UAE: Al Beloushi rewrites another record at Al Maktoum Challenge

Image Credit: ABDUL RAHMAN/Gulf News

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
March 14, 2010

Trainer-cum-rider of Al Reef Stables has been a consistent performer



Abu Dhabi : The UAE's domestic endurance season may be on its home stretch, the temperatures may be rising but there just seems to be no stopping Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi.

The trainer-cum-rider of Al Reef Stables, owned by Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of President's Private Department, once again battered the record for a 120km ride by more than 11 minutes in yesterday's Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival 2010 at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

Riding 12-year-old chestnut gelding Trajano, Al Beloushi, who had rewritten the record (four hours 32 minutes 26 seconds) last month in Dubai with a timing of 4 hours 32 minutes 26 seconds, lowered it further to 4 hours 18 minutes and 52 seconds.

Battling to second place was Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri on Saluki, and it was this Al Wathba rider who had held the record for two years before Al Beloushi broke it on February 6 this year.

Al Beloushi, who recorded an average ride time of 27.81 kmph during the 120-km FEI two star ride said, "I am very happy as this is the third win for Trajano. The conditions were tough as it was a bit hotter than expected."

"Once I got into the lead in the fourth loop, I sensed that my horse was in a good condition so I decided to try and go for a record," said Al Beloushi, who has been one of the most consistent riders and trainers over the last couple of years.

Yesterday's ride was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum along with Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Ali Al Muhairi, Racing Manager of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Lara Sawaya, Managing Director of Tasweeq attended the prize distribution ceremony.

Results

1. Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi (Trajano-Al Reef Stables) 4hrs 18 mins 52secs; 2. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Saluki-Al Wathba Stables) 4:23.09, 3. Munthar Ahmad Al Beloushi (Silversprings Kabir Arwa- Al Reef Stables) 4:32.28,; 4. Saeed Mohammad Al Jaber Al Marri (Elphyn Silverlight- Al-Reef Stables) 4:34.35,; 5. Saif Sultan Al Bu Amim (Omaani Iman-Al Aasfa Ltd) 4:37.43.

Bahrain: Show of Class

Gulf-daily-news.com

Sunday, March 14, 2010

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa steered Musical Gully Pizzecato to victory in the International Endurance Qualifying Ride held yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain ruled the three-stage ride from start to finish, completing the event on top with a total ride time of three hours, nine minutes and 51 seconds, and an average speed of 22.28km per hour.

Behind him was his Royal Endurance Team mate Jaffer Mirza, riding El Khar, who finished second in 3:09:53 with a 25.28km per hour average speed.

Third overall was Raed Mahmood, also of the Royal Endurance Team, who steered Fascination to cross the finish line in 3:21:14 with a 23.85km per hour average speed.

The ride, which serves as a qualifier for international championships, saw a total of 70 riders from different stables in Bahrain, taking part.

It got underway at 6am. The first stage was over 30km. Shaikh Nasser completed the stage first in 1:13:22 with a 24.53km per hour average speed.

He was followed by Mirza in 1:13:38 with an average speed of 24.45km per hour, then veteran rider and coach Abdelhaq Kaddouri came third in 1:16:26 with a 23.44km per hour average speed.

Shaikh Nasser maintained his rhythm in the second stage, which was also over 30km, by finishing on top in 2:25:59 and 24.66km per hour average speed.

Mirza kept the pressure on Shaikh Nasser by staying a close second in 2:26:07 with an average speed of 24.45km per hour while Indian rider Ratan Singh, riding Zayed Shakhan, moved up to third in 2:39:45 and a 22.54km per hour average speed.

The third and deciding stage, which was over 20km, featured gruelling competition between Shaikh Nasser and Mirza towards the final metres. The former rider lived up to expectations to win first place overall.

Shaikh Nasser said the Royal Endurance Team's participation yesterday was successful and most of the riders achieved good results throughout the three stages.

On his part, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa said he was pleased with the great turnout of riders for this event.

