UAE: Top UAE riders for Bahrain event Mohammad leads UAE's charge

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan
January 06, 2009

Abu Dhabi: UAE riders led by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, along with Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, are likely to dominate the second leg of the FEI Three-Star Giants Endurance Challenge (Body Weight) Ride Series to be held in Bahrain on Saturday.

The ride is being organised at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The Bahrain Royal Endurance and Equestrian Federation (Breef) will see the UAE's top riders take on some of Bahrain's best and many others from around the world.

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Bahrain: Five stages for endurance race

Gulf Daily News

ORGANISERS of the 120-kilometre Endurance Horseride Grand Prix, scheduled for Saturday, yesterday approved five stages for the race.

The Bahrain event, which is the second of a three-leg series and will be organised by the Bahrain Royal Endurance and Equestrian Federation (Breef), is taking place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The Breef decided to have 30km for each of Saturday's first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth besides 15km for the fifth and final stage.

In the first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix, held at Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa steered Omsura Nasrohn to a fourth-place finish.

The hosts dominated the podium yesterday when Abdulla bin Hazim was the first to complete the race, followed by UAE's Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan in second place with compatriot Ahmed bin Harmash third.

The third and final round is scheduled for February 28 at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem where the rider with the highest number of points will be honoured. The top 10 riders in each race of the series are gaining points.

Among a race's top finishers, the winner earns 100 points, while second gets 80, third 70, fourth 60, and fifth 50 points. Riders classified sixth through 10th will also come away with points.

Each participating rider must weigh at least 75 kilograms without riding equipment, and must be registered with the International Equestrian Federation.

Meanwhile, Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan said the team is training on daily basis ahead of this event, adding that he is confident to see his riders among the top finishers.

On his part, route committee head Fahad Al Rumaihi said the committee has finalised its preparations for this event which started last week.

Al Rumaihi said the committee's has succeeded in its mission thanks to directives from Shaikh Nasser and Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Breef general secretary and ground jury committee head Ghalib Al Alawi confirmed that his committee members are ready to receive the participants from Bahrain the UAE.

Al Alawi said this race promises to feature stronger competition than in the first round in Abu Dhabi as more riders from both countries have approved their participation for the second leg.

Shaikh Nasser, the Breef president, expressed his appreciation for race sponsors Unicorn Investment Bank, especially its chief executive officer Majid Al Rifaee.

Shaikh Nasser also said he was proud that Bahrain is hosting such a prestigious race, which has been approved by the International Equestrian Federation.

World Games 2010 Foundation Names New Chief Executive Officer

DATE: January 5, 2009

LEXINGTON, KY - The World Games 2010 Foundation today announced that it has selected Jamie Link as the new Chief Executive Officer of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Link has been serving as Deputy Secretary of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet since December 2007 and prior to that spent several months as the Deputy Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park. In his current role, he has served as an ex officio member of the World Games 2010 Foundation board of directors and has been actively involved in the ongoing construction projects at the Kentucky Horse Park and major vendor selections related to the Games.

"I am honored to be selected as CEO of the World Games 2010 Foundation and look forward to working with the wonderful staffs of the Foundation and the Kentucky Horse Park," Link said. "It is going to take all of us working together and we are committed to showcasing to our visitors not only the world’s finest equestrian venue that is the Kentucky Horse Park, but also the many amazing attractions we have throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky."

"I have watched Jamie participate in many of the meetings and was impressed with his ability to get things done. The planning for the Games is at a critical juncture and we need to have a full time CEO to manage the process for the next 21 months," said John Long, board chairman and acting CEO. "Jamie’s familiarity with the Games planning means he will be able to jump in immediately and make an impact."
Long also added that the Games proactively recruited Mr. Link. There was no pressure from the state. In fact, Long said that Secretary Marcheta Sparrow - also a board member - politely reprimanded him for stealing Link.
Secretary Sparrow added "although I am sorry to lose Jamie as my co-worker in state government I am confident in his abilities to lead the Games at this critical time. His knowledge of the Kentucky Horse Park and the importance of this event to our state’s image throughout the world is tremendous."

