UAE: Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan finishes second

Khaleej Times

photo: Khaleej Times
James Jose
December 14

ABU DHABI – He watched with glee, his club Al Jazira crush Al Nasr in the UAE Pro-League on Friday night. And on Saturday, Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan rounded off a perfect weekend, by finishing an impressive second in Round 1 of the Giants Endurance Challenge FEI CEI 120km Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Abdullah Saeed bin Huzaim, astride Nucius Romas, won the three-star ride. Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority, astride Carallio, was impressive as he came second.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, rode an impressive ride to finish fifth. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid, was placed 21st after the first loop before bouncing back in style.

The Giants Challenge is a three-round series with the second ride in Bahrain on January 10, 2009 and the third in Dubai on February 28, 2009.

Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan was placed fourth after the first loop of 32km, with a time of 1:16.45 seconds. He moved up to second in the second loop of 30km, with a timing of 2:28.45 seconds. But he dropped down to seventh in the third loop of 24km, with a time of 3:38.09 seconds.

He remained in seventh in the 18km fourth loop, with a time of 4:31.02 seconds. He finished the fifth loop of 16km in second. He had an overall time of five hours, eight minutes and 34 seconds with an average speed of 25.58. “It was a tough ride. Nevertheless, it was good to get some points in the first round,” Shaikh Mansour said later.

The top 10 placed riders in each of the three rounds will receive points with the rider who accumulates the highest number of points emerging the champion. A bonus of 10 points will be given to the rider who complete the rides on the same horse.
Ahmad Ali Bin Harmash, astride Aratahnes Legend and from the Fazaa Endurance Team, was third with an overall timing of 5:13.06 seconds.

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad, Mansour in top five

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
December 13, 2008

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, finished in the top five to pick up valuable points in the first of the three-round FEI Three-Star 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge (Body Weight) Ride on Saturday.

Shaikh Mansour, riding Carallio, finished second behind Abdullah Saeed Bin Huzaim on Nucius Romas while Shaikh Mohammad finished fifth on Tazoul Al Parry in yesterday's ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished fourth and the leading riders in this 75kg Body Weight ride will now meet again in Bahrain in the second round on January 10, 2009.

More...

The Netherlands: 2009 Dutch Championships

The 2009 Dutch Championships will be held 12-14 June 2009, in and around Ermelo, Netherlands. For the 8th consecutive year, organizer Eric Lamsma is putting together a 160-km course over the established Fasna Trail. Routes will carry riders through the beautiful Veluwe region: forest paths interspersed with vast heather.

Start, vet gates, and finish are in one location, at the headquarters of the KMSH, the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation.

Many international participants are expected, as well as last year's returning Dutch Champions, Janet van Wijk and Latino.

More information at Fasna Trail.

Bahrain: Riders for UAE event

Gulf Daily News

ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and a group of Bahraini riders are set for a new challenge today, when the first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix gets underway at 5am (Bahrain time) at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi.

Top riders from Bahrain, the UAE, and other invited guests will line up in the first of a three-race series, being organised for the first time by the Bahrain Royal Endurance Federation (Breef) in co-operation with the UAE Equestrian Federation.

Riding Omsura Nasrohn, whom he steered to win the Opening Season Championship held last month, Shaikh Nasser will lead the Bahrainis' hopes in this prestigious event which is only open to riders of 75kg weight and above.

Shaikh Nasser, the Breef president, will be joined by the federation's first vice-president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Other Bahraini riders in the fray are Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Abdulhaq Qadoori and Ghazi Al Dossary.

The Bahrainis will face a stern test in this race where they compete it out with the region's best riders, including those from the UAE.

Prominent riders from the UAE will be Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his son Shaikh Hamdan and UAE's vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai besides Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser and members of the Bahraini riders underwent training yesterday at the race venue.

During their practice session, the Bahraini riders met with the UAE team members, including Shaikh Hamdan, who welcomed the Bahrainis and wished them the best of luck.

Both Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid were also present at the veterinary examination held yesterday to follow up the procedures and approve their participation in today's race.

This race, which coincides with the National Day Cup scheduled for the same day, will be divided into five stages.

The first stage will cover 32km, 30km for the second stage, 24km for third, 18km for the fourth and 16km for the fifth.

After this event, riders will then travel to Bahrain next month for the second round, to be held at the International Endurance Village in Sakhir on January 10 next year.

