Chile: Pan-American 2011: Interview with Victor Rios, President of AChE

Enduroonline.com.br - Full Interview...

Victor Rios, nuevo presidente de la
Asociacion Chilena de Enduro Ecuestre, ACHEE

"En Chile podemos hacer el mejor Panamericano que se haya hecho en Sudamerica"

La verdad es que lleva apenas cinco dias a cargo de la presidencia de la ACHEE y ya tiene muchos desafíos por delante. El mas importante: realizar por primera vez en Chile un Panamericano de Endurance. Aunque su optimismo no lo oculta, esta feliz de poder ser parte de este hecho historico en el deporte ecuestre.


Por: Mitzy Gálvez, ACHEE

Abogado de profesion y amante de los caballos. Asi es Victor Rios, el flamante nuevo presidente de la Asociacion Chilena de Enduro Ecuestre.

Se reconoce nuevo en el tema del endurance, pero la experiencia que ha adquirido liderando un importante estudio de abogados, la Fundacion Origen y siendo Director de la Fundacion Huidobro lo han puesto hoy encabezando los lineamientos de la ACHEE, mas aun cuando los compromisos internacionales estan golpeando la puerta de nuestro pais. A pocos dias de haber asumido su cargo, conversamos con el acerca de sus expectativas y lo que viene en el camino del enduro ecuestre.


Victor Rios, new president of the Equestrian Endurance Chilean Association, ACHE

"In Chile we can make the best Pan ever made in South America"

The truth is that it takes only five days over the presidency of AChE and already has many challenges ahead. Most important: do the first time in Chile, a Pan American Endurance. Although his optimism does not hide it, is happy to be part of this historic event in the equestrian sport.


By: Mitzy Galvez, ACHE

A lawyer by profession and a lover of horses. So Victor Rios, the flamboyant new president of the Chilean Association of Endurance Riding.

It is recognized again on the theme of endurance, but past experience leading a major law firm, Origin and Foundation Director of the Foundation being Huidobro today have been spearheading the guidelines of AChE, more so when international commitments are banging on the door of our country. A few days after taking his office, talked to him about your expectations and what comes in the way of endurance riding.

Mas...

Abu Dhabi: Top riders set for Giants Endurance

Gulf-daily-news.com

December 12, 2009


FOUR of Bahrain's top riders are set to compete in the first round of the 120-kilometre Giants Endurance Horse Ride Challenge today at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

The event is scheduled to get underway at 6am, Bahrain time.

Led by Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the team will be among many high-profile riders from the UAE, other GCC countries, and overseas.

The kingdom's other participants are Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, and Ahmed Janahi.

The ride will be divided into five stages, starting with 32km first stage. The second will cover 28km, the third 24km, the fourth 20km and the fifth will be over 16km.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser and the remaining members of the team took their horses yesterday for the mandatory veterinary examinations which took place at the event's venue.

The first round will be followed by two rounds in Bahrain and Dubai, respectively. Today's event is part of an equestrian festival in Abu Dhabi being held as part of the UAE's National Day celebrations.

Worldwide support for delayed return of bute in horse sport

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news
11 December, 2009

Equestrians nations, vets and welfare organisations from around the world have welcomed "time out" on the bute row — and plans to put off the re-introduction of painkillers in horse sport for at least a year.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) last week bowed to increasing pressure from vets and national federations (NFs) as the row over the issue of allowing non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) in competition threatened to split the federation.

FEI president Princess Haya has now asked NFs to support a 12-month delay that could result in a complete U-turn.

"At last some common sense prevails," said endurance vet Fred Barrelet, who wrote a damning letter to Princess Haya after Copenhagen. "This was pushed through far too hastily, so now people can sit back and discuss this properly.

More...

Bahrain: Isa gets new wheels with endurance win

gulfweekly.com

December 10 2009

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) conducted the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Ride Championships - the third of the season - for local stables.

Cash prizes coupled with an even bigger incentive of a Toyota Land Cruiser to the event's overall champion, saw 75 riders in the fray at 5.30am on Saturday.

It was Bahrain's Isa Bu Hazza riding CR Prince Charming, which won the event, and could drive himself home in his shining new motor.

So WHAT is Endurance? For those not so familiar with this wonderful sport let me explain a bit about the endurance rides that are held here in Bahrain, and similarly across the Gulf.

