Malaysia Games: T'gganu eye gold in endurance

NST.com.my

2010/06/04
Zainuddin Muhammad

TERENGGANU'S hopes of winning gold in the endurance race team event in the Malacca Malaysia Games rest with the Regent of Terengganu, Tengku Muhammad Ismail Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, his sister Tengku Nadirah Zaharah and four others.

Team manager Ismail Awang said the siblings, aged 12 and 14, ely, have shown maturity in the sport after competing in various endurance competitions over the last two years.

Ismail said Terengganu, as hosts, took the team silver in 2008 but has predicted gold in Malacca.


"We still have Abdul Rahman Muhammad, who won the endurance individual gold medal in Terengganu, and chances are he will do it again," said Abdul Rahman.

"The 20-year-old rider from Kampung Nibong in Kuala Terengganu has established himself as an endurance rider of quality after securing several victories in the Sultan's Cup and events organised by the National Sports Institute."

The other riders are Mohamad Alif Zabidi, who took silver two years ago, Adib Shazmir Ismail and Shahruddin Abdullah.


Meanwhile, head coach Zulkifli Salleh said two more gold medals could be expected from showjumping and dressage.

"Muhammad Zulfikar Mohamad won the dressage gold in the previous Games and we have a feeling the 17-year-old can do it again.

"We also have Amini Shamira Zulkifli, who finished fourth in 2008 but has shown marked improvement in recent months and will be one of the leading contenders for a showjumping medal."


Also competing in the showjumping and dressage events are Fatin Nabila Zulkifli, 18, Lokman Abdul Ghani, 19, and Haris Abdul Majid, 14.

Read more: Malaysia Games: T'gganu eye gold in endurance http://www.nst.com.my/nst/articles/34zaintreng/Article/#ixzz0qDFmq3fA

Malaysia: Enduring Passion

Thestar.com.my
June 5, 2010

AS a teenager, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin was active in various sports and activities like football, golf, taekwondo, scuba diving and horseback riding.

A taekwondo exponent, he has been patron of the Malaysian Global Taekwondo Federation (MGTF) since 1990. His active participation in the sport is acknowledged with an honorary award of the 7th Degree Black Belt given to him by the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF).

Due to his involvement in this sport, Malaysia organised the World Taekwondo Championship in Kuala Terengganu in 1994, with participation from 88 countries.

Tuanku Mizan’s recent recreational and sports focus is horseback riding, particularly in the discipline of endurance. He has actively taken part in endurance riding competitions conducted both locally and abroad.

In 2004, he placed fourth at the 105km Johor Endurance Championship and was third at the 105km Kelantan Royal Jubilee Endurance Ride.

In the same year, he won the Wilga 80km Endurance Ride in Wilga, Australia.

In 2005, he represented Malaysia at the 160km Endurance Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and also emerged winner of the 90km Harris Ride Championship in Perth, Australia.

In 2007, he came in second at the International Endurance Ride Championship in Qatar.

Last October, Tuanku Mizan was among 97 local and foreign riders who rode off in the Pahang-PENN Endurance Challenge 2009 at the Pahang International Endurance Park in Cherating.

The King, representing the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES), rode out for the 100km race astride his horse Tarjari Moonlight Pharoah. His two children, Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Nadhirah Zaharah, also took part in the race.

However, Tuanku Mizan could not complete the race as his horse fell ill during the event. The year before, he was champion of the same category in the challenge.

Besides being an active participant, Tuanku Mizan has played a vital role in promoting the sport in Malaysia and putting the country on the international equestrian tournament map.

Since 2002, the King has been instrumental in getting the country ready for equestrian tournaments.

He personally went to France in 2005 with the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) to bid for the Endurance Championship to be held in Malaysia.

In 2008, Malaysia successfully hosted for the first time the Federation Equestre Internationale (FIE) World Endurance Championship at Lembah Bidong, Terengganu. The championship featured 140 riders from 34 countries and Tuanku Mizan led the 12-member Malaysian team.

In 2005, Tuanku Mizan also pioneered the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES), aimed at training horseback riding for participation in endurance competitions at national and international levels.

