Great Britain: New Appointment to the International Selection Panel

Endurancegb.co.uk

9th February 2010

The International Committee have appointed Mrs G Payton onto the Selection Panel. Gilly is a well known Endurance GB member who has many years of experience of riding, crewing, organinising and spectating - both at home and internationally.

She will have special responsibility for the Young Rider Squad and the British Endurance Development Squad.

Sue Broughton
Chair of IC

Great Britain: Endurance GB Launches Fundraising Initiatives for 2010 WEG

Endurancegb.co.uk

Endurance GB (EGB) has launched new fundraising initiatives to support the British Team at this yea's World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA.

The Kentucky Sponsorship Form

As many of you realise we are looking at methods of raising money to help the costs of our team at the world championships in Kentucky in 2010. If we are sending a team, plus one or two individuals then it is imperative that we send the best team and also the best prepared team as possible.

These members are representing Endurance in Great Britain and we feel it is important that we support them in every way we can, especially with the costs of transport. A figure of GBP20.000 is the calculation to send each member there, so we need to be raising about GBP120,000. Even more important is the exposure that Endurance will get at home if we can achieve this, leading in the future to a greater membership and further sponsorship.

In order to raise funds all E.G.B. members are asked to get themselves sponsored for every kilometre they ride at NCR.s, CR.s, or ER.s during the months of February, March and April.

The form is self explanatory. On the front of the card write down your own details, and then the name, address and telephone number of your sponsors and include how much per km they are sponsoring you for. (either 1p per km, 5p per km or 10p per km). On the back of the card write down the date, venue and distance for each ride you have competed at and get it signed by the ride secretary on completion of the ride.

I feel in these three months the average member will be riding approximately between 100 and 200 kilometers, some maybe a little less and some many more. Aim to get at least 20 sponsors onto your cards and hopefully each member could make between GBP200 and GBP400. Having collected your sponsorship money then send your completed cards back to the EGB Office (address below) with the appropriate money by the end of April. If you complete your card early then extra cards are available from headquarters, or from Robert Blane (01845 526185)

There will be a special prize for the individual who raises the most money and also for the group who does likewise.

Good luck. Keep smiling. And here’s to winning the world championships.


Kentucky Rides For Fun

Endurance GB (EGB) has launched new fundraising initiatives to support the British Team at this year’s World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, USA. The Kentucky Rides Series will provide an opportunity to encourage new members while also raising funds to Well over [number] Kentucky Rides are expected to take place at venues throughout the country between now and August 2010.

Kentucky Rides are a series of Non-Competitive rides organised by regional EGB groups, covering a range of distances to suit all levels of experience from 10 miles to longer rides of 25 miles. The rides are open to non members and offer a fabulous opportunity to ride over beautiful countryside, often over private land not normally open to the public. Riders will take part either for pleasure or as preparation for the competition season ahead.

"We have a really talented pool of riders and hope to be sending a strong team to the WEG in Kentucky. These rides are an excellent way for those interested in endurance riding to get a taste of what is involved, or just enjoy the beautiful countryside while raising valuable funds to support our international squad", says Jo Claridge, EGB Chairman.

Britain has been committed to fielding an international endurance team since the first FEI event in 1984 and British teams have an excellent track record in World and European championships, at one time holding more team and individual medals than all other countries except the USA and France. International teams are largely self funding and rely on fundraising to support their endeavours.


Kentucky - Three Peaks Challenge

A team of your Championship squad members and supporters are coming together to take on the three highest peaks in Scotland, England and Wales all in 24 hours.

This gruelling, true endurance challenge will be attempted by riders Rachel Atkinson, Beccy Broughton, Rachel Claridge, Annie Joppe, Sarah Rogerson, Nicky Sherry and crew member Steve Masterson with well known photographer and already once successful 3 Peaks challenger David Saunders. A team of supporters will also be backing up the challengers throughout.

We will begin in Scotland with the ascent and descent of Ben Nevis, drive 7 hours to our next climb, Scafell Pike and then onto Wales with the ascent and descent of Snowdonia all within 24 hours.

