Malaysia WEC: 142 Riders To Participate In WEC 2008

Bernama.com

October 17, 2008

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 17 (Bernama) -- The World Endurance Championships (WEC) 2008 which will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) starting Nov 6 will see a participation of 142 riders from 33 countries.

Apart from Malaysia, among the other countries represented are South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Guatemala, Germany, Holland, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, France, Portugal, Qatar, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United States, Britain, Uruguay.

Terengganu Youth and Sports Committee Chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said said 64 of the foreign participants had arrived in the state so far.

He said Malaysia would be represented by 12 riders, led by Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin himself.

Tuanku Mizan is also scheduled to officiate the championship at the Sultan Mizan Stadium, State Sports Complex, in Gong Badak on Nov 5.

-- BERNAMA

Malasia-WEC: TIEP set to stage best-ever championships

The New Straits Times Online
by Ajitpal Singh

THE Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) is set to host the best-ever World Endurance Championships on Nov 6-9 with its world class facilities.

According to WEC technical advisor Derek Liebenberg, the TIEP has the best facilities if taken as a package.

"It has the best stables, complex and track. TIEP comes with a complete package, unlike in previous editions where something was always lacking," said Liebenberg at TIEP in Lembah Bidong, Setiu yesterday.

"The venue has been certified 100 per cent ready by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) to stage the event.

"I guarantee that people will be talking about the event for many years to come."
Meanwhile, Liebenberg said certain sections of the 160-km course have been modified to overcome the expected wet conditions during the race.

"We have lifted the soil by 30 centimetres and also installed a proper drainage system at a few sections to avoid flooding."

A total of 34 countries, comprising 142 riders will be competing in the WEC.

Liebenberg believes the race will be slower, unlike previous editions, and the winning time would be around nine hours.

"It will be a slow race because of the tough track and weather conditions. Less horses will fail the veterinarian's checks and I predict a completion rate of 45 per cent.
"Previous editions recorded an average completion rate of 33 per cent. Then the race was much faster and it led to many horses failing the checks."

Meanwhile, the Airbus A300 and C130 Hercules bringing the first batch of horses, will arrive today.

The Airbus A300 will be transporting 16 horse including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's horse Taljari Moonlight Pharoah from Australia.

The C130 will carry 12 horses from Argentina and Uruguay.

[More ...]

Malaysia-Wec: Canadian Endurance Team En Route to Malaysia

Hunter Jumper News article

October 16, 2008

Ottawa, ON—Malaysia brings thoughts of shining beaches at exotic resorts, tropical drinks under equatorial skies and bargains at crowded bazaars, but this November, it will also mean eager horses, determined riders, organized grooms and crews, veterinarians, officials and 100 miles of track which will wind among the beautiful countryside, the shore of the South China Sea, tropical rainforests and farms. The World Endurance Championship will be held in this exciting land on November 7, 2008.

The venue will be the Terengganu International Endurance Park, Lembah Bidong, Merang Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia. The Organizing Committee has set up two excellent websites: www.malaysia-wec.com and www.eventuz.com, which will include ride information the day of the event. This will be the first time that a world championship will be held in a tropical location. The track will be fully lit, as the ride is planned to start at 5:00 p.m. and run into the night.

Horses and riders will represent some 36 countries, with 24 sending teams, and the others fielding individual riders.

Endurance Canada is pleased to be sending a full complement of six riders and horses. Four of the riders, still to be chosen, will comprise the team, and two will ride as individuals.

