Zafir Nawaz on top in Dubai endurance

Khaleej Times article
By Hisham Al Gizouli
15 March 2008

DUBAI — Zafir Nawaz won his first endurance silverware after landing the CEN 100km Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 2 here at Seih Assalam Endurance City on Saturday.

The winner onboard 13-year-old Arabian gelding Lautaro took over the running from loop two to lead a splendid one-two finish for Al Ain Stables.

“My horse was in great nick and had plenty left in his tank to win convincingly at the end. It’s his maiden win and looks a fantastic prospect,” said a delighted Pakistani rider later.

Compatriot Mohammed Asif Abdul Razaq astride 10-year-old Arabian gelding Milqvi six finished six minutes off the pace second place.

“I’m really happy with the result. It’s my first win since I started riding few years ago. It is good to end the season on a high note. It means a lot for me and my stables. Hopefully we can look forward to a few more from this fantastic one-two finish for the stable.

“The race was run at a very fast pace in a relatively hot weather conditions. It was a race that panned out well for us. I had the full backing of my team and a good result to go home at the end.”

The final race of the season started with 69 riders from the small stables hitting in the heart of the desert under the early rays of the sun.

The winner didn’t waste much time and put his horse on the heels of the early speed right from the start as the Sudanese rider Alazz Al Ghaley showed the way astride his six-year-old Arabian Diyar by the end of the first loop.

Zafir hit the front after the second vet gate with compatriot and stable-mate Mohd Asif just behind the lead as the riders completed the second loop at an average speed of 23.57km/hour, before they surge clear and emerge easy winners.

Bahrain: Riders set to match skills

Gulf-daily-news.com

March 15 2008

THE stage is set for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship starting today at 5am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead a strong field of riders from the kingdom and overseas in this challenging 120km event.

Among the top riders in the fray are UAE's Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, winner of the endurance race held during the Arab Games in Egypt.

Other leading riders include a team from Saudi Arabia, led by Prince Abdulla bin Fahad Al Saud, besides six entrants from Jordan.

Bahraini riders will also be present in today's event, representing the Royal Endurance Team, Al Khaldiya Stable, Al Asayel, Al Talia, and other top stables.

The event, sponsored by Al Areen Holding Company, Gulf Holding Company and International Bank, consists of races for senior and junior riders, both over 120km. Each race will be divided into five stages with 30km for the first two stages each, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

A two-hour veterinary examination was held yesterday at the venue's veterinary area.

More than BD58,000 in prize money is up for grabs. It will be shared by the top 10 riders in the senior and junior races.

The top award for the seniors' champion will be a vehicle worth BD16,000. A prize of BD7,000 will be given to the runner-up, BD6,000 for third place, BD5,000 for fourth and BD4,000 for fifth.

The remaining five riders will also be honoured. An amount of BD3,000 will be given to the sixth-place winner, BD2,500 for seventh, BD2,000 for eighth, BD1,500 for ninth and BD1,000 for 10th.

In the junior event, BD26,400 will be divided into 10 prizes with the winner to be awarded BD6,000. The runner-up gets BD5,000. Third-place winner will get BD4,000, BD3,000 for fourth, BD2,500 for fifth, BD2,000 for sixth, BD1,500 for seventh, BD1,000 for eighth, BD800 for ninth and BD600 for 10th.

Dubai: Hamdan Challenge brings curtain down on the season

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 15, 2008, 00:10

Dubai: The Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge II, a 100-km National endurance ride today at the Dubai International Endurance City will bring the curtain down on the endurance season here in Dubai.

The ride, which is being held here for the second year, is open to riders from small stables and individual owners, is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

Over 70 horses are expected to take part in the event.

Popular event

"A Nissan Patrol car is on offer to the winner of today's ride, which will be run in four loops of 31kms, 30kms, 27kms and 12kms. The total prize money on offer is Dh 550,000 and will be distributed among the top 20 finishers," said Ali Moosa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club.

"We thank Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his generous sponsorship.

"This ride is always popular as it gives the smaller owners - the private-owned stables and individuals - the chance to compete for the Dh550,000 prize-money on offer," he said.

Today's ride will be the last event to be held in Dubai at the Dubai International Endurance City.

Meanwhile most of the UAE's top riders are expected to take part in Sunday's endurance ride to be held in Bahrain.

DUBAI CROWN PRINCE ARRIVES IN BAHRAIN

date: 14 03, 2008
MANAMA, MAR. 14 (BNA) -- Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander Of The Bdf Shaikh Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa was at the airport today to welcome Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum upon his arrival in the kingdom to take part in HM Endurance Cup Races.