Continual updates of the teams plans will be posted on the EGB website and our Team GBR Endurance 3 Peaks facebook page but for the time being please support us and donate here or if anyone can support us in the form of sponsorship to cover the various parts of the challenge or would like to be part of our team please contact us.



Kentucky - Tricia Hirst – Comrades Marathon

Having done the London Marathon and the New York Marathon last year, my entry has been accepted for my next challenge - The Comrades Marathon which is actually an Ultra marathon 56 miles in under 12 hours. This takes place in South Africa every year and you can read all about it at www.comrades.com Runners come from all over the world and out of the 20,000 runners they only accept 5,000 first time novice runners each year. These places were taken up within 27hrs of the opening date.
I have always strongly believed that money should not stop anyone putting their name forward to compete on a British team. So any money you can spare would go towards the team effort to enable anyone who is selected to have the opportunity to go and fly the flag for us. If you would like to help in this way please sponsor me on my endurance challenge. We would be very grateful no matter how little you can afford. Please make your donation here


Kentucky - Chris Yeoman - Bath Half Marathon

Faising Funds for the EGB WEF funda and also to raise money for MS - "as you will all know I have had this now for a lot of years and have had a lot of help from various sources I now feel the need to give something back and to help others with MS achieve their goals in life whatever they may be". To donate to this charity please see my just giving page: http://www.justgiving.com/CHRISTINE-YEOMAN or make your donation to EGB
PLEASE HELP ME KEEP MOTIVATED IN THIS FREEZING WEATHER AND KEEP TRAINING!

For more information, forms, donations, and list of rides, see http://www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/fundraising.html.

Canada: Alberta - Endurance Riding Celebrate 30 Years

Horsesall.com

Endurance riding has come a long way during its 30 year history in Alberta - from a handful of riders located in western Alberta to more than 100 riders province wide today. Among the internationally recognized disciplines governed by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) - endurance, jumping, dressage, driving, vaulting and reining - endurance stands out as one of the fastest growing disciplines.

The first world endurance competition took place in Virginia in 1988, with one member from Alberta, Joan Harris, nominated to enter. Without any support, she helped bring home a team silver medal. Now, for every rider heading to international events there is a support team of no less than three people per rider. Grooms, crews, coaches, team vets and chef d’equipes give their time and money to help our dedicated riders succeed.

And as interest in endurance riding grows, the qualifying process becomes more refined. In 1988 riders were chosen based on the number of rides they did locally. Having completed at least one, 100-mile event assured you of a placing. Now, there is a qualifying process in place. To be considered as a competitor, riders and horses must have competed in a number of FEI-sanctioned rides at a certain speed and in a certain length of time. The youth are also being included now with championship events being held for them.

All international competitions, whether championships or qualifiers are governed by the FEI with its head office in Lausanne, Switzerland. This assures riders that everyone competes on a level playing field.

In the past, FEI qualifying endurance rides in Canada were few and far between. Now, Alberta has a venue for a competition of this calibre, at Horseshoe Lake north of Edmonton and hosted on the Long Island Light Horse Associat ion’s grounds. The first FEI qualifer was held here last May. The event was such a success that many western Canadians have inquired if there will be another. There is a need, not only for riders but for people wishing to become FEI officials, to have a dedicated venue in the province where they can train and learn.

To become an official, one must go through qualifying stages, much like riders. Up until recently, Keith Thorne was the only official in Alberta. Now we have three more in training— Dr. Roxy Bell, Dr. Deanna Spiker and Joan Harris, along with others from the west. Having a regular FEI ride with the necessary courses taught here will put Alberta on the endurance map.

Last year, five riders trained and qualified in Alberta for a place on the Canada Endurance Team. They are chosen on a point-for-miles-completed basis. Tara MacLeod and her daughter, Ariel, were on the Canada West team that attended the pre-world competition in Kentucky last October. Kathy Irvine came in second overall on a grueling five-day, 250-mile ride in Idaho last September and Caroline Williams and Leanne Marchant travelled to eastern Canada to compete.

