[WEC Reports] FEI World Endurance Championship Almost Under Way

Release: October 28 2008

By Malina Gueorguiev

In just a matter of days, the much expected and anticipated FEI World Endurance Championships will be under way at the sprawling Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, situated on the scenic coastline 25 km north of Kuala Terengganu in Malaysia. From November 7-9, there will be 142 riders and horses from 34 countries set to compete, of which 22 have sent teams while the remaining 12 countries will be competing with individuals.

As the majority of the horses have now arrived, Malaysia is on the verge of becoming the first Far East country to host a Senior FEI World Endurance Championship, held every two years since it's inception in 1986, which will also mark the first ever to be held in a tropical climate and during the hours of darkness.

The facilities and venue are of the highest international standard, while the 160 km course is designed to provide a safe yet challenging competition, taking riders along the stunning coastline, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests.

Research and Planning
Considerable work has taken place over the last two years whereby the organizers, in conjunction with the FEI and independent veterinary organizations, have held a number of trial events with specific targets to meet to ensure the event could take place without increased risk to the horses that would compete in Malaysia.

The 2006 trial event involved local horses and required a minimum completion rate and speed imposed by the FEI. These criteria were met and the 2007 trial run was then allowed to take place. This time the competition involved overseas-based horses who were again required to meet FEI minimum speeds and completions rates across the senior competition distance.

The overseas riders and horses who attended this event exceeded expectations by riding skilfully to the conditions they faced and produced an above average completions rate across all starters. The required criteria were met and permission was then granted by the FEI for the championship to take place in November 2008.

Welfare
The FEI is committed to the welfare of all horses competing in equestrian sport and is confident that all the riders and horses that will be competing in the upcoming championship are qualified to show the same degree of horsemanship as shown during the trial events and to work with their horse as true partners in meeting the very special challenges they will meet together in Terengganu.

Whilst the tropical temperatures and high humidity will be exacting challenges, the two successful trial runs have shown that horses ridden with care can compete safely and still produce an exciting result.

Endurance has always been a competition to test the horsemanship skills of the rider and the fitness and athletic ability of the horse. In recent years much of that challenge has involved the need to produce increasing levels of speed across the ground and within the vet gate.

In the words of a senior and well respected FEI endurance veterinarian and judge, "The World Championship at Terengganu will return to more traditional challenges for the horse and rider where speed must not be the main route to success, rather it will be the ability of rider and horse working together to overcome the challenges on the day that will bring results."

The FEI has made it clear that anyone who overrides their horse or subjects a horse to excessive demands within competition will be considered to be in breach of the FEI Code of Conduct for the Welfare of the Horse. The FEI will not hesitate to bring such instances to the attention of the FEI Legal Department to take further action as required.

The FEI and the Malaysian Equestrian Federation together with the organizers YDSM are looking forward to an exciting event held amidst the beautiful region of Terengganu on the East Coast of Malaysia.

For up-to-date information and the latest news, go to www.malaysia-wec.com.

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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 10/29/2008 02:28:00 AM

Hungary: FEI Juniors & Young Rider World Championship

The 2009 Championship event will be held in Babolna, Hungary on September 6, 2009.

Babolna website
Event Information
Qualification Criteria


Information on Bábolna and the National Stud:

The Bábolna National Stud farm has been founded in 1789. There are just a few unique studs in the world, that operate for two hundred years, to preserve, promote and develop the values in breeding Arabian horses, created by the efforts of the predecessors.

The goal of Bábolna Stud is not only to preserve, but also to convey our equestrian heritage to the general public, which once was closely connected to warfare, now has become the vehicle for a noble sporting activity.
The history of Bábolna Stud, that is world famous today, looks back to the end of the 18th century.

József Csekonics, captain of a cuirassier regiment, had the idea that horse breeding in Hungary may flourish only under the professional hands of stud masters, who may create imperial-royal studs. As ordered by Joseph II, Emperor of Austria and King of Hungary, a stud was created first in Mezőhegyes in 1785, then in Bábolna in 1789 with the purpose to breed fast and strong horses for the use of the army and public.
From 1816 only Arabian horses are bred in Bábolna. This proves that the Bábolna Arabian breed came into being not too much after the Stud Book of the English through-bred horses, that was established in 1793.