The Breef's chief praised the noticeable co-operation from the participants with the organisers which made the ride an all-round success.

He added that most of the riders completed all three stages and should finish two more similar events to become eligible to take part in any of the International Equestrian Federation championships.

UAE: Harvey wins Ladies endurance ride

Image Credit: Abdul Rahman/Gulf News

Gulfnews.com
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
March 13, 2010

Schoolteacher holds on to beat back a spirited challenge by UAE's Afra

Abu Dhabi : British schoolteacher Rachel Harriet Harvey held on to beat back a spirited challenge by the UAE's Afra Khalifa Al Suwaidi to win yesterday's Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge 90-km Ladies Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Just one second separated Harvey riding Baddah from Afra on Estaban after the 90kms ride held over four loops of 30kms, 24kms, 20kms and 16kms with Al Yazia Khalifa Al Suwaidi on Al Galahn in third place.

Yesterday's ladies ride at Al Wathba venue was jointly sponsored by Bonyan International Investment Group, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival 2010 with 65 starting the national event. It was a very close finish and for most part of the 90kms ride.

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/harvey-wins-ladies-endurance-ride-1.596160

Whitehaven horses achieve year-end awards for 2009

SC Now.com
By Messenger Staff Reports
Published: March 11, 2010
BISHOPVILLE - The Western Carolinas Arabian Horse Association (WCAHA) recently announced their year-end award winners for 2009, and a number of Whitehaven horses came out on top.

CINDERELLA STORY (Curundu Java x Ann Annazeh), a 10-year-old straight Egyptian Arabian mare owned by trainer Trisha Dingle, was named Champion Endurance Horse. “Daisy” completed a number of limited distance rides with amateur rider Julia Fisher during the competition year, including placing 11th in the 2008 Carolina 30, 12th in the 2008 Endure For the Cure 35 and 4th in the 2009 Gallop on the Greenway. Daisy also placed 4th with young rider Anna Caroline Chinnes in the 2009 Turkey Creek Trot. She is currently in Georgia at a dressage farm starting her new career as a beginner dressage horse for kids.

Another of Dingle’s horses, ROYAL PAIN WP (Legal Tennder x Patronna), excelled in the show arena. With Dingle riding, “Payne” was named Reserve Champion Purebred Sport Horse Under Saddle as well as Reserve Champion Hunter Pleasure. This talented young horse won impressive ribbons in a limited number of shows last season. Payne is proudly sponsored by farrier Mike Stine of Equine Dynamics.

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Two-day Rashid endurance festival kicks off today

Gulf News

Abu Dhabi: Two cars and prize money totalling Dh700,000 will be up for grabs in the two-day Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival starting today at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said, "The first day will see some of the top women riders compete in a 90-kilometre national ride while on the second day an FEI Two-star ride over 120 kilometres will see all the top riders in the open category compete."

The ladies' ride will be over four loops of 30 kilometres, 24 kilometres, 20 kilometres and 16 kilometres while the FEI Open Ride will be run over 32 kilometres, 28 kilometres, 24 kilometres, 20 kilometres and 16 kilometres.

Support

Ali Al Muhairi, Racing Manager of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, who also addressed the press conference said: "This is an annual event and Shaikh Hamdan has always been a strong supporter of endurance races all over the UAE."

Talal Al Hashemi, of Abu Dhabi Sports Council said, "We have seen a lot of events in the UAE for ladies and this is another event which will give an opportunity to all sections of the community."

Fatima Hussain, a representative of Bonyan International Investment Group and Lara Sawaya, Managing Director of Tasweeq also attended the press conference.

Sawaya said the Challenge ride for ladies is jointly sponsored by Bonyan International Investment Group, Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival while the open ride is sponsored by Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival 2010.



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Australia: Local endurance riders do well in State and National awards

Cowraguardian.com.au - Full Article

12 Mar, 2010

Lachlan Endurance Riders Club, based at Woodstock fared very well in the 2009 NSW Endurance Riders Association point scores and distance competitions.