Endurance rides in Bahrain are held over various distances for differing categories of horse and rider. A 'race' is usually anything from 80km to 120km, held in stages. The first two stages are usually 30km each, the subsequent stages are then divided in progressively decreased distances up to the total distance of the race.

The first two stages of the event usually double up as 'qualifying' rounds, because in order for horse or rider to compete or ride in an 80+km ride they must both have successfully completed the two stages of a 60km qualifying ride.

Horse and rider alike train for many long hours, gradually building and increasing in stamina and distance, even then it's not simply a question of turning up and riding.

The horse must be proven to be fit, and its welfare is principal at all times, therefore, there are stringent veterinary checks carried out prior to the event, and these checks continue throughout and after the ride. The horse's heart rate, hydration levels and soundness are all systematically checked and any horse that does not make a 100 per cent vet inspection will be disqualified!

After the initial veterinary check, horse and rider are allocated a number - written clearly on the horse's rear, the rider is given a vest with the same number, as along the route of each section are strategically placed check points - it's this number that's noted on passing each of these points. So off they go? Not quite ... there are weight stipulations on riders, so rider and tack (saddle/bridle) are weighed-in prior to the start.

Horse and rider do not do endurance alone, they are supported by a 'crew' - the crew will follow their horse or horses around each section, and be there to ensure there are no problems and to support both horse and rider, carrying with them emergency supplies. The routes for the different sections/stages are indicated by coloured flags and a map identifying each flag colour and route is given to the crew.

Along the route many water stops are positioned, enabling the horse to drink and keep hydrated, and when they stop for water the crew are there ready to sponge down horse (and rider!), keeping them cool, and helping in their re-hydration.

Upon completion of each stage, the pair returns to the finish to be checked in, a card registers their time, the crew are ready to un-tack the horse and check all its vital signs ensuring it is fit enough to be presented to the vet for checking.

The horse's welfare and well-being is overriding as also each stage/section must be completed in a specified time, and disqualification also happens if the pair are too slow so maintaining a reasonable speed at all times is imperative.

So, now with all preparations done - it's time to set off.

The thrill and excitement as they wait to set off is indescribable, adrenalin running in full gear for both horse and rider. To be part of this experience is simply exhilarating, an experience beyond description. OK, so now how many of you are going to get ready for the next event?

Brazil: Pre-Selection of Brazilian Team for Kentucky

Endurancebrasil.com.br - Mais

OLAVO MACIEL ANUNCIA OS 14 CONVOCADOS PARA A PRE-SELECAO DA EQUIPE BRASILEIRA PARA OS JOGOS EQUESTRE MUNDIAIS DE KENTUCKY

O diretor de enduro da Confederacao Brasileira de Hipismo, Olavo Maciel, anunciou no ultimo sabado (05 de dezembro), durante a premiacao do Campeonato Brasileiro em Brasilia, os 14 conjuntos que estão qualificados e agora tem a chance de representar o Brasil no Jogos Equestres Mundiais de Kentucky, em Setembro de 2010.

Os conjuntos foram avaliados, qualificados dentro das competicoes seletivas que aconteceram neste ano de 2009 e agora estao pre-selecionados.


The director of endurance of the Brazilian Equestrian, Olavo Maciel, announced on Saturday (05 December), at the awards ceremony of the Brazilian Championship in Brasilia, the 14 sets that are qualified and have a chance to represent Brazil in Equestrian Games World of Kentucky, in September 2010.

The sets were evaluated, qualified in the selective competitions that took place in 2009 and are now pre-selected.

Convocados:/Squad

Ana Carla com WN Perla
Andre Vidiz com Nuit Endurance
Fernando Goncalves com Destinado Rach/ RT Cely
Karina Arroyo com HSK Nadjin/ Vo Doidim
Leo Steinbruch com EHK Crystal
Leonardo Abreu com Vhetor
Lilian Garrubo com Judah HEN
Luciane Bagarolli com RSC El Chara
Marcio Honorio com Shibhaan HAN
Mariana Salles com Casanova Rach
Nick Lins com NNL San Ray
Pedro Marino com Anata
Rafael Salvador com Califa Tamm
Vitoria Lins com Filoteu Rach e C Chanrion

Mais...