Since its inception, RTES has taken part in many championships in Malaysia and abroad.

In 2006, three riders from RTES represented Malaysia at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany.

Tuanku Mizan also played a strong role in establishing the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Race in 2006 as an effort to promote sports tourism in the state.

He also initiated the endurance team at the Selangor Turf Club’s Equestrian and Sports Centre.

Australia: St Helens to Host Quilty in 2012

Taseastcoastnews.com

02 Jun, 2010

IN 1966, 26 riders began the first Tom Quilty 160-kilometre endurance ride on a course west of Sydney.

And in 2012 it will be St Helens turn to host the event, with more than 300 riders expected to take part.

The Portland Endurance Riders Club will host the event in two years time and preparations began last weekend with a mock Tom Quilty.

"The club decided it would be a good chance for the endurance riders from around the state to get together for a small competition," event secretary Penny Barns said.

"The main aim of the event is to mark out the course in preparations for the 2012 ride."

The event was the brainchild of R.M. Williams, who had an idea to ride his horse 160 kilometres in one day.

He convinced his friend Tom Quilty, a Kimberley cattleman and renowned horseman, to donate $1000 to make a gold cup, which is now known as the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

Each year, a field of more than 250 endurance rider's take to the course.

Ms Barns said that only a handful of elite equine athletes are ever in contention to win the gold cup.

"For most it is simply the challenge, complete the ride and win one of the famous Quilty Buckles," she said.

More than 300 riders were expected to enter the state for the event, which Ms Barns said would be great for St Helens.

"The event has never been held in St Helens before and we are very excited to be hosting it in two years time," she said.

France: Results and photos from Compiegne

160 km Senior CEIO*** - May 28, 2010

Photo gallery by Brigitte Huard

1 - Jean Philippe Frances - FRA - HANABA DU BOIS - F - 1995 - 20,0494 Km/h
2 - Laurent Mosti - FRA - DJAYAD DU GINIOUX - M - 2000 - 20,0348 Km/h
3 - Cecile Miletto Mosti - FRA - EASY FONTNOIRE - F - 2002 - 19,9993 Km/h

Complete results

130 km Juniors & Young Riders - May 28, 2010

Photo gallery by Brigitte Huard

1 - Lisa Riou - FRA - FAVELA - 20.1125
2 - Nina Lissarrague - FRA - AL JAIMIE DE BOZOULS - 20.1116
3 - Louise Huyvetter - FRA - GOLF PERSIK - 20.0415

Complete results

Spain: Xinzo De Limia

Photos by Scott Trees

May 23,2010 , Xinzo DE Limia, Spain: The results from Spain’s National Endurance Ride held in the Ourense Providence of Spain at Xinzo De Limia brought forth top international riders to compete for the National Honors.. Sponsored by Al Shahania Stud of Doha, Qatar, this event highlights the stud farm’s firm support of endurance racing around the world and their dedication to the sport.

Held over the weekend of May 21-23 top horses and riders came to this region noted for its excellent course. “We are thrilled to have sponsored the National Championships for Spain’s endurance riding efforts. We were impressed with the number of horses and riders, and are very pleased with the local support we received,” said a representative of Al Shahania Stud.

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

The 160 KM race had 49 starters with 18 finishing. David Fernandez won the event riding Enia with a time of 10:55:22. The 120 km race had 25 starters with 17 finishing the race. This event was won by Oriol Casals Fores riding Zarha De Vilarormiu, with a time of 7:47:08. For both days of racing, the weather was hotter than usual, which was challenging for horse and riders alike.

Race participants and organizers enjoyed a lively cocktail party pre-race, and an enthusiastic prize giving ceremony wrapping up what was a fun filled weekend for all.


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

John Lyons in Equine Village at 2010 Alltech WEG

John Lyons "America's Most Trusted Horseman" Featured in the Equine Village at the
2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Clinics and Demonstrations are Part of Grounds Pass Ticket Offering

May 27, 2010

Lexington, KY – Famed horseman John Lyons will be a featured clinician in the Equine Village during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25 – October 10, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Widely considered to be responsible for many changes in the horse industry in the past 30 years, John Lyons has promoted both kind treatment of horses and the safety of horse and rider through hundreds of clinics, expos, symposiums, demonstrations, magazine articles, John Lyons Perfect Horse magazine, radio, and television programs.