Mark Lindsay of Cowra took out the two prestigious awards of NSW Heavyweight Rider of the Year as well as the Heavyweight Distance Rider of the Year with 1200kms successfully completed during 2009.

Mark was also 5th nationally in both categories.

His pure bred Arabian gelding, Kintamani Silver Motif was 7th in NSW for points and 5th in the NSW Distance Horse of the year; and together he and Motif were 4th in the One Horse/One Rider.

He also campaigned another horse throughout the year, Kintamani Charisma and together, was 10th in the same category.

Read more here:
http://www.cowraguardian.com.au/news/local/sport/general/local-endurance-riders-do-well-in-state-and-national-awards/1774671.aspx

New Zealand: Horse of the Year show kicks off next week

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

March 11, 2010

In just under a week's time the first of thousands of hooves will step foot in the main arena at the 2010 Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show and Kevin Hansen will be a happy man.

For the show director, his key crew and a team of more than 450 volunteers, that moment means a tireless year of work and planning will have all come to fruition.

This year's show in Hastings is no different. It will be another huge effort, but one with significant highlights.

Heroes from yesteryear will be honoured with the inaugural Hall of Fame gala dinner on Thursday night, where the first five inductees will be announced - just who they are is a closely guarded secret.

The Aussies are coming to do battle with the Kiwis for the inaugural Nations Cup competition, a young rider team is heading across the ditch to try and defend the Trans Tasman Trophy, there is a trial to find New Zealand's Youth Olympic representative, the nation's best Pony Club showjumping team will be found, and of course, the best will line up to win the Bell Tea Olympic Cup as showjumper of the year.

"So many highlights and so hard to choose just one," says Hansen.

He'll have nearly 2600 combinations competing in 17 disciplines in 28 arenas over six days from Tuesday (March 16) through to Sunday when the Olympic Cup is decided.

Reigning champ Peter McMahon (Australia) will not be here to defend the crown, but there are plenty with their hands up and out, ready to hoist the historic cup on high and pocket their share of the $200,000 prize purse.

Olympic course builder Leopoldo Palacios (Venezuela) is back to design the best showjumping courses to challenge the riders and entrance those watching.

Eventing is starring alongside showjumping and dressage this year as one of the top three disciplines and a top-class field has been attracted to the three star division. John Nicholson, brother of Olympian Andrew, will design the cross-country course - something riders and spectators alike look forward to.

Dressage has some incredibly exciting combinations entered in the upper echelon of the discipline.

Endurance will take its record numbers of competitors through some stunning Hawke's Bay wine country.

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/03/069.shtml

Germany: German Endurance Championships in June

Bestendurance.com

The CERA Challenge German Endurance Championships for Juniors and Seniors will be held 24-27 June, 2010, in Dillingen, Germany.

The championships will be organized by Best Endurance - Belinda Hitzler and Stephan Schelldorf.

The route will be easy and mostly flat with excellent the trackside. Perfect to qualify horses gently. The routes will lead the riders through the picturesque Danube Valley, bordering on mild hills through magnificent forests, back through the level to Dillingen.

Our goal is that all operators would be faced with excellent opportunities to be able to show endurance racing at the highest level.

The excellent infrastructure, with nice hotels, camping and restaurants makes it easy for guests and riders easy to feel at ease. (More information on Dillingen and hotels, they see www.dillingen-donau.de).

For more information on the ride, see Best Endurance or contact Belinda Hitzler at belinda@bestendurance.com or Stephan Schelldorf at stephan@bestendurance.com .

Great Britain: Endurance stars set out on Kentucky fund-raising routes

Yorkshirepost.co.uk - Full Article

08 March 2010
By Jill Armstrong

ENDURANCE riders and anybody wanting to try it out, have a new series of rides to look forward to this season.

The rides are being organised by Endurance GB to help raise funds to support the British team at this year's World Equestrian Games in Kentucky.