Spain: Daniele Massobrio gano el Raid Santa Susana

Ecuestreonline.com - Mas
09/12/2009

El joven jinete italiano Daniele Massobrio gano el Raid de Santa Susanna con "Ninfea Baia" al imponerse en la ultima fase al espanol Jordi Arboix con "Ashlan", que fueron segundos. El CEI3* de Santa Susana se disputo entre los dias 4 al 6 de diciembre.

The young Italian rider Daniele Massobrio won the Raid in Santa Susanna "Ninfea Bay" by winning the final stage in the Spanish Jordi Arboix with "Ashlan, who was second. The Santa Susana CEI3 was played between days 4 to 6 December.

Mas: Articulo, resultados y photos

Abu Dhabi: Endurance Village to hold major events on Saturday

Gulfnews.com
A car and a total of Dh300,000 will be up for grabs

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
December 10, 2009

bu Dhabi: The Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba will be a hive of activity on Saturday when the prestigious 120-km National Day Cup and the 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge (Round 1) will see the cream of endurance riders in action.

The Bonyan International Investment Group will be sponsoring both the rides, the National Day Cup being an open ride while the Giants Endurance being the first of the three rounds of a bodyweight series.

Addressing a press conference in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday evening, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said: "The winner of the National Day Cup will drive away with a car while a total of Dh300,000 is on offer for those who finish at the top."

"Saturday will also see the first round of the prestigious Giants Endurance, with the next two rounds in the series stopping in Bahrain and Dubai," he said.

"This is the first time that Bonyan will be supporting the sport of endurance and it is indeed a matter of great pride to be involved with the prestigious National Day Cup ride."

"As you may be aware, the Bonyan International Investment Group supported the National Day Cup flat race and the thrilling finish in front of a large crowd gave us immense pleasure," Abdullah Atatreh, Chairman of Bonyan Group, said.

"Bonyan International Investment Group believes strongly that equestrian sport in the UAE is part of the country's culture and heritage and we are willing partners in its promotion. We are involved along with the Breeding Stables of [Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs] Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, based in Normandy, and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in this endeavour," said Abdullah Bin Brouk, Bonyan's President.

Leading destination

Abu Dhabi Sports Council's Talal Al Hashemi said: "Abu Dhabi is fast emerging as a leading sporting destination and such events which are connected with our culture and heritage go hand-in-hand with the other international events being staged here."

Lara Sawaya, Managing Director of Tasweeq, said the Breeding Stables of Shaikh Mansour along with the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Abu Dhabi Sports Council will be involved in supporting more such events in the future.

Great Britain: National riding title for Thay

Bostonstandard.co.uk - Full Article

Published Date: 09 December 2009
Wednesday, 4pm - A MEDLAM woman is celebrating after being crowned the national endurance riding champion.
Thay Stephenson and her horse Simeric S'moudh - known affectionately as Bull - were announced as the winners by organisers Endurance GB after beating off competition from 2,500 other entrants.

The competition takes place across the country from March to October each year, on hacking courses of 50 miles or more.

Riders gain points for their performances depending on how they fare and, at the end of the season, the top 10 results for each competitor are totted up.

But despite taking part in just nine events, Thay, 52, was announced as top of the leaderboard at the Endurance GB end of season dinner.

"I thought I'd done well," Thay said. "But having only competed in nine events I thought other riders would be able to discard some of their results and finish ahead of me.

"It was a nice surprise when I heard I had won - there was some whooping."

More...

India: Marwari horse finds a place on stamp

TimesofIndia.com
P B Chandra, TNN 8 December 2009

JAIPUR: The might of Marwari or Malani horse has finally been recognised. The faithful Marwari breed of horses, the most famous of which was Maharana Pratap's Chetak, descended from native Indian ponies crossed with the Arabian horses and possibly with the Mongolian influence.

The Marwari along with other indigenous horses of India like Kathiawari, Zanskar and Manipuri have found a place in the Indian philately. The post & telegraph department, because of the persistent efforts of the Indigenous Horses Society of India has come out with a first day cover depicting the four horses. The stamp would be released at Dundlod in Jhunjhunu district during the national endurance horse racing championship. The stamp will be released by the chief post master general of Rajasthan.

"We have been trying to give due recognition to the indigenous horses of India and the best way that the people could know about it was through postage stamps. After much effort, the post and telegraph department decided to recognise the indigenous Indian horses by giving them a pride of place in the postage stamp," said Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod, secretary general of Indigenous Horse Society of India.