1836 was a historically determining year in the life of the Stud, when Shagya Senior, a pure-blood Arabian stallion was brought to Bábolna by Eduard Herbert. This horse bred the first Shagya Arabian horses. Shagya Arabian breed was recognised in 1978 as being independent. Bábolna Stud preserved the values of this breed and even expanded it with other world famous families like Gazal, O'Bajan, Kemir, Mersuch, and Siglavy Bagdady.

The Stud survived both World Wars, although it suffered severe losses. After World War II., Bábolna lost its military role, and the control of it was transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture as a State Farm. Adverse economical and social circumstances made many stallions to be transferred to western countries.
During the 60's Bábolna tried to find new ways to breed pure-blooded Arabian horses, the Shagya Arab breed has conquered the hart of horse-lovers all over the word.
From the past decades Bábolna stud is prospering again. The Shagya Arabian breed that was tested through the storms of history, is now became stronger and victoriously fights its reputation among its breeders, appreciating the loyalty and friendship between men and horse.

[WEC Reports] Malaysia ready for action after two-day trial

The Star Online
October 26 2008

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian team completed a two-day trial on Saturday ahead of the FEI World Endurance Championship (WEC) with all 12 riders declared ready for the race on Nov 7.

The panel of selectors will be naming four riders for the team event while the remaining eight will contest the individual category.

The list will be announced on the eve of the race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, 30km north of Kuala Terengganu.

The team's project manager, Che Mohammad Din, said that the vet checks revealed the mounts were primed for action.

"We are placing equal emphasis on both the individual and team events, hoping to attain a creditable finish," he said.

As hosts of the 12th edition of the WEC, Malaysia are allotted 12 places. The team are spearheaded by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will mount Taljari Moon Pharoah.

Completing the line-up are former world number one endurance rider Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad), Abdul Halim Alihan (Brookleigh Kentara), Bakar Aman (Almira Alborada), Norlaily Bunyamin (Bremervale Jessie James), Firdaus (Ifra Des Jamets), Shuaib Ishak (Blue Bronco), Azizie Ismail (Janor Fee), Faizal Ismail (Edenfels Zephyr), Rosdam Mohd Noor (Janor Mamatembo), Yusran Yusof (Nashaar) and Zainuddin Yusof (Texas).

Based on the latest FEI rankings as of Oct 10, the highest ranked Malaysian rider is Kamaruddin at No. 93.

The Pekan-born rider bagged the 2001 SEA Games gold medal and has competed in various international championships for the past 10 years.

Apart from undergoing training at various areas within Lembah Bidong, the riders are required to maintain their fitness through a programme designed by the National Sports Institute (NSI).

They have been undergoing a fitness programme for the past one year under the watchful eyes of several NSI staff, including former national taekwondo exponent R. Selvamuthu.

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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 10/28/2008 01:19:00 AM

[WEC Reports] Malaysian riders, horses fit and ready

The New Straits Times Online
AJITPAL SINGH

THE 12 Malaysian riders competing in the World Endurance Championships (WEC) and their horses have been declared fit for the race at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Setiu on Nov 6-9.

The riders tested the 160-km course last weekend and they were happy with everything. Also, their horses were given a clean bill by the International Equestrian Federation (IEF). Malaysia's WEC 2008 Athlete Preparation project manager, Che Mohammad Din, said the Malaysian riders are ready to make an impression on both the individual and team event.

"We are placing equal emphasis on both events, hoping to attain a creditable finish," said Che Mohammad. "However, a medal is of course much brighter for Malaysia in the team event."

A panel of local selectors will also be naming four riders for the team event, while the remaining eight will contest the individual category. It will be announced on the eve of the event.

A total of 33 countries, comprising 142 riders, will be competing in the WEC.
The Malaysian team will be led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will be astride Taljari Moon Pharoah.

The highest ranked rider in the Malaysian team is Datuk Kamaruddin Abdul Ghani (Navidad) at 93rd.

The Perak-born rider, a gold medallist at the 2001 Kuala Lumpur Sea Games, has been competing in various international tournaments for the past 10 years.

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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 10/28/2008 01:15:00 AM

[WEC Reports] Qatar gears up for Malaysia event

Gulf Times

THE Qatar Endurance Riding team are looking to the future as they prepare for the 160 km World Endurance Championship (WEC) to be held on November 7 in Terengganu , Malaysia .