The Canadian Endurance Team Members

Julius Bloomfield (Naramata, BC) and Avtar, 1999 Arabian gelding
Wendy Benns (Pontypool, ON) and Supreme Justice, 1999 Arabian gelding
Wendy MacCoubrey (Ste. Justine, QC) and Mariah, 1999 Arabian gelding
Ruth Sturley (Owen Sound, ON) and RBF Super Sport, 1993 Arabian gelding
Yvette Vinton DVM (Simcoe, ON and Morriston, FL) and Teese, 2000 Arabian gelding
Bob Gielen (Norton, NB) and FC Galaxy, 1997 Arabian gelding


Canadian Officials

Kay Melvin (Ontario) – Chef d’ équipe
Maura Leahy (Manitoba) – assistant Chef d’ équipe
Roxy Bell DVM (Alberta) – team veterinarian
Glenn Sinclair DVM (Manitoba) – assistant team veterinarian


Canadian Support Crew

Nancy Beacon
Robert Benns
Ruth Benns
Toni Bloomfield
Mike Bostic
Angela Gielen
Barb Gielen
Julie Green
Alycin Hayes
Scott Hie
Murray MacKenzie
Bianca MacKenzie
Laurie Whaley Pearson
Rocky Rehel
Ken Sturley

"With its emphasis on bringing the horse across the finish line in best health rather than merely in the shortest time, Endurance is the ultimate test of sympathetic horsemanship," noted Equine Canada CEO, Akaash Maharaj. "The 160km course will be the culmination of years of training and perseverance for our horses and riders, and we are very proud that they will represent our country and our sport at the World Championships.

Just getting to the ride has been an organizational, technical maze. The horses will be leaving from Los Angeles, Miami and New York. Riders, officials and crew will travel from Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles and Miami—all converging at Terengganu—where the real adventure begins.

"Enough of the paperwork and red tape—let’s just do it," says Kay Melvin, Chef d’ équipe.

Endurance Canada wishes the entire team congratulations, and good luck.
About Endurance Canada

Endurance Canada is a committee of Equine Canada, and the National governing body of the sport of Endurance Riding in Canada, from the grassroots to the international level. Endurance Canada is responsible for the growth and pursuit of excellence at all levels of the sport, providing support and guidance through various programs and committees: veterinary; rules and sanctioning; athlete and sport development; education and coaching; communication and awards.

Written by Julie Cull

Australia: Endurance rider in Tom Quilty Cup

The Wagin Argus
16/10/2008 2:41:00 PM

photo: TROTTING TIME: Corey Lunt trotting out “Cameo Stormboy” during the pre-ride vet check at the 2008 Tom Quilty Cup National championship in Queensland.

WAGIN endurance rider Corey Lunt has just returned home from Nanango in Queensland, where he competed in the 2008 Tom Quilty Cup National Championship 160km ride, obtaining his second Quilty buckle.

The championship event travels from State to State each year, with Corey winning the junior division and his horse Assiff, receiving the best conditioned horse junior award last year when it was in Western Australia.

This year Corey and his mother Anita were offered horses to ride by former WA riders Roman and Tanya Stoffel who have relocated to Queensland.

More than 200 competitors from Australia, Malaysia, Canada, Japan, America and the United Arab Emirates started the event at 4am on Saturday with only 99 riders successfully completing the course in the allowed 24 hour period.

The course was split into six legs of distances ranging from 32km to 15km with the horses having to pass strict veterinary checks at the end of each leg before being allowed to proceed.

No longer eligible to ride in the junior division, Corey placed 38th in the middleweight division, completing in a time of 18 hours 42 minutes.

WA riders Harry O’Brien and Simon Slemint, both of Burekup, also completed the course successfully.

“The course was really hard, we were either going up or down with not much flat going at all,” Corey said.

“A lot of the course was over the same ground as the Trans Tasman last year so I had an idea of how hard it was going to be.

“The weather made it more difficult though, as it got to about 32 degrees and high humidity during the day, followed by a really big thunderstorm during the night.”

Corey was halfway up the highest peak with 15km left to go when the storm hit.

“Mum’s horse vetted out for lameness at the 120km mark so I was riding by myself at that stage, and there was that much lightning around it was like daylight and the thunder sounded like it was right on top of us,” he said.

“When it started to hail and rain I didn’t think about the cold too much, I was more worried about missing the directional markers and getting lost.

“My horse just put his head down and got on with the job, only spooking a couple of times when the thunder got really loud. He was brilliant.”

At the peak of the storm, organisers took the unprecedented steps to suspend the ride due to safety reasons.

