Sunday, May 04, 2008

Australia: Malaysia King qualifies for World Championship

The Star Online

MELBOURNE: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin qualified for next year's world endurance championship to be held in Terengganu when he completed the gruelling Nanango three-Star 160km International Endurance ride near Kingaroy in Queensland, yesterday.

The King, 45, was one of five Malaysians to join an international field of about 50 riders from New Zealand, Japan, Poland, Britain, the United Arab Emirates and Australia in the ride. They started their ride at 5am.

Tuanku Mizan completed the course in under 13 hours 20 minutes to qualify for the world event which requires a rider to finish the 160km ride twice on the same horse.

The King, who was astride Pharoh, rode the same horse in Queensland last year in the first leg.

Tuanku Mizan had already qualified for the world championships when he rode Ibrahim in Dubai in January and again in Abu Dhabi in February within the qualifying time.

This has given the King the choice to decide which horse, Ibrahim or Pharoh, to ride in Terengganu in the November world meet.

Royal Terengganu Endurance Stables general manager Che Mat Din said the 160km ride was tough and tested the competitors' strength, determination and riding skills.

The King loves horses and loves riding. He is a world-class endurance rider and he has competed in many parts of the world. – Bernama

Saturday, May 03, 2008

Bahrain: Al Dossary lifts endurance title


Bahrain Gulf News Article
By RAMI HULAYYEL

GHAZI Al Dossary steered Jelham to victory in the 100-km Endurance Horseride Championship, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef). The final event of the endurance season, sponsored by Zain-Bahrain and co-sponsored by GPIC, started on Thursday evening and concluded early yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

A total of 71 riders from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia lined up for the event which featured four stages, 30 kms each for the first three and 10 for the last stage.

The Royal Endurance Team dominated the race taking the first two positions with Al Dossary, coached by Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, coming on top with a total time of four hours, 15 minutes and 35 seconds.

Behind him in second place was teammate Nezar Hassan (4:26:44). Just five seconds behind in third was Ahmed Al Fateh Stable rider Ibrahim Al Jeboori.

Royal Endurance Team riders Ahmed Abdulla and Raed Mahmood were fourth and fifth respectively. Baqer Ali of Abdulaziz Yousef was sixth and he was followed by Jaffer Mirza and Abdulrahman Al Saad, both of the Royal Team.

Ninth overall was Mohammed Rasheed Al Malhasi of Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Stable while Mohammed Riyadh of Al Hafira Stable wrapped up the top 10.

The championship got underway with Mahmood leading the first stage with the fastest time of 1:10:42, average speed 25.46-km per hour.

Mahmood maintained his lead in the second stage and was followed by Hassan and Manal Fakrawi.

Al Jeboori made a strong comeback in the third stage, moving on top and ahead of Mahmood who went down to third with Hassan making a good leap to second position.

The fourth and final stage was the most exciting in the competition as Al Dossary regained his momentum to take over the lead from Hassan and Al Jeboori.

Among other top riders who took part was Bahrain Athletics Association president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa who was forced to quit following an injury to his horse.

Shaikh Talal was also on hand to present the trophies to the top three riders at the prize-giving ceremony which was held right after the race.

Meanwhile, Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated the winners and wished them success in the near future.

Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Bahrain: Night Endurance Race

ROYAL Endurance Team will enter tomorrow's 100km Endurance Horseride Championship as top favourites as the final race of the season will get underway at 5pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir. The championship, being sponsored by Zain-Bahrain and co-sponsored by GPIC, will be the second successive night race to be held due to the hot weather conditions.

The Royal Team, coached by Abdulhaq Qadoori and Abdulrahman Abdullatif, will be led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and consist of top local riders.

Among prominent riders for the Royal Team are Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Abdulla and Jaffer Mirza who are all keen to clinch a podium finish.

Taking part in the race are riders from leading stables in Bahrain, including Al Khaldiya Stable captain Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who won the 120km Championship for the Crown Prince Cup held 10 days ago.

Among overseas riders to be in the fray are the Kingdom Stable women's team who arrived in Bahrain last week with team manager Najeeb Burjus heading the delegation.

