Abu Dhabi: Abdullah secures first career victory

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan Senior Reporter
Published: March 09, 2008, 00:03

Abu Dhabi: Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim, on 11-year-old grey gelding Omani Iman, scored his first career win at the open level when he won the Emirates Challenge 120-km endurance ride yesterday.

Abdullah, who dominated for most of the 120-km event held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, did have some fight on the final stage when Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose, on Deen, put up a brave challenge.

Terrific pace

Abdullah and Omani Iman were second after the first 32kms and later took the lead in the second stage. Maintaining an average speed of around 25km/h, Abdullah was still in the lead after four loops and 104kms.

Abdullah was followed by Dhahi Abdullah Khamis, on Nahsaar, but Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose on Deen, fifth at that stage, unleashed a terrific pace. Touching a high average speed of 31.32km/h on the final 16kms, Mohammad Rashid made a brave attempt to catch leader Abdullah but the latter did well to reach the finish line first.

Dhahi Abdullah Khamis, on Nahsaar, finished third while another strong contender, Omar Hussain Al Beloushi, was fifth on Cameo Zinnia behind Majid Mohammad Salman Al Sabri.

Abdullah, who won a luxury car and a slice of the Dh400,000 on offer, credited his horse for the win.

"Omani Iman is a great champion and has had some outstanding performances. I found him fresh and he did well to just keep going, even when challenged," said the 22-year-old youngster who is rider at the Al Aasfa Stables.

With the stables sending out the first and third-placed horses, trainer Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, said it was a good achievement.

"There were some very strong riders and horses in the field. We have had a fair share of success this season," said Bin Shafya.

Results

Hydra-sponsored Emirates Challenge 120-km endurance ride:

1. Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Omani Iman) 4 hrs 46 mins 47 secs

2. Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose (Deen) 4:48.54

3. Dhahi Abdullah Khamis Al Dhahi (Nahsaari) 4:55.06

4. Majid Mohammad Salman Al Sabri (Abyaneh) 5:00.06;

5. Omar Hussain Abdullah Al Beloushi (Cameo Zinnia) 5:02.48.

More...

UAE: Major event for ladies planned

Gulf News Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 08, 2008, 01:09

Abu Dhabi: Encouraged by the success of the Three Round Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge endurance series for lady riders, the Al Asayel Endurance Village Organising Committee is looking to add an international event next season.

Shaikha Shaikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan, wife of Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, who attended the event on Friday, said that 10 per cent of all revenues from the three rounds will be donated to the 'Make My Wish Come True Foundation' for the benefit of terminally ill persons.

Speaking to Gulf News, Shaikha Alyazia Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan said, the driving force behind the endurance ride for ladies in Al Asayel, said "This year's three rounds was a huge success. We were able to get some very good sponsors and the quality of competitions was high.

"We are looking at having a major event with invited riders from all over the world as well as the GCC countries.

"It will be like a women's World Championship," Shaikha Alyazia said.

UAE: Afra and Shamsah share limelight at Ladies Challenge

Presentation ceremony for the Hydra Properties-sponsored Third Round of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge endurance ride, in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf News Article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 08, 2008, 01:27

Abu Dhabi: Shamsah Awad Al Otaiba won the Hydra Properties-sponsored Third Round of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge endurance ride for ladies while Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi finished fourth to win the overall championship.

Shamsah, on Yarandoo Jakara Silver, came up with a fine display of horsemanship when she took three hrs 49 mins and 10 secs to win on Yarandoo Jakara Silver in yesterday's 100-km FEI ride at the Al Asayel Endurance Village in Sweihan.

It was a great result for the Al Asayel Endurance Village as Shaikha Hessa Bint Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan on former race horse Agrab Al Nas took the sixth place.

Luxury car

Earlier, in the duel for the overall winner after Three Rounds of the Challenge, first round winner Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi finished fourth on Waterlea Tuppence to garner crucial points.