Competitors due to go on track were held in until the storm had passed, with their ride times being adjusted accordingly.

However, riders already on the track had to keep moving and weather the conditions as best they could.

Corey said he would like thank Healthways Smarter than Smoking and Milne Feeds Team Pegasus for their continued support along with Roman and Tanya Stoffel and Wade Burgess for allowing him to ride their horse, aptly named Stormy.

[full article]

Malaysia WEC: National Horse Show in Kuala Terengganu

Nst.com.my

2008/10/16

The National Horse Show, a lead-up event to the FEI World Endurance Championships, will be organised for the first time in 14 years in Terengganu on Oct 31-Nov 2.
Among the events at the horse show, to be held at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort, will be the FEI World Jumping Challenge, World Dressage Challenge, Pint Club Mounted Games and an Endurance Riding competition.

The endurance event, which has attracted competitors from Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand, will be held over courses of 40km and 80km at the Marang Endurance track on Nov 1-2.

The Pony event will showcase the skills and bravado of pony riders.

Another attraction is the horse breeds display, where enthusiasts will see 20 different breeds found in Malaysia.

The National Horse Show, which made its debut in 1994, is one of the most popular equestrian events in the country.

Malaysia WEC: Arab royalty to grace competition

Nst.com.my

2008/10/15

By : Ajitpal Singh

THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin will not be the only blue blood competing in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.
Hot favourites, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) named its Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum and his brother, Shaikh Majed, to lead the team in the 160km event.

UAE are the favourites together with Brazil and Spain to win the individual and team titles.

Shaikh Hamdan is currently ranked 17th in the world while Shaikh Majed is at 33rd.

Among the other members of the UAE team are Mohammed Ahmed Ali Al Subose and Abdulla Thani Huzaim, who are ranked fourth and sixth, respectively.
Meanwhile, Bahrain will be led by Crown Prince Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa, who is ranked No 9 in the world.

The 21-year-old Shaikh Nasser is best remembered for winning two silver medals (individual and team) at the 2006 Doha Asian Games. He will be riding Kheopsy Du Pilat at the WEC.

Also in the team is his cousin Shaikh Khalid who won the 160km endurance race in England, two months ago.

WEC operations manager, Salim Fazlay said security will be tight to ensure safety of the competitors, especially members of the royal families.

"We are also expecting UAE's ruler Mohammed Rashid Al-Maktoum at the event. He and the team will arrive in Terengganu on Nov 5 in their private jet," said Salim.

"Around 300 army personnel will be concentrated at all points of the venue (TIEP), including the 160km course".

Salim added the soldiers have been drilled months ahead for the event.

Brazil: Endurance Team Chages Route to Avoid Glanders Hotspot

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Irene Stamatelakys
October 14 2008, Article # 12893

The road to the FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) will be a little longer for Brazil's six horses because of a recent case of glanders in a horse in Sao Paulo. The European Union (EU) originally refused to allow horses from Brazil to transit through Europe en route to Malaysia for the event. That decision has been modified, according to Derek Liebenberg, WEC technical advisor.

"(EU authorities) divided Brazil into different zones," Liebenberg explained on Oct. 11. "This meant that all the competition horses from Brazil are based in the so-called 'free zones,' and the EU ruled that the horses from these free zones may transit through Europe."

The EU declared Sao Paulo, where the glanders case occurred, a high-risk zone...

More...

Malaysia WEC: First B747-400 to land in Terengganu

New Straights Times Online
2008/10/12
By : Sean Augustin

KUALA TERENGGANU: For the first time, a Malaysia Airlines Boeing 747-400 landed at the Kuala Terengganu Sultan Mahmud Airport, bringing a load of excited passengers and good news for the state. The debut flight yesterday signalled the beginning of direct flights to Mecca for Muslims on the east coast to perform the haj, bringing to fruit a four-year-old ambition.

This year will see 18 return flights to Jeddah beginning Nov 13 and the ferrying of about 3,000 pilgrims from Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang.

In the past, pilgrims from the east coast would head for Kuala Lumpur before boarding a flight to Mecca.