The date for the next FEI ride is May 22 and 23, 2010. It will be a two-day ride with open and FEI divisions. Visit our website at www.enduranceridersofalberta.com for more information.

President's Cup: Entries

The following foreign riders have been invited to participate in the CEI *** 160 km Presidents Cup, to be held on February 14 2010 in Abu Dhabi:

Pietro Di Geronimo - Belgium

Andre Vidiz - Brazil
Rafael Salvador - Brazil

Caroline Denayer Gad - France
Santisteva Benedicte - France

Belinda Hitzker - Germany
Sabrina Arnold - Germany

Valentin Kun - Hungary
Eniko Odor - Hungary

Jannet Van Wijk - Netherlands
Carmen Roemer - Netherlands

Beata Dzikowska - Poland
Ola Ciesielska - Poland

Boulbol Feras - Slovakia
Silvia Potocna - Slovakia

Ellen Rapp - USA
Jeremy Reynolds - USA

Bahrain: Princess Lalla Amina participates in King Hamad's Horse Racing Cup

Magreb Daily

Manama - Princess Lalla Amina, President of the Moroccan Federation of equestrian sports and of Special Olympics Morocco, participated in king Hamad's Horce Racing Cup, which took place on Saturday.

Princess Lalla Amina completed the 20-km distance in two hours.

The Princess was greeted at the end of the competition by King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

President of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF), Sheikh Khalid Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, handed over a special prize of the Federation to Lalla Amina, in recognition of her remarkable participation in this competition.

Bahrain: Shaikh Khalid races to victory

Gulf-daily-news.com

February 07, 2010

THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday won His Majesty the King's Endurance Ride Championship, which headlined a glittering equestrian festival at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

His Majesty King Hamad attended the event, alongside National Guard commander Major General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Mohammed later awarded the winners their prizes on behalf of His Majesty the King, in the presence of Royal Endurance Team captain and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid.

Also present were Jordanian Equestrian Federation president Princess Alia bint Al Hussain and chairwoman of both the Royal Moroccan Equestrian Federation and Special Olympics Morocco Princess Lella Amina, who were in Bahrain especially for the event, which was organised by Breef and sponsored by Marsa Al Seef.

Riding Liqourice, Shaikh Khalid took first place after completing the five-stage, 120-kilometre ride in a total time of five hours, 43 minutes and 50 seconds. He registered an average speed of 20.94kph.

Shaikh Khalid ended the 30-km first stage in fourth place, but then fell to fifth after the 29-km second leg.

Powered

The Breef chief and Royal Endurance Team member returned to fourth after the 25-km third stage, but then powered to the lead after the 20-km fourth stage by when a majority of the participants were already out of the ride. One of them was Shaikh Nasser, who unfortunately had to retire due to health concerns for his horse Fabio.

Shaikh Khalid then capped his impressive performance by storming to victory in the 16-km final stage, earning him the right to lift His Majesty the King's Cup.

Fellow-Royal Endurance Team members Bagat Singh and Abdulhak Kaddouri claimed second and third places, respectively.

Singh, riding Jhelam, finished the ride in 5:44:02, while having an average speed of 20.03kph. Kaddouri completed the distance in 5:47:41, with an average speed of 20.71kph.

The juniors endurance ride, which was also held over 120 kms, was won by Mohammed Hilal Al Khatri of Al Asayel Stable, riding his horse Dixie Love.

In second place was Royal Endurance Team member Ahmed Adel Al Gaoud on Moondara Merlin, while Nasser Awad Ahmed of Al Muhqeerat Stable riding Al Fahd was third.

Meanwhile, other competitions were held yesterday as part of the equestrian festival. A showjumping event for Grand Prix-level riders took place and it saw the participation of a large number of Bahrain national showjumping team members.

Shaikh Hassan bin Rashid Al Khalifa won first place while Sami Ghazwan came second. Shaikh Isa bin Salman bin Mohammed Al Khalifa was third.