After two years of competition to qualify, Qatar will be represented by a rapidly developing group of young riders that features one seasoned veteran, 44-year-old Atta Mohamed Beer. This will be the fifth WEC appearance for Beer, who competed in his first championship in 1998 and finished 15th in the international field in Dubai .
The entire Qatar team annually competes in endurance events for Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation. As the seasoned competitor, Beer is joined by a talented group of younger riders that range in age from 19 to 25.

Of that group, only Abdulla Towaim al-Marri joins Beer with competition in a previous WEC event. The 20-year-old Al Marri was part of the 2006 Qatar team that competed in the championship in Aachen , Germany .

The team also includes brothers Mohamed Tahous al-Nuaimi and Hassan Tahous al-Nuaimi. Mohamed Tahous is the team's second-oldest rider at 25, and was followed into the sport by Hassan, a 20-year-old. The brothers enjoy a friendly rivalry in races and daily practice rides. They have been solid performers over the past season while competing in France. As the youngest members of the team, 18-year-old Faleh Nasser Abughenaim and 17-year-old Khalid Sanad al-Nuaim have proved their talent this season. Faleh, an accomplished jump rider, began endurance riding only two years ago. His fourth-place finish in the St. Galmier event in France was the best finish this year in competition outside of Qatar .

The 2008 Qatar Endurance Team is led by Chef d'Equipe, Owaida al-Hajri and Hadi Nasser al-Naimi trainer.

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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 10/28/2008 12:59:00 AM

UAE: New Endurance Season to Begin on November 1

2008-2009 Season Calendar(PDF)

Abu Dhabi - The sporting season has just got off the blocks in the UAE, and it’s going to get better and in full swing.

After the summer break and the Ramadan and Id festivities, the UAE endurance season will roll on November 1, with the staging of the FEI 100 km ride for Juniors and Young riders. The day will also feature two Federation Qualifiers 40km and 80km respectively.

The UAE endurance season is promising to be a hectic one with several national and international rides being planned along with rides for juniors and young riders, owners of local stables and also exclusive rides for ladies.

After the World endurance Championship which is slated to be held in Malaysia on November 7 and 8, in which six UAE riders will be participating, endurance riding will start off briskly in the UAE on November 15, with FEI, 120-km ride scheduled to be held at the Emirates international Endurance Village, Al Wathba. Dubai Endurance City will open its doors for the season with FEI 120-km ride on November 29. The rides will be held in Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Bou Thieb Endurance Village, Al Khatem, Al Asayel Endurance Village, Sweihan and Dubai International Endurance City, Seih Assalem, Dubai.

Some of the eagerly awaited rides of the season include the National Day Cup, Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup, Shaikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge (Two Rounds), Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge (Two Rounds), Shaikh Saeed bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Cup, three-day 240-km Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup, which is part of the Endurance Festival held annually in Bou Theib Endurance Village, His Highness The President Cup for Junior and Young Riders, His Highness The President Cup Open ride, His Highness The President Cup for Ladies, FEI Ladies Challenge (in three Rounds) and the FEI GCC Ladies Championship (which is making its debut this year).

Most of the days will be featuring Federation Qualifiers to enable junior and young riders to participate in rides of longer distances.

Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, who took over as the Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian Federation, recently expressed the hope that the current season will be as successful as the earlier ones.

He said that the UAE endurance rides had attracted a huge number of participants including UAE and GCC nationals and expatriates. He said continuous cooperation between those involved in the rides and strong support from the sponsors made the rides successful in the country. The previous endurance season was an exciting and eventful one. As many as 68 rides kept the organizers busy throughout the period. The rides included 25 FEI rides, several open rides, rides exclusively for ladies and Federation Qualifiers. Of the 25 FEI rides, a total number of six rides were held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, six in Seih Assalem, Bou Theib Endurance Village played host to nine, whereas four rides were held at Al Asayel Endurance Centre. As many as 2,837 horses started in the rides, including qualifying rounds and rides for ladies, covering a total distance of 5,904 km in all. The number of finishers was 1,226 amounting to 43.21 per cent completion. As many as 1,611 horses were eliminated out of which 973 for lameness, 391 for metabolic reasons, 180 horses retired, 22 disqualified, 542 were presented in vet clinics and 435 were treated.

The endurance department issued new licences to 528 horses, 560 riders and 43 trainers during the season.

UAE Equafed Bulletin

Malaysia WEC: Brazil withdraws

Endurance.Net
Oct 25, 2008

The Brazilian Federation has withdrawn its team from the FEI World Endurance Championship 2008.