John Nicholson, Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Park said "having known and worked with Jamie Link for a number of years, I can state with confidence that he is uniquely qualified for this position and I am delighted that he has accepted the Board's offer. Everyone at the Kentucky Horse Park has witnessed firsthand Jamie's uncommon talent, integrity and dedication during his time as Deputy Director. He understands the Park’s day-to-day operations and the special needs of the Park for the 16 days of high level championship competition. In addition, it is helpful to have someone familiar with all of our key community and state leaders involved in this project to help streamline our efforts. I look forward to once again having the pleasure of working with him as we build toward, not only this epoch moment in our history, but for the great legacy it will provide."

Link will officially begin serving as CEO on January 12, but has already begun the transition and attending meetings as needed to be up-to-date on all operations when he joins the staff full-time.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Federation 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, John Deere and Ariat International, Inc. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.feigames2010.org.

Media Contacts:

World Games 2010 Foundation
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235 or 859-699-0443 (cell)
awalker@feigames2010.org

Ellen Gregory
Preston-Osborne
859-231-7711 ext 234 or 859-338-1775 (cell)
elgregory@preston-osborne.com

Bahrain: Unicorn support for Grand Prix

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

5th January 2009

UNICORN Investment Bank will sponsor the Bahrain round of the 120-kilometre Endurance Horseride Grand Prix, organisers the Bahrain Royal Endurance and Equestrian Federation (Breef) announced yesterday. The race, which will be the second of the three-leg event, is set to take place on Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Breef president and Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa expressed his appreciation for Unicorn's support of the leg. Shaikh Nasser also said he was proud that Bahrain is hosting such a prestigious race, which has been approved by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Breef officials, under the guidance of Shaikh Nasser, yesterday continued to intensify their preparations for the ride, which follows the opener held last month at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

Coverage on Endurance.net
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Bahrain: Raring to Go!

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

4th January 2009

BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance team, led by captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, is gearing up for the second leg of the 120-kilometre Endurance Horseride Grand Prix, which will take place on Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The round follows the opener held last month at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

Shaikh Nasser, who is the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, finished an impressive fourth riding his horse Omsura Nasrohn in that race, which was divided into five stages.

Shaikh Nasser is once again expected to be at the forefront of the Bahraini contingent taking part as hosts in the kingdom's leg. The others set to take to the saddle are Breef first vice-president and Al Khaldiya Stables captain Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Ghazi Al Dossary, and Abdulhaq Qadoori.

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Emirates Heritage Club calls off endurance festival

Published: January 03, 2009, 12:34

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Heritage Club has called off the third Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed International Endurance Festival, which was in progress at the Bou Theib Endurance Village in Al Khatam.

The decision is part of the official mourning declared in the country to mourn the death of Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, who passed away Friday morning in London.

In a statement, the higher organising committee said that the death of Shaikh Rashid is “a great national loss that plunged us to deep grief.”

Abu Dhabi: Al Reef bag top two places on day one

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
January 01, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Al Reef Stables rider Ahmad Salem Al Beloushi, riding Spoutnik, emerged as day one leader in the three-day 240 kilometre Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup here yesterday.

The Al Reef rider managed to finish marginally ahead of Mohammad Jasem Rahimi on Tonki Dee Boo Kentucky, out of 64 riders who started in this important ride which is part of the Endurance Festival being held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, at the Boutheib Endurance Villagein Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi.

Riders are required to cover 80 kms each day in the 240 kms ride.

More...

Abu Dhabi: Khalid and Hazza start as frontrunners

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan
December 31, 2008

Abu Dhabi: Last year's defending champion Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his elder brother Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 2007 winner, will once again start off as frontrunners to win the three-day (80x3) 240-km Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup.

Last year, Shaikh Khalid won the 240-km ride on Nemer while in 2007 it was Shaikh Hazza, who finished first on ZT Faraventura.

The three-day 240-km ride is one of the four rides which make up the three-day endurance festival staged at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE.

The three-day 240-km event is a tough test for both rider and horse.

More...

Abu Dhabi: Endurance festival kicks off Wednesday

Wam.org.ae

Dec 31, 2008

ABU DHABI, Dec. 31st, 2008: The Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Endurance Festival is set to kick off on Thursday at the Bou Theib Endurance Village in Al Khatem.

250 male and female jockeys from the UAE and other countries will compete in 4 races over 3 days for a total of AED 600000 in prizes.

The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of Emirates Heritage Club.

The winner of the main 3-leg 240km ride which will be spread over 3 days will receive AED 100000 in cash and the Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Endurance Cup.

Dubai: Hamad wins Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 1

By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter

Dubai: Hamad Ebrahim Abdullah Al Marzouqi scored a fluent win on Lautaro to take yesterday's 100-km Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 1 endurance ride, a national event open only to UAE riders from private stables.

