Kentucky Cup Endurance Competitions Start with Challenging Conditions

USEF
Release: October 14 2009

Lexington, KY - It was weather fit for neither man nor beast. But, it was not going to stand in the way of the determined horse-and-rider combinations that made their way to the Kentucky Cup Endurance - the official test event for the discipline of endurance riding and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

The day promised two international-level competitions consisting of a 75-mile and a 100-mile race through Bluegrass farmland. But, that would change halfway through the event for those combinations competing in the 100-mile marathon. The footing began to lose its integrity and become excessively slippery for the horses, and they began sliding on the turf. For safety reasons, a decision was made by the organizers to shorten the 100-mile and turn it into a second 75-mile contest. Safety is a very important word in an equestrian’s vocabulary.

As the day started, there was excitement among the many support teams that assist in the challenge of safely managing the horse through the race and the 23 countries gathered from around the world at the Kentucky Horse Park. In the pre-dawn hours, the work began.

Pouring rain and 40-degree temperatures currently face those riders on the trail that includes a 20-mile lap through farms and across busy roadways (state and local police are ensuring stopped traffic). With safety paramount, each lap is followed by a mandatory check-in (or "vet check") where the rider will dismount. What follows is an examination of the horse by a team of veterinarians and support staff to ensure proper temperature, heartbeat and respiration rates, plus a full metabolic profile. Once the horse is trotted to confirm soundness and deemed fit to continue, the horse is cleared, the rider mounts and the race goes on. But finishing first in endurance doesn’t necessarily ensure a win. Upon completion of the grueling test, the horse must once again be checked. Only once proper health is established is the result official and the winner crowned.

There is no shortage of winners and champions (and dignitaries for that matter) in the Kentucky Endurance Cup. Current European endurance champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain is competing, as is Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, son of the leader of the team from the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, who dropped out of the competition prior to its start early this morning.

American endurance "royalty" Valerie Kanavy (a former United States Equestrian Federation Equestrian of the Year and two-time World Champion) is competing alongside her daughter, Danielle McGonigal, also a World Champion. There are a total of 30 American riders in the 100-mile marathon.

“This event is an excellent opportunity for the riders, and especially the large contingency of Americans, to get a sneak peak at what they will face at next year’s World Equestrian Games," said Vonita Bowers, USEF Director of Endurance.

The 75-mile race began at 7:30 a.m., and it is estimated that the first rider will complete the trail in approximately eight hours. With the reduction of the 100-mile race, it is expected that the leaders will finish in a similar timeframe due to the shortened trail.

A complete wrap-up of the Kentucky Cup Endurance event will be issued on Thursday, October 15, following a press conference with the winning riders, plus the announcement of the Best Condition Award being bestowed on the horse completing the marathon in the best physical condition.

For more information on the event, visit http://www.alltechfeigames.com.

Brian Sosby

source

Endurance riders will periodically block roads near Horse Park

Kentucky.com
Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009
Herald-Leader Staff Report

Drivers on Ironworks Pike, Newtown Pike, Mount Horeb and Huffman Mill Road can expect to make stops throughout Wednesday for riders in the Kentucky Cup Endurance test event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

Riders will be competing over two courses, one of 100 miles and another of 75 miles, that crisscross widely over land around the Kentucky Horse Park. Riders will cross roads intermittently from about 9:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Those crossings will be marked with signs and police officers.

The 75-mile race will begin at 7:30 a.m., and the 100-mile race will start at 7:45 a.m. Riders will be looping back to the Horse Park throughout the day for periodic veterinary checks. The course is open to spectators only at the Horse Park; no spectators will be allowed anywhere else on the course, most of which is on private property.



Parking at the Horse Park will cost $3, but the event is free.

Athletes are expected from more than 20 countries, including Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Romania and Spain in preparation for next year's Endurance World Championship at the 2010 Games.

The team from the United Arab Emirates will be led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who owns horse farms in the Bluegrass. His wife, Princess Haya, is the president of the International Equestrian Federation, the Games' governing body.