In the Arabian horse beauty contest, Ghazal Gulf owned by Sami Hassan Abdulla Abdulaziz took first place, while the Cowboy competition was won by Yahya Ahmed Jawad.

Photo Gallery by Osama Mohammed

Bahrain: Jordanian horse riders take part in Bahraini King Endurance Cup

Petra.gov.jo

Manama, Feb.6, 2010

Jordanian equestrians take part in King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Endurance Cup which kicked off Saturday in presence of HRH Highness Princess Alia bent Al Hussein, President of Jordan's Royal Equestrian Federation.

Taking part in the 120-km horse riding competition, organized at Bahrain International Endurance Village, are horse riders from Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Ajman.

The championship includes competitions in hurdle jumping, a beauty competition for the purebred Arabian horses and cowboy performances.

Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation and other Bahraini officials welcomed Princess Alia and commended Jordan's participation in the Championship.

Mongolia: Specialist endurance training for Mongolian vets announced

Theadventurists.com

27th Jan 2010

An innovative veterinary training programme has been launched by the organisers of the Mongol Derby. More than 20 local vets will be trained to become part of the international team of equine experts that will ensure the welfare of the 1000 semi-wild horses taking part in the race across the Mongolian steppe in August.

vetinspectionmongolderby1Led by four star accredited FEI vet Jenny Weston, the specialist training will also leave a legacy that will benefit other events and races in a country renowned for its love of horses.

"The training will cover exercise physiology and the types of conditions that you see in horses involved in endurance riding and the long-distance horse racing that is a part of Mongolian culture," explained Jenny. "This will benefit not only the horses involved in the Mongol Derby but also the many thousands involved in the annual Nadaam festival.

"There were very few veterinary issues with the horses involved in the Mongol Derby in 2009 and I am confident that will also be the case in 2010 but it is important to be prepared when you are working with a combination of semi-wild horses, remote and difficult terrrain, and warm summer weather."

The training is part of a comprehensive horse welfare program including pre-race training for the riders led by Maggie Pattinson, Chef d'Equipe of the British Home International Endurance Team since 2007.

"Taking my passion for fitness to a ride in Mongolia is beyond the imagination," said Maggie. "I can't wait to get my hands on the successful applicants. I want their enthuasiasm for adventure and winning matched only with their knowledge of what it takes to keep their Mongolian Mounts fresh and happy."

The race format is based on Chinngis Khaan's legendary postal system which could relay messages thousands of miles in a matter of days. Horse stations (Morin Urtuu in Mongolian) manned by nomadic families will be established at intervals of 40km or less along the course and riders will change horses and undergo veterinary inspections at each one.

The Mongol Derby is a joint venture led by British company The Adventurists with Mongolia based Tengri Group and backed by the Mongolian government's Ministry of Agriculture.

Applications are open now to adventurous riders from around the world. More information about the world's longest and toughest horse and how to apply can be found on the official website: http://www.mongolderby.com

Fast Facts about the Mongol Derby

25 riders started the 2009 race, 23 finished and they raised GBP 71,000 for official charity Mercy Corps' projects in Mongolia.
Aged from 19 to 50, the 2009 riders came from 8 different countries including Argentina, Sweden and South Africa. 12 of the riders were female.
Two riders had to withdraw on the second day after serious falls with concussion and back injuries.
Less than 2% of the 700 horses that took part in 2009 required treatment which was all minor first aid.
The riders averaged 100 km per day at about 10 km/hr in 2009.
On cooler days last year some riders managed about 140 km in a day on the better days, at an average speed of 14 km/hr
Horses outnumber the population of Mongolia by 7 to 1!
Marco Polo wrote that in the 13th century 300,000 horses were posted at horse stations across the Great Khaan's empire

New Zealand: Perfect conditions for southern endurance ride

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

February 5, 2010

An early drizzle cleared to make way for a sunny day with perfect riding conditions for endurance riders at the latest Mount Linton ride in Southland.

The well-marked track set out from the equestrian centre at Sandy Point last Saturday and took riders through varied territory including a 10km scenic stretch along the beach, to tree-lined forest tracks, and long, grassy gallop areas.