More...

Australia: Alexandra Toft on track to success

Alexandra Toft, with endurance horse Pia te, is Equestrian Queensland's Junior Sports Star of the Year

QT.com.au - Full Article

Lee Gaskin | 9th December 2009

AT just 14, Alexandra Toft can lay claim to a travel history to make even the most adventurous of backpackers jealous.

Welcome to the life of an equestrian globetrotter and in this case, a Marburg teenager who is quickly treading the same path as her world championship gold-medal winning parents.

Alexandra rattles off the countries she has visited like the places you stop over on a weekend drive.

There's Italy and the United Arab Emirates from the time her parents Peter and Penny Toft were regulars on the international equestrian scene.

Most recent was a two-week sojourn to Hungary in September when Alexandra competed in her first World Youth and Junior Endurance Championship.

Up against competitors as old as 21, Alexandra surpassed even the loftiest of expectations to complete the challenging 120km course in 17th position.

"Definitely going to Hungary has been the highlight ... it was amazing," Alexandra said.

More...

Australia: Taking all the right Rhodes results in a monthly award

Central West Credit Union’s Leanne Mikoda (right) congratulates endurance rider Karen Rhodes on winning September’s Sportsperson of the Month award.

Cowraguardian.com.au

07 Dec, 2009

She holds the record for the most finishing buckles in the gruelling Shahzada marathon and that feat has propelled Karen Rhodes to September’s Sportsperson of the Month award.

The Woodstock horsewoman collected her 15th buckle out of 16 attempts when competing in the rugged terrain of St Albans near the Blue Mountains.

No rider boasts more buckles in the demanding five-day event where entrants cover 80km each day.

She has trained her trusted companions Kelly and Shadow to cover the designated courses, estimating between the pair of them have covered over 7,000km competitively without taking into account training rides.

Rhodes has also been tackling another of the endurance riders’ marquee rides in the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

The 160km one day ride was recently held in Victoria where Rhodes and Shadow finished their fifth Quilty together.

The event is known for the toll it takes on horses and riders alike with a number of entrants failing veterinary examinations.

That’s what makes Rhodes’ achievements so special, the fact like clockwork she almost completes every ride.

She maintains her goal is to complete every ride she competes in.

That’s winning to her.

Bahrain: Hazza captures endurance title

Gulf-daily-news.com

Sunday, December 06, 2009

BAHRAIN'S Isa Bu Hazza, riding CR Prince Charming, won the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Endurance Ride Championship yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

A 75-strong field set out on the four-stage 100-kilometre race before dawn. But Hazza was first off the blocks and once he established a big lead he did not have to look back.

He was the sole leader after the opening two legs of 30 kms each, and he maintained a strong stride over the remainder of the ride to complete the event in four hours 23 minutes and 49 seconds.

Hazza built a gap of over seven minutes from his closest challenger by the time he reached the finish line. Compatriot Ebrahim Al Jabury, riding Al Habeeba, was the runner-up with a total ride time of 4:31:19. The duo made an impressive one-two for Ahmed Al Fateh Stable.

Al Jabury did well to pace himself behind the victor and managed to overcome a late challenge from third-placed rider Salman Isa, who is also Bahraini and riding for Al Hawar Stable.

Isa, saddling Tirroan, moved up to second overall after the 25 kms third stage. But Al Jabury regained the advantage with a stronger ride down the final 15 kms to seal second place.

Isa finished three minutes behind Al Jabury in 4:34.30.

Abdulla Yusuf Al Qasimi from the Bahamas was fourth. Riding Jellaby Kafour, Al Qasimi had a total ride time of 4:53:01, and was the last rider to finish the event under five hours.

Registered Fifth was Ali Al Tamimi on Khoto. The Al Asayel Stable ace had a solid performance that saw him finish in 5:00:57.

Bilal Al Rajab riding Sedan was sixth. Al Rajab, from Al Muhqeerat Stable, registered a total ride time of 5:06:59.

Rounding out the top eight were Othman Abduljalil Awadhi and Jaffar Mohammed Salman. Awadhi, riding Jacquard de la Pouge from Ahmed Al Fateh Stable, completed the race in 5:08:18; while Salman, saddling Suwaity Reaan from Awal Stable, was not far behind in 5:09:44.

