[WEC Reports] Tuanku Mizan Opens National Horse Show

Bernama.com

October 31, 2008 23:23 PM

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin on Friday opened the three-day National Horse Show at the Terengganu Equestrian Resort here.

The event, held for the first time in Terengganu, involves various programmes like horseshoe pitching contest, a horse carnival, equine exposition as well as exhibitions on horse breeding and horse carts.

Tengku Mizan, who was accompanied by Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah and the Regent of Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, also witnessed a dressage event performed by the Royal Malaysia Police's cavalry unit.

Also present were Menteri Besar Datuk Ahmad Said and State Youth and Sports Committee Chairman Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said.

The show is jointly organised by the Terengganu government, the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stables and the STC Equestrian and Sports Centre.

In conjunction with the event, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Malaysian Equine Council (MEC) and the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA).

The MoU was signed to give MEC the rights to use EFA specifications in Malaysia.

The show is a prelude to the World Equestrian Championship to be held at Lembah Bidong, Setiu from Nov 6 to 9.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 11/01/2008 12:00:00 AM

USEF News: Kanavy and McCarty Score Wins in the American Endurance Ride Conference National Championships

Release: October 30 2008

By Troy Smith

Five weeks after Hurricane Ike devastated trails in the Clark State Forest in Indiana, the 100-mile and 50-mile American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) National Championship riders and horses enjoyed excellent weather and trails on October 16 and 18.

“The only reason the ride took place was because of the nearly 300-plus hours in manpower it took to get the trails in excellent condition,” said co-ride manager Cindy Young. “Few people realize what a mess those trails really were and without some key people working diligently on some 35 miles of trails, the championships would probably not have happened.”

For a sport where weather and trails can collude to make for precarious conditions, especially this late in the season, this year’s national championship was nearly perfect. “Trails were excellent, the weather was perfect, and the knowledge and expertise of all the workers helped to make the national championships run flawlessly,” said Young. “It truly was a great event!”

The well-attended ride had 45 starters in the 100-mile event and 114 starters in the 50-mile event.

“The level of competition and the caliber of riders truly made for a national championship on all levels,” said Young. “We had competitors from 26 states as well as Canada, Switzerland, Holland and Namibia.”

100-Mile Competition
Winner of the 100-mile contest was AERC Hall of Fame inductee Valerie Kanavy with King Ali Gold. With a time of 9 hours and 53 minutes, they were 45 minutes ahead of the next competitors. Best Condition went to Hot Desert Knight, ridden by Farzad Faradyi, who were the second finishers.

Top weight division finishers: Joni Buttram and Cash Bonus (Junior), Kirsten Kimbler and Cody Canuck (Featherweight), Valerie and Ali (Lightweight), Farzad Faradyi and Hot Desert Knight (Middleweight) and Ed Kidd and Merlin (Heavyweight).

There were 31 completions out of the field of 45 starters in the 100-mile event, held October 16.

50-Mile Competition
Teresa McCarty and Spectacular Gold were first to finish the 50-mile event, with a time of 3 hours and 58 minutes, and also won Best Condition.

Other top weight division finishers were Austin Shaffer and Pearl Jam (Junior), Katherine Shank and Wind Dancer-Bey (Featherweight), Deb Shaffer and Sheik Abu Galihad+ (Lightweight), and Roger Barrett and Blueberry Bey (Heavyweight).

There were 114 entrants and 98 completions in the 50-mile event, held October 18.

The prestigious endurance ride was held in conjunction with the Arabian Horse Association’s Arabian and Half-Arabian Endurance Championship.

For more information, check out the National Championship website at www.dbdr.info/NC%20Home.htm.

Next year’s AERC National Championship will be held in Northern California on September 11 and 13.

For more information about AERC and endurance riding, visit www.aerc.org or phone the AERC office at (866) 271-2372.

UAE: 2008/2009 Season Starting

ABU DHABI — The season’s inaugural endurance ride is all set to roll with the staging of the Bou Thib Endurance Cup at the Bou Thib Endurance Village, Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday.