Meanwhile, the organising committee has approved four stages for the race. The first two stages will be over 30km each, the third stage will be 25km and the fourth and last stage 15km.

Veterinary examination is set for tomorrow at 3pm and will continue for two hours at the veterinary area. Maximum weight allowed for each horse is 80kg.

The technical and judging committee was also confirmed. It is being headed by Abdulsamad Al Busta and consists of Ghalib Al Alawi, Mahdi Hassan, Ali Ghuloom, Mohammed Dadulla and Haider Al Zo'bi.

Official commissioner is Mohammed Abdulsahen while Fahad Al Rumaihi will be his assistant. Haider Rafii was named official technical commissioner.

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Junior/Young Rider European Endurance Championships 2008

06Mar2008

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.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Bahrain eyes first Grand Prix


By RAMI Hulayyel

BAHRAIN is bidding to become the first nation in the world to host the Endurance Horseride Grand Prix. The idea, which was masterminded by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, aims to spread endurance horseride and place Bahrain on the world map.

Following the Bahrain Royal Endurance Team's success by coming second overall in the European Endurance Championship in Portugal, Bahrain is keen to maintain its outstanding reputation as one of the most developed countries in this traditional sport.

Shaikh Nasser will invite senior officials from the World Equestrian Federation (FEI) to visit Bahrain and brief them on the competition, which is similar to motorsports' leading event 'Formula One'.

Shaikh Nasser said the idea of the Grand Prix is to have a series of endurance races in different countries from all around the world, including Bahrain.

The Breef chief confirmed that the federation is preparing for the biggest cash award in this championship which will be sponsored by various companies and establishments in Bahrain.

"If everything goes as planned, this Grand Prix will be held in different locations across the globe and particularly in touristic venues to highlight the history of the countries," said Shaikh Nasser.

"We will discuss all details with the International Equestrian Federation to prepare a complete study about this idea and here at the Bahrain Federation we are very much optimistic about making this dream come true," added the Royal Endurance Team captain.

"Having this event in Bahrain will be a key contributor to the expansion of endurance sport in Bahrain, having been widely practised in Europe, America and Australia. It will also bring many new riders into the competition," he said.

"History of endurance races in Bahrain is very short but with His Majesty King Hamad's support and the efforts of the officials from the national federation have made the Kingdom one of the hot contenders in any regional or international championships," added Shaikh Nasser.

"Endurance activities in Bahrain enjoy the whole-hearted support of His Majesty. By visiting the championships regularly and extending full support to the riders, His Majesty inspired them to achieve higher goals.

"Without the extensive support and encouragement of His Majesty, this sport in Bahrain would never have reached this level of professionalism and worldwide recognition. The riders and the people of Bahrain are proud of His Majesty, who extends his unlimited support to this sport."

One of the fastest growing sports in the world, undoubtedly, is the endurance riding. The kingdom saw the real birth of this sport in its soil on April 7, 2000.

His Majesty instructed to organise the 120km Bahrain International Endurance Horse Riding Championship as two separate races for the riders of UAE and Bahrain with the aim of creating a pool of knowledge for the participants and to help them realise their pitfalls as well as potentials.

UAE Crown Prince and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was the winner from the UAE riders. Among the Bahraini riders, Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa reached the first place.

Inspired by the success of the first international championship, the Kingdom began to organise various types of championships from October to May every year.

The participation of the Royal team in the World Endurance Championship FEI in Italy in September 2003 has proved highly beneficial.

By participating in the championship, Shaikh Nasser, his younger brother Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and other members, Mohammed Abdul Aziz, Salem Al Otaibi, Saad Al Yami and Manal Fakhrawi, the first Bahraini girl to participate in the world championship, attained valuable experience.

[More ...]