Following an equine death from glanders(*) at the Sau Paulo Veterinary University, the EU posed a six month transi ban on receiving equines that originated from Brazil. Since all horses from South America must transit through Europe on their way to Malaysia this ban adversely affected the Brazilian horses. Eventually the ban was modified to apply to only 'at risk' zones which included Sau Paulo. This now permitted the Brazilian team horses, which were in a 'risk free' zone outside of Sau Paulo to be transported to Malaysia via Frankfort, but only from the South American port of Buenos Aires, Argentina, since Sau Paulo was off limits.

The Brazilian Federation horses were finally cleared to be shipped, but due to administrative delays in the various agencies, the soonest arrival that could be scheduled was for November 5. This was determined to be too late for competition horses to arrive considering that the total transit time from Brazil to Malaysia would be at least four days.

In addition to the Brazilian Federation horses, two other competitors whose horses resided in Brazil will also be withdrawn: South African rider Carmen Du Preez and her horse Nag Sharon Bez, and UK rider Dominique Freeman and her horse Roger HCF.

*Glanders is an important infectious equine disease of imposing antiquity. It is endemic in Brazil, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, India, Pakistan, and some other countries. 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.

Dubai: DRC to Cover Endurance Cup

Khaleejtimes.com

Hisham Al Gizouli

24 October 2008

DUBAI — Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council will lead the UAE charge at the FEI Endurance World Cup to be held in Malaysia next month.

Mada’in Properties will be the official sponsors of the Dubai Racing Channel (DRC) during its live coverage of the international endurance showcase, it was announced on Wednesday. The competition will be held over four days from November 6.

It has also been confirmed that Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be in the six-member strong squad.

“We are pleased to associate ourselves with this newly born TV station,” said Abdul Aziz Al Awar, CEO of Mada’in Properties during a brief signing ceremony.

The agreement was signed by Rashid Amiri on behalf of the Dubai Media Incorporated and Abdul Aziz Al Awar for Mada’in.

Meanwhile, Darweesh Mohammed Ali, director of the Dubai Racing Channel reiterated that the agreement is a step forward in the right direction.

“It’s only the beginning,” he said. “We are embarking on an ambitious long term partnership with Mada’in after the official launching of the channel,” he said.

But Ali declined to unveil the exact amount of the deal. “Our immediate concern is to achieve our target by providing a live coverage to the satisfaction of the public through our dedicated team in Terengganu, Malaysia and live studio at our headquarters in Dubai,” he said.

The FEI World Endurance Championship 2008 will be held at Terengganu International Endurance Park in Setiu Terengganu, Malaysia.

Situated a few kilometres from the South China Sea, the venue will offer visitors and competitors the best of Malaysia’s natural beauty and hospitality.

The course is designed to provide a safe yet challenging competition, taking riders along the stunning coast line, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests. A long and wide grassy stretch of track provides ample space for the start of the competition from the venue, and for a safe finish line and entry back into the Endurance Park.

Meanwhile, the final MAS Cargo jet arrived at Sultan Mahmud International Airport, carrying the final load of horses. With the exception of UAE, Qatar and Bahrain horses which will by transported by privately owned cargo jets, all of the competing horses are now on location.

They will remain in separate stables and be confined to separate training tracks in accordance to FEI quarantine requirements as determined by geographic regions until the competition begins.

hisham@khaleejtimes.com

Malaysia WEC: Thoroughbred Arab Horses are Main Pick of Endurance Riders for WEC

Malaysia.news


Bernama - Wednesday, October 22

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 (Bernama) -- Thoroughbred Arab horses aged from six to 12 are the popular choice of a majority of riders competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) to be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Terengganu from Nov 6-9.

Project Manager for WEC 2008 Malaysian riders, Mohd Din Mat said not all bred are suitable for endurance races, especially to withstand the gruelling 160km endurance race at WEC, considered the toughest race in the world.

"The race is a real test and combination of the horses' stamina, endurance and the riders physical and mental strength. The Arabian horses are picked because they are renown for their intelligence, high spirit and outstanding stamina," he told Bernama here today.

Mohd Din said Malaysian riders, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin too, would be using Arab horses during the competition.

"Tuanku Mizan who qualified for the championship on merit, will be using two Arab horses named Taljari Moon Pharoah and Ibrahim Pascha Larzac, during the competition," he said.

He added that apart from being physically and mentally fit, horses must also qualify for a Certificate of Competition (COC) from the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) to compete in the bi-annual championship.