Along with his son, Josh, Lyons has developed a certification program known throughout the world. With more than 300 professional certified trainers stationed all over the United States, and in many other countries, their training techniques have affected every horse discipline and throughout every breed.

Lyons says he feels blessed to help people with their horses through expos, symposiums, demos, clinics and by his videos.

“I strive to find easier, more effective ways to communicate to both students and horses,” says Lyons. “My training methods make riding so much easier to accomplish, and we as riders begin to enjoy our riding much more because it is less complicated.”

Lyons’ clinics will be available with a Grounds Pass ticket, which are on sale now at a promotional rate of $20 through May 31 at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets. Prices increase to $25 on June 1. Lyons and his training methodology will be featured each day of the 16 days of the Games during a one-hour interactive session.


About John Lyons

John and his wife, Jody, and their family, Josh, Jana, Michael and Katie, will all be at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Training horses and helping horse owners is definitely a family affair and tradition for the Lyons family.

For more information on John Lyons and his training methods go to, www.johnlyonssymposiuminc.com.


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). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and UK Healthcare. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.


Media Contact:
Amy Walker
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org

Australia: Endurance riders overcome conditions to go 100km

Tenterfieldstart.com.au - Full Article

BY CHRIS WALKER
02 Jun, 2010 04:00 AM

STRONG winds, stinging rain and chilly weather did not dent the spirits of the 99 endurance riders who braved the conditions to compete in the latest endurance ride held in the Girard State Forrest.

The race started in darkness at 2am Sunday morning for the 100km competitors and an hour later for the 80km riders.

Chief Steward Michael Combe was happy the event went ahead.

“We were doubtful early on,” he said. “A few did go home, but we still managed 99 riders across all the events.”

The track was slippery, contributing to a few injuries to riders, but none were serious.

About 85 per cent of the competitors managed to finish the race, a high completion rate in a demanding sport...

Read more here:
http://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/news/local/news/general/endurance-riders-overcome-conditions-to-go-100km/1846242.aspx

Brazil: Festival International de Enduro

THE FESTIVAL

The International Festival Brazil 2010 Enduro happens in its 3rd edition on 16 and 17 July, and promises to be another successful event enduro Brazilian.

Like any evidence highlighted each year improvements and new features are part of the schedule of the event.

One of the differences this year are the entries that take place online and in three phases: pre-registration, and final word. Final registration is the last chance to change the animal quel will compose the whole.

This year there will also be limited to members by category and allowed 50 sets each. These are rules and regulations adopted in compliance with requirements of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The glamor and beauty of the venue, Paradise Resort Golf Village and River Ranch Free, make each edition of the International Festival of Endurance Riding a most awaited events in the year.

Participants from all over the country and the world are expected to land in São Paulo. The host city is Mogi das Cruzes, which is 55 km from Sao Paulo, only 35 km from the International Airport of Guarulhos.

Italy, Portugal, France, Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa, England, Chile, Colombia have already attended the event and this year are expected also Belgium, Germany, Hungary and the United Arab Emirates.

In 2011 held the World Championship Young Riders & Junior and the seat will be Brazil. Not yet determined the location, but the Festival is an opportunity to initiate some actions that can be accomplished by focusing on the next year as the loan of horses aimed at the same rent for next year in the world. Surely this is a unique opportunity for these contacts are initiated.

There is an expectation this year of 2010 Argentina and Uruguay to participate in the competition with their own horses, coming from their countries.

Only Brazil hosted a CEIO the sport in South America and this will be her second year of the event. Feature that makes this event one of the most important worldwide, equating to the status of Compiègne and Gubbio.

There are three important evidence that happen:
Nations Cup Young Riders CEIOYR 120 Km
Enduro GP Brazil FEI 2 * 120 km
Paradise Open FEI 1 * 80 Km

For more information see EnduroEquestre.com:
http://www.enduroequestre.com/

Estonia: Haanja – the first international CEI2* endurance ride in Estonia.