Around 23 Kentucky Rides will be taking place at different venues between now and August. These non-competitive rides will cover a range of distances to suit all levels of experience, from 10 miles to routes of 25 miles.

They are open to non-members and will be an opportunity to ride over some lovely countryside, often over land not normally open to the public. Riders can take part either for pleasure or to prepare for the competition season ahead.

"We have a really talented pool of riders and hope to be sending a strong team to Kentucky," said Jo Claridge, EGB chairman.

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St Francis Bay riders tops at Queenstown Endurance

St. Francis Sport - South Africa
http://www.stfrancissport.co.za/index.php/archives/1306

ESTI STEWART

Endurance horse riders from the Kouga area formed the core of the top riders at the New Stead Ride held in Queenstown over the last weekend in February.

The first leg of an 80km ride started on New Stead farm at 05:30 on Saturday morning February 27, taking the 69 riders through the beautiful and rugged mountains near Queenstown. Conditions for the ride were tough in some places as riders had to negotiate steep up and down hills on rocky mountains.

Jenna Masterson (15) from St Francis Bay was determined to do well and had every confidence in the fitness and ability of her horse Xantium Zulu, owned by Alexander Holliday and trained by his mother Claire Holliday from Jeffreys Bay. She won the Junior Division in a time of 04:30:00 and in the second overall position. Her younger sister Kirsty (11), a Child Rider, rode her own horse Cydrob Crown Amira with their mother Jenny on Maestro, owned and trained by Daan Landman, as according to the rules a child rider has to ride with a senior rider. During the second leg of the ride Kirsty and Jenny was right behind a woman who fell of her horse, seriously injured. In the true spirit of endurance riding Jenny Mastersons and Bob Seegers stayed with the women, delaying them for 35 minutes. Kirsty finished the leg with another senior rider, but waited for her mother at the next compulsory rest period.

Despite the fact that they both lost more than half an hour due to supporting their co-competitor, they both finished with a time of 05:46:00 with Kirsty in second position (Child Riders) and Jenny in first position in the light weight senior rider category.

Daan Landman, Springbok rider from the Tsitsikamma was the first heavy weight home in a time of 04:35:00 on his gelding Shams El Farin Fasab, Chris Landman was second standard weight home on his mare Sahida, the Eastern Cape horse of the year 2009.

The Spirit of Endurance Award was given to Jenny Masterson and Bob Seegers from Graaff Reinett for unselfishly assisting the seriously injured woman, compromising their own positions and time in the competition. Jenna also won the cup for the Best Conditioned Horse in the Young Rider Division.
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Oman: Horse endurance race held in Barka

Oman Tribune

March 06, 2010

A Staff Reporter

BARKA The final race of the horse endurance event witnessed a lot of excitement and stiff competition between the participating horsemen on Thursday.

In all, 37 horsemen and horsewomen took part in the main race for 90km and 19 horsemen in the qualifying race for 40km.

Organised by the Omani Equestrian Association and sponsored by Emran Company, the event was held at Seih Al Mahamed in Barka, under the auspices of HH Sayyid Mohammed Bin Salim Al Said, and attended by Mohammed Bin Eisa Al Fairouz, OEA chairman, along with hundreds of other people. Horseman Khalil Bin Ebrahim Al Nairi, riding the horse, ‘Tarraf’, won the race after passing all stages successfully, finishing the race within 6 hours and 12 minutes.

Horseman Al Fares Bin Hasan Al Farsi, finished second the race on horse ‘Nail’ in 6 hours and 25 minutes.

Horseman Mahmoud Bin Marhoon Al Fawri finished in the third place on horse ‘Cleft’ in 6 hours and 31 minutes.

Ahmed Bin Salim Al Hamdani came in the fourth place on ‘Al Ufuq’ in 6 hours and 38 minutes, whereas, horsewoman Turkia Bint Mahmoud Al Balushi finished fifth on ‘Lara’ in 7 hours and 41 minutes.