Also present at the airport to welcome the UAE Crown Prince was President Of Bahrain Royal Equestrian And Endurance Federation (Breef) Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa. At the airport VIP lounge, the Crown Prince exchanged with Shaikh Hamdan Cordial talks on the deep-rooted Bahraini-UAE ties and welcomed him to Bahrain and his participation in the races at the head of the UAE equestrian team. He described the UAE keenness to take part in such equestrian events as an indication of its determination to reinforce youth and sports gatherings between the two brotherly states.
Full coverage on Endurance.net

BRN: Shaikh Nasser leads training for Endurance Cup

Gulf Daily News
Endurance.Net Event Coverage
BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa led his side's training yesterday prior to His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for tomorrow at 5am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, will also attend today's two-hour veterinary examination starting at 3pm at the event venue.

Meanwhile, Jordanian Equestrian Federation president Princess Alya bint Al Hussain arrived last night from Amman following an invitation from Shaikh Nasser to attend tomorrow's championship.

Princess Alya was received by Breef second vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and other federation officials. Shaikh Khalid welcomed Princess Alya and conveyed the greetings of the Breef first vice-president, Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

"We at the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation are delighted to have our friends from Jordan and other regional countries take part in this prestigious event," said Shaikh Khalid. "This championship means a lot for us and we are keen to ensure that the event is a huge success," he said.

Princess Alya expressed gratitude to the Breef for inviting her to the championship.

Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead a strong field of riders from Bahrain and overseas in this challenging 120km championship.

Among top riders in the fray are UAE's Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoom, winner of the endurance race held during the Arab Games in Egypt.

Other top riders include a team from Saudi Arabia, led by Prince Abdulla bin Fahad Al Saud, besides six entrants from Jordan.

The Bahraini riders will also be present in today's event, representing the Royal Endurance Team, Al Khaldiya Stable, Al Asayel, Al Talia and other hot stables.

The event, sponsored by Al Areen Holding Company, Gulf Holding Company and International Bank, consists of races for senior and junior riders, both over 120km.

Each race will be divided into five stages with 30km for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

More than BD58,000 prizemoney is up for grabs. The top award in the senior race will be a vehicle worth BD16,000 for the champion. Runners-up will get BD7,000, BD6,000 for third place, BD5,000 for fourth and BD4,000 for fifth.

The prize for the sixth-place winner will be BD3,000, BD2,500 for seventh, BD2,000 for eighth, BD1,500 for ninth and BD1,000 for the 10th place.

In the junior race, BD26,400 will be divided into five prizes with the winner getting BD6,000 and the runner-up BD5,000. The prize for third plce will be BD4,000, BD3,000 for fourth place, BD2,500 for fifth, BD2,000 for sixth, BD1,500 for seventh, BD1,000 for eighth, BD800 for ninth and BD600 for 10th.
Endurance.Net Event Coverage

European Union to Require Microchipping of Foals

Thehorse.com

by: Edited Press Release
March 10 2008, Article # 11464

Member states of the European Union have reached an agreement on a new regulation that will revise existing equine identification legislation. The main new requirement is the compulsory microchipping of foals born after July 1, 2009.

The requirement will not be retroactive for older horses and the regulation does allow for member states to approve alternative methods to the microchip.

Microchips provide a link between a horse and its passport and strengthen existing horse identification requirements. Such unique identification of equidae could also prove useful for disease control and surveillance purposes and for the recovery of lost or stolen horses.

In the U.K., the Department of Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs will be consulting with the horse industry over the implementation of the new requirements.

Bahrain: Riders gear up for Endurance

Bahrain Gulf Daily News Article

Riders gear up for Endurance
Published: 13th March 2008

Endurance.Net Coverage

RIDERS from Saudi Arabia and Jordan have confirmed their entries for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at 5am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Among the prominent riders from Saudi Arabia are Prince Abdulla bin Fahad Al Saud, Humood Al Shimirri, Nawaf Al Otibi, Abdulla Al Bahyan, Bader Misfir and Mansoor Al Shimirri.

From Jordan, six riders are in the fray. They are Jehad Shaltoogh, Lorance Al Fayez, Subhi Khalil, Shakeeb Wahbi, Musamah Balawna and Abdulhamid Al Saleh.

The event consists of races for senior and junior riders, both over 120km. Each race will be divided into five stages with 30km for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

Veterinary examination is scheduled for tomorrow, starting at 3pm at the veterinary area at the village. The examination will continue until 5pm.

The organisers are presently preparing the endurance village for the prestigious event by installing new facilities like the a special stand for the podium.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Hashim bin Mohammed Al Khalifa said that the development made by the equestrian sport achieved by this sport on the international level is a result of the directives and efforts of Shaikh Nasser.