Filly Bella (L) and Oopus (R)

Estonia: Haanja – the first international CEI2* endurance ride in Estonia.

The first international FEI endurance riding competition sponsored by the riding pro of United Arab Emirates Mr Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi was held in Estonia on 21-22-23 May 2010.

For many years Heigo and Anne Rohtla have hosted Estonian National Championships in endurance at Haanja, Kurgjärve. Fortunately, in this year with the help of Mr Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi it was also possible to organise the first FEI endurance competition in Estonia.

Haanja Upland, which is located in the South-Eastern corner of Estonia, is famous for its hillock landscape and for the nature preserved in its natural form. Moreover, Mountain Suur Munamägi (318m), the highest peak of Estonia and the other two Baltic countries Lithuania and Latvia is located in the middle part of Haanja uplands. Haanja with its diverse terrain was certainly the best place for arranging an international endurance competition in Estonia.

All together twenty-three riders from six countries Finland, Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Norway, and Estonia were represented. Unfortunately, neither the main sponsor of the event Mr Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi nor Kaja Tuisk who was supposed to ride with the winning horse of CEI2* made it to the competition due to the air traffic disruptions caused by ash clouds from Iceland.

At course meeting on 21st May the president of the Ground Jury Alexander Andrievsky from Russia reminded all the riders that endurance is not racing and emphasised, “Who start very quick will end very soon. In endurance to finish, means to win.”

In the morning of 22 May twenty-two riders started competing in six different categories over distances of 120km and 80km. The weather was hot for May in Estonia, up to 26 degrees above Celsius. The first start for CEI2*, CEIYJ2*, and the Estonian National Championship over the distance of 120km was given at 6 a.m. CEI1* and CEIYJ1* over the distance of 80km started at 7 a.m. and thirty minutes later the riders set to a National Distance of 80km. Altogether only three horses failed from twenty-three.

CEI2* 120 km was won by Virge Laur (Estonia) with Filly Bella in total time of 7hr14 min14sec at an average speed of 16.6 km/h who also received the Best Condition award.

CEIYJ2* 120km with only one participant in the category was won by Kairit Kalbre (Estonia) with Baltimor in a time of 7hr50min07sec at an overall speed of 15.3 km/h.

The Estonian National Championship of 120km was won by Marian Kikas with Oopus. Oopus may be considered to be an outstanding horse in endurance as Oopus is of Tori breed originating from continental Estonia and therefore very important for Estonians in addition to the Estonian Native horse. Marian and Oopus covered the track in total time of 7hr14min13sec equal to the winning time of CEI2* Filly Bella at an average speed of 16.6 km/h.

CEI1*80km was won by Olaug Espeli Carstensen (Norway) on a 20 years old Al Thaka Mellemgaard in total time of 5hr19min17sec at the overall speed of 15 km/h and who also received the award for the Best Condition.

CEIYJ1* 80 km with only two participants was won by Ieva Lapeikyte (Lithuania) with Sultonas in total time of 5hr53min58sec at the overall speed of 12.9 km/h and they also received the award for the Best Condition.

The National Distance of 80km was won by Egle Kalev on Frank-Fränk in total time of 6hr6min55sec at the overall speed of 13 km/h.

The riders and their teams had only best words for the organisers – the event was very well organised. Therefore, in the name of the Estonian Endurance Riding Team we would like to thank all the organisers, sponsors and participants for making this first international endurance competition to happen in Estonia and we hope to see you again next year!

Karoline Aun


Kairit Kalbre and Baltimor

See more photos from the ride here:
http://fotoalbum.ee/photos/SannaT/sets/986751

France dominant in WEG endurance qualifier

Jean-Philippe Francis and the grey mare Hanaba du Bois, the 2007 European Champions, raced up from 6th to claim top podium position at the CEIO3* in Compiègne.

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

May 30, 2010

Perfect conditions and professional riding boosted a great completion rate at the World Endurance Festival's CEIO3* 160km endurance ride in Compiègne, France on Friday, and no horses had to be stopped for metabolic reasons.