With Second Round winner Sue Sidebottom having to make an unfortunate exit as her horse was found lame just before the final stage of 16 kms to leave the Al Reef Stables' Afra a winner of a Dh 150, 000 luxury car.

Yesterday's winner, Shamsah Awad said she had to keep her horse in check during the initial stages of the 4-stage ride.

"This is the same horse on which I finished fifth in the Second Round and he was also the Best Conditioned horse after that event.

"He looked very fresh and I had to keep him that way," said Shamsah.

Stiff fight between Al Suwaidi and Sidebottom

Gulf News Article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 07, 2008, 01:24

Abu Dhabi: The UAE's Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi and British rider Sue Sidebottom are involved in a close battle to win the Dh150,000 car on offer for the overall winner of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge Endurance Ride series.

Today's Hydra Properties-sponsored third and final round of the 100-km Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Challenge Endurance Ride for Ladies at the Al Asayel Endurance Village will see the top two along with a handful of other riders making a determined bid to win the overall title.

Afra leads with 200 points followed by Sue on 180 with Aliya Ali Al Marzouki (145), Briton Kayleigh Smith (140) and Reem Shaban on 100, all in with a chance to win today's final round and the overall title.

With 130 points for a win, an additional 45 points on offer for winning the best conditioned horse award gives any one of the top bunch of riders to win.

Bonus points

The rider who partners the same horse and completes all three rounds will also get an additional 100 bonus points.

Speaking to Gulf News, Sidebottom said she may not be riding Fenwick Cadenza, the horse with which she was placed fifth in the first round and won the second round.

"A final decision will be made later in the day. However, I would like to first complete the ride which will; give me a bonus of 50 points for completing all three rides," she said.

"There are some very good riders and Afra, Kayleigh and Aliya are all in with a chance. It will be a strong and highly competitive affair tomorrow," said Sue.

The FEI CEI Two-star event starts at 6.30am and will be run in four loops of 30, 30, 24 and 16kms.

FEI Endurance Task Force - Recommendations and Proposed Rule Changes

FEI Press News

The six Endurance Task Force Chairman (pictured above) are now making final checks to the document that contains their proposed rules changes in advance of it being circulated to the FEI Technical Committee members for Endurance. Throughout the period of review the Task Force has operated as an independent body and has been in touch with a wide cross section of people involved within the discipline.

The document, which is in the form of a new Endurance Rule Book contains proposals for change in the following areas:

Phase distances, hold times, rest periods and number of vet gates
Course design
Abandonment of Events
Time and record keeping
Forbidden Assistance
Dress Code
Weights
Retirements
Competition Distances related to *Rating
Horse and Rider eligibility to FEI events
Mandatory Rest Periods for Horses
Horse Log Books
Championship Qualification
Team numbers
Veterinary Examinations

The proposed changes have resulted in amendments being suggested to every page of the existing FEI Rules for Endurance Riding (2005 edition).

Mrs Ruth Carlson, Acting Chair of the FEI Endurance Technical Committee commented, "I am very happy that the work of the Task Force has been a success and I look forward to reading their proposals. On behalf of my Committee I would like to thank the Task Force members for all their hard work and thought put into the project"

Junior/Young Rider European Endurance Championships 2008

FEI Press News 06/03/2008

The FEI has received a late Calendar Application from the ESP Federation to host a CEIYJ3* 120km event to be held in Oviedo (ESP) on 3 May.

Oviedo (ESP) is the venue for the Junior and Young Rider European Endurance Championships from 12 to 14 September later this year. It is thought this late Calendar Application will be used as a trial run over the same course, using the same facilities as the Championships to take place later in the year.

The FEI Endurance Committee will appoint the Technical Delegate for the Championships at their meeting to be held in Interlaken (SUI) this April. The appointed TD is then expected to travel to Oviedo in May to oversee the event and make any necessary suggestions and/or recommendations to the Organising Committee in preparation for the Championships.