Brazilian horse won best condition award in UAE

Endurancebrasil.com.br - Full Article

Brazilian horses are gradually showing potential in Arab lands. Adaptation in the desert can be a little slower to Brazilian horses, but in his time has shown good results.

Caraiva CSM was Best Condition in the Ladies Endurance Ride - CEN 90 km in the Dubai Endurance City this weekend, February 26. The breeder of the mare in Brazil is Claudio Ribas (Kazik Stud) and now she is in the second season in the United Arab Emirates. She assured the 6th place been ridden by Hamya Ali Mohm Al Saiqal. The average was 25.15 km/h average and arrive 18min48s after the champion. Caraiva completed the race in 3h34min40s. In the Best Condition she added 53, 36 points.

The Brazilian mare make up the team Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables in UAE, which is owned Sh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Caraiva has completed some evidence in UAE.
Another Brazilian highlight was Pommery FGJ, from the same stable, the mare finished the race in 21th place. The Anglo Arab was been ridden by Jamila Ahmed, finishing the race in 4h26min15s and the average was 20.28 km / h.

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Spain: 2010 Raid del Cron

Raidcron.blogspot.com

The 15th CEI2* 120 km Raid del Cron will take place 12-14 March, 2010 at the Club de Raid Osona Nord in St Pere de Torello, Spain.

For more information, trail maps, registration, and directions see the Raid del Cron blog

UAE: Shaikh Hamdan clinches crown

Gulf-daily-news.com

February 28, 2010

THE UAE's Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum was the overall winner of the Giants Endurance Challenge held yesterday at Dubai Endurance City (ECN) in Seih Assalam.

Some of the best riders from Bahrain and the UAE competed in the deciding ride of the championship which was over 160km and also a qualifier for next year's World Endurance Games in Kentucky, the US.

It was the third and final round in the challenge which started in Abu Dhabi, then continued in Bahrain. The first three stages of yesterday's ride were hit by a desert storm, which forced the elimination of several riders.

Riding Dean, Shaikh Hamdan completed this six-stage ride on top in five hours, 59 minutes and 53 seconds with a 23.17km per second speed average.

Shaikh Hamdan, the Dubai Crown Prince, was followed by Fredrick Zobairi (6:14:05) of Spain in second place while Majed Al Jahori (6:14:12) of the UAE's Al Ain Stable came third.

Bahrain were spearheaded by three riders, led by Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who pulled out during the third stage after his horse picked up an injury.

Other Bahraini participants were Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stable Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also withdrew in the fifth and penultimate stage due to similar circumstances.

Abdulhaq Qadoor (8:34:04), the most experienced rider among the Bahraini participants, was the only local entrant to complete the race in 14th place.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was also out of the race in the fourth stage as his horse Sas Alexis suffered an injury.

It was, however, Shaikh Mohammed who started the ride in style, leading the riders at the end of the stage in one hour, eight minutes and 49 seconds. Not far behind was Jaume Punti Dachs (1:08:52), riding Au De, in second place and Shaikh Hamdan (1:09:58) third.

Shaikh Mohammed maintained his momentum in the second stage to keep his lead with a total ride time of 2:14:43. Dachs (2:16:24) also kept his second position while Shaikh Majed, brother of Shaikh Hamdan, (2:16:55) moved up to third.In the third stage, Shaikh Mohammed stayed third in 3:18:31 and ahead of Shaikh Hamdan (3:25:33) who climbed to second and ahead of third-placer Shaikh Majed (3:25:42).

Shaikh Hamdan took over the lead from Shaikh Mohammed at the end of the fourth stage with a total ride time of 4:38:43.

Mubarak Al Belooshi (4:41:54) improved on his standing to claim second place, then Shaikh Majid (4:47:08) came third.

Since then, Shaikh Hamdan never looked back as he remained on top in the fifth stage, which he completed in 5:24:50 and kept his rhythm in the six and final stage to win the title.

After yesterday's race, the top three riders were honoured at the prize-giving ceremony, which took place at the Dubai Endurance City.