Mohd Din said endurance race horses needed special care, attention and food to ensure they remained in good shape.

"Among the types of food consumed by such horses are Cuibes, Haven, Chaff and their food are supplemented by vitamins.

"For race horses, expenses for food can cost anywhere between RM1,000 to RM2,000 a month, based on the owner's financial capability," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia WEC: Canadians headed to Malaysia

Standard-freeholder.com

Most area horse people know the names of Lynda and Ken Townsend of Ste-Justine, Que. through their horses, ponies, buggies and sleighs as well as the “Cadillac” of petting zoos and pony rides, “Town and Country”, which they ran for many years.

What many don’t know, though, is that while most of us have been winding down our competition season and preparing for the colder weather, their daughter, Wendy MacCoubrey and “Mariah”, a sixteen-year-old Arab gelding, have been doing the exact opposite!

They are part of the six member Canadian Endurance Team (plus four officials and 15 grooms and crew members!) which left JFK Airport last week headed to Malaysia (read: heat and humidity) for the World Endurance Championships, Nov. 7 to 9.

Wendy herself has logged over 4,500 competitive miles in the saddle, and more than 4,000 of them with “Mariah” as they worked towards making this team.

Here’s wishing them all the best of luck in the competition.

The team can be followed through www.endurancecanada.ca.

Go Canada, go!

Malaysia WEC: Women rule in endurance riding

New Straits Times Online
Ajitpal Singh
10/22/08

SINCE its inception in 1986, only two men have managed to win the World Endurance Championships (WEC) individual title and in next month's edition, a woman rider is tipped to be the winner again.
In endurance racing, women make up the majority of competitors and more than 50 per cent of the 141 competitors for the 12th edition on Nov 6-9 will be women.

WEC technical advisor, Derek Liebenberg said endurance racing is a popular discipline in equestrian among women riders.

"The reason women riders have won nine out of 11 world individual titles is because of their huge numbers in each previous editions.

"I have reason to believe that women riders will start as favourites in Terengganu," said Liebenbery at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu on Saturday.
"The 160-km race is supposed to be tougher for women as they are lighter and need to strap 'dead weights' to their saddles.

"The minimum weight for competitors in endurance events is 75kg and normally only women athletes need to strap weights to their saddle."

Women riders from the United States have won seven consecutive editions, starting with the inaugural event in Italy through Cassandra Schuler, followed by three-time winner Becky Hart (1988-United States; 1990-Sweden; 1992-Spain).

Valerie Kanavy won in 1994 in The Netherlands and in 1998 in the United Arab Emirates, while her daughter Danielle nailed the 1996 US edition.

France's Milla Killa Perringerard broke the US dominance in 2000 to ensure a woman won it again, while Ahmed Al Maktoum of the UAE emerged the first men's winner in the 2002 edition in Spain.

In the 2004 edition in UAE, Barbara Lissarague of France won it for the ninth time for the women while Spain's Miguel Villa Ubach struck one back for the men when he emerged champion in Germany in 2006.

Meanwhile, the national squad, consisting of 12 riders led by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, have begun their final preparation for the WEC at the TIEP.

Malaysia are hoping to win their first ever world meet medal in the team event.

All the local horses, including Tuanku Mizan's ride -- Taljari Moon Pharoah -- are in good condition for the event.

Belgium: World Cup for Veterans/Coupe du Monde des Vétérans

POUR DIFFUSION IMMEDIATE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Coupe du Monde des Vétérans – Mons/Ghlin – Belgium – Date d’envoi : 19 Octobre
La Coupe du Monde des cavaliers d’endurance vétérans se déroulera le samedi 25 octobre à l’Hippodrome de Wallonie à Mons/Ghlin.

Au départ, plus de cinquante cavaliers représentant neufs nations (Allemagne, Argentine, Belgique, Danemark, Finlande, France, Italie, Norvège, Russie). Les concurrents partiront de l’Hippodrome de Wallonie pour se diriger vers la réserve naturelle de la Mer de Sable où se dérouleront les contrôles vétérinaire et la deuxième boucle, avant de revenir vers l’Hippodrome pour l’explication finale sur la 4ème boucle.

Quelques vétérans de renom seront au rendez-vous, notamment Jack Begaud(Fra), Vincent Dupont(Fra), Miguel Pavlovsky(Arg) et Fausto Fiorucci(Ita), Freddy Meurrens (Bel) pour se disputer ce premier titre.