The third and final round of the series is scheduled for February 28 next year at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.

The overall winner of the series will accumulate the highest number of points. The top 10 riders in each race of the series will gain points.

The organising committee earlier approved the points system for the series as the winner in each round will be awarded 100 points.

Eighty points will be given to second place, 70 for third place, 60 for fourth, 50 for fifth, 50 for sixth, 30 for seventh, 20 for eighth, 10 for ninth and five points for 10th.

Bahrain: Riders ready for Grand Prix race

Bahrain Gulf Daily News

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in the UAE to lead Bahrain's top riders in tomorrow's first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix at Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi.

Commencing at 6.30am (Bahrain time), the race will be one of three races in the 75-kg body weight series to be organised for the first time in the region with riders from Bahrain, the UAE and other invited guests in the fray.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal and Equestrian Federation (Breef) president and Royal Endurance Team captain, will be joined by Breef first vice-president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Leading prominent riders from the UAE will be Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE's vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai besides Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Tomorrow's race will be divided into five stages - 32km for the first stage, 30km for the second, 24km for third, 18km for the fourth and 16km for the fifth.

Bahrain will host the second round, to be held at the International Endurance Village in Sakhir on January 10 next year while the third and final round is scheduled for February 28 at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.

The overall winner of the series will accumulate the highest number of points. The top 10 riders in each race of the series will gain points.

Approved

The organising committee approved the points system for the series as the winner in each round will be awarded 100 points.

Eighty points will be given to second place, 70 for third place, 60 for fourth, 50 for fifth, 50 for sixth, 30 for seventh, 20 for eighth, 10 for ninth and five points for 10th.

Tomorrow's first round will coincide with the National Day Cup which is scheduled for the same day.

Both events were announced during a Press conference in Abu Dhabi.

It was attended by Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club director general Adnan Al Nuaimi, Hydra Properties chief executive officer Dr Al Fahim and managing director of Tasweeq Lara Sawaya, announcing the 37 National Day Cup and Giants Endurance Challenge.

Al Nuaimi said Hydra Properties and Shaikh Mansour's breeding stables in Normandy, France have joined hands to sponsor and support both races.

"It is also our privilege to collaborate with the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France, owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in sponsoring these two endurance rides and other events this season," said Al Fahim.

Al Fahim said that is the first time that Hydra Properties has been involved with the National Day Cup which is one of the most important events and most of the top riders in the UAE will be there to add to the prestige of the event.

"Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan's breeding stables in Normandy, France is supporting the National Day Cup and the Grand Prix as part of its promotional campaign," said Lara.

South America: News from Enduroonline.com

News from Enduro On Line www.enduroonline.com.br

RESULTS:
- Brazilian Championship CEN*, CEN** and 6ª round of Brasilia Championship

- Argentina Championship 120 km and 160 km and Cazón International Ride

- Endurance La Costa Atlantica, Costa Azul - Rocha, Uruguay

2010 WEG- Radio interview with USEF Endurance Director Vonita Bowers

The longest and most grueling equestrian sport and also one of the fastest growing, that's Endurance. Join us today as we speak to Vonita Bowers, Director of Endurance for the USEF about the sport and what we can look forward too in 2010. We also have lots of WEG news for you this week including paintings, winning geldings and cool WEG websites. Listen in...

2010 Radio Show Episode 15 - Riding for Endurance:

http://2010radioshow.horseradionetwork.com/2008/12/09/2010-radio-show-episode-15-riding-for-endurance/
___________________________

Bahrain: First of Grand Prix Series at Al Wathba

The first rides of the 120-km Grand Prix series will be held this Saturday. His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, head a strong list of riders in the 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge to be held on Saturday at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba. This event will be the first in a three-round 120-km rides promoted by Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser, who will also be participating. The second event will be held in Dubai, and the third and final will be in Bahrain. The championship was recently announced by Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at a Press conference held at Banyan Tree premises in Sakhir. "This is a new idea of having Grand Prix endurance races like in the Formula One and it's just a beginning to have two countries hosting three different rounds," said Shaikh Nasser who confirmed his participation in this prestigious event. "We are planning to have this championship on an annual basis and hopefully more countries will be included in the future," said Shaikh Nasser. Shaikh Nasser said Breef will be inviting top officials and riders from all over the world as either participants or guests to witness this year's event. He added that this year's championship is expected to finish before March. The Breef chief said the rider to accumulate the highest number of points at the end of three rounds will be crowned overall champion. "It doesn't matter if you take part in one, two or all three races to win this competition. The idea is to get more points to become the champion," added Shaikh Nasser. "The Grand Prix is open to all riders of all nationality. All are welcome to take part," he said. In this specialised category of riding, every rider must weight 75 kgs or above without riding equipment and must be registered with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). Shaikh Nasser said the federation decided to organise this championship after it was approved by the FEI last year.