The sheikh's son, Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, also will ride for the UAE.

Current world champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain, and the mother-daughter team of Valerie Kanavy and Danielle McGunigal of the United States also will compete.




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Malaysia: Shahruddin Trots Away With Pahang-Penn Endurance Crown

Bernama.com
October 11, 2009 17:25 PM

KUANTAN, Oct 11 (Bernama) -- Shahruddin Abdullah, representing Team Blue Moon, overcame the challenge of 27 other riders to win the gruelling 100km race in the Pahang-PENN Endurance 2009 that ended at the Pahang International Endurance Park here on Sunday.

Shahruddin completed the 100km route in 7 hours 25 minutes 07 seconds to beat Wan Mohd Kamaluddin Wan Yusuff from Team Moro Deuz who came in with a time of 7'29:08s while Muhammad Zaini Saad (Ropadi Bal Tazar) clocked 8'35:57s to take third place.

Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, the defending champion, had to drop out of the race as his horse "Tarjari Moonlight Pharoah" suffered a health problem.

Tuanku Mizan's children Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah meanwhile, competing in the same category, decided to withdraw after completing 70km.

Though Tengku Muhammad and Tengku Nadhirah had decided to withdraw, the 70km completed was their best personal achievements as both had only managed to complete 60km distances in the past.

In the 60km category, Norlaily Bunyamin representing Team Bremervale Jessie James, emerged victorious after completing her race in 4 hours 30 minutes 32 seconds.

Mohd Shahlan Hamzi Mohd Noor from Mater Scaff Endurance came in second with a time of 4'42:17s while Haris Zulhkiple Navaronne from WP Equestrian Team finished third with a time of 4'50:26s.

The 20km category was won by Amir Ghani Ahmad from Ar-Raudhah Equine Centre with a time of 1'16:27, ahead of Al Iskandari Equine Park rider Mohd Fazlee Marzuki (1'25:15s) and Mohd Anif Mohd Nawi.

-- BERNAMA

Tuanku Mizan Sets Out To Defend Title In Gruelling Endurance Race

Bernama.com

KUANTAN, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin was among 97 local and foreign riders who started on their quest in the Pahang-PENN Endurance Challenge 2009 at the Pahang International Endurance Park in Cherating near here Saturday.

The King, an avid endurance rider, representing Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) and wearing a 7 numbered jersey, rode out for the 100km race with 28 other competitors in his class, astride his horse "Tarjari Moonlight Pharoah".

His two children, Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah were also riders in his class which started of at 4.30pm today and expected to last for 15 hours, before ending at 7am Sunday.

Last year, Tuanku Mizan emerged as the champion in the 100km category with a time of 8 hours 17 minutes and 49 seconds.

Two other categories contested, 60km and 20km, saw 52 riders and 17 riders respectively, competing for honours.

Riders are expected to take about 8 hours to complete the 60km race while the 20km race is expected to take about 3 hours to complete.

Apart from local riders, endurance riders from Germany, France, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia are taking part in the competition.

-- BERNAMA

Sheik Mohammed returns to endurance riding

HorseAndHound.co.uk
Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
9 October, 2009

Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum makes his return to international riding on Wednesday (14 October) in the test event for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.

The Sheik was banned from competition for six months after being found guilty of doping his horse Tahhan at the CEI 2* 120km in Sakhir, Bahrain, on 10 January and the CEI 2* 120km in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on 28 February.

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Sales of WEG tickets reach 123,000

Kentucky.com

Thursday, Oct. 08, 2009



About 123,000 tickets have been sold to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games since they went on sale Sept. 25, organizers announced Thursday.

That means roughly one-third of the Games' ticket budget has been met, said Jamie Link, CEO of the World Games Foundation, which is putting on the event at the Kentucky Horse Park next year. Previously, the foundation has set $30 million as the goal for ticket sales.