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, in co-operation with the Emirates Heritage Club, Abu Dhabi, is organising the event for Junior and Young Riders.

Over 55 youngsters have already confirmed their participation for the CEN-JY 100km ride, which will be run in four phases of 30km, 30km, 24km and 16km respectively. The ride will begin at 6am.

The day will also feature two Federation Qualifying rounds of 40km and 80km respectively which has attracted a field of over 170 riders.

Qualifying rides are organised by the UAE Equestrian Federation to enable the riders to qualify to participate in long-distance rides.

All the rides are being held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Heritage Club.

Pre-ride inspection for the rides were held on Friday, at the Endurance Village.

Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum, Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Shaikh Saqr bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Munthar Ahmed Al Bloushi, Rashed Ahmed Al Bloushi, Ali Ghanem Al Marri, Khalifa Ghanim Al Marri, Mara Khalid Ahmed bin Sulayem, Ahmed Tariq Abdullah Al Mutawa, Muhanad Ali Khalfan Al Abdullah, Buti Mohammed, Khalaf Al Marri, Hamad Ibrahim and Abdullah Al Marzouqi are some of the contenders for the juniors championship on the opening day.
[More ...]

[WEC Reports] Deyaar announces title sponsorship of World Endurance Champions...

Wednesday, 29 October 2008

Demonstrates support for UAE team led by Dubai Crown Prince

Dubai, October 29, 2008: Deyaar Development, the region's fastest growing real estate company, announced today its title sponsorship of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Endurance Championship, set to take place in Terengganu, Malaysia, from November 6-9, 2008. The UAE will be represented in this highlight of the global equestrian calendar by a six-strong team led by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Earlier this year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, personally led the UAE team to victory at the Austin Park Endurance Race in London, qualifying the national team to participate in next month's World Endurance Championship.

"We are very pleased to sponsor this landmark equestrian event and, in particular, to demonstrate our support for the UAE team as they prepare to compete in this test of strength and courage," said His Excellency Nasser Bin Hassan Al-Shaikh, Director-General of the Dubai Department of Finance and Chairman of Deyaar. "The UAE has a long and proud association with the sport of horse racing, including earning gold medals at the most recent Asian and Pan-Arab Games. We wish the team great success at the championship in Malaysia."

The FEI World Endurance Championship, held once every two years, is an extremely challenging event, covering 160 kilometres of terrain along the coast of the South China Sea. Held for the first time in Malaysia, the race will feature 142 riders from 34 countries, including stalwarts such as France, Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Spain.

"Just as the UAE continues to play an increasingly prominent role in the global economic arena, so too is the country taking on a leadership position in the world of sport, especially horse racing," said Markus Giebel, Chief Executive Officer of Deyaar, said: "At the same time, economic and trade relations between this country and Malaysia continue to strengthen, including in sectors such as real estate, finance and tourism.

"For all of us at Deyaar, it clearly made sense to sponsor the FEI World Endurance Championship, a wonderful sporting event that demands teamwork, trust and a shared commitment to excellence. In choosing to sponsor this event and offer our support to the UAE team, we also noted that those are the very same values that continue to make Deyaar itself such a success," Giebel concluded.

About Deyaar:

Deyaar Development PJSC is one of the fastest growing real estate companies in the region. Headquartered in Dubai, the company has grown significantly to evolve into a complete one-stop real estate solutions provider. Today, Deyaar is one of the most prominent brands in the regional real estate sector, with interests in development, property and facilities management, in addition to offering a range of services such as brokerage, marketing and sales. Deyaar's strategic solutions and deep market insights have helped create exceptional value for its investors. The company currently manages over 16,000 commercial and residential properties. Deyaar is set to continue to play a pivotal role in the ongoing development of the region's property landscape. The company complies with the Escrow legislation and all relevant laws in the UAE. Deyaar is registered with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority under reference number 15/07.