This is the first time a Junior/Young Rider Championship has been held in Spain since the inaugural Junior/Young Rider World Championships on 8 September 2001. This event had 13 Nations competing with over 50 starters. Team Gold was won by the home nation, Spain, with Individual Gold going to the UAE and HE Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

Australia: Endurance riders prepare for their long-awaited comeback

Hawkesbury.yourguide.com.au

Brendan Rhodes

THE NSW Endurance Riders Association will finally make its comeback after the Equine Influenza crisis with a Q60 endurance training ride at Upper Colo Reserve on Sunday, March 16.

The ERA will hold a 40km training ride and 20km social ride on the day and is hoping to attract similar numbers to last year, when nearly 100 riders took part in what is a leisurely non-competitive ride aimed at training horses for longer events or simply a social outing with your horse and friends.

"It's lots of fun and you don't have to be an endurance rider to participate, so come along and take the opportunity to ride part of the historic Tom Quilty track with a group of friendly people," the ERA’s Claudia Reid said.

"Everyone is welcome, including Pony Club members and whole riding groups, and there will be completion prizes and encouragement awards.

"It's great to be back riding again after the long break due to the EI, and getting back on the great tracks through the picturesque Colo Valley, which are ideal for novice riders and horses.”

The Upper Colo Fire Brigade will provide a canteen on the day, which starts with vetting at 7am, with camping available on the Saturday night at a fee of $5 payable to the Ranger in attendance.

Riders are asked to be at the reserve early with their Horse Travelling Statement to allow plenty of time to complete paperwork, with entry fees being $45 for the training ride and $25 for the social ride, while a NSWERA day membership is $10 for trainers and $5 for socials.

Call Reid on 4575 5206 or email ningadoo@hotmail.com for more information, or download a pre-nomination form from www.nswera.asn.au

The form must be signed and forwarded to her either by mail to 191 Lower Colo Road, Colo, 2756, or via email five days before the ride.

Australia: Endurance riders saddling up for big Easter

Tamworth.yourguide.com.au

06 March 2008 - 9:00AM

The Tenterfield Endurance Riders' Association will be conducting an education seminar, introductory rides, training rides and competition rides at the Girard State Forest, east of Tenterfield, over Easter.

The weekend is especially geared towards encouraging newcomers to the sport.

Most endurance ride events are conducted over 80km.

The horses take a mandatory one hour's rest after 40km where they must pass veterinary inspection before being allowed to continue.

Major events like the Quilty Cup are conducted over 160km.

There is great camaraderie among the riders and the events are remarkably enjoyable.

It seems that the horses enjoy themselves even more than the riders.

On Easter Saturday commencing at 9am there will be a two-hour education seminar for newcomers and interested people.

The seminar will cover the basic rules of the sport, how to get started, veterinary checks, and strapping procedures.

Experienced riders will share their knowledge.

Then at 1.30pm for those who bring their horses with them, there will be a 20km introductory ride which will be conducted at a gentle pace to allow newcomers and their horses to gain familiarity with the sport.

While all this is going on, already established endurance riders can join in with one or more of three 40km training rides, one of each being conducted on the Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

On Easter Sunday there will be an 80km open event for established competitors.

There is a lovely campsite at Girard State Forest and everyone is encouraged to come and join the camp.

The camp atmosphere with its bushland setting and all of the horses is most serene.

There will be on-site catering for the weekend but please make bookings for the Saturday evening dinner.

Because of biosecurity protocols, anyone who wants to bring a horse must pre-nominate, and provide information about the horse’s origin and other details.

Please contact Phillipa Lillyman (02) 6737 5438 or Caroline Windle (02) 6736 4612 for pre-nomination and for more

information.

Australia: Endurance riders back on track - Mar 5 2008

SENews.com.au

VICTORIA'S first endurance ride since the equine influenza outbreak will be held at the Bunyip State Park this weekend.