Awadhi overtook Salman in the final stage to finish ahead of his close rival.

All the winning riders were later presented with trophies and cash prizes by Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Sultan bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Sultan are the sons of His Majesty King Hamad and the brothers of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The event, which was the third of the endurance season, was organised by Breef and held under the patronage of Shaikh Khalid. It was sponsored by the Swiss-Bahrain Holding Company.

Along with his first-placed trophy and prize money, Hazza drove home the grand prize of a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser.

Meanwhile, Dhruv Singh from India finished first in the 85 kms and 60 kms qualifying events.

He had a total ride time of 4:24:53 on Lormar Lorraine in the 85 kms race, and then completed the 60 kms event in 3:04:43.

India's Mohan Singh, riding LO 605, came second in both events. Hari Singh, also from India, finished third in the 85 kms event while Bahrain's Abdulrahman Al Saad was third in the 60 kms ride.

click HERE for photos by Osama Mohammed

Abu Dhabi: Obaid wins Rashid Challenge ride

Mohammad Hilal Salim Obaid wins the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge at the Dubai International Endurance village yesterday.

Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty, Gulf News


Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter, Gulf News
Published: December 6, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad Hilal Salim Obaid, riding Rahman Des Bruycres, secured his first major endurance victory when he won the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge 120km ride held at the Dubai International Endurance City on Saturday.

Obaid, riding the 10-year-old gelding Rahman Des Bruycres from Al Aasfa Stables, which is trained by Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, dominated the ride from the second stage onwards and made every phase a winning one.

After South Africa's Gerda Burger won the first 27-km stage in which Obaid was fifth, it was a close battle between the two in the second and third loops.

Under threat

However Obaid won both and at the end of the third loop and was leading with Burger second. At that stage Obaid and his horse were averaging over a 26 km/h speed and the world record for a 120km ride here in the UAE seemed under threat.

However, Burger's challenge faded away and she eventually finished 7th while Obaid went on but at a much slower pace to win the 120-km in a timing of 4:42:26.

The world record stands in the name of Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Cupid, set at Al Wathba with a timing of 4:32.26 during the 2007 National Day Cup.

Ahmad Saeed Al Farsi on Akasha Sansation was second behind Obaid in 4:44.33, followed by Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum on Halim in 4:56.39.

Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum along with Ali Mousa Al Khamiri of Dubai Equestrian Club gave away the prizes and trophies to the winners.

Results

1. Mohammad Hilal Salim Obaid (Rahman Des Bruycres) 4hrs 42 mins 24 secs;

2. Ahmad Saeed Al Farsi (Akasha Sansation) 4:44.33;

3. Shaikh Rashid Dalmook Juma Al Maktoum (Halim) 4:56.39;

4. Hassan Abdullah Al Hammadi (Habibi) 4:56.41;

5. Khalifa Ganem Al Merri (Neran) 4:57.16.

Great Britain: British Equestrian Federation welcomes the FEI's move

Endurancegb.co.uk

2nd December 2009

British Equestrian Federation welcomes delay of "Progressive List"

The British Equestrian Federation (BEF) welcomes the move taken by the Bureau of the FEI to defer the introduction of the new Equine Prohibited Substances List and the accompanying Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations until 5 April 2010. This positive step recognises the urgent need for further discussion and reflection on the consequences of rushing through the "progressive list" without further debate.

The BEF will now seek the views of our FEI sporting member bodies, and through them riders, organisers and officials, as well as other organisations and individuals as appropriate. A consolidated view will be passed to the FEI.

Between now and 5 April 2010 the BEF will work closely with the FEI in order to ensure that riders, team managers, owners, veterinarians and other stakeholders have clear guidance as to the regulations in force. We will also work with the FEI to seek to find a way through this period that does not compromise our collective clean sport principles.

"This is a most positive move by the FEI," comments Andrew Finding, Chief Executive of the BEF. “"The objective must now be to find a global consensus that meets the needs of a clean sport. For us, this needs two things: very high levels of equine welfare and the complete support of the international community."

Vets Object to New FEI Drug Guidelines, FEI Responds

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: The Horse Staff
November 30 2009, Article # 15370

On Nov. 19 the General Assembly of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) approved new Equine Anti-Doping and Controlled Medication Regulations as well as a new list of prohibited substances. The passed regulations included a "progressive list" of substances that will now be allowed in competition in limited amounts.