"The outlook is very positive," he said. Ticket buyers are coming from all 50 states and 40 countries. A more detailed demographic breakdown will be available in a few months, he said. The ticket sales have also prompted more sales of hospitality packages, which are a combination of tickets and VIP accommodations.

In other Games' news:

■Several Games' employees will travel to Copenhagen next month to report to the International Equestrian Federation on the Games' progress.

■The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation will contribute funding towards building a veterinary diagnostic center, which will remain in place after the Games. It will be used to diagnose problems before horses are taken to veterinary facilities around Lexington.

■Marketing director Terry Johnson reported that 80 percent of the sponsorship budget has been reached, and 60 percent of the spots in the trade show have been sold.

■The test event for the 100-mile endurance race will be held on Oct. 14. Test events have already been held for reining, vaulting and carriage driving.

Portugal: Victorious Results for Qatar's Al Shahania Stud at 120km Portugal Endurance Challenge

Barroca d'Alva, Portugal, September 2009 - The International Endurance Championship ride held in Barroca d'Alva, Portugal saw a victorious sweep of Al Shahania horses. Boasting first, second, and fifth place, the race challenge brought exciting, international, and highly competitive racing to Portugal and raised the bar of endurance racing in the country. Race results highlight the Qatari-based stud farm's increased dedication and enthusiasm for endurance racing around the world.

"We are thrilled with our race results as it demonstrates the equine talent we are actively seeking to develop and promote through our stud. We are completely dedicated to the support of endurance around the world. The Barroca d'Alva ride attracted a large number and high caliber of participants from around the world to take part in what was truly a world class race. We look forward to becoming increasing involved with the support and promotion of endurance in Portugal as well as other European nations", said a representative of Al Shahania stud.

Riding close together, Al Shahania fillies Utopia and Kirina kept to the front of the pack throughout all loops of the race. Already 1st and 2nd after the fourth loop, their last rival could not continue. In the final 5th loop they steamed by the others at an average speed of over 20 kph to singularly grab the lead, and take victorious first and second place, a second apart from one another.

Andre Borges on Kirina galloped into first with a time of 6:13:34, and only one second behind was Luis Romero on Utopia Rounding out Al Shahania's victorious day, Renato Contreras on Andalus finished fifth with a time of 6:56:27. The winning filly Kirina was later judged to be the Best Conditioned horse.

The 160 km race route although mostly flat, was variable with diverse land use ranging from forestry and estuary terrain, to vineyards, and agricultural farmlands. Due to the course's variation, several riders were heard to comment that it was a race that would require careful thought, and strategy.

Race host city Barocca d'Alva is situated approximately 30 minutes from Portugal's capital city Lisbon. The area is a renowned equine hub organising various equestrian competitions throughout the year. Whilst Portugal had previously hosted many important European endurance races, this international race highlights the fact that the climate and diversity of the country’s terrain makes it a highly desirable race venue.


Located in an oasis outside Doha, the capital of the Arabian Gulf state of Qatar, Al Shahania is one of the most progressive and successful Arabian breeding and racing establishments in the world. The impressive facility boasts state-of-the-art equine breeding laboratory and barns, full quarantine facilities, and lush pastures ideal for young, growing horses. Currently producing an average of 20 foals per year, the farm is breeding consistent quality flat racers as well as endurance Arabians.

Keen to embrace the world's growing interest and participation in endurance, Al Shahania has ambitious plans for future race sponsorships as well as increased breeding efforts.

Al Shahania Stud, founded by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, is recognized as an international racing enterprise. In all, 157 horses reside at Al Shahnia, predominantly of French lines, and the farm produces an average of 20 foals per year. In the 20 years since its inception, Al Shahania has earned a place among the world’s great Arabian race stables, helps define the standard for excellence in breeding of the Arabian horse. Al Shahania breeds both flat and endurance racers, and is consistently producing results-driven horses.