The landing also signified state preparations to fly in horses beginning on Oct 17 for the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in early November.
The state government also signed an agreement to finance a sum of RM4.6 million with MAS, being the excess cost for the haj this year and the WEC, including transportation cost for ground service equipment, logistics and petrol.

The cost was supposed to be borne by MAS due to the change in flight schedules from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the Sultan Mahmud Airport.

"With the new facilities, the airport has reached international standard and we are working hard to get the title from the Transport Ministry," said Terengganu Men-teri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said after greeting 224 passengers, including 40 orphans and journalists, on the flight.

"It will be a gateway to the east coast," Ahmad said, adding that negotiations were also ongoing with the Department of Civil Aviation to bring in more flights from China because of the airport's convenient location.

"The airport is a long-term investment for the state and we hope to get more international flights and develop the tourism industry.

"Right now, we are looking at incentives, including an airport tax subsidy to attract more international landings."

MAS external relations senior general manager Datuk Mohd Nawawi Awang captained a fly-past over the airport and the city before landing about 3pm, when it received a water salute from two fire trucks.

Full article, NST Online

Brazil: Glanders Case in Brazil Affects International Horse Transport

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Irene Stamatelakys
October 11 2008, Article # 12861

A case of glanders in a horse in a Sao Paulo, Brazil, has impacted international transport and competition in Brazil and abroad. Event organizers, equine transport companies, and governmental authorities are working closely together to keep horses moving while minimizing risks.

A horse in a university veterinary hospital was diagnosed with glanders on Sept. 3. While glanders is considered endemic in some northern and north-eastern areas of the country, this case occurred in the southeastern portion of Brazil. The contagious disease has been eradicated from many countries, including the United States, Canada and Western Europe.

As a result, the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) moved to delay the Global Champions Tour CSI-5* Final show jumping competition in Sao Paulo to Oct. 15-19. The event was postponed to give competing European horses time to travel to Brazil following a meeting of European Union (EU) authorities on Oct. 2 to determine the re-import procedure for those horses due to the glanders case. Authorization has been granted for the event to be held and European horses will compete.

The Sao Paulo glanders case almost kept Brazilian competitors out of the World Endurance Championships (WEC) to be held in Malaysia on Nov. 6-9...

More...

Australia: Lachlan members few but spirited in endurance ride

Full article - Cowra Guardian

10/10/2008 9:04:00 AM
There were only a few of the Lachlan Club members attend this year’s state championships at Manilla as it was very close to both the Shahzada 400kms in August and the Tom Quilty which this year took the unusual date in September in Queensland at Nanango.

This was necessary due to the timing of the comeback out of EI restrictions and the Victorian committee not quite being ready to take interstate horses at the time.

The event attracted a good number of riders with a total of 86 combinations to tackle the Manilla course which was generally considered to be an “easy” course if there is such a thing in 100 mile rides.

What did make it difficult was the concussive nature of the hard roads and tracks in the district together with lack of natural water on track.

The ride organisers did put some troughs about on the later legs of the ride during the more difficult sections of the track.

Outright winner and state champion was Stuart Hitchcock of Kurrajong riding his gelding Farras coming across the line with lightweight rider from Blayney Dianne Luker riding Peter Cooper’s gelding Anabriar Khaboul.

Robin Gossip of Woodstock made the trip with her gelding Wesswood Willow and strapper Dianne Cameron. Robin unfortunately went out after the fourth leg with Willow pulling up lame.

John Symons of Canowindra also competed on his mare Forestdale Xasperation, however this duo also suffered lameness after the third leg.

Alan Lindsay took his mare Kintamani Charisma and junior rider Emma Smith rode Alan’s gelding Kintamani Mistral in the Manilla event in order to qualify for the Tom Quilty as riders have to have completed a 160km event before they are permitted to take on the Quilty.

Both Alan and Emma were successful with Emma coming in third junior, an excellent effort considering both her and the horse were making their first 160kms event.