He said these directives and encouragement have put the equestrian sport on the world map through the achievements made over the last few years.

"Bahrain's endurance horseride sport has made large strides, taking it beyond the local and Gulf geography and recording unique and brilliant results for Bahrain in the world circles all within a period of not more than eight years since the Royal Equestrian Association was formed," said Shaikh Hashim.

"The keenness and follow-up of Shaikh Nasser and his judicious leadership of the federation has put the equestrian sport on the world map in record time, making it a competitor to be reckoned with against Gulf championships and on international levels."

Shaikh Hashim said Bahrain has proved its ability also to stage and organise the strongest championships and to compete in them at the same time, adding that the world at large has seen the World Junior Championship which has won high praise by all teams participating in it, in addition to the successful annual organisation of His Majesty King Hamad Championship in which all champions from the Gulf countries participate.

He added that Bahrain is also able to organise the World's Senior Championship, given its potential which contributes to the success of the event.

Shaikh Hashim said that His Majesty the King's directives and constant follow-up of the equestrian sport is a strong moral support for Bahrain's riders.

British endurance squad horse injured in road accident

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full story

Nessie Lambert, news writer

12 March, 2008
British endurance rider Rachael Claridge has been involved in a road traffic accident with her British squad horse, Blue Chip Prince Meliodas, or "Mel".

Rachael was enjoying a morning hack when at 8.45 am a low trailer passed her on a quiet country lane between Blackborough and Sheldon in East Devon:

"The driver did pass wide and slow but the empty trailer bounced on the tarmac which spooked Mel. He shot backwards before I could stop him," Rachael told H&H.

The driver of that vehicle and the one behind stopped to assist Rachael when it became apparent that Mel had serious flesh wounds to his left hock and inner thigh.

More...

FEI Appoints Secretary General

Fei.org

March 10 2008

The President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, HRH Princess Haya, has today announced the appointment of Alex McLin to the position of Secretary General, effective immediately. The appointment follows an extensive consultation period, with the National Federations, and the interviewing of a number of external candidates. Mr. McLin, who joined the FEI in March 2005, is currently the General Counsel & Deputy Secretary General of the FEI and has been Acting Secretary General since September 2007.

Educated at Duke University, a member of the New York Bar and having previously worked for the World Economic Forum, Mr McLin (37) is highly experienced in sports law, governance and management.

HRH Princess Haya said, "Alex McLin has shown that he is an excellent leader who has a profound understanding of the need to deliver the plans for horsesport in an expedient and apolitical fashion.

The mixture of youth and wisdom that is found in Alex McLin heralds a new era for the role of Secretary General and reflects the changing trend in sport away from the era of colourful sports administrators. As in business, sport is discovering that skill and creative delivery are powerful allies whose effect can be equally well delivered by a quiet approach."

South Africa: Horse Quarantine and Export

Full Story

11 March 2008

SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture (Provincial Government of the Western Cape)

Statement by Cobus Dowry Minister for Agriculture in the Western Cape

The 2004 outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) in South Africa's Export Zone in the Western Cape led to an embargo on the import of horses by the European Union (EU). Apart from an estimated R250 million loss of revenue for South Africa, the impact on employment and foreign market share was also significant.

There are currently 34 horses in South Africa's export facility, Kenilworth Quarantine Station. Once the horses have completed their 40 day pre-export quarantine on the 15th of April, they will be transported by air to the EU. Included in the quarantine are South Africa's elite competition horses representing disciplines such as polo, endurance, Olympic events and horseracing.

Given the extent of the current AHS outbreak in the east and north of the country, all horse owners, transporters and associations/clubs are urged to exercise great caution when deciding to move horses from outbreak areas to those free of infection.

Transportation of infected horses remains one of the main sources of new outbreaks that can lead to the death of susceptible horses and negatively impact South Africa's export status.

Consequently, the State Veterinary Services have imposed an embargo on the movement of horses into South Africa's Export Zone from many parts of the country, but especially from the following Provinces:
Gauteng Province
Eastern Province
KwaZulu Natal

For more information on movement controls into the Western Cape, please contact:
Dr Gary Buhrmann
Chief State Veterinarian, Boland

Or, alternatively contact the local State Veterinary office in your area.

Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Email: avjaarsv @ pgwc.gov.za

Bahrain: Top riders set for 120km race

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Story

March 12 2008

MORE than BD58,000 prizemoney is up for grabs in His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday.

The prizemoney will be shared by the top 10 riders in the senior and junior races with a total distance of 120km approved for both events.

The top prize in the senior race will be a vehicle worth BD16,000 for the champion. Runners-up will get BD7,000, BD6,000 for third place, BD5,000 for fourth and BD4,00 for fifth.