photos: Press conference announcing Grand Prix competition

UAE: Mohammad in Giants Ride even

photo: Adnan Sultan (right) Director-General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Dr Al Fahim, CEO, Hydra Properties and Lara Sawaya, managing director of Tasweeq announcing the 37 National Day Cup and Giants Endurance Challenge.

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: December 10, 2008, 23:40

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, head a strong list of riders in the 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge to be held on Saturday at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

The Giants Ride is the first of the three rounds in the 75-kg Body Weight series and Saturday will also see the prestigious 120-km National Day Cup also being staged at the venue.

Hydra Properties and Shaikh Mansour's breeding stables in Normandy, France have joined hands to sponsor and support the National Day Cup and the Giants Endurance Challenge.

As well as Shaikh Mohammad and Shaikh Mansour, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will also be in the contest. Shaikh Khalid Bin Hamed Al Khalifa and Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamed Al Khalifa are the two top riders from Bahrain who will stage the second round of the Giants Challenge.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said: "The Second Round will be held in held in Bahrain on January 10, 2009 and Dubai will host the concluding race on February 28, 2009."

"It is also our privilege to collaborate with the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in sponsoring these two endurance rides and other events this season," said Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim, CEO, Hydra Properties

"This is the first time that Hydra Properties has been involved with the National Day Cup which is one of the most important events and most of the top riders in the UAE will be there to add to the prestige of this event," he said.

"Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's breeding stables in Normandy, France is supporting the National Day Cup and the Giants Endurance Challenge as part of its promotional campaign," said Lara Sawaya, managing director of Tasweeq.

"The campaign to promote Shaikh Mansour's breeding stables started with the Sorouh Cup Endurance Ride last month and will become more prominent as the season unfolds and will be associated with various equestrian events," she added.

Italy: European Championship, Press launch in Paris

In front of the French specialized Press, Assisi Endurance Lifestyle presented its rich and prestigious progam of events planned for the next September.

Full Report on Endurance.Net

Bahrain: To organize Grand Prix series

Gulf Daily News

By RAMI Hulayyel
December 7

THE Bahrain Royal and Equestrian Federation (Breef) will be organising the first-ever 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix starting next week.The first of this three-round event will be held on Saturday at Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi while Dubai and Bahrain will host the remaining two rounds which are yet to be scheduled.

The Dubai round will be held at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem while the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir will host the Bahrain round.

The first round at the Emirates International Endurance Village will coincide with the National Day Cup which is scheduled for the same day.

The 120-km ride, which will be divided into five stages, is expected to attract some of the world's best riders and horses apart from huge participation from other GCC countries.

The championship was announced last night by Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa at a Press conference held at Banyan Tree premises in Sakhir.

"This is a new idea of having Grand Prix endurance races like in the Formula One and it's just a beginning to have two countries hosting three different rounds," said Shaikh Nasser who confirmed his participation in this prestigious event.

"We are planning to have this championship on an annual basis and hopefully more countries will be included in the future," said Shaikh Nasser.

Shaikh Nasser said Breef will be inviting top officials and riders from all over the world as either participants or guests to witness this year's event. He added that this year's championship is expected to finish before March.

The Breef chief said the rider to accumulate the highest number of points at the end of three rounds will be crowned overall champion.

"It doesn't matter if you take part in one, two or all three races to win this competition. The idea is to get more points to become the champion," added Shaikh Nasser.

"The Grand Prix is open to all riders of all nationality. All are welcome to take part," he said.

In this specialised category of riding, every rider must weight 75 kgs or above without riding equipment and must be registered with the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Shaikh Nasser said the federation decided to organise this championship after it was approved by the FEI last year.

"We submitted our proposal to the international federation which agreed to have this kind of event under its umbrella."