Malaysia WEC: Definite Entry List is submitted

After months of non-stop hoping and waiting, the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 Organising Committee has finally confirmed the definite entries for the most awaited championship of the Endurance Sport!

142 horses and their riders from 34 countries are set to battle to become World Champion for the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 that will be held from 5 - 9 November 2008 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park.

View Definite Entry List

Spain: French riders win individual, team events in Oviedo

Thu Oct 09, 2008 By FEI

The 2008 FEI European Endurance Championships for Juniors and Young Riders took place Sept. 26-28 in Oviedo, Spain.

The difficulty of the trail was worthy of a championship with its many hills, but with the sun shining and a light breeze accompanying the riders throughout the day, they were able to enjoy the fantastic view of the mountainous surroundings of the trail.

With a 58-percent completion rate, the young participants showed they were up to the challenge and managed to combine both smart and efficient riding.

French riders dominated the competition by finishing first and second in the individual competition and winning the team event. Belgian riders also had a very successful weekend, winning bronze in the individual and silver in the team. With three out of four riders finishing the ride, Switzerland still managed to win bronze in the team competition followed by Great Britain in fourth place.

During the closing ceremony, the organizers of Oviedo passed on the FEI flag to the organizers of the 2009 FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders to be held in Babolna, Hungary.
Individual results:
Rider - Horse
1. Lucie MARIN (FRA) - LAMIAH EL OUED
2. Andéa PULICANI (FRA) - SPIGA
3. Selena DE WASSEIGE (BEL) - KALAH GREY
4. Uma MENCIA URANGA (ESP) - KIM BELLE DU MAGNY
5. Victoria GUTUBAKKEN (NOR) - IBN ARARAT
6. Laia MUIXI CRUSELLAS (ESP) - TROIAN 3
7. Ibon ALBERDI SANCHEZ (ESP) - KAT-MAKAN
8. Julien LAFAURE LAHARANEE (FRA) - CABIRAT
9. Lisa RIOU (FRA) - IAQUIB ARMOR
10. Laetitia GONÇALVES (FRA) - JASMINA DES AYSSADE
11. Enriqueta CAMPOS YLLANES (ESP) - CAPRI CP
12. Anna Lena WAGNER (SUI) - TESSA IV
13. Laura HOUASSIN (BEL) - QUICK DES SAUVLONS
14. Marlies HOUASSIN (BEL) - NADJI DES SAUVLONS
15. Patricia FEKETE (HUN) - METAXA OBAJAN ALADDIN
16. Fanny GUERISSE (BEL) - MOURAD RLA
17. Antonio BRAS (POR) - MOURA URANIO
18. Ana SORIANO LLUCH (ESP) - HOOR
19. Pere LLORENS RODRIGUEZ (ESP) - ANDURI
20. Marketa TERBEROVA (CZE) - WELLFARE
21. Indergand SASKIA (SUI) - SWWANN
22. Noémi TONET (SUI) - HUZOUT D´AX
23. Liza SUNDBERG (SWE) - KRISTALL
24. Alice SPINAZZE (ITA) - AMIR
25. Beth LANGLEY (GBR) - HS AMETISTA
26. Carri Ann DARK (GBR) - ELMSTEADS POLOISTIQUE
27. Mafalda MIRA COSTA (POR) - TAMARA
28. Kay COUNTER (GBR) - CHEEKY CHARLIE
29. Abigail TENNANT (GBR) - CHADOR
30. Veronika GRELL (GBR) - PIOVE
31. Ebba BOBERG (SWE) - PATOS
32. Yara DE BOER (NED) - SUMAYA G
33. Linn GUSTAVSSON (SWE) - EL PEPAS
34. Frida SODERSTROM (SWE) - CADAM
35. Carlo DI BATTISTA (ITA) - DALLAS
36. Serena FOSSI (ITA) - ABISY´NCZYK

European Endurance Championship Open 2009

Havas Sports will lead the communication strategy for European Endurance Championship Open 2009 and for Assisi Endurance Lifestyle

Havas Sports is the agency with the sole right to lead the communication strategy of Assisi Endurance Lifestyle, the most popular event organized by sistemaeventi.it with the support of United Arab Emirates. The French Agency, leader in communication of sport, will provide a strategic support for FEI European Endurance Championship Open 2009 that will be held in Assisi on the 26th of September 2009, inside the format of Assisi Endurance Lifestyle.