Malaysia: Agong To Compete In Pahang-PENN Endurance Challenge

Bernama.com

October 7 2009

KUANTAN, Oct 7 (Bernama) -- The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will take part in the three-day Pahang-PENN Endurance Challenge beginning this Saturday.

Pahang Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Wan Adnan Wan Mamat said the championship held for the second time in Cherating, near here, had also attracted 130 participants from six foreign countries, namely Germany, France, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

"It is understood that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will ride the horse, Tarjari Moonlight Pharoah, in the 100km category of the endurance race," he told reporters, here, on Wednesday.

Tuanku Mizan has not only excelled in the sport domestically, but has also done well in competitions outside the country.

Wan Adnan said Saturday's endurance challenge, divided into three categories -- 100km, 60km and 20km -- would also be graced by the participation of Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Nadhirah Zahrah, two of Tuanku Mizan's children.

"This championship will be the first to use the track at the 100-hectare Pahang International Endurance Park, Cherating which had cost RM2 million to build.

"It is the second such track for endurance races after the one in Lembah Bidung, Terengganu."

He said such events held here would help promote tourism and build interest in equine sports among the people.

-- BERNAMA

Kentucky: The World Games 2010 Foundation Announces Competitors for Kentucky Cup Endurance

Official Test Event for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Game

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY-October 7, 2009- On October 14, riders from more than 20 countries will compete in the Kentucky Cup Endurance race, sponsored by Emirates Equestrian Federation, and the official endurance test event for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games.

Athletes from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Romania, Spain and many other countries are expected to compete in or observe Kentucky Cup Endurance in preparation for next year's Endurance World Championship at the 2010 Games. The team from the United Arab Emirates will be led by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His son, HE Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, will also ride for the UAE.

Current World Champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain, and the mother-daughter team of Valerie Kanavy and Danielle Mc Gunigal of the United States will also compete. Kanavy is a two-time world champion (1994 and 1998) and also placed second to her daughter in the 1996 World Championships.

Kentucky Cup Endurance will feature both a 75-mile (120 km) race and a 100-mile (160 km) race. Both races comprise a series of loops through the Kentucky Horse Park and surrounding properties, frequently returning to the Kentucky Horse Park for required veterinary inspections.

The 75-mile race will begin at 7:30 a.m. on October 14 and the 100-mile race will follow with a 7:45 a.m. start. Awards for the 100-mile race will be held at 10:00 a.m. on October 15 in the new outdoor stadium at the Kentucky Horse Park. In addition to honoring the top riders, there will also be an award for the best conditioned horse.

Admission to Kentucky Cup Endurance is free to the public. Parking will be $3 per day at the entrance of the Kentucky Horse Park. Kentucky Cup Endurance spectators can also enjoy the other Kentucky Horse Park attractions. Admission to Kentucky Horse Park attractions is available at the Visitor's Center.

A complete list of competitors and countries is available on the Kentucky Cup Endurance test event page of our Web site.

About the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein of Jordan is the current president of the FEI. The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

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 current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan, Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital, and AQHA. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com

Media Contact:
Amy Walker
859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org

Kentucky: 2010 Pre-Ride

Pre-entries for the Kentucky Cup and North American Team Challenge Endurance ride on October 14, 2009 in Lexington, Kentucky, have been announced. Riders from 22 nations are scheduled to participate in the 160 km CEI*** ride and the 120 km CEI** ride.

Both rides are test events for the 2010 Alltech World Equestrian Games Endurance to be held in September of 2010. The course will be a series of loops on the Kentucky Horse Park and surrounding property.

Vetting in will be on Tuesday, October 13th from 10 AM to 3 PM. The 75 mile ride will begin on Wednesday October 14th at 7:30 AM, and the 100 mile ride will begin at 7:45 AM.