SHAIKH NASSER TO PUSH FOR HOLDING INTERNATIONAL ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP

date: 22 04, 2008

MANAMA, APRIL 22 (BNA) PRESIDENT OF THE BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE FEDERATION (BREEF) SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA ANNOUNCED TODAY HIS INTENTION TO PUSH FOR THE ORGANIZATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP IN COOPERATION WITH THE INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION IN A BID TO GLOBALIZE THIS SPORT AND EXTEND IT TO DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE GLOBE.
HE ALSO UNVEILED HIS INTENTION TO ALLOCATE GREAT FINANCIAL AWARDS FOR THE WINNERS AS THE CHAMPIONSHIP WOULD BE SPONSORED BY MANY SIDES. SHAIKH NASSER ALSO ASKED THE INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION TO ORGANIZE THIS CHAMPIONSHIP IN MORE THAN ONE PART OF THE WORLD AND TO CREATE THE NECESSARY MECHANISMS TO ENSURE ITS SUCCESS. THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF SHAIKH NASSERS IDEA IS TO PROMOTE THIS SPORT WORLDWIDE AND PREPARE FUTURE EQUESTRIANS, ESPECIALLY THAT THE SPORT IS WIDELY PRACTICED IN EUROPE, NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA AND AUSTRALIA.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Bahrain: Shaikh Talal to take part in endurance championship

BAHRAIN Athletics Association (BAA) president Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa confirmed his entry at the 120km Endurance Horseride Championship for the Crown Prince Cup tomorrow at 5pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Talal had already taken part in several endurance races in the past, the last of which was for the Bahrain Endurance Cup held in the UK last season.

The BAA chief expressed delight in participating in the night race, to be held under the patronage of the Crown Prince and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Talal said he is pleased to line up with Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who will lead a strong field of riders such as Breef vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The championship will be sponsored by Durrat Al Bahrain for the second time.

Meanwhile, the organisers confirmed five stages for the main race, starting with 30km for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

Two side races over 85km and 60km will be held during the championship which aim to prepare new riders and horses. The 85km race will be split into three stages - 30km for the first two stages and 25km for the third - while the 60km race consists of two stages of 30km each.

Two-hour veterinary examination is set for tomorrow starting at 2pm at the veterinary area inside the village. A maximum of 75kg is allowed for each horse.

The federation also approved the technical and judging committee for the championship.

Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi was named judging committee chairman with Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Haider Al Zubi, Abdulsamad Al Busta and assistants Haider Rafii and Ali Ghuloom as members. Qatari Dhafi Al Mirri was appointed official commissioner.

The veterinary committee is headed by Dar Yasine Al Mo'tamiri of Tunisia.

Gulf News article

Monday, April 14, 2008

Endurance in Southwest Idaho!

Idaho Statesman

Tony Dann gets ready to head off on
Eternel Tax Man at the start of the
Rangelands 50-mile endurance race,
held in Oreana, south of Murphy,
in May 2007.
Frank is famous within his local club for achieving 3,000 miles of competitive endurance racing. He wears metal shoes and carries his partner Tom Noll on long-distance 100-mile trail races, or during multi-day events covering hundreds of miles.

The 18 year-old unregistered Arabian horse often wins "Best Condition" awards at the end of races. An award like that is testament to Frank's talent and Noll's expertise in maintaining a healthy horse through vast distances of remote and rugged terrain.

"Frank's got a personality. He is very polite, very competitive, likes to run and is handsome," said Noll, of Meridian.

Originally, Noll was an endurance runner. He specifically learned horse riding so he could compete in equestrian endurance races. A man in Cambridge taught him riding skills and relating to horses. Members of the Southwest Idaho Trail and Distance Riders (SWIT&DR) club taught him the specifics of endurance riding.

Noll said the sport is somewhat unpredictable and there is a real bond between rider and horse.

[More ...]

Monday, April 07, 2008

Malasia: Tuanku Mizan Participates In FEI/ISN/EAM 2008

Bernama.com
March 29, 2008 22:51 PM

Tuanku Mizan Participates In FEI/ISN/EAM 2008

SETIU, March 29 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin today led 42 Malaysian participants to the Malaysian Endurance Circuit FEI/ISN/EAM 2008 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) at Lembah Bidong, here.

The King competed in the 80km race which was also participated by 27 horse riders in the competition which was the first in the series of six circuits which were scheduled in conjunction with the World Endurance Championship 2008 (WEC 2008) to be held here in November.