Shaikh Nasser thanked UAE prime minister, vice-president and the ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his support to getting this event underway.

Spain: CEI*** Santa Susana

Madrid, Dec. 4, 2008. - Tomorrow begins the first race of the 56th edition of the traditional Santa Susana Raid, the last big European Raid 2008. The first test will begin at 7:30 pm in the Parc de Colomer of the town of Barcelona. In the list of participants are 14 Spanish riders.

This classic, in addition to being the oldest rallies in Europe, has the honor of being the only one in Spain which is held in two days: the stage tomorrow is composed of 99 kilometers demanding in a scenario that is characterized by great difficulty, because it has a gap of more than 500 m. The final stage will take place on Saturday, and will consist of 99 km also Each of the two days will be divided into three stages of 40, 33 and 26 km.

Yesterday was the first veterinary review. It is planned that tomorrow at 15:00 am the review will be held on the first day of competition. Similarly, when finishing the final race on Saturday, will be held two further revisions: the very tender and will determine the award of "Best Fitness"

The celebration of the Santa Susana Raid closes a season in which this discipline has once again become a major player in the riding of our country, mainly thanks to the results obtained in the recently disputed World Championship, which has been repeated individual gold and has achieved a creditable 5th placed teams.

Qatar: Al Shaqab Team riders set to dominate event

The Peninsula

12/7/2008

Doha: The Endurance Riding season continues this weekend as three separate competition rides are scheduled to be held at the Qatar Endurance Village.

Al Shaqab, member of the Qatar Foundation, has entered a strong group of 12 riders in the Senior Open, 100 km event, and an additional nine, Junior Youth competitors, in the 80 km race. Both events are regulated by the rules of Concours de Raid d'Endurance International (CEI).

Five of the six Al Shaqab riders that represented Qatar in a second place finish in the World Endurance Championship in Terengganu, Malaysia will compete in the Senior Open event.

The sixth member of the successful Qatar national team will ride in the Junior Youth division.

The six riders include: Atta Mohammed Beer, Khalid Sanad Al Nuaimi, Mohammed Sultan Ahmed Al Suweidi, Faleh Nasser Saleh Bughenaim, Mohammed Tahous Saif Al Nuaimi and Abdulla Towim Al Marri.

The group will be joined in the ride by Al Shaqab's team trainer, Hadi Nasser Al Ramzani, and assistant trainer, Abdul Aziz Saleh Al Jaber.

In addition the Qatar National Cup will be held in two divisions on December 20, a 120km event and a junior youth ride at 100km.

The calendar for December includes:

Saturday, December 20

Qatar National Cup, 120k, CEI,Qatar National Cup, Junior-Youth, 100k, CEI

UAE: Baloushi brothers’ double delight

The National

Amith Passela
December 06, 2008
DUBAI

The al Baloushi riders from the Al Reef Stables are on the crest of the wave in endurance. They celebrated a double to take their tally to five winners and a second from six races.

Sultan al Baloushi led a superb 1-2 finish with his cousin Omair al Baloushi in the FEI 120-kilo- metre Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge in Dubai and the younger brother Rashed, 14, won the 100km Boudthib trophy for the junior and young riders in Abu Dhabi.

Yousef al Baloushi, who trained all the winners, said he did nothing special in churning out the victors. “Sometimes you need a lot of luck in this game and right now it seems to be with me. I thank God for that.

“This is the best ever start we have had. The horses that came first and second have done nothing better than today’s finish.

“And the one that won in Boudthib was also winning for the first time. So it’s all going well for us. we are very excited and cherishing every moment.”

The trainer al Baloushi, who was denied of a win in last weekend’s race by his Abu Dhabi rival Ali Khalfan al Jahouri from the Al Wathba Stables, had to make the exit at the end of the penultimate loop in yesterday’s race when the part-Arab mare Lauralyn Sisette was vetted out for lameness.

“She is new for endurance and got very nervous,” added al Baloushi. “She was hard to control and ran at a crazy pace.

“The rains had made the conditions underfoot a bit heavy in some parts of the course and difficult for the horses.”

Sultan, on the 12-year-old Anglo-Arab gelding Sharahd Talik, and Omair, on Hurst Ibn Hamed, crossed the finish line together in just over five hours for Al Reef.