The 80km Open ride was won by Gore's Angela Head, riding CD Fred. In second place was Trevor Copland on Dell Dancer...

More...

Bahrain: Top riders set for endurance race

Gulf Daily News
Friday, February 05, 2010

PROMINENT riders from the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan have confirmed their participation in the seniors race of His Majesty the King's Endurance Ride Championships tomorrow at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Spearheading the UAE for tomorrow's prestigious event, to be sponsored by Marsa Al Seef, are Shaikh Ahmed bin Humaid Al Nuaimi and Masaud Al Marzooqi.

From Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Al Malhasi will take part on his horse Al Yarmook, while Hussain Abul Shabab and Waleed Muhareb are set to represent Jordan.

Also in the fray are a group of Bahrain's top riders, led by captain of the Royal Endurance Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and president of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Six other riders will be representing the Royal Endurance Team and they are Ahmed Abdulla, Abdulrahman Al Saad, Abdulrahman Al Zayed, Mohammed Al Thawadi, Yousef Taher and Abdulhaq Qadoori.

Other Bahraini participants will represent different stables from across the kingdom, including Al Taliya, Al Muntaser, Awal, Hawar and Jaffer Al Alawi Stable.

A junior ride is also set to take place tomorrow with more than 30 riders in the fray, including three entries from Qatar - Khalid Al Kuwari, Abdulla Al Mannai and Fahad Abdulsalam from Al Shamal Stable.

From Bahrain, Ahmed Al Qaud, Abdulrahman Al Zayed and girl rider Shereen Fayez will spearhead favourites the Royal Endurance Team.

Other participants will represent Al Wadi, Al Mughairat, Al Ruwaie, Al Shuwamekh, Al Asayel, Al Ajyal and Abdulaziz Taher stables

A qualifying ride, which is open to new riders, will also take place with 10 riders in the fray.

The event will be part of a one-day Equestrian Festival under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Khalid yesterday received Jordanian Equestrian Federation's president Princess Alia bint Al Hussain who arrived in Bahrain to attend tomorrow's championships.

The Breef's chief also welcomed the President of the Moroccan Royal Equestrian and Endurance University and the Moroccan Olympic Committee for the Disabled Princess Lala Amina who will also witness the event.

New Zealand: 2010 Endurance National Championships

Hosted by The Canterbury Endurance and Trail Riding Club in conjunction with Endurance NZ, the 2010 NZ National Endurance Championship & Trail Riding Championship Event will be held 1st - 4th April, 2010 at Culverden. Base camp will be at the Culverden Rugby Grounds.

The following rides will take place:

CEI*** 160 km; CEIJY** 120 km; CEI* 100 km & CEIJY* 100 km; CEN 80 $ 40 km Open, Novice & Junior; CTR Open 60 km, Intermediate 30 km, Junior 30 km.

Entries close 28th February.

For more information and entry forms, see www.nzequestrian.org.nz

New Zealand: 2010 Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Endurance

HOY.co.nz

HOY Endurance 2010

19th - 21stMarch

This year sees a change in the rides being held. A shorter distance and Novice classes
have been introduced at HOY to cater for all levels of horse and rider.

Based at the Equestrian Centre, the track will once again be a relatively flat track
through some of Hawke's Bay's scenic farmland and vineyards finishing at the
Equestrian Centre where the 3 Day Event will also be taking place.

There will be a 90 km CEN Open and Novice and Teams Events, and a 40 km CEN Open and Novice.

Vetting in will begin on Friday March 19th; the rides will be held on Saturday March 20th; Best Condition Judging and Presentation of Awards will take place on Sunday March 21st.

Entries close on February 12th.