The race was flagged off by the Head of the Terengganu Regency Advisory Council (MPPR), Tengku Sri Panglima Raja Tengku Baderulzaman at 5pm.

The 80km category race is expected to end at 11pm tonight while the 120km category at 2am and the 160km category at 11am Sunday.

Meanwhile, Tuanku Mizan, who arrived at the Sultan Mahmud Airport (LTSM) in Kuala Terengganu this morning, is the only Malaysian athlete who received two qualification certificates to compete at the WEC 2008.

-- BERNAMA

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Baquerizo, and team Calle Capture Al-Andalus!!


Jose Anto Calderon Baquerizo
and Campanera
1st Place Binomios


Juan Carlos Dominguez Calle
and Humpry
1st Place General


Francisco Dominguez Calle
and Espia
1st Place General

51 Start - 45 Finish in all Categories!

Riding across Andalucía - For ten days

Complete Coverage of Race

Friday, April 04, 2008

Al-Aldanus: One More Day


photo by Merri Melde

One More Day!!


Day 7 - One More Run!! - Day 7 of the 8 day race across Spain has completed. The riders and horses are resting for the Final run to the finish of this Ride Across Andalusia!

EnduranceEurope.Net complete coverage website

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Day 5 in Spain - Into the Mountains


photo: JOSE ANTo CALDERON BAQUERIZO and CAMPANERA

Riding across Andalucía


Day 5 - Into the Mountains - Day 5 of the 8 day race across Spain was the most difficult so far. Jose Anto Calderon Baquerizo riding Campanera have extended their lead to 78 minutes in the Binomios division, while the Equipos division is in a tight 4 way race for the lead!

EnduranceEurope.Net complete coverage website

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

Results at the Half Way point in Al-Aldalus


photo: JOSE ANTo CALDERON BAQUERIZO and CAMPANERA
Image by Merri Melde

Riding across Andalucía


Day 4 - April Fools? - Horses and Riders have completed day 4 of the 8 day race across Spain. Jose Anto Calderon Baquerizo riding Campanera have extended their lead to 46 minutes in the Binomios division, while Francisco Domiguez Calle/Espia and Juan Carlos Domingues Calle/Humpry hold a 45 minute lead in the Equipos division.

EnduranceEurope.Net coverage website

Thursday, March 27, 2008

Britain: Back in the saddle

Thisisdorset.net - Full Story

A YOUNG horse-riding champion is celebrating getting back in the saddle after a brush with death.

Dean Brown, 11, suffered head injuries after being kicked in the head by a pony when he tripped over in a paddock.

Three months later Portland's Junior British Endurance Champion is still recovering, but is now back riding.

His mother Lisa Brown, of East Weare Road, Portland, said: "I am happy to say he is well on the mend now.

"He was the one that wanted to get straight back into it ...

More...

New Zealand: Jenny Champion wins national endurance championship

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Story

March 27, 2008

by Annie Studholme

North Islander Jenny Champion has made it two from two on South Island turf taking out the coveted CEI*** 160km National Endurance Championship held at Kurow Racecourse, in the upper reaches of the Waitaki Valley, last weekend.

A surprise winner of the event when it was last held in the South Island two years ago at Hawarden, the Eketahuna-based rider took the honours with a gutsy performance on her talented little part-Arab mare Freckles ahead of some of the more favoured competitors. Riding conservatively over the first three loops the duo started applying the pressure, but still looked out of winning contention.

More...

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

South Africa: Export zone in lockdown, 155 horses reported dead

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Story

March 25, 2008

Nearly 270 cases of deadly African horse sickness have been reported across South Africa as efforts continue to minimise the impact of the insect-borne disease.

While the number of cases continues to climb, the key Western Cape export zone remains free of the disease and a lockdown is in place in an effort to maintain its status.

A 2004 outbreak which penetrated the export zone led to an embargo on the import of horses by the European Union. It cost the horse industry in South African an estimated R250 million ($NZ39m) loss of income and job losses.