The Tonimbuk Gold Cup group is conducting an 80-kilometre ride starting at the Yarrabubba Reserve in Nar Nar Goon North and traversing roads and tracks throughout the picturesque countryside of the Bunyip State Park and surrounds.

Event organiser Lissy Verity said it was great that riders would finally be able to get back in the saddle.

"This course has been carefully selected," she said.

"It is both a diverse and somewhat challenging course for those returning to the sport after such a long lay-off and those new to the discipline of endurance riding."

Ms Verity said there would be more activity in the area during the days preceding the ride as preparations for endurance events needed a large number of volunteers and hours.

"All relevant authorities are aware of the event and residents along the course have been advised following a letter-box drop last week," she said.

"Signage will be placed at certain locations advising visitors that a horse event is under way.

"However, given the number of horses and riders that will be passing through, we simply ask that visitors to the area take care as they move through the Bunyip State Park over the long weekend."

The endurance ride begins at 6am on Sunday and will conclude late in the afternoon, but riders and organisers will be on the course the day before.

This follows Yarrabubba Road and goes along Mortimer and Pooley Roads, heading into the Bunyip State Park along Yarrabubba Track.

For more information contact Helen Ward on 0438 594 285.

UAE: Al Subose rides Zephyr to glory

Gulf News article
photo: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News -
Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Marzouki finishes the white loop at the Boutheib endurance village, Al Khatem in Abu Dhabi.

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 02, 2008, 00:09

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose, one of the most promising riders in the UAE, scored a dramatic win in the 120-km Abu Dhabi International Cup at the Boutheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem.

Al Subose, who won a bronze medal and was a member of the team gold at the Pan Arab Games in Cairo late last year, in fact finished third in Saturday's ride but the top two riders were eliminated after their horses failed the final vet check, leaving the youngster with a 4WD and the winner's position on the podium.

Al Subose on 10-year-old Part Arab gelding Zephyr completed the five-stage ride in 5 hrs 30 mins and 49 seconds with cousin Ahmad Salem Ali Sultan Al Subose on Wyman finishing second to complete a brilliant 1-2 for the Dubai-based Emirates Stables.

The finish was dramatic as the leaderboard at the penultimate stage was completely different from those on the podium. The man in hot form, Yousef Ahmad Al Beloushi on Set Sail led in the third and fourth loops but had to make an exit and that allowed Naser Abdullah Mohammad Al Marzouqi on Magic Glenn Aaron to finish ahead of Khalid Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi from Al Reef Stables. However both the riders were out of the reckoning as their horses failed to pass the final vet check.

Very happy

However, Al Subose's triumph in the end more than made up for Naser's exit as both hail from Emirates Stables. "This is my first win for this season and though it has come late I am very happy," said Al Subose, who was also a member of the UAE junior team which won silver at the World Junior and Young Riders championship held in Argentina last year.

Al Subose, who was 14th after the first 30kms and 13th after the second loop of 30kms, moved into eighth place after the third stage of 24kms. At the end of 104kms (fourth loop) he was placed fifth but his well-paced ride seemed to help when he completed the race with Zephyr to win the Nissan car.

"Midway through the ride my friend predicted I will win though at that stage there were quite a few good riders ahead of me. His prediction came true and I have to give him a big treat," said the winner.

Mohammad Saif Al Neyadi, General Manager of Emirates Heritage Club, gave out the trophies.

Results
1. Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose (Zephyr) 5 hrs 30 mins 49 secs;
2. Ahmad Salem Ali Sultan Al Subose (Wyman) 5:39.37;
3. Matar Ghanem Al Mansoori (Silver Mistral) 5:45.35;
4. Ahmad Salah Abdullah Ameera (Quartzz) 5:48.07;
5. Maktoum Nawab Al Beloushi (Worthalook) 5:48.21

Hamdan leads UAE sweep in Qatar ride

Gulf News article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 02, 2008, 00:09

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, led a 1-2-3 finish for the UAE in the 120-km FEI CEI three-star Qatar International Endurance Cup held in Doha, Qatar yesterday.