For further information, please contact:
Nicholas Nesson / Anusyia Nathan / Nitin Nambiar
ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-3355969
Fax: 971-4-3356080
Email: n.nesson@asdaa.com / a.nathan@asdaa.com / n.nambiar@asdaa.com

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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 10/30/2008 02:07:00 PM

[WEC Reports] NSI Actively Involved In Preparing M'sian Team For WEC 2008

Bernama.com
October 30, 2008 17:22 PM

SETIU, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The National Sports Institute (NSI) played a major role in preparing the Malaysian contingent for the World Endurance Championship 2008 horse riding competition which will take place at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong near here from Nov 6 to 9.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the NSI arranged international exposure for the riders by getting them to compete in countries like Argentina, Australia and the United States so that they could get the proper certification to be eligible for the WEC 2008.

"Secondly, the horses to be used were also tested by experts to ensure they would be able to handle the gruelling 160km race," he said in his speech at the Jalur Gemilang (national flag) handing over ceremony for the national contingent at TIEP here today.

The text of his speech was read out by NSI director-general, Datuk Ramlan Abdul Aziz. Also present was State Youth and Sports Committee chairman, Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said.

-- BERNAMA

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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 10/30/2008 01:25:00 PM

[WEC Reports] Riders, Horses In Good Health Despite Unfavourable Weather

Bernama.com
October 30, 2008 20:02 PM

By Hilary Sebastian

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- All twelve members of Malaysia's team to the FEI World Endurance Championship in Terengganu which will be held from Nov 6-9 and their horses are in good health despite having to undergo gruelling training in the current unfavourable weather conditions.

The team is lead by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Team Manager Mohd Din Mohd told Bernama that the team members had to regularly undergo medical check-ups each time they completed their training sessions.

Entering the final training phase now, the team members practise twice daily -- morning and afternoon -- to be primed to land both the team and individual titles.

"Training includes riding several kilometers along the actual competition routes under the hot and dry weather conditions," Din said, adding that bad weather could affect the health of both riders and horses.

"Our medical teams and veterinarians are always on stand by to do regular medical check-up to determine the current health status of the riders and horses," he said.

-- BERNAMA

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Posted By Steph Teeter to WEC Reports at 10/30/2008 01:20:00 PM

[WEC Reports] Royal Ride

Thestar.com.my

Thursday October 30, 2008
By HILARY CHIEW

The sport of kings takes on its literal meaning at the National Horse Show in Terengganu.

ENDURANCE riding is one of the newest and fastest growing branches in equestrian sport and no less than the King himself is promoting the discipline.

Not only is Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin the patron of the Marang Endurance Track, a new competition at the 14th National Horse Show (NHS), His Majesty will also take part in the race to be held for the first time in his home state of Terengganu.

The accomplished equine enthusiast is all set to display his skills in the 40km and 80km events.

Jointly organised by the Terengganu state government, the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable and the Selangor Turf Club (STC) Equestrian and Sports Centre, the three-day event from tomorrow will also feature two other "firsts".

The annual show, which debuted in 1994, will host the Federation of Equestrian International World Jumping Challenge and World Dressage Challenge at the main venue, the Terengganu Equestrian Resort.

The endurance race is undoubtedly an exciting one as it challenges the fitness and skill of both the horse and rider. It is a test of good horsemanship where the riders must be attuned to the conditions of their mounts.

Apart from the medals for top placings, an additional award – the Best Conditioned Horse – will be given to the animal athlete determined by a combination of speed, weight carried and veterinary scores. This is undoubtedly a coveted recognition in any endurance race. STC veterinarians will be on hand to provide professional care to the horses in all the events at the show, especially those taking part in the strenuous endurance race.

STC official veterinary surgeon Dr Rebecca Tan, who is in the veterinarian commission of the NHS, says all the horses will be inspected for fitness to compete prior to the race and a series of compulsory checks are scheduled at intervals to ensure that the animals are fit to continue.

The newly-introduced equestrian events will certainly make the show more interesting. Besides the endurance race, there are also a pony club mounted challenge, a trade exhibition and a horse carnival. The carnival, called Kuda Sukmo, will showcase fun activities like pony rides, buggy and carriage rides, games, sideshows, treasure hunts and competitions to keep school children and families entertained.