Weather on the day could not have been better with a dry day and sunny skies, but a top temperature of just 19 degrees, which proved to be ideal for the horses and riders and was reflected in the competitive speeds and high completion rate of over 60%.

Combinations representing eight nations, many of whom were aiming to qualify for the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky this coming autumn, set off to complete the 160km. The traditional European nations fielded the highest number of competitors, with 43 riders from France, alongside combinations from Spain, Italy, Belgium and Switzerland. Taking on the Europeans were some riders from a little further afield, namely Abdullah Halim Alihan (MAS), Rafael Salvador (BRA) ad Jennifer Poling (USA).

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/05/202.shtml

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team for UK race

Gulf-daily-news.com

Sunday, May 30, 2010

BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team competes today in a 120-kilometre ride near Nottingham in the UK. The eight-member squad will be spearheaded by Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first vice-president and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Today's race will be the first of many lined up as part of the Royal Team's preparations for this year's International Equestrian Federation (FEI) World Endurance Championship, which will be held in Lexington, Kentucky in the US this coming September.

Shaikh Nasser will be joined in the British race by some of Bahrain's leading endurance riders including Ahmed Abdulla, Abdulrahman Saad, Jaffar Mirza, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Samad, Abdulrahman Al Zayed, and Shaikh Duaij bin Salman Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Duaij's participation is not fully confirmed but he hopes to be a part of today's events.

The team arrived in the UK late Friday evening after flying through Abu Dhabi, where they stayed for a night. Upon their arrival, they travelled by road to the competition site.

Shaikh Nasser joined the team at the venue yesterday, and encouraged his teammates to help Bahrain go for victory or at least a podium.

The team held several training runs in order to be fully prepared for the upcoming challenge, which will see some leading riders from Ireland, Scotland, France, Switzerland and England.

Prior to training, the veterinary examinations on all horses took place as well as the official weigh-in of riders.

South Africa: Fauresmith - Endurance Race July 2010

Holiday-homes-sa.com

Monday, 24 May 2010 15:43

Fauresmith’s Annual Endurance Race

Every year Fauresmith hosts the annual Endurance Race for Horse and rider.

The race is over a distance of 205km and three days. It is rated as one of the toughest endurance races in the world and attracts international riders from several countries.

This year will be the 37th running of the race which started after a pub side argument as to which horse breed was better suited to endurance racing.

This sport is vigorously controlled and the health of the horses is paramount. Horses are checked every 20kms by registered vets and both rider and horse are compelled to take 20 minute breaks at these checkpoints.

Fauresmith Endurance Race takes place from 6th July to 8th July.

Accommodation in and around Fauresmith is at a premium and spectators may have to look further afield for guest houses, B&B establishments, Self catering units and Hotels.
Rietputsdam Guest Farm - 073-189-7157
Phoenix Guest House and Restaurant - 051-723-0093
Le Stable Guest House – 051-723-0498
Kapokbosskerm Bed and Breakfast - 051-723-0527
Accommodation in Bloemfontein (130km)
Accommodation in Edenburg (92km gravel, 102km tar)
Accommodation in Springfontein (70km on gravel, 80km tar)
Accommodation in Trompsburg (62km)

For more on accomodations, see http://www.holiday-homes-sa.com/news-and-events/62-sports-events/310-fauresmith-endurance-race-july-2010.html

For more on Fauresmith see http://www.fauresmith.co.za/endurance_ride.htm

For more information, entry forms see the Endurance Ride Association of South Africa at http://www.erasa.co.za/

Australia: 31 Days till the Manilla Tom Quilty Gold Cup

Sunday May 23 2010

The Manilla Tom Quilty Gold Cup 2010 and National Championships 160 km Endurance Ride will be held in Manilla, New South Wales on 24-27 June.

Based on the idea of the Tevis Cup in the USA, in 1966 R.M. Williams developed a similar 100 Miles in One Day ride in Australia. Taking place in the Hawkesbury district near Sydney, New South Wales, and with a gold cup made for the winner by a donation from the great horseman and cattleman Tom Quilty of Western Australia, the winner of the first Tom Quilty Gold Cup endurance ride was Gabriel Stecher, on his Arabian stallion Shalawi. He rode him bareback the entire ride.

