Poland: The Nationals, Internationals and Regionals in Kuznia

22 July 2008

by Maciej Kacprzyk

The weekend of the 17th-20th of July was a busy date for the Kuźnia Nowowiejska Equestrian Center (near Zyrardow), as the club held competitions in endurance racing: the Polish National Championships for Young Riders and Juniors, an international competition and an All-Polish competition in this discipline. Altogether nearly 40 pairs from Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania and Sweden competed in 7 contests.

On Friday the domestic contests were held. Victorious over the shortest distance - 30 km (L rank) - was a competitor from the Champion Lodz Equestrian Club, Katarzyna Nykielewicz atop the stallion Elpas 2002 (Arzgir - Elema by Wermut), bred by Tarus Arabians. In the P ranked event (50 km) triumphed Olga Ciesielska with Peoria 2002 (Balon – Peseta by Eldon), bred by Janow Podlaski Stud., also under the flag of the Champion Equestrian Club. Apart from the distances where style mattered, also held that day was a racing contest ranked 1* over 70 km. Unfortunately, none of the five pairs who competed managed to finish this distance - all horses were eliminated due to lameness. In part this could've been a result of the going of the course, which (as far as Polish conditions go) was hard and required particular attention from the riders.

Photos and More ...

North American Young Rider Championship - DiCamillo and Crestwood Premiere Win

July 31, 2008
Endurance.Net

The first North American Endurance Championship for Young Riders was held at the Colorado Horse Park in Parker, Colorado.

10 young riders started the event at 5:45, and Jessica DiCamillo and Crestwood Premier crossed the finish line at 4:23:30 PM for a first place finish and a total ride time of 7:48:30 in the 75 mile event. A tight race to the finish placed Caitlin Massman and CHF Adios in 2nd place with a ride time of 7:48:32.

Eight young riders successfully completed the course:

Place	Rider	Horse	Ride time
1	Jessica DiCamillo	Crestwood Premiere	7:48:30
2	Caitlin Massman	CHF Addios	7:48:32
3	Jennifer Stevens	Phil	7:49:42
4	Heather Stevens	RSA Count LaQuen	7:49:46
5	Kirsten Kimbler	Junior CAHR	8:04:44
6	Jordan Fleege	RCF Blad Runner	8:12:55
7	Frances Chase-Dunn	Dixie Love	8:56:41
8	Elizabeth Kingwood	DJB Double Trouble	8:56:43
-	Morgan Conner	Whistleddin	Eliminated, Lame
-	Ashley VanRaalte	Serloki	Eliminated, Lame

DiCamillo and Massman sprint for the finish. photo by Merri Melde, Endurance.Net

Full Coverage on Endurance.Net

2008 North American Young Rider & Junior Championship

July 30, 2008
Endurance.Net

Young riders are gathering this week in Parker, Colorado, for the FEI North American Junior and Young Rider Championships. Several FEI equestrian disciplines will be represented in the Championship: Dressage, Eventing, Jumping and Reining.

There will also be a Junior & Young Rider CEI*** Endurance competition, but due to the strict FEI qualification requirements for a North American Championship competition, USEF opted to hold an open competition rather than an official Championship for Junior and Young Rider (14-21 yrs) divisions so that more young riders could participate. While the Endurance event is not officially part of the NA Championship, riders from the various disciplines will reap the benefit of sharing the venue and the experience of a high level competition.

Endurance.Net will provide coverage for the event (July 31) at http://www1.endurance.net/international/USA/2008COYR/
.

List of starting riders for Endurance CEI***

Strong showing at Thetford Endurance

Bahrain Gulf Weekly

BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance team put in a strong showing in the Thetford Endurance Race in England, with five of its top riders finishing among the top 10 in both the event's race categories.

In the 120-kilometre race, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, riding his horse 'Sprite', finished sixth overall, while Royal team leader and Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, on his horse 'Sebastian', finished ninth overall.

In the same distance, Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, on his horse 'Wishky', came in 10th place.

UAE rider Hussain Ali Al Marzooqi won the race, while second place was claimed by teammate Majed Ahmed Al Sabri.

Shaikh Khalid completed his event in a time of 5:47:45 for sixth, while going for an average speed of 20.07kph. Shaikh Nasser, on the other hand, completed the 120km distance in 6:15:22, with a similar average speed.