The ceremony was attended by His Majesty King Hamad who presented the prizes to the winners in the presence of Shaikh Mohammed and other senior UAE equestrian federation officials.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by Shaikh Mohammed, Shaikh Nasser, Shaikh Khalid, senior officials and race organisers.

On this occasion, His Majesty, Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid congratulated Shaikh Hamdan on his victory and wishing others success in future competitions.

His Majesty also hailed the efforts of the race organisers, noting that the championship has witnessed a strong brotherly competition between Bahraini and UAE riders, reflecting the strong ties bonding both countries.

Click HERE for photos by Osama Mohammed.

Sport Horse Vet Symposium to Run with WEG

TheHorse.com
February 26 2010, Article # 15892

Promoting peak performance in the equine athlete through proper healthcare will be the focus of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Veterinary Sport Horse Symposium, to be held Sept. 22-24 at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Ky. The symposium is presented by Alltech, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.

The three-day education meeting is designed for veterinarians who treat horses involved in sport horse disciplines, such as eventing, reining, endurance, show jumping, driving, and dressage. An international roster of veterinary experts will present the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions commonly affecting the sport horse. Sessions topics will include orthopedics, diagnostic imaging, nutrition, upper respiratory disease, podiatry, and muscle disease.

"Veterinarians are well served in all disciplines to understand as much as possible about the factors affecting the performance of the competitors in their care," said Alan Ruggles, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. "The symposium program brings together the leaders in many facets of equine clinical practice that determine a horse's performance at any given event."

Bayer Health Care--Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, and Luitpold are sponsoring the symposium.

Complete sport horse symposium program and hotel information. Contact Elaine Souers of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital at esouers@roodandriddle.com or 859/233-0371 for more information.

In addition to this symposium, a one-day seminar for horse owners will be held at the Embassy Suites in Lexington on Friday, Sept. 24.

France: Florac Ride Candidate for European Championship 2011

160florac-lee.com

The French Equestrian Federation has chosen the 35th edition of the 160-km Florac ride to present France's candidacy for the organisation of the European Championship 2011. Subject to the FEI’s acceptance, the Florac 160-km ride in 2010, which will be run over a new course, will be the pre-ride for Florac 2011.

Lozere Endurance Equestre (LEE), the association organising the Florac ride, has specially designed a course for this European Championship made up of a series of point-to-point phases, forming one large loop, in keeping with the traditional values of endurance: stamina, horsemanship, sports ethic, respect for the horse's physical well-being and morale.

We are of course maintaining the usual programme: : 90 km and 130km rides, breed shows, stallion parade as well as THE les 160-km de Florac® ride.
This 2010 edition, 24th July, the pre-ride, will be one of the last qualifier competitions in Europe for the Kentucky WEG.

For more information, and a schedule for this year's ride, see www.160florac-lee.com

Ireland launches new equestrian brand

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

February 26, 2010

Horse Sport Ireland has launched its 'Team Ireland Equestrian' brand, which will be worn by all Irish equestrian riders across all Olympic disciplines up to London 2012.

The logo, which is a shamrock consisting of three horse shoes, was developed by Horse Sport Ireland as part of a major drive to market Ireland's equestrian teams to sponsors and the general public.

Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh said that the new concept had been developed over the past year by HSI to create a single identity for Irish teams across all of the FEI disciplines of show jumping, eventing, dressage, para-equestrian, carriage driving, endurance, reining and vaulting.

The launch was a new beginning for the sport in Ireland. "We have outstanding riders in this country and with top class coaches and structures in place we can take on the world. It is time for people to get behind our riders, our horses and Team Ireland Equestrian," he said.

"Last year we had 480 riders who represented Ireland in international competition with huge success and I believe that our riders, breeders and owners deserve more credit for their achievements on the world stage," he said.

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Dubai: Endurance City hosts weekend rides

Gulfnews.com

Region's best riders to compete in final round of Giants Endurance Challenge

Staff Report
February 26, 2010



Dubai: This will be a busy weekend for endurance riders with two rides scheduled to be held at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC).