Khalifa Ghanim al Marri on the seven-year-old Purebred Arabian mare Azurra was a further two minutes behind in third for the Fazaa Endurance Team.

Al Reef’s Mohammed Jasim Rahimi was fourth on Corleone and the Dubai-based Spanish world champion Maria Alvarez Ponton was fifth on Halim for the Emirates Stables.

Meanwhile, Rashed completed back-to-back victories in the event for the junior and young riders.

He rode Al Galahn to victory in over four hours and three minutes with Hamdan Mousa al Hammadi over a minute behind in second on Rhiannons Nimbi for Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum.

The Al Reef also occupied the third and fourth spots with Munthar al Baloushi (Kasalo) and Ahmed Ali al Yahyaei (Spoutnik).

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser announces launch of Endurance Grand Prix

Bahrain News

MANAMA, DEC 6 (BNA)

THE BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE FEDERATION /BREEF/ PRESIDENT SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA TODAY ANNOUNCED THE LAUNCH OF THE 120 KILOMETRE ENDURANCE GRAND PRIX IN ABU DHABI, UAE NEXT WEEK.
SPEAKING AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD THIS EVENING AT THE BANYAN TREE DESERT SPA AND RESORT AT THE SOUTHERN GOVERNMENT, SHAIKH NASSER SAID THE IDEA RECEIVED GREAT RESPONSE FROM THE INTERNATIONAL EQUESTRIAN FEDERATION. LIKE EVERY ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP, HE SAID, THIS EVENT WILL BE HELD AROUND THE IN A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES. BUT SHAIKH NASSER SAID THIS CHAMPIONSHIP WAS CHARACTERISED BY A GRAND PRIZE PRESENTED TO THE WINNER AND WILL ALLOW JOCKEYS WEIGHING OVER 75 KILOGRAMMES TO COMPETE. THE ENDURANCE GRAND PRIX WILL TAKE A ROUND INCLUDING A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES TO COLLECT POINTS, HE SAID. SHAIKH NASSER SAID THE CHAMPIONSHIP RESEMBLED THE FORMULA 1 GRAND PRIX. MOREOVER, SHAIKH NASSER PRAISED THE SUPPORT FROM THE UAE VICE PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER SHAIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM FOR HOLDING THE EVENT IN ABU DHABI NEXT WEEK. SHAIKH NASSER SAID THE IDEA OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP EMERGED FROM THE WILL TO UPGRADE AND DIVERSIFY ENDURANCE RACES AND TO ALLOW THE OPPORTUNITY FOR JOCKEYS WISHING TO PARTICIPATE. HE WISHED THE SUCCESS EVENT AND WISHED THAT IT WILL RECEIVE RESPONSE ENABLING IT TO GROW FROM A REGIONAL INTO AN INTERNATIONAL LEVEL. NTQ/ 06-DEC-2008 20:58

UAE: Top riders for Rashid Challenge

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: December 03, 2008, 23:16

Dubai: Some of the top riders of the UAE will compete in Saturday's Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge - a 120km FEI CEI Three Star ride at the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) in Seih Assalam.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, racing manager for Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, said the annual event will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Hamdan.

"All the top riders in the UAE will be taking part and this is a prestigious event in the UAE's domestic circuit," Al Muhairi, who himself is an endurance rider and trainer, said.

"Shaikh Hamdan has, over the years, been patronising endurance rides in the UAE and once again we expect over a hundred riders, including some top foreign riders," Al Muhairi said.

The 120km ride will be run in five stages and on offer will be cars and cash prizes.

"The top three riders will be awarded cars along with cash prizes while the top 20 riders will also get cash awards," said Ali Mousa Al Khamiri, general manager of Dubai Equestrian Club.

"There is also a car on offer for the spectators through a free raffle draw," he added.

Ali Mousa said two qualifier rides will also be held on Saturday.

"A 40km event and an 89km event will also be held along with the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge ride.

The qualifier rides will help novice riders and horses to qualify for rides of longer distances," Ali Mousa said.

On Saturday, the Emirates Heritage Club will also be staging a 100km endurance ride for junior and young riders.

The Boudtheib Endurance Trophy is the third junior event to be held at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem, under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister.

Two other qualifier rides are also scheduled to be organised on Saturday at the Boudtheib Endurance Village.