Authorities report there are 34 horses in South Africa's export facility, Kenilworth Quarantine Station, including South Africa's elite competition horses representing disciplines such as polo, endurance, various Olympic events and, to a lesser extent, horseracing.


More...

Quarantine a key issue in resuming Australia horse imports

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Story

March 26, 2008

by Neil Clarkson

Quarantine issues remain a significant hurdle as New Zealand moves towards resuming imports from Australia.

Horse imports from Australia have been suspended since late August in the wake of the equine influenza outbreak in New South Wales and Queensland.

A massive control effort costing more than $A100 million has eradicated all known cases, but the country must remain free of the disease until at least late this year before it can formally be considered clear of EI.

More...

Spain: Endurance Race to Come Through Jimena

Jimenapulse.wordpress.com

by prospero

Riding and horse fans will be pleased to hear that the III Tierras de Al-Andalus Kaliber Endurance Race is scheduled to come through Jimena on Wednesday, April 2nd on their way to Ronda in one of several stages of the race.

Known in Spanish as raid, this particular race is considered unique in the riding world because of its specifications. Starting in Seville tomorrow, it will end in La Beata on April 5th.

More...

Sunday, March 23, 2008

Al Muhairi brothers make it a family affair in 120-km ride

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter




Photo - Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News

Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum presents the trophy to Al Muhairi in Abu Dhabi. Adnan Sultan of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (left) and Lara Sawaya of Tasweeq and other winners are also shown.
Abu Dhabi: Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi and his younger brother Thani Al Muhairi finished 1-2 in the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge Two 120-km endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here on Saturday.

Ali, who is the Racing Manager for Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, had earlier in the season finished behind his younger brother.

Even yesterday, Ali on Garaman Mikado was in second place behind Thani but a fiercely-contested final loop in which two of the UAE's best performers- Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi and Omair Hussain Al Beloushi were also there - left the elder of the siblings crossing the finish line first.

Determined effort

Omair, on Sharahd Sataka, and Yousuf on Estaban were in third and sixth places when they went out on the final loop. Both launched a determined effort on the Al Muhairi brothers and Ali took up the challenge while Thani decided to just keep going at a steady pace.

Ali, Omair and Yousuf were involved in a close battle and with speeds crossing 30km/h for the final loop, Ali managed to finish ahead of Omair with Thani in third and Yousuf in fourth.

However, both Omair and Yousuf's horses failed the final vet check which allowed Thani Mohammad Al Muhairi to finish second behind his elder brother.

Ali Mohammad, who had finished second to his younger brother in Dubai, had finished third in the three-day 240-km ride in Boutheib and finally won on the last day of the UAE's domestic endurance season.

"It was a tough ride and because of the two Al Reef riders, we really had to push hard on the final loop. We are very happy with these results and also on the whole season," said Ali, who is also an endurance horse trainer with yesterday's top two coming from his stables.

Earlier in the morning, a total of 126 horses started in the five-stage 120-km ride which had a total prize money of Dh400,000 and a luxury car on offer for the top riders.

Yesterday's ride was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai ,and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

Results

1. Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi (Garaman Mikado) 4hrs 35mins 38 secs;
2. Thani Mohammad Al Muhairi (Karabil Kaiya Hai) 4:41.52;
3. Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose (Kamel Armor) 4:51.36;
4. Ali Ganem Al Merri (Little Joe Fox) 4:55.21;
5. Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Ro Acuarela) 4:58.09.


[More ...]

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Abu Dhabi: Over 100 riders for final event in Al Wathba

Gulfnews.com - Full Story

Abu Dhabi: Friday's Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge 120-km endurance ride has attracted over 100 riders and will bring the curtain down on the 2007-08 endurance season here at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Sponsorship

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said that apart from the 120-km Open ride a Qualifier Ride will also be held.

"There will be a total prize money of...

More...

Great Britain: West Sandford rider wins iconic endurance challenge on debut appearance

Julian Johansen and his Arab gelding CF Samuel won the two-day 80km class at the Golden Horseshoe Ride. (Julian Johansen) CreditonCourier....