Shaikh Hamdan, the recent winner of the 160-km President's Cup in Abu Dhabi, finished first on Kishon Zeal with average speed of 23.41km for the five-stage 120-km event, according to a Dubai Equestrian Club official.

Shaikh Hamdan was followed home by Salem Rashed Bin Ghadayer on Wadhnan while the UAE's Ali Ghanim Al Marri was third on Cutie.

All three riders came in a bunch to complete another dominating display by the UAE.

Jameela steers Allura Park Star Minoan to victory

Gulf News article
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 02, 2008, 00:09

Abu Dhabi: It was a memorable day for Jameela Ahmad as the lady rider from Al Ain Endurance Stables won the 100-km Abu Dhabi Endurance Cup for privately owned horses and small stables yesterday one of the oldest endurance horses currently in competition.

Allura Park Star Minoan, an Arabian chestnut gelding, is a battle-scarred veteran and the 21-year-old carried Jameela to her first win which helped the lady rider wclaim a Nissan car.

Jameela and Allura had together finished fifth in a similar ride held here during the three-day Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival and yesterday the pair pulled it off with an average speed of 21.45kmph for the 100-km distance.

"He is a great horse. During the last ride here I slowed down considerable on the final two loops. But today he showed the willingness to go for it and it is a great day for both of us," said Jameela, who switched to endurance from showjumping a few years back.

While Grand O' Sultan and Pieraz have been legends on the endurance circuits for winning three consecutive and two world championships respectively, Allura Park Star Minoan will also go down as an ageing champion and perhaps has a few more wins up his hooves!

Great result

Jameela and Allura completed the four-stage 100-km ride in 4 hrs 40 min and 20 sec with Abdul Rahman on Fahd and Abdul Aziz Al Redha on Mafalda De Bellevue next home.

Al Ain Endurance Stables chief Mattar Al Yabouni, who just on Thursday scored two goals to star in Al Ain Mineral Water Team's triumph in the HH President's Cup polo, said yesterday's win for the stables was a great result. "With Jameela's triumph, it will be encouragement for more such national riders to come to the fore," Yabhouni said.

Results: 1. Jameela Ahmad (Allura Park Star Minoan) 4 hrs 40 mins 20 secs; 2. Abdul Rahman Saleh Al Marzouqi (Fahd) 4:48.19; 3.Abdul Aziz Al Redha (Mafalda De Bellevue) 4:54.31; 4. Hamad Ebrahim Abdullah Al Marzouqi (El Mudo) 5:09.35; 5. Ahmad Tariq Abdullah Al Mutawa (Quintet) 5:28.15.

Abu Dhabi: Rashid emerges winner in endurance ride for juniors

Gulfnews.com - Full Story

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 01, 2008, 01:05

Abu Dhabi: Rashid Ahmad Al Beloushi won the Abu Dhabi Endurance International Cup for junior and young riders at the Boutheib Endurance village in Al Khatem on Friday to follow in the footsteps of elder brother Yousuf, a champion rider and trainer.

Last week, the elder brother made Al Reef Stables proud when he scored another one of his famous wins in Dubai and yesterday it was the 15-year-old Rashid tasting his second success on 13-year-old Jen A Dale Zamarah in the 100-km event.

Rashid Ahmad and Jen A Dale Zamarah completed the four-loop 100-km ride in 4 hrs 10 mins and 12 seconds nearly six minutes ahead of Hamdan Mousa Mohammad Al Hammadi and Abdullah Rashid Mohammad Saeed Al Naqbi, who took the second and third places respectively.

Rashid Ahmad's horse was trained by Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi and the youngster thanked his elder brother and others.