For entry forms go to the ESNZ website: www.nzequestrian.org.nz
or contact
Beth Guest - guest.ron.beth@xtra.co.nz
Jo Lanko - m.lankow@extra.co.nz

More information on Kelt Capital Horse of the Year 2010 at www.hoy.co.nz/Endurance_126.aspx

The Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show continues to grow in prestige and stature not only within New Zealand, where it is now recognised as one of the main annual sporting events, but also on the World Equestrian Stage where it has now become one of the premier events. Although dominated by Showjumping and Dressage, the Show is now home to 17 different Equestrian Disciplines all competing on the beautiful 100 acres of the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds. The Showgrounds are on the outskirts of Hastings City, situated on the Eastern Coast of the North Island of New Zealand.

Spain: Salvador Garrido Ganador del II Trofeo Iberico

El Raid Blog

31 January 2010

by Gabriel Gamiz Gomez

Spanish Jinete Salvador Garrido Cabral ha sido el ganador del II trofeo Iberico y del CEI una estrella con la yegua "Shakyra" de la ganaderia "Andalusi" en un tiempo de 3 h, 25' 30'' a una media de 23'358 Km por hora. En la ciudad portuguesa de Elvas.
Nuevo triunfo de un jinete andaluz fuera de nuestras fronteras.
Enhorabuena a Salvador y a la ganaderia Andalusi por el triunfo conseguido.
Saludos de Gabriel.


Spanish Rider Salvador Garrido Campbell was the winner of the II Iberian and the CIS trophy 1* with the mare "Shakyra" of livestock "Andalusi" in a time of 3 h, 25 '30''to an average of 23'358 km per hour. In the Portuguese town of Elvas, it was a new triumph of an Andalusian rider outside our borders.
Congratulations to Salvador and livestock Andalusi for the victory achieved.

Brazil: Juniors Answer Intercontinental Challenge

Junior riders Philip Guidi, Mariana Neves, and Rafaela Barreto will represent Brazil in the CEIYR 120 Km 2* in Christiana, South Africa on 1 May 2010.

This test is part of the international exchange of Young Riders Challenge Intercontinental Endurance Riding/Circuit des Courses Jumel, participatory approach in evidence in 5 different continents. Project created by Nicolas Wahlen (France) with the participation of William Ferreira Santos (Brazil), Jjoskin Janos (Hungary) and Derek Liedenberg Zulu (South Africa).

For more information see Enduroonline.com.br

Bahrain: Top riders set for Equestrian Festival

Gulf-daily-news.com

January 31, 2010


BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa announced yesterday that His Majesty the King's Endurance Ride Championship will headline a one-day Equestrian Festival, set to take place on Saturday next week at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Khalid approved the preparations for the event, which will be sponsored by Marsa Al Seef.

The endurance ride for His Majesty the King's Cup will be over 120 kilometres.

It is expected to attract many of Bahrain's best endurance riders from leading stables all across the kingdom. Many other top riders from all over the GCC may also compete.

The ride will kick start the festival with a flag-off at 7am.

Race

The race will then be run over five stages, starting with a 30km opening stage, followed by 29km and 25km legs.

The penultimate stage will be over 20km, while the final will cover 16km. Shaikh Khalid has ordered for prizes to be awarded for the winners of each stage in the race, to further raise the level of competition for all those taking part.

The festival will continue at 9am with a showjumping event for Grand Prix class riders.

At 10am, a competition featuring purebred Arabian horses will take place, followed by a special "Cowboy" event at 11am.

The awarding ceremony for all the events is expected to get underway at 1.30pm, to be followed by a raffle for all members of the public who attend, in which many attractive prizes can be won.

UAE: Presidents Cup for Junior and Young Riders

Gulf News


Abu Dhabi: Abdullah Rashid Mohammad Saeed Al Naqbi of Warsan Stables, riding Blue Bonnet, won yesterday's 120km HH The President's Cup for Junior and Young Riders endurance ride at the Boutheib International Endurance Village.

Al Naqbi, who was fourth going into the final stage, unleashed a speed of over 31 km/h on his 13-year-old Blue Bonnet to win the prestigious ride for juniors from Ahmad Saeed Al Faresi.

Al Faresi, riding 13-year-old Fenwick Cadenza, was second in the third and fourth loop. He could not match the final loop speed of Al Naqbi's Blue Bonnet and had to stay content with second place.