Meanwhile, in the 160km race, Bahrainis Mohammed Abdulaziz riding 'Kahir' came in an impressive fourth and teammate Yousef Taher riding 'Canada Coy' finished fifth.

The win was clinched by UAE rider Abdulla bin Hazim, while second place went to his teammate Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Bahrain Royal team consisted of another two riders Mohammed Al Thawadi on 'Ciscada' and Lorent Mosti from the technical team riding 'Bisk'.

The race featured participants from Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, the UK, France, India and Saudi Arabia. Among them was UAE team leader UAE Vice-President and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Shaikh Khalid and Shaikh Nasser met with Shaikh Mohammed after their respective events.

The event will be the Bahrain team's third participation for the season. The first was the Bahrain Cup in England, while the second race was in Austria.

The Royal team competed as part of their preparations for the International Federation of Equestrian Sports World Endurance Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Terengganu, Malaysia in November later this year.

Bahrain Gulf Weekly

Canadian Nationals: Provincial teams announced

Sundre - The Rocky Mountain Challenge - 2008 Canadian Nationals is being
hosted at Red Deer River Ranches, a guest and working cattle ranch located
south-west of the town of Sundre, AB July 31 - August 4, 2008.
This long-distance equine event will feature eight events in three sports:
endurance, competitive trail riding and ride n’ tie with Canadian National
champions being named in each sport.

With Alberta hosting the prestigious event, the sports of endurance and
competitive trail riding are able to post two teams to compete. The
selection committees have watched these horse and rider teams compete over
the season and have the job of naming those horses and riders who will best
represent the province.

Trail Riders Alberta Conference (TRAC) - the sanctioning body for the sport
of competitive trail riding in Alberta has named their selections for the
80-mile 2-day Provincial teams and they are:

Natasha French (Millarville, AB)riding Savannah
Cathy Kolesar of (Coutts, AB) riding Classical Dancer
Kandace Krause of (Canmore, AB) riding Jasmine
Linda Riley of (Leslieville, AB) riding Kittasha
Christine Smith of (Calgary, AB) on JV Prism
Leanna Marchant of (Calgary, AB) on Samsons Fire
Shannon Harms of (Edmonton, AB) on Kaluha
Sylvio Campanelli of (Blackfalds, AB) on Misty
Holly Tibble of (St. Albert, AB) riding King Sera
Angie Bowring of (Spruce Grove, AB) on PeJay

Endurance Riders of Alberta (ERA) - the sanctioning body for the sport of
endurance riding in Alberta has named their selections for the provincial
teams as well and they are:

Crystal Fulcher (Seba Beach, AB)
Christy Janzen (Devon, AB)
Jaylene Janzen (Devon, AB)
(Alternate- Brenda Shaughnessy (Spruce Grove, AB)

50 milers:
Karen Badger (Grande Prairie, AB)
Dave Getzinger (Drayton Valley, AB)
Nancy Haughian (Grande Prairie, AB)
(alternates- Jaye Yavis, Jessica Yavis)(Breton, AB)

50 milers:
Carol Wadey (Edson, AB)
Robyn Wadey (Edson, AB)
Rae-Anne Wadey (Edson, AB)
(alternates- Colleen Williams (Spruce Grove, AB), Brenda Henrikson (Evansburg, AB)

"We are excited to see the strong showing of local talent competing in not
just the Championship events, but in many of our other featured events."
states Sandra Nielsen, RMC committee president, "The local volunteer base is
also extraordinary and is a critical component of putting together an event
of this magnitude. Of course, we still welcome any other volunteers that
would like to be a part of it."

These horse and rider teams have been competing and training all season in
preparation for this phenomenal opportunity to represent their province and
hopefully stand on the podium as Canadian National Champions. Come cheer
them on, volunteer or offer financial support!!

FAST FACTS:
Full schedules and details are available on www.canadiannationals.org
The Canadian Nationals alternating between western and eastern Canada every
two years. The first Nationals were held in Ontario in 1984.

Provincial teams are formed with riders nominating to their provincial
organization.

Status of provincial teams for the past two nationals in competitive trail:
Quebec 2006 * Gold - Ontario * Silver - Alberta * Bronze - Team Almost East
Manitoba 2004 * Gold - Ontario * Silver - Saskatchewan * Bronze - Alberta

Alberta has hosted the Nationals on two other occasions:
Kananaskis Country 1988, RAM River Falls 1996.