Hamad, riding the 13-year-old chestnut gelding for Al Ain Stables, completed the 4-stage 100-km ride in four hours 10 minutes and 56 seconds at an average speed of 23.91kmph at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalam.

A total of 72 riders took part in yesterday's event which was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

It was a consistent riding display by Hamad on Lautaro that ended in a comfortable win for the youngster with Rashid Arif Al Zarouni on Soughah in second place and Mohammad Hassan Abdullah on Tiramisu in third ahead of Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha, who was one of the favourites.

[More ...]

Abu Dhabi: From Hobby to Profession!

Gulf News

(photo: M. Satya Narayan/Gulf News)
Maj Al Adhab says the support of the Rulers and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has helped him get a good insight into the finer aspects in officiating as an endurance judge.

By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: December 27, 2008, 23:32

Abu Dhabi: What started out as a hobby in 1990 soon blossomed into a fruitful association with horses and Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab is not only the Director of Dubai Mounted Police but has enjoyed many firsts in the equestrian world.

It was a hobby in 1990 and as a cadet in Dubai Police he began to enjoy riding and competing in equestrian events and after he became an officer in 1996, Mohammad Eisa caught the eye and began his journey as an official.

In 1997, the officer was sent to Australia under instructions from His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and became a Steward in flat racing and was named to the Emirates Racing Authority as the first UAE national Steward.

His next step was into endurance and starting off as junior official, he soon reached the peak and is today one of the two active four-star international judged in endurance.

Speaking to Gulf News, Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab speaks about his involvement with horses which has seen him officiate in numerous world championships.

Gulf News: How did it all come about your involvement with horses?
Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab: It started as a hobby but and it was this interest in horses which soon resulted in me being named as Director of Dubai Mounted Police in 1997 after I became an officer in 1996.


Could you please explain Dubai Mounted Police in brief?
We have over 200 horses and they are part of different divisions. We have horses for crowd control, endurance, show jumping, ceremony shows and more recently we have a division which helps in rehabilitation of handicapped.

Apart from heading the Dubai Mounted Police, what are the other areas of interest with horses?
Thanks to the busy racing and endurance season in the UAE I have become a four-star international judge which allows me to officiate in international events. I am also the first UAE national who has been named as an 'Expert' in horses by the Dubai Courts.

What is your role as a Horse 'Expert'?
In cases involving horses or other equestrian activities, I am eligible to give my opinion to the courts.

As a UAE national, how do you look at your role as an International Endurance Judge?
The UAE is one of the few countries with the highest number of FEI rides. Apart from this the support of the Rulers and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has helped me get a good insight into the finer aspects in officiating as an endurance judge. With the horse's welfare being paramount my experience as a rider helps.

In the recent past, you have been officiating in all international championships. What are the challenges?
I was the Head of the Ground Jury at the Doha Games and have been a member of the Jury at the World Endurance Championships in 2006 in Germany and the recent World Endurance Championship in Malaysia. I was also an official at the European Open Championship in Portugal in 2007.

The sport is one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines. With it the rules are also constantly being changed but fortunately for me... I manage to keep abreast of developments.

USA: Goethe Ride - Florida

The Goethe 100 was held this past weekend in Florida. Managed by Connie Caudill this long standing ride offered an FEI division this year for the first time. With perfect Florida weather the event had a large turnout and a competitive field.

Preliminary Results:
100 Milers
26 starters/14 finishers
BC- Valerie Kanavy-Gold Raven

1 08:35:45 Kanavy, Valerie Gold Raven (BC)
2 08:49:40 Rapp, Ellen Berjo Smokey
3 10:18:11 Faryadi, Farzad Hot Desert Knight
4 10:19:11 Gibbon, Kyle Julio
5 10:19:33 Rojek, Steve Sambet
6 12:35:10 Worthington, Janice Serloki
7 12:35:15 Lewis, Chris Mufasa
8 12:54:38 Farris, Mary Thundering Overtime
9 12:54:38 Schultz, Debbie TR Notablymi shaah
10 13:28:01 Blittersdorf, Melody Synthetic
11 13:28:02 House, Norma Legendary Echo
12 13:28:03 Savory, Megan Shamwari
13 13:28:04 SLeeper, Meg Syrocco Gabriel
14 13:28:05 Ivey, Debra Razyl Cha
L Alderdice, Krista Zinfandl Coalmane
L Brunjes, Kathy Tektonic
L LF Green, Lisa LR Amana Tabi
L RH Downs, Kathryn Blew Away
M Kirkland, Alexandra DJB Mercy Mercy
P Mero-Kuryla, Jeanette Lynika
PULL Carrie, Dawn Little Bear TC
RF Parsons, Debbie Eclipse
RO Hagman-Eriksson, Maria Ruleta PJ
RO M Krell, Darlene Raising Cano
RO M Kidd, Edward Merlin
ROM Yanada, Yukio Sarahs Song