120 km CEI** Start List

160 km CEI*** Start List

Endurance.net and EnduranceEurope.net will have complete coverage from beginning to end at
www.endurance.net/international/USA/2009KentuckyHorsePark

Canada: Locals riding in Kentucky Cup endurance event

Kelowna resident Gail Jewell will be on Endurance Canada's team for the Kentucky Cup. (Photo www.endurancecanada.com)

Kelowna.com - Full Article

October 2nd, 2009

Endurance Canada and Equine Canada are pleased to announce the Canada East and Canada West Squads for the 2009 Endurance Kentucky Cup CEI3*, being held October 14.

Canada West Squad
Rider / Hometown / Horse
Elroy Karius / Kelowna, BC / Apache Eclypse
Gail Jewell / Kelowna, BC / NL Temptation
Tara MacLeod / Montney, BC / Cairos Summer Romance
Patricia Dowling / Saskatoon, SK / ZF Mocha
Terre O’Brennan / Delta, BC / Koszaar
Ariel MacLeod / Montney, BC / Driftwoods Bellanca

Canada East Squad
Rider / Hometown / Horse
Yvette Vinton / Simcoe, ON / Teese
Ruth Sturley / Owen Sound, ON / RBF Super Sport
Robert Gielen / Norton, NB / F.C. Galaxy
Carol Steiner / Vanessa, ON / Jumpin’ Jax
Julie Green / Ubridge, ON / Khaelah
Wendy Benns / Pontypool, ON / Supreme Justice

"How fortunate Canada is to be sending such great riders and horses to The Kentucky Cup" said Endurance Canada Committee chair, Daphne Richard. "Experienced, international riders with amazing, proven horses together with new rising stars—this will be a wonderful opportunity for all of the Canadians to test the trail, experience the venue and grow as a team in preparation for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Endurance Canada would like to congratulate everyone on being selected to the Canada West and Canada East Teams, and wishes all riders a most successful competition."

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UAE: Shaikh Majid Endurance race launched

Gulfnews.com

October 01, 2009

Dubai: Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Art Authority on Thursday witnessed the launching of the Shaikh Majid Endurance race for the distance of 27 kilometers, at the Dubai International Endurance City at Seeh Al Selm.

The race was divided into two phases and 49 UAE national horsemen participated in each phase.

The first group winner was Mohammad Nour Mohammad who finished the race in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 6 seconds.

Mohammad Al Suwaidi won the second phase marathon, finishing in one hour, 47 minutes and 55 seconds.

Ahmad Raheem Jassim came in the third place.

Italy: Spain conquers all in Assisi FEI Meydan City Open European Endurance Championship

Photo by Endurance-belgium.com

Horsemart.co.uk - Full Article

SPAIN’s Maria Alvarez Ponton made endurance history by becoming the first rider to hold both World and European titles at the same time

SPAIN’s Maria Alvarez Ponton made endurance history by becoming the first rider to hold both World and European titles at the same time following a convincing win at the FEI Meydan City Open European Endurance Championship held over the weekend in Assisi, Italy.

Alvarez Ponton has now stood on the medal podium for three year’s in succession. With her 13-year-old French-bred gelding Nobby – world champion under entirely different conditions in Malaysia in 2008 – she also took individual bronze at the FEI European Championships at Barocca D’Alva in Portugal in 2007.

She crossed the line at the end of yesterday’s tough contest in the shadow of the magnificent Saint Francisco's Basilica in 8hrs:10mins: 58secs to complete at an average speed of 19.5km/hr.

The European individual silver medal went to Belgium’s Rachel Jaumotte with Dikruhu (19.1km/hr) while France’s Romain Laporte took individual bronze with Novisaad d'Aqui at an average speed of 18.7km/hr.

The UAE’s Sheikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi finished 10min behind Alvarez Ponton to take the Open European second place with Castlebar Sobia adding to his own recent silver medal winning success at the FEI World Championships for Juniors and Young Riders held in Hungary.

Rachel Jaumotte took the third place in the Open European section.

Fifth-placed Germany’s Sabrina Arnold’s Beau 36 was awarded the coveted best condition award.