FEI Endurance Task Force Meets in Final Session

FEI Press News. 2/25/08

The FEI Task Force Chairmen met for four days, from 21 to 24 February, to agree on the final recommendations for the new FEI Endurance Rules for 2009 and onwards.

Far reaching changes are recommended by the Task Force that has consulted widely with all those involved in the discipline over the last year following their creation immediately after the FEI World Endurance Forum held in Paris, February 2007.

FEI Technical Committee members will now have an opportunity to review the Task Force proposals ahead of their annual meeting scheduled for early April in Switzerland. At this meeting the Committee will add their own comments and input to the proposed new format. The detailed proposals from the Task Force, together with the full input of the Technical Committee, will then be circulated to all FEI Federations. Full details will also be published on the FEI Web site at that time.

Feedback from National Federations will then be requested and such feedback, where appropriate, will be incorporated into the final proposed FEI Endurance Rules for 2009. This final proposal will then be circulated to all FEI NFs for last review.

Formal approval of the new rules will be carried out at the FEI General Assembly in Argentina in November and, if so approved, will come into force in January 2009.

The Task Force meeting, to which all Divisional Chairs from around the world attended, was kindly hosted and supported by the Dubai Equestrian Club. Additionally the ongoing work of the Task force over the last twelve months has been supported by The Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation.

One of the Task Force Chairmen commented ‘This truly is the very best and most full playing field attempt to update our rules since this all started……….. I am left feeling very proud of work like this’.

The FEI would like to express it's gratitude to all of those who have contributed to the process so far and have given so much of their time and effort to this review. The review is an opportunity for those directly involved with the discipline to create a sound foundation upon which FEI Endurance can continue to grow in the years to come.

Abu Dhabi: Al Beloushi repeats endurance victory and hails 'great horse' - Feb 24 2008

Gulfnews.com - Full Story

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter

Abu Dhabi: In a rare repeat show, Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi finished ahead of Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton in the Shaikh Maktoum Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 120-km endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Dubai on Saturday.

The defending champion, who had won this ride last year on Cameo Zinniaa, decided to partner Roherty Bold Impression and the 10-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding did extremely well to overtake Maria on Antares Sauveterre on the final loop and help the Al Reef star to finish the endurance season in Dubai the way he started it - on a winning note.

More...

Al Beloushi renews rivaly with Maria

Gulf News article
Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi celebrates his victory in the Shaikh Maktoum Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge last year.
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: February 23, 2008, 01:05

Abu Dhabi: Precisely a year ago, Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi on Cameo Zinniaa finished ahead of Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton in the 120-km second Shaikh Maktoum Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge endurance ride at Dubai International Endurance City.

The two riders are back on the same horse for the third edition of this ride which gets off to a mass start at 6am this morning and will be joined by over 100 other riders.

While the two rider will be looking to again do well in the event, sponsored by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, there is also another reason the two will be hoping to better each other.

In the latest FEI World Ranking (calculated up to December 2007) Maria leads with 1,784 points followed by Frenchman Jack Begaud (1581) while Yousuf is third on 1044.

Both Yousuf and Maria also completed this event in its inaugural edition in the 2005-06 season with Yousuf finishing 10th and Maria 34th.

Other top riders in the fray include Pan Arab Games Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Shaikh Maktoum Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge over 120-kms will be run in five loops of 31, 32, 27, 18 and 12 kms each. An 82-km Qualifier ride with 31 riders and a 44-km Qualifier with 35 riders will also be held today at the Dubai International Endurance Village in Seih Assalam.

The total prize money on offer is Dh550,000 which will be distributed among the top 20 who finish the ride while the winner will also drive away with a Nissan Patrol Car.

The first 10 horses finishing within one hour of the first-placed horse will be eligible to enter the Best Condition Competition while Dh 50,000 will be given away as cash prizes to the public through a free raffle.