75 Milers (w/o the horse names)
38 starters and 25 finishers
BC- Cia Reis
1 06:07:15 Kanavy-McGunigal, Danielle
2 06:07:30 Reis, Cia
3 06:13:33 Olsen, Jeremy
4 06:33:37 Barbosas, Hernon
5 06:38:42 Roush, Michelle
6 07:42:41 Bejarano, Wendy
7 07:42:43 Hoyns, Heather
8 07:42:44 Gielen, Robert
9 08:04:29 Vinton, Yvette
10 08:16:00 Nelzin, Justin
11 08:22:55 Crandell, John
12 08:31:05 Littlefield, Chris
13 08:39:40 WALKER, NANCY
14 08:39:40 O’Donnell, Brenda
15 08:49:20 Smetek, Gregory
16 09:24:55 Augustine, Dave
17 09:35:46 PEARSON, LAURIE WHALEY
18 09:41:43 Horn, Devon
19 09:41:45 Butler, Darolyn
20 09:49:11 Ciubuc, Radu Ion Aurel
21 09:56:42 Mettes, Cynthia
22 09:56:45 Olson, Foster
23 10:20:00 Pauley, Leigh Ann
24 11:31:50 Hendrickson, Stephanie
25 12:29:42 Carrie, Ross
L LF Kaden, David
L R Downs, Daryl
L RF Orr, Kim
L RO Snook, Lucy
LF Welling, ROxi Rivkind
LF CICCONE, ROXANNE
LH Swift, Rita
M CRANDELL, LINDA
PULL WILLIAMS, LISA
PULL WILLIAMS, KIMBERLY JoY
RH/RO Tachibana, Yurika
RO Kale, Brittany
RO L Van Deusen, Cheryl

50 Milers
BC Lisa Winburn/SA Ireesh Tenor
40 starters/33 finishers

1 03:50:00 Greenwalt, Carolina Reach for the Gold
2 03:56:00 ALLEN, ELIZABETH KHEMOZEDDI
3 03:58:00 Raciborska, Do Saagre Gold
4 04:31:00 WINBURN, LISA SA IREESH TENOR
5 04:38:00 HAGIN, AMBER Beaujolais
6 04:46:00 HOWELL, MARY SHAani
7 04:46:00 Mooney, Jessica Shashi
8 04:53:00 Pfoertsch, kevi what about bob
9 04:55:00 WALKER, DEBORAH COBRA
10 04:55:00 FEROGLIA, LESLI MAGNUFIQUE
11 04:55:46 STILLWELL, INTA Ce Nickie Bay
12 05:04:30 VILLENEUve, MARIA SMOKE RISE ZAHARA
13 05:04:31 WOODHOUSE, CHRYSTA MISS T MOONLITE
14 05:05:08 Boysen, Cody Autumn In Motion
15 05:08:18 Petras, johnny Cazze
16 05:28:20 Magee, J D Lucky
17 05:29:09 Magee, kathy Elden
18 05:29:40 HOWELL, cATHE DIXIES MORNING SKYE
19 05:31:24 Heater, RON P.D.
20 05:35:10 BASS, KEITH FENIX T
21 05:43:06 JOHNSON, TERESA SEQUENCE
22 05:43:14 YENTER, MARY ROHARA EGOISTE
23 05:48:12 Steiner, Carol Jumpin Jax
24 05:48:23 schoech, joe Kamakazi bAY B
25 05:57:10 Kemerer, SKip Samir Moniet
26 05:57:20 KEMERER, ASHLEY KIRAH ZONE
27 05:57:25 LEWIS, SAMANTHA FLEETS REFLEXION
28 06:31:53 Vavala, Carolyn CA hAfizoliVa
29 06:34:44 Mathews, Barb Torpedo Masterpiece
30 06:34:50 Maillard, WES
31 08:04:01 strasser, sheryl Wut the sign sea
32 08:10:02 SHOAf, DONNA SILKO DESSERT RAIN
33 08:10:04 JOHNSON, KELLY AJA
EL /gate 1 HUNTER, TERI KHOMENTS KAROL
L LH KALLELA, SINI SOHO
L RF BISCH, EDWARD RUSTY
L RF BROWN, JERRY JENERATOR
LH/RF Waxman, Alisa
RH Reich, Deborah Tryxa
RO BOWER, LOUISE TROOPER TOBY