The successful ride was held annually, and in 1986 the Quilty began rotating between the Australian states, to make it easier for endurance riders around the huge continent to participate. The perpetual Tom Quilty Trophy lives in the Stockman's Hall of Fame in Queensland, and each finisher receives a silver Quilty belt buckle.

This year, the 45th running of the Quilty is expected to have around 300 entries with participants from each Australian state, New Zealand, Great Britain, and the USA. The race will begin at midnight, and will be run over 5 stages.

The preliminary start list can be seen here:
http://www.manillatomquilty.org.au/PRELIMINARY-START-LIST.php

For more information see the Manilla Tom Quilty Gold Cup website at:
http://www.manillatomquilty.org.au/index.php

France: Compiegne Endurance

The 10th anniversary of Compiegne Endurance - the Festival Mondial d'Endurance will be held on 28-29-30 May 2010

on Friday 28th May will be held the CEIO*** 160 km Senior Individual and Teams race and the CEIO** 130 km Junior Individual and Teams race.

Veterinary inspections of the CEIO*** Senior horses will begin Thursday from 14h00. The start of the 160 km will be at 06h00 Friday morning at Allée des Bordures.

Veterinary inspections of the CEIO** Junior and Young Rider horses will begin at 10h00 Saturday morning. The start of the 130 km will be at 06:30 Sunday morning at Allée des

Riders from Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland, Brasil, Germany, Spain, and the USA are expected to participate.

Pre-entries for the CEIO*** 160 km can be seen here:
http://www.compiegne-endurance.com/v2/index.php?lang=uk&rub=12b

Pre-entries for the CEIO** 130 km can be seen here:
http://www.compiegne-endurance.com/v2/index.php?lang=uk&rub=12

Ireland: Long distance horse riding event to take place at Inistioge

Kilkenny Advertiser

May 21, 2010.

If you’re involved in horses and looking for an event on horseback that will challenge you as well as help you bond more with your horse then this weekend’s long distance horse riding event is for you.

This Sunday May 23 Inistioge will play host to the horse riding event.

The course will be based in the forestry around the Woodstock gardens and up into Mt Alto. The tracks will be mostly forestry with some road work included. The course will be clearly marked and there will be maps available for all taking part. The long distance horse riding event may be enjoyed alone or in the company of others and because there is no jumping involved it is suitable for the novice as well as the more experienced rider. If you have any interest in attending this event contact Andrea or Peter O'Carroll on 0873152087 or log on to the website www.enduranceridingireland.com for more details.

Spain: Marwari horse steals show in Spain

Todaynews.in - Full Article

May 19, 2010

Marwari horses once again stole the limelight for their hardiness, this time on an international platform. Nazrullah and its rider Christina won the 40km endurance race Raid de Santpedor at Barcelona in Spain on Saturday last week.This is the first official participation of a Marwari horse in any international endurance tournament on European soil. Nazrullah is owned by Mario Calagno, who bought dozens of Marwari Horses in India but could not take them to Europe as export of...

Read more here:
http://www.todaynews.in/city/jaipur/marwari-horse-steals-show-in-spain-74652.html

Namibia: Otjivero endurance club hosts Independence Ride

Namibian.com.na

By: STAFF REPORTER

THE Independence Ride will be hosted by the Otjivero Endurance Club this Friday and Saturday at Gobabis.

The horse riding competition received approximately 50 entries from across the country and will consist of different distance categories, which are 30 km, 60 km, 80 km, 100 km, 120 km and 160 km.

Bank Windhoek announced their support towards the competition.

“This is not the first time that Bank Windhoek supports a horse riding competition, a sophisticated sport, which requires skills, training and continuous practice.

Bank Windhoek believes that with hard work and dedication you will reach your goal and is therefore proud to be a sponsor of a competition that is based on the same principles”, said Riaan van Rooyen, Head of Corporate Communications and Social Investment at Bank Windhoek.