The ECN 90km Endurance Ride for Ladies will take place Friday, and will run over four loops.

Tomorrow, some of the best riders in the UAE will compete in the final round of the Giants Endurance Challenge, a CEI three star ride over 160km. It is the third and final round in the challenge which started in Abu Dhabi, then continued in Bahrain.

Throughout this challenge, the participants have been accumulating points, as the rider and horse with the most will be the overall winner. This ride has a reputation of attracting the region's best, and is restricted to riders whose body weight is 75kgs without a saddle. The ride will consists of six loops: red, blue, yellow, green, pink and white and the first inspection will take place today from 3pm to 5pm.

General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Ali Mousa Al Khamiri said: "We are very grateful to Abu Dhabi and Bahrain to give us the honour of hosting the final round of the Giants Endurance Challenge here at Dubai International Endurance City, and we would like to thank Abu Dhabi and Bahrain for their participation. We also expect this ride to be a very tough one due to the higher FEI Rating and the longer distance."

"We are truly grateful to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has been a key role in supporting all equestrian sports and Endurance in particular through the years.

2010 FEI Horse and Rider Registration

2010 FEI HORSE AND RIDER REGISTRATION
USEF

The FEI has implemented a new procedure for FEI Registration that states any horse or rider that is not registered before they compete will be disqualified. FEI Article 113 will be strictly applied and all Athletes/Horses must be registered prior to taking part in an FEI event. FEI organizers should be checking the FEI registration for horses and riders and should not allow anyone to compete without them. If such registration is not completed, the Athlete/Horse will be disqualified in accordance with the applicable article. If you are renewing an FEI registration you can complete it online at USEF www.usef.org by signing into your USEF Login. NOTE: The FEI considers the Riders/Drivers/Vaulters as the Person Responsible for ensuring that their registration and the registration of their horse is complete prior to competing. The processing of FEI registration can take up to 4 weeks so if you need your number right away there is a RUSH service that you can request for an additional $30.00. If you have any questions or concerns regarding FEI Registration please contact Ashley Sabo at 859-225-6989 or via e-mail at asabo@usef.org.

ATHLETES' AND HORSES' REGISTRATIONS FOR 2010
AND THE VALIDATION OF RESULTS
Referring to the General Regulations Art 113, as per below:

Article 113 - Registration of Athletes and Horses

All Athletes and Horses must be registered with the FEI, unless otherwise specified by the Sport Rules and with their own or, where appropriate, their host NF before they can be permitted to take part in an International Event. (See also Article 119 - Sport Nationality Status of Athletes and Chapter V Horses).
NFs are responsible for registering all Athletes and Horses and shall ensure that such Athletes have the appropriate corresponding sport nationality.
Any Athlete and/or any Horse who is not registered with the FEI shall be automatically disqualified.
The registration system is linked to the results publications.

Australia: Riders and their mounts show skills at testing endurance run

Maitlandmercury.com.au - Full Article
JAMES LAW
24 Feb, 2010 08:26 AM

Horses and their riders were put to the test last weekend in a twilight endurance ride at Glen William, near Clarence Town.

Rachel Haskins from the Williams Valley Endurance Riders Club was impressed with 137 entries, especially because this was the first time a race of this kind had been held in the Dungog Shire in more than 20 years.

The 80km trek through scenic countryside tested the endurance, strength and stamina of both the horses and riders, and attracted participants from as far as Berry, Coffs Harbour and Dubbo.

The race kicked off at 2.30pm on Saturday to ensure the ride was not run in the hottest part of the day.

The highlight of the course was the climb to the top of McDougalls Hill, which presented views to the Stockton sand dunes and across to the Barrington Tops.

The winner completed the circuit in five hours and 52 minutes, while the last horse crossed the line at 1am on Sunday, after 10 hours of riding. Eighty-three per cent of the participants finished the course.

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