The remaining five riders will also be honoured with six place to have BD3,000, BD2,500 for seventh, BD2,000 for eighth, BD1,500 for ninth and BD1,000 for 10th place.

In the junior race, BD26,400 will be divided into five prizes with the winner to be awarded BD6,000 while runner up gets BD5,000.

Third play will have BD4,000, BD3,000 for fourth place, BD2,500 for fifth, BD2,000 for sixth, BD1,500 for seventh, BD1,000 for eighth, BD800 for ninth and BD600 for 10th.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa confirmed the participation of the UAE's Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoom in the event.

Shaikh Majid, son of UAE Crown Prince and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, was the winner of the endurance race held during the Arab Games in Egypt.

The event, to be staged at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, will be sponsored by Al Areen Holding Company, Gulf Holding Company and International Bank.

Shaikh Nasser meet Al Areen Holding Company chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa and expressed his appreciation to the company for its support to the event.

The meeting was also attended by Gulf Holding Company vice-chairman Ahmed Al Ameer and officials from the Breef.

Shaikh Ahmed expressed honour to sponsor the prestigious event, adding that the company has been always keen to offer its support to the sports activities in Bahrain.

Shaikh Ahmed said he is confident about the abilities of the federation to organise the championship to be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.

Preparations are in full swing at the endurance village to host the event. Goys planning and follow-up director Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa visited the venue and inspected its facilities ahead of the championship.

Shaikh Abdulla was joined on this tour by officials from the Crown Prince Court and the federation.

Cash boost for Endurance global growth

A plan to fund the development of Endurance in countries keen to participate in the sport was unveiled at a press conference in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf News article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 10, 2008, 00:32

Abu Dhabi: The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world's governing body for equestrian sport, has for the first time tied up with a private company to help spread one of its disciplines - Endurance.

Ian Williams, Endurance Chief at the FEI, has signed a two-season deal with Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim of Hydra Properties for the sponsorship of a series of development programmes in countries which are starting out in the sport.

"This is the first time ever the FEI is involved in such a partnership and we are very delighted. The Dh500,000 support will help FEI-approved officials to conduct seminars and courses which will help National Federations to equip their officials and cadres in organising endurance rides," said Williams."

Dr Al Fahim, CEO of Hydra Properties, termed the support as "an innovative endeavour".

"Princess Haya Bint Hussain, Wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and President of FEI, has with her visionary leadership taken equestrian sport to a new high.

"We thank Princess Haya and the FEI for giving us this opportunity to be involved in this worldwide educational programme for the development of Endurance Sport, which is a discipline very close to the UAE and is part of our culture and heritage," he said.

"Apart from the sponsorship of officials, Hydra Properties will be involved in providing support material at various courses and seminars to be held in new and developing countries so the officials in these countries can advance their knowledge and capability in organising endurance events," he said.

"The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club will also be part of this endeavour and I thank them for their support," Dr Al Fahim said.

This is the first time ever the FEI is involved in such a partnership and we are very delighted."

Ian William, FEI Endurance chief

NZ: Horse of Year endurance race a fast contest

Pacifica with the winner's garland.

Horsetalk.co.nz article
The 103km endurance competition at the Horse of the Year show at the weekend was a closely fought event, with the winner Kirstin Deuss, riding Pacifica, finishing in just under five hours.

The riders left the main stadium at the Hastings showgrounds at 6am on Friday morning, heading 32km across the Tukituk River and out to Haupiri Station at Ocean beach to end the first loop. Three more loops were run on the station, taking the riders well down towards Cape Kidnappers.

There were 25 combinations taking part, including riders from South Africa. It was a galloping finish for Deuss and second placed Teresa Birkett, whose horse unfortunately fell on the road during the run in.

Pacifica also won the best conditioned award. The mare was bred in the South Island by Belinda Simons and is half Polish, being by Earth Wind and Fire from Oceania (Ocean Monarch x Dellmount Ishtar by Cairo).

Results
1st Kirstin Deuss
2nd was Teresa Birkett
3rd was Tony Masters
4th Denise Hill
5th Petra Deacon
6th Jenny Chandler

Bahrain: Top riders set for endurance championship

PREPARATIONS are in full swing for His Majesty King Hamad Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain international Endurance Village in Sakhir. Top riders from Bahrain and the GCC will take part in the annual event which will be over 120km and will consist of senior and junior races. Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa gave his directives to the organisers to start preparing to host this championship which is open to all ages and nationalities. Shaikh Nasser extended his appreciation to Batelco for sponsoring the association's programmes besides Al Areen and Gulf Holding Companies which will sponsor the event along with the International Bank. Coverage on Endurance.Net

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.