Gianluca Laliscia, CEO of sistemaeventi.it and Stephane Allio, CEO of Havas Sports Italy, just some days ago made the deal for a new operative collaboration starting this November in Malaysia for an official promotion and Public Relations activity on occasion of FEI World Endurance Championship 2008, the most important Endurance competition who will see the participation of Gianluca Laliscia in the National Team.

Assisi Endurance Lifestyle, fixed from the 17th to 27th of September 2009, will mean 11 days full of important moments and appointments as the European Championship, for whom we expect the participation of 30 countries including the Official representatives of GCC, an International Forum on Economics, B2B meetings, Cultural Conventions and Conferences, Medical Symposiums, Shows, Concerts, Gourmet Moments dedicated to Italian traditional food tasting, a Pony Village for all the children and naturally the Hospitality Village, a really big area located on the magnificent background of the Basilica of San Francis.

In some months press conferences and Gala Events will be organized in Parigi, Milano, Dubai, Roma and obviously in Assisi where the press could finally know the meaning of Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2009 and where the commercial supply will be presented to potential Sponsors.

Assisi Endurance Lifestyle

South Africa: Local rider set for world champs

news24.com - Times Hermanus

09/10/2008 10:49 AM - (SA)

An endurance rider from the farm Elandskloof between Hermanus and Caledon, Naomi Muller, will represent South Africa at the 2008 World Endurance Championship. The South African team consists of five riders, ten grooms, a manager, a veterinarian, a farrier and a equine physiotherapist.

The 2008 championship will take place in Terengganu, Malaysia, from 6-9 November. A total of 150 riders from 36 countries will participate in the event in which one rider and one horse complete a distance of 160 km in the shortest possible time.

This will be the sixth time that Naomi represents South Africa. She represented her country at the 2006 World Equestrian Games in Germany, where the team finished ninth, and at the 2007 All Africa Games in Algeria where the South African team won the silver medal. She also represented South Africa at three Tri Nations Championships (a regional competition between South Africa, Namibia and Botswana).

Naomi's horse, Khyber, spent six weeks in quarantine in Cape Town before flying out to Europe. She joined him there on 15 September. They are based in the village of Morlaix in France, where they will complete their preparations for the event. They will travel to Malaysia on 20 October.

Endurance riding is an equestrian sport based on controlled long distance races. It is one of the international competitions recognised by the International Equestrian Federation and takes place worldwide. The winning horse is the first one to cross the finish line while stopping periodically (every 30 km) to pass a veterinary check that deems the animal in good health and “fit to continue”. Most endurance rides are either 80 or 160 km long, though shorter rides are organised for beginners and a few longer, usually multi-day, rides exist. Winning riders complete 160 km rides in 9-12 hours, depending on the terrain and weather conditions.

Competition Schedule Set for 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

LEXINGTON, KY - Sixteen days of eight world championships are officially scheduled for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The competition schedule was released today by the World Games 2010 Foundation.

A detailed competition schedule is now available online at www.feigames2010.org.

"This schedule is certain to provide an exciting variety of top sport on each of the 16 days of the Games", said Competition Director Kate Jackson. "Spectators will find events of interest every day and will be entertained by the beauty and spectacle that is inherent to equestrian competition at this level".

"I am particularly happy that we are able, for the first time, to include Para-Equestrian as an integral part of the World Equestrian Games. We are pleased and honored to do so", Jackson said.

The Games will begin with opening ceremonies on September 25, 2010. The first weekend of competition will include Vaulting and Endurance. Endurance is scheduled for September 26.

The Vaulting competition will continue into week one, along with Dressage and Eventing.

In week two, Jumping, Para-Dressage, Driving and Reining will be contested. The Games will end with closing ceremonies on October 10, 2010.