Limited Distance
Best condition- Shelley Scott-Jones
37 starters/32 finishers

1 01:59:00 GIRARD, TAMMIE RAJAH EL PHARD
2 02:00:00 staffney, penny kismit
3 02:00:00 whiteacre, catherine yasmin tseacoast
4 02:13:00 Roberts, Cassandra AV Temptress
5 02:13:00 Scott-Jones, Shelley Crank It Up
6 02:15:00 BUICK, DEBBIE FOUND ONE MAXIUMUM BAY
7 02:15:00 Lemieux, Elaine Hershey
8 02:17:00 Powers, Melissa Luv on the Rocs
9 02:21:00 WONSER, JEAN WIELKI
10 02:24:00 Doler, Vickie Lady
11 02:27:00 Annis, Margie Nirus
12 02:34:00 Paul, Vance MystiQal Firefly
13 02:35:00 FLorkiewicz, Maria MAJECO
14 02:44:00 Yates, Samatha Marco
15 02:49:00 Schoech, Tamra Bogey
16 02:50:00 BROWN, MALINDA EAGLES ROCK SER
17 02:50:00 Popff, Natalie Gria
18 02:50:00 Spear, Caitlin Houre Black Kandu
19 02:55:00 Janecek, Laura Tuff
20 02:55:00 Haulbrook, Kathleen Hercules
21 02:57:00 BRIANT, CAROL VIRONIKA
22 02:58:00 FULCHER, REBECCA DREAM EAGLE
23 03:04:00 Parker, Elaine LM Sterling Sundance
24 03:16:00 BOSTROM, JOY BAILA DE NEGOLD
25 03:26:00 BRADLEY, TAMMY PRIME TIME
26 03:32:00 Anthony, Julie SPENCER
27 03:37:00 Leger, Sherry Jambo
28 03:56:00 Burton, Mason Cracker jack
29 03:56:00 Burton, Carla Rain
30 04:14:00 BASS, HOPE Magic
31 04:48:00 Neff, Bonnie Alley Dancer V
32 04:48:00 Roy, carol Travieso
L Frnt Wilcox, Victoria Sennamon
L Hind Richardson, Kathy Georgia
LH Heppleston, Jill Blessings Easter Promise
RF Rohrer, Joy Myakka Q
RO stauffer, caren slim pickens


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Bahrain: National Guard Championship

Ghazi al Dossayr and Jelham
First to Finish - Photo by Osama

GHAZI Al Dossary and Abdulla Al Khatry emerged champions in the senior and junior races, respectively in the National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship held yesterday at the Bahrain Interna\
tional Endurance Village in Sakhir.

More than 100 riders from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia competed it out in this prestigious event which featured 120km five-stage races open for junior and senior riders.

Endurance.Net Coverage

Great Britain: Molly Malone carries Hannah to a hat-trick

Journallive.co.uk

Dec 20 2008

HEXHAM-BASED Endurance rider Hannah Shotton has won the North Bedmax Trophy for the third year in a row on her Connemara pony, Miss Molly Malone.

The event is run by the Northumberland & Tyneside Endurance group and is open to any EGB or SERC (Scotland) member. There are ten qualifying rides with distances over 48 kilometres held across the North and Scottish Borders. Points are calculated based on the horse’s speed and final heart rate. The faster the speed and the lower the heart rate, the higher the points.

The trophy is awarded to the horse-rider combination with the highest total from four of the rides and prizes are presented to the first three places.

The Northumberland & Tyneside Endurance GB trophies were awarded at their Annual Group Meeting in the Robin Hood Inn, near Corbridge, by vet and sponsor Colin Mitchell, partner at ScottMitchell Associates, Hexham.

He made a short presentation on equine dentistry which was followed by a talk on the activities and hopes of the EGB Young Riders by Hannah Shotton.