Une selle sera offerte par Gaston Mercier (deux fois Champion d’Europe) au vainqueur. Les selles Gaston Mercier, d’une qualité et d’un fini exceptionnels, équipent un nombre considérable de cavaliers belges et étrangers.

Plus d’informations ainsi que les résultats et les photos sur www.endurance-belgium.com

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WorldCup for Veterans – Mons/Ghlin – Belgium – Release date : 19th October

The WorldCup for Veterans riders will take place on Saturday 25th October at the Racetrack of Wallonia, located in Mons, Belgium.

At the start, more than fifty riders representing nine nations (Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Norway, Italy, Russia). The flag-off will be done from the Racetrack of Wallonia. Horses will head toward the natural reservation of the “Mer de Sable”, near the superb castle of Beloeil. The first and second vetgates will take place there, then horses will come back to the racetrack, before the 4th and final loop.

Several well-known veterans will be competing, including Jack Begaud and Vincent Dupont from France, Miguel Pavlovsky from Argentina, Fausto Fiorucci from Italy and Freddy Meurrens from Belgium.

But there will only be one winner. The winner will be presented a saddle from Gaston Mercier, the double European Champion. The Gaston Mercier saddles equip many Belgian and international riders and have gained an international reputation thanks to their ultimate design and comfort.

More information, including photos and results on www.endurance-belgium.com

Malaysia WEC: US team arrives in Malaysia for 2008 World Endurance Championship

USEF News
October 21, 2008

Six US Horse/Rider combinations arrived in Malaysia this past week with the hope of a stellar performance on Nov 7-8 when 141 entries from 33 countries compete for the honor of being named World Endurance Champion. Over the past year, those hoping for a position on the US Team have attended competitions and training sessions under the guidance of Becky Hart, three time World Champion and Chef d'Equipe for the US Endurance Team.

The Endurance Selectors named the following horse/rider combos to the Team:

Kathrine Brunjes/ Theatric
John Crandell III/ HH Saba Shams
Cheryl Dell/ Reason to Believe
Valerie Kanavy/ Flash Flame
Margaret Sleeper/ Syrocco Reveille
Janice Worthington/ Gold Lightening

While in Malaysia, the team has access to the added expertise of Team Veterinarian Jim Bryant DVM, assistant Team Veterinarian Todd Holbrook DVM, Team Farrier Jeff Pauley and Equine Massage Therapist Jim Masterson. Due to the warm, humid conditions in Malaysia, the competition will begin at 5:00pm local time on Friday November 7th so that the majority of the competition will be run in the dark on a lighted course. The latest news will be available on the official website www.malaysia-wec.com and also on www.Endurance.Net.

Malaysia WEC: UAE riders saddle up for title mount

The National
Amith Passela
October 20. 2008

ABU DHABI // Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed will lead a six-member UAE team in the FEI World Endurance Championship in Terengganu, one of the three east coast states of the Malaysian Peninsular, on Nov 7.

The others in the team include his younger brother Sheikh Majid, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Mohammed Ahmed Ali Subose and Abdulla Thani bin Huzaim.

The UAE are one of the favourites in the 160km race that has drawn 142 entries from 34 countries.

The race will be held at night for the first time. This is because the country experiences afternoon rains, particularly from November to January. And the days are warm with humidity more than 80 per cent.

The course takes the riders along a stunning coastline, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests. The start is a long and wide grassy stretch of track and the finish line is the entry back into the Endurance Park.

Sheikh Hamdan, who has won a number of endurance trophies, including the Asian Games Gold and, more recently, a fourth place in the European Open in Portugal last year, is set to ride Jazyk.

The 11-year-old Arabian chestnut gelding finished 15th under Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed in that race after recovering from time wasted in replacing a shoe he lost in the opening loop.

Sheikh Majid rides another European Open campaigner Spenda Crest Kamouflage, another 11-year-old chestnut gelding who is joint seventh in the FEI Endurance horses’ world ranking list.

Shafya is to reunite with Zakah Zahara, who was first past the post in the 160km race before being disqualified when failing to pass the post-race veterinary test. Sulayem is booked on Tazoul El Parry while Subose and Huzaim, who are ranked fourth and fifth respectively in the FEI rankings, are set to partner Koum Des Jamets and Castlebar Kadeem.

The UAE have a proud record since the sport was first introduced officially in the country in 1993. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, on Bowman, became the youngest and first male rider to win the world championship in Jerez, Spain, in 2002.