"We are excited to share these details with competitors and spectators who are already making their plans to join us in Kentucky", said Rob Hinkle, Foundation Chief Operating Officer. "We know that many local communities, businesses, volunteers and others have also been waiting for this schedule to begin making plans for 2010".

The schedule may still experience minor changes, but no major shifts to the individual discipline schedules are expected.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, to be held at the Kentucky Horse, are the world championships of the eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never been held outside of Europe; nor have all eight disciplines competed at a single site? both firsts that will be achieved at the Kentucky Horse Park.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has made the largest network commitment to coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include the Rolex Company and an unprecedented $10 million title sponsor, Alltech. It is anticipated that more than 600,000 tickets will be sold for the 16-day competition.

Great Britain: Best result the Young Riders have had in a Major Championship for some years

Endurancegb.co.uk - Full Story

29th September 2008

Maggie Maguire reports on the Young Riders' success after her return from Oviedo

I have just had the pleasure of supporting the Young Riders Team who achieved 4th in the European Team Endurance Championship. 5 riders represented their country and four completed successfully.

This was a definitive team effort – Chefs d’Equipe from other European Nations were heard to say that 'this course should be a 6* not a 4* Championship'!!

Our horses had a very good start with Phillip Hirst’s careful transportation of the Team in his superb box.

The course was a true test of fitness, concentration and good horse-management, all three of which had to be achieved to complete this very tough mountainous course which was also pretty rough underfoot in many parts. Chris Pell [Team Farrier] has a bag of shredded pads to show why 'padding up 'for these competitions is so important and how essential a farrier is to success. It was very impressive watching our riders out on course riding carefully and sensibly, following their ride plan and extremely heart-warming to see the dedication, support and cheerfulness of their crews throughout.

Derek Grantham's input to this competition was extremely generous and contributed hugely to the horses’ well-being and ability to compete . Derek's practice facilitated at least two of his Team to be in Oviedo throughout their stay.

More...

Malaysia WEC: Royal treatment for horses

NST.com.my

7 October 2008

By : Ajitpal Singh

THE Boeing 747 and Airbus A300 will make their respective maiden flights to the Sultan Mahmud Airport in Kuala Terengganu when they bring in horses for the World Endurance Championships (WEC) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.

The Airbus A300 will transport a total of 21 horses from Australia, Qatar and Oman. The plane, which will arrive on Oct 17, will also be carrying the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin's horse -- Taljari Moonlight Pharaoh from Australia.

The Boeing 747, a direct flight from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, will have 36 horses on board and will arrive at the Sultan Mahmud Airport a day later. Previously, the airport could only accommodate smaller planes due to its short landing airstrip.

However, the runaway has been extended from 2,012 to 3,480 metres to allow bigger planes to land. WEC operations manager, Salim Fazlay said the project to extend the airport runway was mooted by Tuanku Mizan during the Sultan's Cup in November, last year.

"The runway extension project was completed last month," Salim confirmed yesterday.
A total of 34 countries, comprising 150 competitors, have entered for the WEC.

Salim said horses will start arriving from Oct 17 onwards with the last batch from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due in on Nov 3.

"The UAE and Bahrain will be transporting their horses with their own planes," he said.

Salim said the horses will be kept in stables at the venue (Terengganu International Endurance Park) when they arrive.

"Unlike UAE and Bahrain, riders from the other nations are arriving earlier to let their horses acclimatise and also get used to the 160km arena," Salim added.

The WEC, being held during the monsoon season, is expected to be a wet experience for the competitors.

Tuanku Mizan will lead the Malaysian team, comprising 16 riders.

Malaysia WEC: Teammates at ease with the King

Norlaily Buniyamin with a horse at the Selangor Turf Club in Sungei
Besi yesterday. (Inset)

Nst.com.my

Ajitpal Singh - ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my

THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is passionate about horse riding, wants his compatriots to treat him like any other competitor when they ride together at the World Endurance Championships in Setiu, Terengganu on Nov 6-9.