Bahrain: Riders Set for National Guard Race

NINETY-two riders are in the fray for today's National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship, starting at 5.30am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The second endurance race of the season, to be held under the patronage of National Guard Commander Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, will be over 120km.

The race will be divided into five stages. The first and second stages will cover 30km each, 25km for the third stage, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

A huge number of riders have confirmed their participation in this challenging event which is open to seniors and juniors of all ages and nationalities.

Among top stables taking part in the senior race is the Royal Endurance Team who will be represented by 18 riders, led by veteran Yusuf Taher who will ride Maraka.

Other prominent team riders include Ghazi Al Dossary, Jaffer Mirza, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Fahad Bakheit, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Abdulhaq Qadoori and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

The remaining Royal team members are Mohammed Batch, Mahindra Singh, Karan Singh, Ahmed Abdulla, Elene Lyon, Morgan S., Abdulrahman Al Zayed and Mohammed Al Thawadi.

Al Talia Stable, another title favourites, will be spearheaded by three riders - Sang Singh Bhati, Samir Singh and Dalpat Singh.

Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa will lead a three-member team of Al Fateh Stable. The remaining two are Abdulla Al Muawda and Isa Buhazza.

Other stables in the fray include the Kingdom Stable, Al Shuwamekh, Hawar Equestrian, Hossam Mansoor, Jehad Al Sharaf, Awal, Ibrahim Abdali Stable, Al Ruwaie, Falcons, Saar Riding School, Hassan Al Ruwaie, Generation Stable, Al Asayel, Ali Ghuloom and Shabeer Malalla.

In the junior race, the Royal Endurance Team will be represented by Shaikha Maryam Al Khalifa and Ahmed Al Qaud.

From Al Fateh Stable, Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa is another favourite to win a podium spot in this category. Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Khalifa, Isa Al Ghatam and Hussain Aref are the other riders to race for Al Fateh Stable.

Also taking part in the junior races are riders from the Kingdom Stables, Hawar, Al Shuwamekh, Awal, Ras Jameel, Abu Younes, Al Mughairat, Al Ruwaie, Saar, Hassan Al Ruwaie and Al Asayel.

This prestigious championship will also feature two qualifying races over 60km and 80km. These warm-up races mostly attract young riders seeking experience for major events in the future.

In the 80km race, three riders are in the fray and they are Tito from Al Shuwamekh Stables, Nasser Awad from Al Mughairat Stable and Sayed Hussain Sayed Ali from Jawad Radhi Stable.

Six riders will line up in the 60km, including Abdulla Al Qaud and Abdulla Johar of the Royal Endurance Team, Mohammed Al Belooshi and Mohammed Al Khatry and Abdulrahman Ali of Al Asayel Stable besides Amelia Boyd from Abbas Khalil Stable.

Meanwhile, the veterinary examination will be held today from 2.30am until 4.30am at the endurance village. The weight procedures will also take place today during the veterinary examination as each rider should not be less than 75kg in weight.

The veterinarian and grounds jury committee members were announced as Carol B of Great Britain was named head of the ground jury committee which also includes Ghalib Al Alawi, Haider Al Zu'bi of Jordan and Bahrain's Abdulsamad Al Busta, Mahdi Al Kelaiti, Ali Ghuloom and Fahad Al Rumaihi.

Tunisia's Dr Yasine Al Mo'tamiri is head of the veterinary committee which consists of veterinarians from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Argentina and Bahrain.
Endurance.Net Coverage

USA: Arabian breeder Donald Forbis dies

Horsetalk.co.nz

Longtime US arabian horse breeder Donald Forbis died on Monday in Mena, Arkansas, at the age of 81. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer in June.

With his wife, Judith, Forbis founded the renowned Ansata Arabian Stud in 1958. The couple met in Turkey in 1957 while he was working as an oil well manager and she was with US International Cooperation Administration's Turkish Mission. They married in March 1958.

Both were horse lovers and while living in the southeast Diyarbakir region, bought Arabian horses to race in the local races for "something to do." Don trained them, and Judith rode them in the races. Her book Hoofbeats Along the Tigris chronicles their hazardous racing career as they won races and earned the respect of the Turks, Kurds and Arabs.