FEI: 2009 Rules and Notes for Guidance

The FEI has published the 2009 Endurance Rules:

• Notes for Guidance (pdf)
  
  
• Endurance Rules(pdf)
  

LEROY NEIMAN PAINTING FOR 2010 ALLTECH FEI World Equestrian Games Unveiled

December 2, 2008

LEXINGTON, KY— The World Games 2010 Foundation today unveiled the Official Image of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, created by internationally renowned artist LeRoy Neiman.

The painting features each of the eight equestrian sports that comprise the World Equestrian Games, illustrated in Mr. Neiman’s style of brilliantly-colored, energetic imagery. As the Official Commemorative Artist of the 2010 Games, creating the piece was a return to a subject, and a place, with which Mr. Neiman has had a lifelong love.

“The horse has always been a favorite subject of mine, from the work horse to race horses,” said Mr. Neiman. “Kentucky is horse country, where this noble animal is prominent and appreciated. It has been a joy to paint the eight different disciplines for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. I’m looking forward to attending in 2010 with sketchbook in hand.”

The painting will initially be stored and displayed at the International Museum of the Horse at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park, the site of the 2010 Games. A traveling schedule for the painting is in development. In addition, Cobalt Artworks of Louisville, Kentucky hopes to present a retrospective exhibition featuring Mr. Neiman’s collection of equestrian work in downtown Lexington during the 2010 Games.

“When it comes to sports, and particularly sport in America, Leroy Neiman has been an icon for more than a half century. We are extremely pleased and honored to know that he will now be represented in our collections,” said Bill Cooke,Curator, "A Gift from the Desert" exhibition and "The Arabian Horse Galleries". “That his wonderful painting depicts all aspects of the most significant event in the history of the Kentucky Horse Park makes this even more special.”

Official merchandise including signed and official posters and notecards of the print, are now available at the 2010 Games online store, at www.feigames2010.org. or at Cobalt Artworks gallery site, www.cobaltartworks.com. Merchandise featuring the individual disciplines as depicted in Mr. Neiman’s painting is also in development.

“Having a LeRoy Neiman painting is a special achievement for any sporting event, and we are honored that the 2010 Games will be another great canvas to join his great body of work,” said John Long, Chairman of the World Games 2010 Foundation Board of Directors.

Best known for his images of sporting events and leisure activities, LeRoy Neiman is considered one of the most popular living artists in the United States. He has been the official artist of five Olympics, four Super Bowls, as well as the Breeders’ Cup and the Kentucky Derby. He has most recently been in Kentucky to attend the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville and was the Official Commemorative Artist for that prestigious event. Mr. Neiman was commissioned as the Official Artist of the 2010 Games and began research on the work in October of 2007.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), and are held every four years. The Games have never before 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 marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and other current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

Cobalt Artworks is a Louisville based publishing and licensing company and is currently hosting a year-long retrospective of Neiman’s work entitled “LeRoy Neiman – Five Decades.” The exhibit is comprised of paintings, prints, drawings, books and posters curated from the Artist's personal collection and will be on display through December, 2008. For more information about the Neiman retrospective please call (502) 584-0020 or visit www.cobaltartworks.com.
Media Contacts:

World Games 2010 Foundation
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org

Colbalt Artworks
Ben Isaacs
502-584-0020
bisaacs@cobaltart.com

UAE: FEI introduce novice qualifiers

Staff Report
Published: December 02, 2008, 00:41

photo: FEI President Princess Haya with Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, Secretary General, UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Ali Mousa Al Khamiri, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, and Sundar Rethinavel of DEC at the FEI General Assembly in Buenos Aires.

Abu Dhabi: The UAE delegation successfully spearheaded a re-vote on the rest period for endurance horses between competitions in the revision of Rules for Endurance which have been ratified by the FEI's General Assembly and will be introduced from January 2009.

Another significant development at the Assembly was the introduction of a pre-FEI national system (Novice Qualifying) for riders and horses, though not necessarily as a combination.

It has been decided that all horses and riders must have successfully completed Novice Qualifying to be eligible for CEI Star Qualifying.

This in effect means a progress from one FEI star level to the next, riders and horses must have graduated from the qualifying process.

The FEI's General Assembly was held at the Sociedad Rural in Buenos Aires, Argentina last month and some new endurance rule changes were adopted following suggestions from a Task Force in co-operation with the National Federations, according to a press release from the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation.