Without the support of Bank Windhoek to host competitions, such as the Independence Ride, growth of the sport will be limited, said Bennie Venter, chairperson of the Otjivero Endurance Club.

“Horseback riding is a popular sport, however it is also expensive and without support it would be impossible to develop the sport further. Therefore, we are very grateful to Bank Windhoek for the continued support over the past few years.”

The Otjivero Endurance Club is the largest of seven competitive horse riding clubs in the country and has 80 members.

All the clubs fall under the umbrella body, the Namibia Endurance Riding Association (NERA).

The Otjivero Endurance Club has been the national horse riding champion for the past three years and recently was awarded the best performing club by NERA.

The current title holder of best rider, a member of the Otjivero Endurance club, is 14-year-old Bredell Wessels.

Tickets for Finals Rounds Going Fast for Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

LEXINGTON, KY - Tickets to the eight world championships of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are selling quickly, with many sessions, particularly finals sessions, approaching sell-outs.

The 2010 Games will be held at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park from September 25-October10.

Tickets for compulsory and finals rounds of competition in all eight sports are still available throughout the 16 days of the Games, and can be purchased at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets, at www.ticketmaster.com, through the Ticketmaster hotline at 1-800-745-3000, or at your local Ticketmaster outlet.

The Dressage Individual Freestyle and the Reining Individual Finals could be the first to reach full capacity. Less than 1,000 Level A tickets are available for the Dressage Freestyle on October 1 in the outdoor stadium. Only 400 tickets remain for the Reining Individual Finals on September 30 at the indoor arena.

Finals rounds are in highest demand across all sports. Eventing and Driving finals are already 75 percent sold, and only a third of the seats for the Jumping Top Four remain. Just over 100 tickets remain in the Finals Round for Para Dressage, and both the Freestyle and Team Finals in Vaulting are more than halfway sold.

Grounds Pass tickets, which allow general admission to the Kentucky Horse Park, are also available and are on sale at a special promotional price of $20 until May 31. Find out more about this ticketing program on the Grounds Pass page of the Games web site.

For those waiting to purchase their tickets, you are strongly encouraged to buy now before the seats are gone!

Malaysia: Switch pays off for Haris

NST.com.my - Full Article

2010/05/14


FORMER endurance rider Haris Zulhkiple boosted his chances of winning a dressage gold at the Malaysia Games in Malacca by clinching the Class 7 preliminary Group A 1C title at the Premier Cup Series 1 at Taman Ekuestrian Putrajaya yesterday.

Haris, winner of the endurance gold at the 2008 Malaysia Games in Terengganu when representing Federal Territory, hopes to win the dressage gold as well, since he will be competing in both events.

"I started competing in dressage events by chance because there was a shortage of riders and I was asked to try the event by my coach. Slowly I got hooked to it and now I have started winning.

"This win will be a confidence booster for the Games," said Haris who together with his younger brothers, Adam and Danial, make up the Federal Territory Malaysia Games team.

"In Terengganu, I won a gold in endurance and a silver in dressage. Hopefully, this time around, I will come back with two gold medals."

Haris, 20, who will leave for Sydney after the Games, to continue his studies, is no stranger to the sport as his mother, Norlaily Buniyamin, is also a national endurance rider.

Norlaily was the sole women endurance rider in the Malaysian team during the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship at the Terengganu Endurance Park.

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http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/articles/qxqsx/Article/index_html

Great Britain: H&H editor to ride in Golden Horseshoe Challenge

Horseandhound.co.uk


Amy Mathieson, H&H news writer

14 May, 2010

Horse & Hound editor Lucy Higginson is one of five equestrian magazine editors who will be taking up the Golden Horseshoe Challenge next week.

The editors have been invited by ride organiser Barbara Wigley, who has set up a special class for them on Tuesday 18 May, the final day of the three-day endurance competition in Exmoor.

"We have organised a ride over 25 miles of the 100-mile course," she said.

"Owners have kindly loaned us horses that are fit and ready to go and each editor will be accompanied by a rider who is eligible for selection for the World Championships this year — and where they can, they will crack on at Gold speed of 7.5 miles an hour."

[More at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/297968.html]