Some national federations called for a second vote on the progressive-list measure, claiming that some voters were confused as to what they were voting for. This request was denied. (Read more: "FEI Takes Steps on Equine Welfare, Doping Issues.")

On Nov. 24, a group of veterinarians submitted the following letter to the FEI:

FEI Clean Sport
The 'Progressive List'
24 November 2009
To: FEI President

Your Royal Highness,

As a group of senior veterinarians with experience of equestrian competition at international level...

More...

Celebrity Chef Dinner Series Celebrates 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

New York, N.Y. - America's leading chefs are partnering with the world's most prestigious equestrian competition to showcase the country's rich culinary heritage for 16 nights during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, with Cookin' in the Bluegrass: A Celebrity Chef Dinner Series.

The James Beard Foundation has partnered with the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games for Cookin' in the Bluegrass. This dinner series will occur each night from September 25-October 10, 2010 in Lexington, Ky., as the Kentucky Horse Park hosts the world championships in eight equestrian sports.

Each dinner will feature two celebrity chefs, many of whom are James Beard Award-winners, and one local or Kentucky-based chef, cooking side-by-side at the Kentucky Horse Park's Farmhouse restaurant. Each night, 80 guests will enjoy dining experiences that replicate the sumptuous dinners held at the prestigious James Beard House in New York City.

Tickets for Cookin' in the Bluegrass will be available for purchase in early 2010 at www.alltechfeigames.com. Prices have not been finalized.


Current Participating Chefs include:

John Besh, Restaurant August, New Orleans, La.
Philippe Boulot, the Heathman at the Heathman Hotel, Portland, Ore.
Clifford Buittano and Anne Quatrano, Bacchanalia, Atlanta, Ga.
Sanford D'Amato, Sanford Restaurant, Milwaukee, WI
Roberto Donna, Galileo, Washington, DC
Jose Garces, 2009 Iron Chef Winner, Amada, Philadelphia; Pa.
Mark Kiffin, The Compound restaurant, Santa Fe, N.M.
Mike Lata, Fig, Charleston, S.C.
Christopher Lee, Aureole, New York City, N.Y.
Emily Luchetti, Farallon Restaurant, San Francisco, Calif.
George Mavrothalassaitis, Chef Mavro Restaurant, Honolulu, HI
Nancy Oakes, Boulevard restaurant, San Francisco, Calif.
Vitaly Paley, Paley's Place Bistro and Bar, Portland, Ore.
Joachim B. Splichal, Patina Restaurant Group, New York, NY.
Mark Vetri, Vetri, Philadelphia, Pa.

"The James Beard Foundation is honored to be part of an event that allows a diverse group of chefs to share their culinary points of view with a whole new audience," said Susan Ungaro, president of the James Beard Foundation. "Our 2010 Games dinners will pair the best local and national chefs in America's great southern region, where we celebrate so many of our nation's deepest culinary roots."

In spring 2010 the James Beard Foundation will offer a coinciding "Bluegrass Experience" at the James Beard House in New York to honor the World Equestrian Games culinary events.

Sponsors include the Kentucky Proud Program, dedicated to marketing Kentucky-made or -grown food products (funded in part by the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund and administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture). From local farmers to brewers, distillers, growers and cheese-makers, Kentucky Proud represents an array of local products distributed throughout the world. Kentucky Proud will facilitate the use of fresh, local ingredients every night of Cookin' in the Bluegrass.

Proceeds from Cookin' in the Bluegrass will benefit the James Beard Foundation, The Kentucky Horse Park Foundation, and the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.

About the James Beard Foundation:
Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and nurturing America's culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, James Beard, who died in 1985, was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Today, the Beard Foundation continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships to culinary schools, and publications, and by maintaining the historic James Beard House in New York City's Greenwich Village as a "performance space" for visiting chefs. For more information, please visit www.jamesbeard.org. Find insights on food at the James Beard Foundation's blog Delights & Prejudices. Join the James Beard Foundation on Facebook. Follow the James Beard Foundation on Twitter.