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New Zealand: Upper Hutt teen endures for NZ

Stuff.co.nz

30/09/2009

Teenager Emma Mason has earned a first time selection in the New Zealand endurance horse riding team.

The Upper Hutt College year 10 student, and her eight-year-old Arab horse Tararua Mistalight, will be taking on Australia's top endurance horse riders at Ruahine in November.

Emma, who recently turned 15, has more than seven years experience in competitive endurance riding and is more than ready for her first chance at trans-Tasman endurance team eventing on November 21-22.

Her selection is further development of an endurance career which has seen her represent Wellington at the North Island championships and later being chosen for the North Island team to compete at the New Zealand competitions.

Maoribank resident Emma and her mount Tararua Mistalight, who grazes in Kaitoke, along with central North Island rider Michael Wakeling, are the two junior selections in the New Zealand team, which will compete against the Australians in a 100 kilometre race across farmland.

In endurance riding, the winner is determined by which team has the fastest cumulative times recorded by the first three team members to cross the finish line.

The Australian team will compete on borrowed New Zealand horses, while the New Zealand team will later travel to Australia for return competition.

The trans-Tasman contest, described by the endurance racing followers as the equivalent of the Bledisloe Cup, can be expected to be hotly contested as New Zealand looks to wrest back the title.

The trans-Tasman event was first held five years ago and won by New Zealand for the first three years.

Australia: To complete is to win as riders conquer Quilty

Cowraguardian.com.au

28/09/2009

To complete is to win.

It's a simple philosophy Karen Rhodes takes into each endurance ride she tackles.

With that in mind, she is a winner many times over.

The holder of the most buckles for competing in the Shahzada marathon, a gruelling 400km event held over five days, the Woodstock horsewomen maintained her perfect record with trusty companion Shadow in another taxing ride, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

Rhodes was one of seven Lachlan Endurance Riders' Club members to tackle the 160km one-day ride in Victoria last weekend.

Only three finished.

Rhodes and Shadow successfully completed their fifth Quilty together, while Alan Lindsay notched his 10th buckle and Mark Lindsay his first, both with a time a tick over 18 hours.

Included among the local withdrawals were former winner Andrew Bailey, Robin Gossip, Mary Symons and Ray Rhodes, all failing compulsory veterinary examinations with their entries.

That's why reaching the finishing line is a major achievement in itself.

"That's the whole thing with endurance, it’s slow but to complete is to win," Rhodes said.

"There's five legs and you have to come in and vet at every leg.

"It was a good, testing ride, not over the top."

Rhodes' finishing time in a touch over 19 hours was more than nine hours adrift of the Matthew Sample and Brookleigh Ricardo winning combination.

That doesn't bother her, though, in a sport she regards as a hobby rather than a business it is now with Arabian interests.

"To complete a ride in that sort of time, they're superb athletes these horses and the people that ride them are professionals. That's what they do," she said.

"Once upon a time it was just everyone's hobby, now it's a business."

Shadow and former horse Kelly have been the mainstays of Rhodes’ endurance riding career.

Between the two they have combined for 14 of Rhodes' 15 Shahzada buckles. She estimates they have clocked 7,000kms each in competitive rides, excluding training.

But all good things must come to an end and Shadow, a striking Arabian Cross stock horse, seems destined for retirement after his latest campaign.

"He could have been a more competitive horse if he had a different rider," Rhodes joked.

"I've been competing on Shadow eight years and in that time he's completed six Shahzadas out of six, five Quiltys out of five and a couple of state championships.

"He's been an incredibly sound horse.

"He's always been ridden slowly so I guess that's why he's lasted so long.

"You get to know them inside out and they get to know you."

It is Shadow's efforts in the Shahzada which will most be remembered.

The NSW Endurance Riders' Association 2008 Distance Middleweight Horse of the Year helped Rhodes to her 15th buckle out of 16 attempts at the Shahzada in the rugged terrain of St Albans where the Hawkesbury River meets the Blue Mountains.

No rider boasts more buckles.