The 2008 Nationals will also host a 100-mile FEI competition that allows
competitors the opportunity to qualify for the 2010 World Equestrian Games
in Kentucky.

Nearly 170 entries will represent British Columbia to Ontario as well as the
United States. Eight events are scheduled in five days including the International and
Canadian National level rides as well as local level rides that are open to
all riders. A fundraising auction is planned for August 2 - profits raised from the
Rocky Mountain Challenge will benefit CASE (Central Alberta Special Equestrian), a therapeutic riding program.

http://www.canadiannationals.org

For further information, please contact:

Cyndi Rowat
Public Relations
Ph 403.936.2369
Cell 403.660.2257
Email cyndi.rowat@3web.net

Sandra Nielsen
President
Ph 403.637.0245
Email Sandra.Nielsen@xplornet.com

SHAILKH NASSER AND SHAIKH KHALID LAUD DUBAI RULER'S SUPPORT

Bahrain News Agency

Press Release: Date: 29 07, 2008

LONDON, JULY 29 (BNA) LEADER OF THE ROYAL TEAM SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA AND LEADER OF KHALIDIYA STABLE SHAIKH KHALID BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA HAVE APPRECIATED THE GREAT ROLE PLAYED BY UAE VICE PRESIDENT, PRIME MINISTER AND DUBAI RULER SHAIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM IN SUPPORTING ARAB EQUESTRIANS DURING THE EUROPEAN RACES HE AND HIS SONS WERE TAKING PART IN.
DURING THETFORD RACES, SHAIKH NASSER AND SHAIKH KHALID MET WITH SHAIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM AND HIS SON SHAIKH HAMDAN AND SENSED THE TREMENDOUS SUPPORT OFFERED BY DUBAI RULER TO ALL ARAB EQUESTRIANS TO BEST REPRESENT THE ARAB NATION AND PROJECT ITS GENUINE GOOD IMAGE. SHAIKH NASSER LAUDED THE BROAD EXPERIENCE DUBAI RULER HAS IN WHATEVER PERTAINS TO HORSE RIDING AND EQUESTRIAN RACES NOTABLY ENDURANCE COMPETITIONS. ON THE OTHER HAND, SHAIKH NASSER SAID THE TEAM WAS WELL PREPARED FOR THE NEXT RACES INCLUDING THAT OF THEFORD ON AUGUST 10, TO DRAW BENEFITS FROM THE VARIOUS TOUGH COMPETITIONS, ATTAIN GOOD RESULTS AND BE FULLY READY FOR THE QUALIFYING ENDURANCE RACE IN MALAYSIA AND THE WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP.

Nazulki Muda Wins Malaysian Endurance Championship

Bernama.com

July 27, 2008 20:34 PM

SETIU, July 27 (Bernama) -- Nazulki Muda from Darul Iman Endurance Terengganu Club (DIET) emerged champion in the third circuit of the Malaysian Endurance Championship at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong here Sunday.

Riding Indiana Rose in the 160km race, Nazulki who clocked 12 hours 43 minutes and 52 seconds led the field ahead of Mohd Azizi Ismail from Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Club who registered 12:56:20s.

Another Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Club rider, Zainuddin Mohd Yusof came in third when he registered 13:08:23s.

Nazulki walked away with RM5,000 while Azizi collected RM3,000 and Zainuddin RM2,000.

Seven other riders failed to complete the race.

In the 80km race, Yusnar Yusup from Bukit Kiara Club crossed the finishing line in 6:25:30s to outpace 12 other riders to emerge winner.

Muhamad Arif Samsuri from Kuala Lumpur City Hall finished a close second when he clocked 6:39:16s followed by Azman Mat Ripin from DIET who registered 7:16:24s in the third place.

National Sports Institute director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz gave away the prizes.

He said so far 12 national riders qualified for the World Endurance Championship at TIEP in Lembah Bidong in November.

-- BERNAMA

Guatemala goes to the World Endurance Championship.

Sunday, 27 July 2008 14:44 Barbara Schieber

Guatemala. The Mayan Adventure Ride 2008 - The Ingenio Magdalena Challenge 1st Edition, ended successfully on Sunday the 20th of July.


The Mayan Ride 2008 proved that Guatemala can stage an event that is up to the highest international standards, classifying international riders for their participation in world wide events of Endurance. This event places Guatemala at the vanguard of the whole region with the capacity to develop this equestrian discipline with the participation of excellent riders, FEI approved judges, veterinarians and officials.