As an event to promote the education and development of equine sport, visitors will get a chance to view 20 breeds of horses, ranging from the local registered miniature, Criollo and Java to the Percheron.

Horse breeds have evolved over the centuries through adaptation to their environment and human intervention in crossbreeding animals from different regions to get the desired characteristics for required tasks. For instance, horses that were needed for hauling heavy loads were bred for strength, while those required for fast transportation were bred for speed.

Today, there are more than 160 breeds of race and equestrian horses that have been developed through selective breeding.

Billed as the nation's premier equestrian event, the show has grown from strength to strength within the equestrian community over the years, as indicated by the number of visitors that now number around 10,000 to 15,000.

Besides activities that involve horses, the show offers other attractions, including a regional farriery (horseshoe-making) competition, an equine trade expo and a carriage display.

Held for the seventh consecutive year, the farriery competition is one of the biggest attractions for visitors, who are fascinated by participants hammering out and shaping horseshoes.

NHS head of media Lo Wai-fai says the profession is growing in tandem with the development of the equine service industry and the competition attracts local farriers as well as those in Asia from Brunei, to as far as Turkey.

Leading suppliers of equine products such as tack and saddlery, riding apparel, veterinary and equine nutritional products, fodder and stable equipment will participate in the expo, which has been an integral part of NHS since 1994.

And the show wouldn't be complete without that other item that is often associated with horse – the carriage.

The organisers have brought in a collection of these conveyances – the two most outstanding carriages are an authentic Australian regal glass carriage and an 18th century cobbin coach used to carry mail and money in bygone days.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 10/30/2008 05:10:00 AM

[WEC Reports] Security A Top Priority At World Endurance Championship

Bernama.com

October 29, 2008
By Ahmad Muliady

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Security will be a top priority at the World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008, which Malaysia is hosting for the first time.

Almost 1,000 security personnel including from the Malaysian Armed forces and Royal Malaysia Police will be on duty to monitor security throughout the prestigious biennial event, which will be held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong, Terengganu, from Nov 6 to 9.

The championship will see 142 riders from 34 countries taking part.

Malaysia WEC 2008 competition director Mohd Din Mat said the security personnel would also help riders and point them in the right direction so that they do not lose their way.

"To ensure that riders are not confused at night, the organisers will provide direction signs and lighting throughout the race track," he told Bernama.

The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will lead Malaysia's charge at the championship. The team consists of 12 riders.

Other royalty who have confirmed their participation in the competition are Bahrain Crown Prince, Shaikh Nasser Hamad Al Khalifa and two members of the ruling Al-Maktoum family from the United Arab Emirates, Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and his younger brother Shaikh Majed.

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Posted By Merri to WEC Reports at 10/29/2008 03:33:00 PM

Uruguay: 2009 Pan American Championship

November 2008
Endurance.Net

The FEI has finalized the details of the 2009 Pan American Championship. The competition will be held on April 24 near the popular resort town of Punta del Este on the southern coast of Uruguay. This area, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Rio del Plata River, is modern and upscale and a very popular vacation destination with a wide range of hotels, restaurants, country clubs and resorts. It also offers everything for a beautiful and challenging competition - forests, grasslands, lakes and long stretches of sandy beach.

The Championship will be held over a distance of 120 kilometers.

According to Ketty Friedman, a Uruguay FEI 4* Judge who has been involved with International Endurance in Uruguay since 1997 a very dedicated core group of people have been working together to build the sport in Uruguay, and are primarily reponsible for the finalization of 2009 event. Gustavo Sclavo, president of the Uruguay Equestrian Federation has strong ties with Endurance discipline, has also been instrumental in building International Endurance in Uruguay, and in helping secure the bid for the 2009 Pan American Championship. They are certain that Uruguay will host a world class event and they look forward to introducing the world to this small South American country.

Uruguay Endurance - Endurance.Net coverage of 2007 Rocha Internacional





Photos: Beach at Punta del Este, Ketty Friedman and Gustavo Sclaro at Rocha Internacional Endurance, Pueblocasa - artist Carlos Paez Vilaro, Sailboats at Punta del Este

[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.