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Bahrain: Riders set for National Guard Endurance race

Gulf-daily-news.com

18th DECEMBER 2008

LEADING riders will be vying for top honours in the National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship to be held on Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The championship, which is the second event of the season, will be over 120 kms and is open to senior and junior riders. It will be held under the patronage of National Guard Commander Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Top stables taking part in this event include Al Fateh Stable coached by veteran rider Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa.

Al Fateh Stable will be represented by four riders including Shaikh Salman's daughter Shaikha Najla Al Khalifa who will compete in the junior race.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Khalifa (junior race) and Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa and Abdulla Al Muawda (senior race) are the other members of the team.

Al Asayel Stable is also entering a strong field led by Khalid Al Khatry. Yousif Isa and Mohammed Al Thawadi are set to take part in the senior race while five riders - Abdulla Al Khatry, Fahad Sulaiman, Abdulrahman Rashid, Khalifa Saad and Mohammed Saifa - are in the fray in the junior race.

Coaches Khalid Al Ruwaie from Hassan Al Ruwaie Stable and Jaffer Al Alawi of Falcons Stables are also confident of their riders putting up a good show. This event will also mark Bahrain's National Day and His Majesty King Hamad's accession to the throne.

Endurance.net coverage

WEG Equine Piroplasmosis Protocol Released

Thehorse.com

by: Edited Press Release
December 12 2008, Article # 13258

After years in development, a plan that allows horses positive for equine piroplasmosis to enter the United States in order to compete in the Alltech 2010 World Equestrian Games was recently presented to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) General Assembly. The Games, to be held Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2010, represent the world championships of the eight FEI disciplines. This is the first time the Games will be held outside of Europe.

Equine piroplasmosis is a blood-borne disease that can cause sickness in horses that have not been previously exposed. In areas of the world where the disease is more common, it can be transmitted by carrier horses that have encountered the disease previously and that carry both the causative organism and antibodies in their blood.

The World Games 2010 Foundation coordinated with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to organize this protocol.

"Effectively negating the piroplasmosis risk for both competition horses and the domestic horse population is a primary focus for our team, as part of our overall importation and quarantine plan," said Kent Allen, DVM, veterinary services coordinator for the event. "We want all horses to enter a healthy environment, and to leave the Games from a healthy environment."

The piroplasmosis organism requires specific tick species to complete its life cycle. For the organism to spread, this species of tick must feed on an infected horse, then drop off and feed on a non-infected horse.

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New Zealand: Harmon shows endurance over testing 102km course

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article and results

The Marlborough Express | Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Linda Harmon outlasted Kylie Avery to take 102km honours at the Marlborough Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Club's annual endurance ride on Saturday, December 6.

The two Marlborough riders were side by side for much of the four loops over the Easter Marchburn, Ditchling and Chestnut Valley properties but in the end it was Harmon and Landon V'erah who proved victorious.

Harmon crested the final hill ahead of Avery and Silands Jasark and gently cantered her horse down the final strip and over the line in 7 hours 47.26 minutes.

Avery finished 26 seconds later. Landon V'erah completed a double, taking the best conditioned award for the 102km class.

Marlborough junior rider Jaime Heywood, aboard Delights Antar, also completed the 102km ride, in 9.52.14.

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Sport Horse Veterinary Symposium to Run with WEG

Thehorse.com

Edited Press Release
December 16 2008, Article # 13280

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and Alltech will sponsor a sport horse symposium for veterinarians to be held in conjunction with the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The symposium, "Promoting Peak Performance in Equine Athletes," will be held Sept. 22-24, 2010, at the Marriot Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Ky. In addition to this symposium for veterinarians, Rood & Riddle and Alltech will conduct seminars at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Games for non-veterinary attendees.

The symposium will focus on veterinary care for horses involved in sport horse disciplines, including: eventing, show jumping, dressage, endurance, reining, vaulting, driving, and para-equestrian. An international roster of speakers will present in-depth, current information on orthopedic problems, diagnostic imaging, equine podiatry, gait disorders (lameness versus neurological disease), upper and lower respiratory disease, muscle disease, and nutrition.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is the official equine hospital and veterinary partner for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be held Sept. 25 through Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

"Rood and Riddle is delighted to partner with Alltech to sponsor a symposium for sport horse veterinarians from around the world," said Tom Riddle, DVM. "We timed the meeting so that veterinarians could attend the symposium and stay for the Games, which begin the day following the closure of the symposium. We are assembling an outstanding group of speakers who will offer the latest information on veterinary care and nutrition of the sport horse."