Several months ago, Jinetes de Aventura Endurance - Endurance Adventure Riders, decided to organize a qualifying event for the Malaysia Endurance World Championship 2008. The decision to hold the event was based on several factors. The Guatemalan Endurance Riders had performed very well at many international events and they had a good chance to qualify. Guatemala has geographical regions and climatological conditions that are very similar to Malaysia. If the riders could successfully finish the race in theses conditions they would have a good chance to perform in Malaysia.

[More ...]

Anna Tarnowska Wins Young Rider Championship of Poland

Anna Tarnowska riding Bader won the 2008 Young Rider Championship of Poland


Complete Coverage on EnduranceEurope.net

Malaysia Endurance circuit: Mohd Azizie earns second COC

New Straits Times
By : Ajitpal Singh

photo: Yusnar Yusup (left) and Nazulki Muda pose with their plaques after winning the 80km category and 160km respectively in the Malaysia Endurance Circuit Series Three at the Terengganu International Endurance Park yesterday. — PIC: SAIFULLIZAN TAMADI

ALTHOUGH, Mohd Azizie Ismail only finished second in the Malaysia Endurance Circuit Series Three yesterday, he was the biggest winner as he earned his second Certificate of Capability (COC) which qualifies him for the World Endurance Championships on Nov 6-9.
Mohd Azizie, who represented the Tengku Mahkota of Kelantan Equestrian Club (TMKEC), completed the 160km-race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in 12:43:20s astride Janor Fee.

The 24-year-old had earned his first COC in the event's Series Two in May at the same venue.

"It's great to qualify for the world meet. The race was tough as it was raining heavily today (yesterday). I'm lucky to be one of the only three competitors to finish the race," said Azizie, who pocketed RM3,000.

Azizie is the 12th Malaysian to qualify for the world meet. The quota offered to Malaysia is 12.
However, in the event that more than 12 locals qualify by the Aug 21 qualification deadline, a special trial will be held by the National Sports Institute before submitting the final list on Oct 1 to the Federation Equestrian International (FEI).

Currently, there are about 10 riders with a single COC competing in several tournaments in Argentina and Australia, gunning for the second certificate.

Only those with two COCs on a single horse qualify for the world meet.

The winner of the Series Three event was Darul Iman Endurance Team's (DIET) Nazulki Muda, astride Indiana Rose, who clocked 12:43:53s, while third place went to TEMKC's Zainuddin Yusof on Texas in 13.08.23s.

In the 80km category, Bukit Kiara Equestrian Club's (BKEC) Yusnar Yusop on Two Step clocked 6:25:30s to win from Kuala Lumpur City Hall's Muhd Arif Samsuri, astride Nagawangsa (6:39:16s). DIET's Azman Mat Rifin on Kelkette Park Dual (7:16:24) was third.

[More ...]

Thetford Endurance Race in England.

BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance team, led by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, will today be taking part in the Thetford Endurance Race in England.

The event will consist of two categories - a 120-kilometre race and a 160km competition.

Shaikh Nasser, who won Thetford's 160km event last year, yesterday decided to take part in the 120km race this time. The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president had his horse 'Sprite' undergo official medical check-ups yesterday conducted by the International Federation of Equestrian Sports (FEI).

Shaikh Nasser has also already secured his qualification for the 160km category in the FEI World Endurance Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Terengganu, Malaysia in November later this year.

Meanwhile, it is still unsure if Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will be taking part in today's race; it will depend on the schedule of his ongoing studies in the UK.

Set to compete alongside him is Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who will be riding 'Sebastian'.

The kingdom's other participants include Shaikh Daej bin Salman Al Khalifa who will be riding 'Wishky', Yousef Taher riding 'Canada Coy', Mohammed Abdulaziz riding 'Kafir', Mohammed Al Thawadi on 'Ciscada', and Lorent Mosti from the technical team riding 'Bisk'.

The event will be the Bahrain's third participation for the season. The first was the Bahrain Cup in England, while the second race was in Austria.

Riders representing the UAE will also be participating in the race. They will be led by UAE vice-resident and Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum along with Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Qatari riders are other entrants from the Gulf.


Original Article

Nazulki Muda Wins Malaysian Endurance Race

SETIU, July 27 (Bernama) -- Nazulki Muda from Darul Iman Endurance Terengganu Club (DIET) emerged champion in the third circuit of the Malaysian Endurance Championship at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong here Sunday.