Eighty-three National Federations gathered for the Assembly and FEI President Princess Haya Bint Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended the proceedings and later presented awards to winners in competitions on the concluding day.

The UAE and other endurance countries in the region were not in favour of the proposed increase in the rest period for competition horses from 27 days to 41 days for events between 120km to 160km.

The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation were represented by the Secretary General Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi and Dubai Equestrian Club General Manager Ali Mousa Al Khamiri among others.

The UAE, which is part of the Group VII, first raised its objection at the group meeting and placed it before the Bureau.

But Ian Williams, Director for non-Olympic equestrian sport said it was too late and it should have been suggested earlier.

But the UAE along with other countries in the region and in Asia argued their case saying that the recent World Endurance Championship had kept the National Federations of endurance nations busy.

Williams suggested that the rules regarding rest periods be adopted from 2010 but in the General Assembly it was voted out.

This ensured the changes were included and the UAE which is one of the leading endurance nations got the rest periods to 20 days instead of 47 days.

The guiding principle behind the UAE's insistence for shorter rest periods is the short endurance season in the UAE and the region due to the climate whereas in other parts of the world rides can be held almost through the year.

Further the UAE has proved that despite the high speeds registered by their horses, the welfare has never been compromised and this to a large extent tilted the argument in their favour.

The rest periods as amended following a revote by the General Assembly after a failure to approve the original timings is as follows: 0- 80 km -13 days rest and 81 km and above 20 days rest.

Canada: Area rider competes in Malaysia

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Posted By ANGELA DORIE

Riding knows no boundaries and, as reported here earlier, Wendy Maccoubrey of Ste. Justine, Que., and her Arab gelding, Mariah, competed in the F. E. I World Endurance Championships in Terengganu, Malaysia from Nov. 6-9 as part of the seven-member Team Canada.

Held bi-yearly, the 2008 World Championship was held, for the first time ever, in a tropical environment at the Terengganu International Endurance Par, a venue which covered varying terrain such as the ocean coastline, palm plantations and canal banks, as well as naturally vegetated areas (jungle?!).

Daytime temperatures peaked at 105 degrees with 80 per cent humidity.

The King of Malaysia, HM Tuanku Mizan, himself an accomplished endurance rider, had the park as well as its stables, schooling areas, etc., created to encourage development of the sport.

It is one of only two such specialized facilities in the world.

ALL-EXPENSES PAID

To ensure that the best in the world competed at this event, the King paid all expenses for the 133 competitors, from air passage to accommodations and food, for both two-and four-legged participants.

Also, each country was allowed to send a veterinarian and a Chef d'Equip as well as two support staff for each rider and horse -- a very large contingent indeed.

As anyone who travels will attest to, there are always problems along the way, the SNAFUs of travel if you will, and this trip was no exception for Wendy and Mariah.

It was timed so that the Canadian team would arrive a couple of weeks early, giving them ample opportunity to acclimate themselves and their horses. A case of "misinformation" regarding the timing of a West Nile booster resulted in Mariah's papers being rejected two days before departure. Trying to reschedule another flight 15 days later, followed by a one-day delay in transport time, resulted in Mariah arriving only five days before the competition. In true Arab fashion he arrived full of beans, apparently walking his handlers everywhere when he disembarked.

After a couple of days to settle in and some hand walking, he and Wendy started night time rides and were deemed fit to start the championship race.

The 160-kilometer (100-mile) race was ridden the night of November 7, riders departing from the start gate at 5 p. m. and riding the seven LED colour-coded "loops" of the course, passing through the mandatory checkpoints at the end of each.

CHECK CONDITION OF HORSES

This is where the condition of the horses is checked by a full flight of vets and technicians: recovery rate, body temperature, pulse and respiration, as well as lameness and/or soreness, before they are permitted to continue on the next leg. As testament to the difficulty of this type of competition, 78 of the 133 who started were either eliminated, disqualified or voluntarily retired.

Canada was represented by Wendy on Mariah, along with six other riders and their horses, three competing as individuals and four as a team (best three times to count).

All but one finished the course, a member of the team, however as three still completed, their times counted and Team Canada placed seventh over all with a time of 38:25:45.

FINISHED 46TH

Wendy and Mariah finished 46th with an individual time of 13:08:21, an astounding effort considering their trials just getting there.

Talk about going against all the odds!