Meanwhile, the Lachlan Endurance Riders' Club will hold a ride at Woodstock Showground on the weekend of October 17-18.

The vet will take place between 9am-12pm with a 20km social ride and a 40km training ride on the Saturday.

On Sunday there will be a social, training and 80km ride.

The club are encouraging people to come and try the sport and enjoy the beautiful countryside, see what endurance riding is all about. Day membership will be provided.

Italy: Gli italiani ad Assisi

Sportendurance.it

27/09/09

Confirmed this morning the official classification of the European Championships of Endurance of Assisi, results that do not include countries outside Europe.

The former Italian champion Simona Garatti Z'Tadore on the Maury and Martina him on Jo Farouza brilliantly conclude their ordeal at the 16th and 18th place by setting the hourly average to 16.62 kilometers. the first and the second at 15.46.

Jacopo di Matteo About Days closes in 21st position at 14.63 kilometers / h but unfortunately the combination was not in the team for so little blurs the bronze but silver. (foto sportendurance)

2009 Tom Quilty Video

A short video from the Camp checkpoint of the 2009 Tom Quilty held at Tonimbuk, Victoria.

Italy: Abdullah finishes second in Assisi contest

Gulfnews.com

September 26, 2009, 22:53

Abu Dhabi: Reigning world champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain won the gold medal while the UAE's Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi took the silver in the FEI Open Meydan City European Endurance Championship held yesterday in Assisi, Italy.

Riding Nobby, the Dubai-based Maria finished the 160km ride in 8hrs:10mins: 58secs while Shaikh Abdullah, who won a silver medal in the World Junior Championships held in Hungary recently, finished second on Castlebar Sobia in 8:21:33.

Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya on Koum Des Jamets finished eighth while Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, (Spenda Crest Kamouflage) was unlucky to be eliminated in the final stage, according to provitional results.

Earlier, the UAE's hopes of a team medal suffered a setback when Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose on Kaysand Farrazah was eliminated just before the final phase while another UAE team rider Sultan Bin Sulayem on Maddiran made an exit when his horse was found lame after stage three.

Another UAE rider Ahmad Salem Ali Sultan Al Subose on Kumait was eliminated after the second phase. Yesterday's ride was run in six phases. Team results were yet to be announced.

The results: 1. Maria Alvarez Ponton (Spain, Nobby) 8:10:58; 2. Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qas imi (UAE, Castlebar Sobia) 8:21:33; and 3. Jaumotte Rachel (Belguim, Rukban Dikruhu MMN) 8:22:33

Dubai: Total prizes of Dh1m for endurance race winners

Gulfnews.com

September 26, 2009

Dubai: The Organising Committee of the Majid Bin Mohammad Endurance Race has announced cash prizes of Dh1 million to be given to winners.

The 27km endurance competition will be held under the patronage of Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, at the Dubai International Endurance City on October 1 at 5pm.

It is restricted to horses from private stables and owned by UAE nationals.

The winner will be given a gold medal and a Land Cruiser, while the second place will get a silver medal and a cash prize of Dh100,000, and the third place will earn a bronze medal and Dh50,000.

A cash prize of Dh30,000 will be given to the fourth winner, while Dh20,000 to the fifth one and Dh10,000 to the sixth winner.

A cash prize of Dh50,000 will be given to the best horse.

Winners from the seventh to the tenth place will be given Dh5,000 each.

Horses should register a maximum heart rate of 64 bpm within 20 minutes after crossing of the finish line.

Maria Alvarez Ponton and Nobby of Spain win European Championship

The official winner of Meydan City European Endurance Championships 2009 in Maria Alvarez Ponton. This is a great success achieved by Ponton, who is already the wolrd, european and spanish champion. Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2009 celebrates the end of this important competition together happiness the spanish rider and all supporters of this sport.

Complete final results, stories and more photos from Leonard Liesens/Caroll Gatelier to come at

www.endurance.net/international/Italy/2009Assisi