Riding Indiana Rose in the 160km race, Nazulki who clocked 12 hours 43 minutes and 52 seconds led the field ahead of Mohd Azizi Ismail from Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Club who registered 12:56:20s.

Another Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Club rider, Zainuddin Mohd Yusof came in third when he registered 13:08:23s.

Nazulki walked away with RM5,000 while Azizi collected RM3,000 and Zainuddin RM2,000.

Seven other riders failed to complete the race.

In the 80km race, Yusnar Yusup from Bukit Kiara Club crossed the finishing line in 6:25:30s to outpace 12 other riders to emerge winner.

Muhamad Arif Samsuri from Kuala Lumpur City Hall finished a close second when he clocked 6:39:16s followed by Azman Mat Ripin from DIET who registered 7:16:24s in the third place.

National Sports Institute director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz gave away the prizes.

He said so far 12 national riders qualified for the World Endurance Championship at TIEP in Lembah Bidong in November.

[More ...]

Tasmania: Mare's in the money

The Advocate.com.au

BY MARTIN AGATYN
22/07/2008 9:56:00 AM

A COASTAL-BRED horse which won a world cup qualifying equine endurance event at Sassafras on Saturday has attracted international interest, with buyers willing to pay a six-figure sum to acquire the mare.

UNDER OFFER: Tony Purton, of Takone, and Beer Street Tiger Lily cross the finish of the 160km ride at Sassafras. Picture: Matt Bennet www.mattbennet.com

Beer Street Tiger Lily, ridden by her owner and breeder Tony Purton, of Takone, won the Federation Equestre International (FEI) three-star 160km event against an international field, and has attracted interest from the Middle East, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.

The field for the Sassafras event included world No1 ranked male endurance rider Yousef Ahmed Al Bloushi, from the United Arab Emirates.

Despite the event being a world cup qualifier, Purton said he would not compete in the world cup in Malaysia in September.

"I've got no doubt she would do well over there, but it's an expensive trip," he said.

Purton said Australian endurance horses were considered among the best in the world and were highly sought after, and in particular horses from Tasmania.

He is still undecided on whether or not to sell his champion nine-year-old mare.

"I've bred her parents and grandparents here at Takone and I hate selling any of my horses," he said.

Purton said Australian endurance horses took several years of training to perform at the elite level.

"You just don't breed them, you have to train them and build them up to become good endurance horses," he said.

Purton said cashed-up Arab buyers in particular, who were unable to breed and train endurance horses in the Middle East, were in the market for ready-made Australian endurance horses.

The world cup qualifying time for Saturday's Burnie Equine Endurance Riders organised event was 12 hours and 20 minutes, with Puton's mare completing the six-leg event in eight hours and 17 minutes.

Lilydale rider Sonia Brown kept pace with Purton for much of the 160km and was only three minutes behind with 10 km to go.

Second place was taken out by Penny Toft, from Queensland, riding Electra BBP Murdoch.

Toft had qualified for the world cup at a previous ride in Queensland, but still completed the Sassafras event in 8:40 hours.

Junior rider Bridget Nottle, riding one of the Toft endurance horses, Kitt, also completed the ride in 8:40.

Third place was Malaysian rider Faizal Ismail, riding Alpine Ripplin Waters, in a time of 11:23 hours, followed by fellow Malaysian Sjn Zulkefli Saari, riding RCM Shatman, in 11:24, also qualifying for the world cup in their home country.

The final three places went to three local riders, with only eight horses completing the event.

A total of 12 were vetted out and one withdrew.

Carolyn Foley, of Staverton, riding Valley Park My Solitaire, finished in a time of 11:52 hours, followed by Sonia Hodgetts, of Elliott, riding Millennium Star, in a time of 13:13, and Kaye Mitchell, of Wynyard, riding Krystal Creek Karisma, finishing in 13:30 hours.

The high rate of attrition was attributed to the concussive effect of the gravel roads on which a large part of the event was conducted.

The Australian Endurance Riders Association also conducted 80km, 40km and 20km rides in conjunction with the FEI event, attracting a field of 48 riders.

[More ...]

2008 Mayan Adventure Results

Diego Zamora, of Costa Rica, riding Samurai finished first at the 2008 Mayan Adventure ride in Guatemala! Riders from Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras finished in the 160km division!