Hamdan Mousa Mohammad Al Hamadi, who had won this ride in both 2008 and 2009, finished fifth on Lauralyn Davo, with Rashid Ahmad Al Beloushi and Ahmad Ali Al Sabri finishing ahead of him.

In the 120-km ride for Private Owners, only three riders could complete the event with Indian work rider Narayan Singh Dungar Singh at Al Ain Endurance Stables winning the event.

Singh, riding 11-year-old Paloma GB, dominated the ride and led for most of the 120km distance to complete the ride in 5 hours 17 minutes and 15 seconds.

Uruguay's Eduardo Saravis Herrara on Ylmood finished a close second to complete a 1-2 for trainer Matar Suhail Al Yabhouni while lady rider Laila Abdul Aziz Al Reda secured yet another podium finish with a third-place finish.

Results (top five) of 120km HH The President's Cup for Junior and Young Riders: Abdullah Rashid Mohammad Saeed Al Naqbi (Blue Bonnet) 4:40:45; Ahmad Saeed Mohammad Al Faresi (Fenwick Cadenza) 4:42.15; Rashid Ahmad Al Beloushi (Al Barak) 4:47.17; Ahmad Ali Al Sabri (Mahaleb du Paon) 4:51.33; Hamdan Mousa Mohammad Al Hamadi (Lauralyn Davo) 4:55.05.

Top three in 120km ride for Private Owners: Narayan Singh Dungar Singh (Paloma GB) 5:17.15; Eduardo Saravis Herrara (Ylmood) 5:17.18; Laila Abdul Aziz Al Reda (Umm Khammas) 5:21.50.

Abu Dhabi: President's Endurance Cup begins Saturday

Khaleejtimes.com

29 January 2010

ABU DHABI - Emirates Heritage Club will organise the UAE President's Youth and Juniors Cup for endurance on Saturday at Bou Theib International Village for Endurance at Al Khatm.

The club in conjunction with Emirates Equestrian Federation organises the UAE President's Youth and Juniors Cup for endurance - 120km, UAE President's endurance cup for UAE nationals for 120 km and two other qualifying endurance races for distances of 40 and 80kms, the events will be held under the sponsorship of Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Representative of UAE President and Chairman of Emirates Heritage Club.

Many knights are expected to take part in the event.

Jordan: Wadi Rum

Photo Album

13-14 November 2009

Story and Photos by Heidi Bernsdorf

No time for dreams - endurance ride in a magic country: King Hussein memorial ride in Wadi Rum/Jordan

What a landscape, what a fairy background for this 80km endurance ride, marvellously organized by the Jordan Federation under their President HRH Princess Alia bint al Hussein, a thoroughbred horse lady herself.

The Vet Check took place in a niche between two bizarre mountains, perfectly formed to serve as a grand stand for the visitors.

Two groups, Endurance Qualifier/80km and International Endurance Ride FEI CEI one star over 80 km, and more than 100 horses were presented at the Vet Check on 13th of November, 2009.

The ride was in 3 loops of 30, 30, 20 km and went over completely changing ground, from deep sand to rocks and gravel. Most of the horses were in very good shape and only a few were eliminated at the Vet Check. Looking at the "breed" it mostly said: local. Wonderfully shaped heads, elegant bodies and good sound legs and hooves, they loved to run.

A German lady, riding at international level in Europe, was promised a horse as an exchange for a possible ride in Germany on one of her horses. The horse they presented for her at the Vet Check was completely lame, obviously from the transport, finally, 5 minutes before the start at 6.00 o’clock on 14th November, she was offered another horse, the owner was from Petra, and the horse was very much attached to him. Indy, the horses' name, fought a very fierce battle with poor Susanne, the German riders' name, for the whole first loop of 30 km. Had she taken all that power and tried for the first places, I think she would have come home after 80 km among the first 5 horses.