Abu Dhabi: Love blooms in the desert for Spanish duo

Gulfnews.com - Full Story

February 23 2008

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter

Abu Dhabi: Their interests are common as they are passionately involved in the sport of endurance.

Though both hail from Spain they had never met until in 2001 in Dubai and seven years later they have not only exchanged vows but progressed into world class riders.

Jaume Punti Dachs hails from Barcelona and arrived in the UAE in 1999 to train endurance horses...

More...

Australia: Recognition at last for rider

Mudgee Guardian - full article
FINALLY RECOGNISED: John Howe with the recognition he waited more than 17 years to receive.
By DON MAHONEY

Endurance rider John Howe was recognised for a rare achievement, some 17 years after the event, when he attended the annual general meeting of the NSW Endurance Riders Association on Saturday, February 9.

Howe was the first ever endurance rider to complete the Tom Quilty, Shahzada and the NSW State Championships on the one horse back in 1991.

In 1991, in the days before riding helmets were a compulsory part of an endurance riders’ equipment, Howe rode his 16HH American Saddle Horse ‘Beau Gallant Omen’ to complete all three rides.

"At the time Beau was a 9YO and I started with the 160 kilometres of the Tom Quilty on the June long weekend, then in August completed the 400 kilometres of the Shahzada and in October the 160 kilometres of the NSW State Championships at Mt Macquarie near Blayney," Howe said.

"I may never have attempted the feat if it hadn’t been for the late Paul Grieve, who was a great endurance rider.

"I asked if there was one thing he would like to do in his lifetime and he said he would like to complete these three events with one rider, one horse in the same year.

"Paul never got his wish so I set out to achieve it for him.

"To get over the line in all three events Beau had to pass 22 fitness tests on 22 occasions during the three rides and I’ll never forget the relief when the vets pronounced him fit after I crossed the finish line at Mt Macquarie.

"I decided to run the horse out myself for the last vet check as tired as I was and all the vets were there as well as a lot of endurance enthusiasts.

"I ran him out and then when I brought him back I felt him surge in his movement and felt confident he would make it - to this day it was my biggest thrill in the sport.

"Since 1991 only 10 people have been able to emulate the feat and at this year’s AGM at Port Stevens all 10 of us were presented with a special Big 3 award.

"Endurance riding is about completing the course safely and the horse being fit at every veterinary check point, including the final one."

Endurance riding has been at a standstill since the Equine Influenza outbreak forced the cancellation of the 2007 Shahzada last August.

The sport returns to the Mudgee district when the Mudgee Endurance Club hosts their 2008 race ride from the popular Cooyal base on May 18.

Britain: Inside Story from UK's Golden Horseshoe ride - Feb 20 2008

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Story

A reporter with Britain's BBC is to ride in a division of the Golden Horseshoe Ride, the country's most well-known and toughest endurance riding event.

Reporter Adam Henson is planning to ride in the The Exmoor Experience class, which is 80km (50 miles) over two days, 25 miles on each day...

More...

FEI Endurance Rankings

FEI Press News
13/02/2008 - 2008 FEI Endurance World Rankings now available!

We are happy to announce that the new 2008 FEI World Rankings are now available online by clicking on the following link:

Rankings

Following several requests to the FEI, we have created two new Rankings for 2008. These Rankings are:
- 2008 Open Horse World Endurance Ranking
- 2008 Junior/Young Rider Horse World Endurance Ranking

These Rankings highlight the performances of horses, and the points gained within FEI competition throughout 2008 by the individual horses. The points are distributed using the same calculations as per the Rider and Combination Rankings. Please refer to the above link for the calculation of the FEI World Endurance Rankings.

Full ranking lists include:
- 2008 Open Riders World Ranking List
- 2008 Open Combination World Ranking List
- 2008 Young Riders World Ranking List
- 2008 Young Riders Combination World Ranking List
- 2008 Open Horse World Ranking List
- 2008 Young Riders Horse World Ranking List