Complete Endurance.Net Coverage

Tom Noll Turtles at 2008 Vermont 100!!

Farzad Faryadi and Hot Desert Knight finish the 2008 Vermont 100 in 12:16 to claim first place. He was followed, in last place, by Idahoan Tom Noll 19 hours and 18 minutes! The complete results for 100, 75 and 50 milers may be found at:

Endurance.Net

[RC] Vermont 100 - Farzad Faryadi 1st to finish!

from Jo Steele:

Farzad Faryadi won after coming in at 8:46 pm. Christina Phillips was
first across at 8:45, bit did not get a completion. Ridertime: 12:16:00

Kathy brunjes won the 50 miles.
>

Dubai's royal family set endurance record at British ride

HorseandHound.co.uk

The royal family of Dubai set a unique record last weekend as eight of its members competed in the same endurance ride.

HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum is passionate about endurance, a sport he competes in alongside his family.

At Euston Park on Sunday, 13 July at an international 80km endurance ride, Sheikh Mohammed competed alongside three of his sons, Sheikh Hamdan, Ahmed and Mayed, and four of his daughters, Sheikha Latifa, Maryam, Futeim and Sheikha.

The ride was won by Sheikha Latifa with her sister Futeim a close second.

Sheikh Mohammed's wife, Princess Haya, announced in The Sunday Times on 13 July that she intends to return to the Olympic show jumping ring in London 2012, riding for the country of her birth, Jordan.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (17 July, '08)
[More ...]

Guatemala, Mayan Adventure Ride 2008.

On Saturday July 19 th , the Maya Adventure Ride 2008 will take place at the Ingenio (Sugar Mill) Magdalena, La Gomera, Escuintla, Guatemala. It is the most important equestrian event of Guatemala in 2008.

According to Fernando Paiz, President of the Organizing Committee of the event, this race will be a very exciting new variation of endurance, it will be held by night.

The Committee searched specifically for a geographical and climate region in Guatemala that would be similar to the conditions in Malaysia where the World Championship of Endurance will be held in November of this year. The Malaysia event will also be held at night due to severe climate conditions. The riders and horses will face very harsh challenges of severe humidity and heat up to 40 degree Celsius.

[More ...]

Vermont 100 - Ready to Start

24 are ready to start the 20th anniversary of the Vermont 100! 5 75 milers and 38 50 Milers will share the trail with ride&tie and 100 mile runners on this endurance day in Vermont. John and Sue Greenall host this magnificent ride through the central Vermont
Coverage throughout the Day

Australia: Riding to Victory

Blayney Chronicle
18/07/2008 10:24:00 AM
Dianne Luker (right) and Anabriar Khaboul cross the finish line in style after a grueling 160

Dianne Luker truly beat the odds, battling night blindness and a last minute call up, to take out the 2008 Horseland NSW State Championship endurance ride on Anabriar Khaboul.

Anabriar Khaboul’s Wellington based owner and rider, Peter Cooper, was recovering from heart surgery and thus unable to compete in the grueling 160 kilometre event and called upon Luker to ride in his stead, a choice that proved successful.

Luker had ridden Anabriar Khaboul previously and was on the horse, ready for the 2am start at Manilla, north of Tamworth, along with the race’s 85 other entrants.

“I had ridden the horse earlier in its career but it is 10 times the horse it was then,” Luker said.

“He’s just an awesome horse.”

It wasn’t easy going for Luker either, as the experienced endurance rider suffers from night blindness.

It made the early start in the race difficult.

“Friends of mine are aware of my poor night vision and there is always someone to stay with me during the dark,” Luker said.

The horse was a favourite going into the race and didn’t disappoint, with Luker crossing the finish line holding hands with Stuart Hitchcock to signify that the race finished in a tie in a time of 10 hours and nine minutes.

Hitchcock, on the horse Farras, had caught up at the end of the fourth stage and the two riders agreed to finish in equal first, with Luker winning the lightweight division and Hitchcock the heavyweight.

Both horses were deemed the fittest in their divisions by the vet panel.

Luker said it was not unusual for two horses to tie the race because the motto for endurance racing is “to complete is to win”.

“The ride organisers did not want a gallop finish, as it could be dangerous and a bit rude to ask a horse to do that after he had taken a person 160 kilometres,” Luker said.

Endurance riding involves five stages over 160 kilometres with a one hour rest and vet check betweens stages.

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