About the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation:
Since its inception in 1985 the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation and a prestigious board has been fulfilling its mission to become the unquestioned leading equestrian facility of its kind in the world and continues to provide funding for the park's facilities such as show rings and barns for equine competitions, horses and carriages, costumes, signage, demographic research, land surveys, and publications.

About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games:
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 2010 Games are the first to incorporate all eight international disciplines as well as the first to be held outside of Europe.

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, Meydan, Ariat International, Inc, and UK Healthcare. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.

Chile: Pan-American Championship 2011 Will Be In Santo Domingo

Endurancebrasil.com.br

Chilenos envolvidos com o esporte estão animados com a aprovacao da FEI em permitir que o pais sedie o Pan e ja comecam organizar os preparativos

Informacoes extra oficiais confirmam que Chile sera o anfitriao do proximo Campeonato Panamericano de Enduro Equestre, que acontece a cada dois anos. O evento se dara em Santo Domingo no ano de 2011, ainda sem data definida, mas com previsao para acontecer no mes de Abril.

O Campeonato Panamericano e uma competicao para enduristas de todas as nacoes das Americas. A ultima edicao aconteceu este ano, no Uruguai, no Haras La Perseverancia em Costa Azul. Em 2005, quem sediou foi Argentina, em Pinamar; depois em 2007 aconteceu no Brasil, em Campinas.

Neste ano de 2009 o Brasil nao teve uma atuacao muito positiva, apenas Rafael Salvador (Minas Gerais), com Califa Tamm e Lucas Maia (Sao Paulo), que montou HMA Jackpot deram alegrias entre os jovens. Rafael ficou com o 4th lugar e Lucas 5th. Nick Lins, entre os adultos, montou NNL Zhest e finalizou com a 24th colocacao.


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Chileans involved with the sport are encouraged by the approval of the FEI to allow the country to host the Pan and have begun to organize preparations

Extra information official confirmed that Chile will host the next Pan-American Championship Endurance, which happens every two years. The event will take place in Santo Domingo in 2011, still no date set, but is slated to happen in April.

The Pan-American Championship is a competition for the endurance rider all nations of the Americas. The last edition was held this year in Uruguay at Haras La Perseverancia in Costa Azul. In 2005, who was hosted Argentina in Pinamar, then in 2007 took place in Brazil in Campinas.

In this year of 2009, Brazil had a very positive performance, only Rafael Salvador (Brazil), with Califa Tamm and Lucas Maia (Sao Paulo), which have mounted HMA Jackpot joy among young people. Rafael got the 4th place and Luke 5. Nick Lins, among adults, mounted NNL Zhest and finished with 24 th place.

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Australia: Alexandra Toft Top Junior Rider

AERA.asn.au

11/30/09

Alexandra Toft has been honored as the Equestrian Australia (Queensland) Junior Rider of the Year 2009.

14-year-old Alexandra has ridden in many countries around the world, most recently finishing 17th in The Junior World Championships in Hungary on the 6th of September, and following that up with a trip to Lexington, Kentucky, USA to participate in the Kentucky Cup on October 14, the pre-ride for the 2010 WEG.

Alexandra summed up her evening in her blog on Toftendurance.com.au.

New Zealand: 2010 Endurance National Championships

NZEquestrian.org.nz

30/11/2009

Endurance National Championship Event 2010
Culverden - North Canterbury

This National event will be held over the Easter Holiday period 1st April to 4th April. Culverden is a small rural community surrounded by some beautiful farm land offering excellent riding.

As with all championships, sponsorship is a key in helping to make this a memorable event for you the riders. If you would like to assist with sponsorship in any way e.g. a rug, prize etc or you know of someone who would be interested, then please contact: our O.C.

Chairman, Paul Cooper Ph: 03 3144990 or email Paul at paulandlynley@hotmail.com

For the ride schedule, and more information, see NZEquestrian.org.nz

FEI backtracks over bute and delays rule implementation to 5 April

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news
1 December, 2009

New rules allowing painkillers like bute to be used on horses during competition will not come into force until next April.

The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has backtracked on the plans following worldwide uproar over the new rules, due to come into force on 1 January 2010.

Instead, the new Equine Prohibited Substance List and the accompanying regulations — which allow bute, aspirin and flunixin, along with several other equine drugs to be used in competition — will come in on 5 April 2010.

Announcing the delay this afternoon, FEI president Princess Haya said:...

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