begaud was a close 10:33:27 behind.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who also took part, finished in 23rd place after posting a time of 14:20:26. Tuanku Mizan, the patron of the championship, rode "Harmere Cairo".

Maria Vitoria Liberal Lins of Brazil was third in a time of 10:39:07.

A total of 41 riders from Brazil, Japan, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Australia and Malaysia took part in the championship, which is part of the preparations for the World Endurance Race (FEI 2008) to be held at the same venue next year.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Idris Jusoh flagged off the riders at 4.30pm at the TIEP yesterday. His Majesty is scheduled to present the prizes to the winners at Dewan Besar, Wisma Darul Iman tonight.

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40% Completion Rate Achieved

International riders have achieved the 40% completion rate deamed by the FEI as the final test for the Malaysian endurance committee to host the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship. The Terengganu International Endurance Park will be the venue for the event, currently scheduled for Novemeber 2008.

In addition to achieving the agreed upon goal, 38 competitors who started the 2007 Sultan's Cup Endurance Challenge will achieve an completion rate well beyond that which is normal at FEI events around the globe.

This achievement, the ability to bring a competitive field to the tropics, has shown the skills of the ride organizers, the international team of FEI officials and veterinarians, the riders and, beyond all -- the horses!!!


Full Endurance.Net Coverage

Official Sultan's Cup Site

Official 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship

Book your tickets now!! The invitation is to come early and stay late!! and bring your horse!

MAS: 6 Riders Vie for Finish

Jack Begaud, Naser Marzouqi, Maria Vitoria Liberal Lins, and Khalid al Shafar have closed within 4 minutes of each other as they prepare for the final 10.1 km of the 160km race. Marzouqi and Lins each brought their pace to 18+km/hr for the 6th leg to close the gap. The cool morning air is helping to encourage the riders to move forward with plenty of horse left.

Daylight will great the riders and horses as the pull this final leg along the sea shore of the South China Sea. American riders John Crandell and Kathy Brunges are following closely on strong horses - but must overcome a 15 minute lead to achieve first to finish.

7 have been eliminated at this point of the race, 4 from the list of invited foreign riders.

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Begaud first to Gate 5 at Sultan's Cup

Jack Begaud, the current #1 FEI endurance rider globally, has just arrived first at Gate 5. He was followed closely into the vet gate by Che Ahmad Yusri Muhamad of MAS - entering Gate 4 as the last rider on that phase of the course.

It is 04:51am and beginning to feeling tiredness of 12+ hours of competition!

jt

Video: http://www.malaysia-wec.com/sc_video.html

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Hujan Bukan Halangan Buat Yang Di Pertuan Agong

Oleh: Farezul Fadzal

Yang DiPertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin meredah hujan ketika menyertai Kejohanan Kuda Lasak Piala Sultan Terengganu 2007 di Lembah Bidong. - Gambar ZULKIPLI PUTRA.

Hujan lebat selepas beberapa minit kejohanan Kuda Lasak Piala Sultan Terengganu 2007 berlangsung sedikit pun tidak mematahkan semangat Yang Di Pertuan Agong Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin meneruskan cabaran sejauh 160km.

Tidak ketinggalan Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah berkenan hadir sambil memberi semangat kepada Sultan Mizan.

Semangat seperti itu menjadikan acara berkenaan bertambah sengit terutamanya apabila acara tersebut turut disertai oleh peserta terbaik dunia, Maria Alvarez Ponton dari Sepanyol.

Dalam pada itu, Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh berkata Terengganu Endurance International Park (TEIP) merupakan antara lokasi sukan kuda lasak terbaik di dunia pada ketika ini.

Kata-kata tersebut turut sama diakui oleh peserta luar negara yang menyertai pada Kejohanan Kuda Lasak Piala Sultan Mizan 2007 di Lembah Bidong.

“Kejohanan kali ini menjadi penanda aras kepada kemampuan Terengganu dalam menganjurkan kejohanan yang sama pada peringkat dunia pada 2008 nanti,” kata Dato’ Seri Idris kepada media ketika ditemui pada pada upacara pelepasan peserta pada Kejohanan Kuda Lasak Piala Sultan Terengganu 2007 di Lembah Bidong, hari ini (10 November).

Upacara pelepasan acara berkenaan turut disempurnakan oleh Dato’ Seri Idris Jusoh.

Hadir sama menyaksikan upacara berkenaan, Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Sri Laksamana Raja, Ahli Majlis Penasihat Pemangku Raja; Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Kebudayaan, Belia, Sukan dan Badan NGO Negeri, Dato’ Din Adam; Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pertanian dan Pembangunan Wilayah, Datuk Mohd Jidin Shafee dan Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Infrastruktur, Kemudahan Awam dan Komunikasi Negeri, Dato’ Wan Hisham Dato’ Wan Salleh.

Acara yang disertai 38 peserta memulakan cabaran dengan pelbagai rintangan antaranya hujan lebat dan meneruskan acara sehingga lewat pagi bagi menamatkan acara sejauh 160km dan para peserta dijangka menamatkan acara berkenaan pada jam 11.30 pagi esok.

Unit Komunikasi Negeri.

Dato' Seri Idris mengibar bendera ketika membuat pelepasan peserta acara 160km pada kejohanan berkenaan.

Peserta memulakan cabaran selepas upacara pelepasan.

Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Leads Sultan Terengganu Cup Endurance Race

SETIU, Nov 10 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will lead the Malaysian challenge in the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Race 2007 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) here today.

Tuanku Mizan, the patron of the championship, is participating in the 160km race. The No. 101 rider will ride his horse "Harmere Cairo".

The King is expected to come up against stiff competition from world top riders, including world No. 1 Jack Begaud of France, world No. 2 Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton of Spain, John Osborne Crandell III of the United States and Mercedes Tapia of Argentina.

The 17 other riders are from Brazil, Japan, Italy, Belgium, Portugal, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Australia.

The Malaysian challenge will also come from Datuk Abdullah Taib, Datuk Awang Kamaruddin, Ahmad Azura and Azman Mat Ripin from the Darul Iman Endurance Team.

The endurance challenge was flagged off by Menteri Besar Datuk Idris Jusoh at 4.30pm today.

Even the downpour 10 minutes later failed to dampen the spirits of the participants.

The event is part of the preparations for the World Endurance Race (FEI 2008) to be held at TIEP next year.

Tuanku Mizan will present the prizes to the winners at Dewan Besar, Wisma Darul Iman, tomorrow night.

-- BERNAMA

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