They have hosted two world championships, the first in 1998 and then in 2004 in which Sheikh Mohammed and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed shared the podium with the winner Barbara Lissarague of France.

The UAE will be aiming to regain the world championship and also claim the team title they have come close to winning on numerous occasions only to fail on the final loop of the race.

The UAE season, meanwhile, gets under way with a 100km race for young riders and juniors at the Bouthdib Endurance Village on Nov 1.

The week after is free because of the World Equestrian Championship in Malaysia, and Nov 15 sees the first of the open rides of the season at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Original Article

Abu Dhabi: Hamdan and Majid to take part in Malaysia Endurance event

www.gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: October 20, 2008, 00:12

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will be part of a six-strong UAE team at the 2008 World Endurance Championship to be held in Terengganu, Malaysia from November 6 to 9.

According to the list of entries announced by the organisers, Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Majid along with Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim and Mohammad Ahmad Ali Subose complete the UAE line-up.

Jazyk, Spenda Crest Kamouflage, Koum Des Jamets, Castlebar Kadeen, Zakah Zahara and Tazoul Al Parry are the six horses that will partner the UAE riders.

While four of the UAE riders will take part as a team all six will get a chance to go for gold in the individual event.

The 160-km ride will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park and is the first world event to be run in the evening with a 3.30pm start.

Apart from the UAE and hosts Malaysia, 32 other countries have entered their riders with 142 horses and riders being confirmed as definite entries. All countries can enter a six-member team while the hosts Malaysia can enter a 12-member team of riders.

Domestic season

The UAE team is a formidable line-up with Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Majid having been winning members of the UAE team which won the Asian Games gold and the Pan Arab Games gold in the team championship. Sultan Ahmad Bin Sulayem won the bronze in the individual event at the Doha Asiad.

The UAE's best result in the world championships was in 2002 in Jerez, Spain when Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum won the individual gold.

While the UAE will be starting off as one of the strong favourites, joining them in the race for honours will be the French, Spanish, Australian and the US teams. Two-time world champion and silver-medallist once, Valery Kanavy of the US and the French team riders who have achieved the most success in the world championships will be taking part in the November 7 ride.

The UAE's domestic endurance competitions for the 2008-09 season is set to start with a junior ride at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem on November 1. Al Wathba will kick off the open competition with a 120-km ride on November 15, a week after the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia.

According to the tentative endurance calendar for the 2008-09 season, rides will be held at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, the Dubai Endurance City in Seih Assalam, Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem and ;ladies rides at the Al Asayl Endurance Village in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi.

Malaysia WEC: British Riders Leave for Malaysia WEC

Endurancegb.co.uk

15th October 2008

Chris Yeoman's horse Midday has set off on the journey to Malaysia today, the flight goes tomorrow from Amsterdam while Chris and groom Laura fly out from Heathrow to join her in Malaysia....

Midday will have plenty of time to recover from the long trip as the competition is not until November.

There was last minute excitement when the Calais ferryport closed because of a strike, fortunately the problem was resolved speedily and they are on their way.

Dom Freeman's horse Roger has to wait a few days before he travels as there has been an equine health scare in Brazil which has meant considerable negotiations to ensure that it was safe to ship both Dom's horse and the Brazilian Team. Hopefully that crisis is also resolved but it will mean that Roger doesn't have such a good recovery period.
The rest of the back-up team travel out on 29th October. We wish them all the very best of luck and hope to hear how things are going once they arrive. It will be a real achivement to get a good result in the very testing tropical conditions

Malaysia WEC: First WEC horses land safely in Malaysia

Equestrian.com.my

Saturday, October 18th, 2008

Fifteen horses became the first batch of horses to arrive in Malaysia for the FEI World Endurance Championship to be held on 5th to 9th November at Lembah Bidong, Terengganu.

Four horses from Oman, six from Australia, one from New Zealand¸ and four horses for Malaysian riders arrived at the Sultan Mahmud Kuala Terengganu airport from Sydney and Dubai via the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on a MASKargo Airbus A300. It was the maiden landing for an Airbus at the recently upgraded airport.

The attention was focused on Taljari Moon Pharoah, the Arabian horse which will carry His Majesty, Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, in the 160km championship ride. It arrived on the flight from Sydney along with another of Tuanku Mizan’s second horse, Ibrahim Pascha Larzac. Tuanku Mizan is one of twelve Malaysian riders who qualified on merit and was selected to represent Malaysia in the 12th edition of the FEI World Endurance Championship.