When the horses assembled for the start, it was dark and very cold, at the start the first light of the day came up and painted the amazing rock formations in all different colours of pink to red, an image one can never forget it was breathtaking!
For "greenhorns" like me the desert looked mostly everywhere the same, and without the scout qualities of Mr. Abdel Aziz Al Hasanat, father of "Indies" owner Hamzah, I would have been lost and never found back to the Vet Gate.

Once we got stuck in the sand, but out of the blue there were other 4-wheels who helped us out.

Following Susanne and Indy was fascinating; more so to see how the horse finally accepted the "new rider", became well bent and good at the reins, responding to the orders of her rider!

The World Champion of WEG Aachen 2006, Miguel Ubach from Spain who also was supposed to ride a rented horse from the Royal Stables, the horse was lame at the Vet Check, was so lucky to get "Qual" a Polish bred gelding from the stables of HRH Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein, normally ridden by the stable manager of HRH Prince Ali's stables, Jehad Shhaltough, who broke his ankle the evening before the ride.

This horse "Qual" was born in 1990 and looks like a very young horse, he won the international race and did the last loop of 20 km at an average speed of 27 km/h, amazingly fresh he came into the Finish after altogether 4 h 32 mins.51 seconds.
Of the 46 horses which had left the start at six o’clock in the morning, 24 came in “fit to continue” among them was "Indy" with Susanne! That means more than 50% succeeded, which is a very good finishers rate.

Wadi Rum was an experience to all of us and we felt the spell of this corner of the world, which has been inhabited by mankind for the last 19 000 years, rock carvings found in the mountains here give us evidence of this theory. Too short was our stay there and we had too little time to experience history and fauna and flora, and: no time for dreams!

Dubai: Strong field for Dubai endurance races on weekend

Gulfnews.com

Staff Report
January 28, 2010

Land Cruiser up for grabs for winners

Dubai: The Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum Ladies Endurance Ride over 90 kilometres and the Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum Endurance Challenge over 100km will be held at Dubai International Endurance City Friday and Saturday, respectively.

The Ladies Endurance Ride-CEN 90km is restricted to UAE and Gulf nationals and Arab nationals living in the UAE.

The ride consists of four loops: Yellow (37km), Green (27km), Pink (16km) and White (16km). The vet check will take place today between 3pm and 5pm.

The Endurance Challenge is restricted to UAE nationals from private stables and individuals.

Four loops

The ride consists of four loops: Yellow (37km), Red (31km), Green (27km) and White (12km).

The vet checking will take place tomorrow between 3pm and 5pm.

The general manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Ali Mousa Al Khamiri, said: "We expect this ride to be highly competitive and it is sure to attract some of the best endurance riders here in the UAE and the region.

"We are truly grateful for the support from Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, and we wish all riders the best of luck and welcome all spectators to come and enjoy this weekend event."

A Toyota Land Cruiser is up for grabs for the first place winner of each race, while the second place winners will receive a Nissan Patrol and the third place winners will receive Dh100,000 in cash.

Fourth place winners will be awarded Dh90,000 and the amount will decrease in equal equation until the 11th placing, which receives Dh20,000.

Great Britain: Young lead the way in endurance awards

Thisiswesternmorningnews.co.uk - Full Article

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

AN EARLY GBP 800 to send a British Endurance Riding team to the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky was raised by an auction of promises at the annual Awards Dinner of the South West Group of Endurance.

All the groups of Endurance GB have been asked to raise money towards the team's expenses, which will be around GBP 15,000 per horse for air fares and stabling.

At the prize-giving following the auction, it was the younger members of the group that rode off with many of the awards, promising well for the future of endurance riding in Devon and Cornwall.

Jennifer Bridge from Plymouth on her 15.3hh eight-year-old Arab gelding, RA Djoser, won the Open Level Challenge Shield.

"We won the Novice Trophy in 2008, which was our first year of competing in endurance," said Jennifer. "I am delighted that now that we have moved up to Open Level, Djoser is still doing so well.

"We bought him as a three-year-old. He has a lovely temperament but is very fast. We did our first 80km (50 miles) at the Camelford Ride last summer and he won the prize for best conditioned horse."

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