This was revealed by his teammates -- Abdul Halim Alihan, Datuk Mohd Shuaib Isahak and Norlaily Buniyamin -- who have raced together with Tuanku Mizan in both local and international competitions for the past two years.

"Tuanku Mizan is truly a professional endurance rider.

"He told me and others several times to treat him just like any other layman in competitions," said Abdul Halim, who will be making his debut at the world meet.

"The King is also very supportive towards us during competitions. He often gives us advice and guidance."

Abdul Halim, who works as a horse trainer at the Royal Terengganu Stable Club in Sungei Besi, said he would not have qualified for the world meet if not for the King.

"I have been one of the King's horse trainers for the past two years. Tuanku Mizan encouraged me to venture into competitive riding and even loaned me his horse (Brookleigh Kentara) for competitions.

"I managed to earn two Certificates of Capability (COC) on this horse for the world meet," added the 27-year-old who is from Kuching.

Meanwhile, Norlaily, who will be competing in her second world meet in Terengganu, said Tuanku Mizan doesn't like to be bonded with certain protocols in competitions.

"I have traveled with him for many competitions and he treats me like a friend. We exchange ideas on tactics and strategies when we are competing," said the 47-year-old, the only woman local rider in the event.

Mohd Shuiab said Tuanku Mizan's warm and gentle attitude makes everyone in the team feel comfortable.

"He's always wiling to learn from others without hesitation. It's always a pleasure to ride with him," said Mohd Shuiab, who will ride Blue Bronco at the world meet.

Malaysia: WEC - Norlaily the only rose in national team

Nst.com.my - Full Article

By : Ajitpal Singh

NORLAILY Buniyamin will be the sole woman rider for the Malaysian team -- led by the King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin -- for the World Endurance Championships at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.

Norlaily's inclusion in the 12-rider team comes as a surprise as she was picked over four men qualifiers.

A total of 16 local riders were in the running for 12 quota slots after each earned two Certificates of Capability (COC).

She will be riding Bremervale Jessie James while Tuanku Mizan will be on Taljari Moonlight Pharaoh, in the event.

Among others shortlisted are veteran rider Datuk Kamaruddin Abd Ghani, Datuk Muhd Shuaib Isahak and Abdul Halim Alihan.
A total 34 countries, comprising over 150 riders, will be competing.

Among the favourites for the individual and team titles are the United Arab Emirates, Spain and Britain.

Brazil could be a last minute entry but that is subject to approval from the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Foreign horses and riders will be arriving in Terengganu from Oct 17.

The Malaysian team: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin (Taljari Moonlight Pharaoh), Datuk Kamaruddin Abd Ghani (Navidad), Abdul Halim Alihan (Brookleigh Kentara), Bakar Aman (Amira Alborada), Norlaily Buniyamin (Bremervale Jessie James), Muhammad Firdaus Hamid (Ifra Des Jamets), Datuk Mohd Shuaib Isahak (Blue Bronco), Md Azizie Ismail (Janor Fee), Mohd Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr), Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo), Yusran Yusof (Nashaar), Zainuddin Yusof (Texas).

Australia: Endurance horse riding showcased in Tom Quilty Gold Cup

News.com.au - Full Article and a video

By Phil Hammond

October 01, 2008 05:15pm

IN the horse world, there's no better compliment than being recognised as a good rider. And in the popular sport of endurance riding, that means ensuring you ride so well that your horse stays healthy over vast distances.

So when the sport's national championship event; the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, was staged around Nanango in the South Burnett, it was a community gathering of people who adore their horses.

All year they compete and exercise their lean and elegant companions, covering multiple long-distance rides, which may include the 400km Shahzada ride and the 320km, four-day Faraway event.

Riders and horses must succeed in many events to qualify to enter the Quilty. The honour is to finish and be awarded a belt buckle.

At the weekend, 55 per cent of 204 starters finished the course. International competitor Meg Wade, from Victoria, was first home in under 11 hours, averaging 16km/h over the full distance. A massive storm on Saturday night caught 60 riders out on the course. One woman crawled beneath a parked car and held her horse's reins as rain bucketed down.

More...