The horses were unloaded from air-cargo horse pallets that are used to stable the horses in the aircraft and transferred on to a horse float where they were transported safely to stables at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP).

The welcoming party at the airport was headed by Terengganu Menteri Besar, Datuk Ahmad Said, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said, chairman of Terengganu State Committee for Youth and Sports and Malaysia Airport Berhad and MasKargo officials.

The horses will be separated by continent of origin into isolated stable wings, for health protocol reasons, at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) at Lembah Bidong, situated along the scenic coastline, 30km north of Kuala Terengganu

The FEI has rated the TIEP one of the top three endurance parks in the world. The venue has been tried and tested through several events, including the FEI WEC 2008 trial event, the CEI**** Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2007.

Another batch followed the inaugural batch of horses later in the afternoon. Two more planeloads of horses are scheduled for Saturday with 30 horses on a Boeing 747 in the afternoon, the anticipated big event of the day.

141 horses and riders from 33 countries have been entered by their countries for the FEI WEC 2008. One rider from Denmark, Inger Elisabeth Pitter Bertelsen, has pulled out from the much anticipated event after she was involved in an accident while riding her own Raouel Ox back home.

The World Endurance fraternity has been abuzz with anticipation that Terengganu could stage the best ever World Endurance Championship since its inauguration in Italy in 1986.

The event will be flagged off by Raja Permaisuri Agong, Tuanku Nur Zahira at 5:30 pm on Friday 7th November.



Source: Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation

FEI European Endurance Championships for Juniors and Young Riders

Full Coverage of the Event on www.enduranceEurope.net

FEI Press Release

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

Riders and horses benefited from the wonderful facilities offered by the Equestrian Center “El Asturcón”.

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% completion rate, the young participants showed they were up to the challenge and managed to combine both “smart” and efficient riding.

The French riders dominated the competition by finishing first and second of the Individual competition and winning the Team competition. Belgian riders also had a very successful weekend winning the bronze in the Individual and the Silver in the Team. With three out of 4 riders finishing the ride, Switzerland still managed to win the Bronze for the Team competition followed by Great Britain in fourth place.


During the Closing Ceremony the Organisers of Oviedo passed on the FEI flag to the Organisers of the 2009 FEI World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders to be held in Bábolna, Hungary.

Full Coverage of the Event on www.enduranceEurope.net

Malaysia WEC: Raja Permaisuri boost for Team Malaysia

photo: A horse bound for the FEI World Endurance Championships is led from a MAS Airbus A300 at the Sultan Mahmud International Airport in Kuala Terengganu yesterday.

The New Straits Times Online: Raja Permaisuri boost for Team Malaysia
By : Ajitpal Singh

THE Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will be hoping for a perfect start at the World Endurance Championships as his consort, the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah has been given the honour to flag off the race on Nov 7.

The event will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.

WEC event manager Azrin Zuhdi said Tuanku Nur is all excited about flagging off the race and watching Tuanku Mizan in action.

"Her role in the race will definitely inspire Tuanku Mizan and the other local riders to make an impression at the event," said Azrin at the TIEP yesterday.

Twelve Malaysian riders will be competing, both in the individual and team events at the world meet.
Malaysia's best hope is in the team-of-four event.

"Malaysian riders stand almost no chance in the individual category but there's a chance of making a grade in the team event, which will have 22 countries competing," said Azrin.

The favourites for the team event are Spain, France, Brazil and Australia.

Meanwhile, Denmark's only qualifier Inger Elisabeth Pitter Bertelsen has pulled out, which means 33 countries, comprising 141 riders, will be competing.

Azrin said Bertelsen and his ride Raouel Ox suffered an accident during training last week.

"Bertelsen decided to withdraw as his horse is suffering from lameness."

Meanwhile, the MAS Airbus A300 successfully transported 15 horses, including Tuanku Mizan's horse Taljari Moonlight Pharoah from Australia, yesterday.

It was the Airbus A300's maiden flight to the Sultan Mahmud International Airport.

The C130, carrying nine horses from Argentina and Uruguay, also landed at the airport.

The Boeing 747, a direct flight from Amsterdam, will be arriving with 30 horses today.

New Straits Times Online - full article

USA: AERC National Championships

Valerie Kanavy and King Ali Gold win the 100-miler in 9:53
Farzad Faryadi and Hot Desert Knight win BC

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