State lawmakers updated on last 100 days until WEG

KYPost.com - Full Article

World Equestrian Games will welcome 62 countries

Posted: 06/18/2010

FRANKFORT, Ky. – In 100 days, the Kentucky Horse Park will become the first non-European location in 20 years to host major international equine championships known as the FEI World Equestrian Games.

And this week, state lawmakers on the Kentucky General Assembly’s Interim Joint Committee on Economic Development and Tourism learned from event organizers how over 2,000 volunteers, over 300 temporary and permanent facilities, affordable $25 per person general admission tickets and competitors from as many 62 countries can make this Kentucky-based 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) a worldwide success.

Only 59 countries submitted competition entries for the 2006 WEG held in Aachen, Germany, said WEG 2010 Foundation CEO Jamie Link.

“I think that says a lot about what we are attempting to do here,” said Link, adding that nearly 1,000 athletes currently intend to participate in the 16-day event to be held Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park...

http://www.kypost.com/dpp/sports/horse_racing/state-lawmakers-updated-on-last-100-days-until-weg

Sign up for Tevis before June 25th and Save $100!

Attention Endurance riders!

Here's your opportunity to ride the world's oldest and most prestigious 100 mile endurance ride: the Tevis Cup! To sign up please click on the following link to download a copy of the application:

http://www.teviscup.org/forms/2010TevisRideApplication7d.pdf.

We look forward to having you and your mount join us for the 55th annual Western States 100-Mile One-Day Ride on July 24th, 2010. You will be entering what is most likely the world's most intense challenge of skill and physical endurance of both horse and rider.

Please go to our website at: www.TevisCup.org to see pictures of past rides, detailed maps, and other information on the ride and the trail.

The ride application is available on the website and by contacting our office at:
1216 High Street, Suite C, Auburn, CA 95603. Phone: 530-823-7282.
Fax 530-823-7901. Email wstf@foothill.net

See you at the Tevis Cup Ride!

Mike Pickett, Ride Director

New Zealand: Kiwi endurance team for World Equestrian Games named

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

June 17, 2010

New Zealand has named its first team of riders to take part in the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky later this year.

The endurance team for New Zealand will comprise Alison Higgins (Nelson) on Twynham El Omar, Sue Reid (Pokeno) and Makahiwi Achilles, Jenny Champion (Masterton) and Freckles, Debbie Worsfold (Rangiora) on Northwinds Bradley McGregor, and Jenny Chandler (Te Awamutu) on Lace and Fineness.

Endurance is one of four disciplines New Zealand is likely to send to the 16-day event in the United States in September.

The five strong team will compete in the 160-kilometre endurance competition, the equestrian equivalent to the marathon where it can take up to 13 hours to complete. While it is a team that has relatively little international experience, those behind them are vastly experienced and very successful on the world stage...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/06/096.shtml

Australia: Village hosts international endurance event

Gleninneseaminer.com.au - Full Article

15 June 2010

The Federation Equestrian International Endurance ride that was held at the Red Range Sports Grounds last month attracted 60 horses from Australia and New Zealand to compete in two international events.

The rides were a 120km two star event and a 90km one star event.

Five local riders Jenny Annetts, Tami Parnell, Jasmine Shields, Judy Burton and Rebecca Miller all qualified to compete in the event.

The weekend started off full of drama as Parnell fell from her horse after her bridle broke at approximately 4:30am. A local search crew led by Col Crosby and Tracy Hutchinson eventually found the horse unharmed twelve hours later.

Parnell escaped relatively unscathed with cuts and bruises.

The main event was the 120km two star ride. This event was won by Brook Sample riding his 14-year-old gelding Brookleigh Excalibur. Sample completed the ride in seven hours and 22 minutes with an average speed of 16.3 kilometres an hour...

Read more here:
http://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/village-hosts-international-endurance-event/1858247.aspx

Two legs good, four legs better: horse beats man … again

Heraldscotland.com

Grant Collinson

13 Jun 2010

While football was in the spotlight in South Africa yesterday, in some quieter corners of Britain some very peculiar sports were the order of the day.

Yesterday saw the start of three strange and most extreme endurance races: the Man v Horse contest (which features people on foot racing against horses across Wales), a 1000-mile bike ride from John O’Groats to Lands End and a 24-hour double marathon along the West Highland Way.

The Tennents Caledonian Challenge 2010 – a 54-mile, one-day trek across some of Scotland’s most beautiful and difficult terrain – got under way in Gairlochy near Fort William yesterday.

Now in its 14th year, the endurance challenge is organised by the Scottish Communities Foundation (SCF), a organisation which distributes funds to worthwhile causes across Scotland.

The course runs from Gairlochy to Strathfillan across the undulating hills of the Great Glen and West Highland Way footpaths.

Alistair Reid, 39, is taking the challenge this year. Speaking before the start, he said: “My daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia two years ago so since then we’ve been raising quite a lot of money for charity.”

The SCF hopes to raise £1 million from the 900 competitors taking part.

However, that challenge, gruelling though it is, pales in comparison to the annual Man v Horse Marathon in Llanwrtyd Wells in Central Wales.

The brainchild of a local hotelier, hatched over a drink 31 years ago, the race sets out to prove who would win over a long distance, a man or a horse.

Over a course of varying terrain, designed to keep the competition fair, yesterday 253 runners raced 44 horses over 22 miles. This year victory went to equine challenger Sly Dai, with Llinos Jones, 24, a primary school teacher, riding, in a time of 2.07.04.

Marathon runner Huw Lobb became the first man to win the event in 2004.

For those preferring two wheels, yesterday also saw around 500 cyclists start the 1000-mile journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain.

The new event will see the riders travel across Britain over nine days, covering an average 114 miles a day through stunning scenery including Loch Ness and Lake Windermere.

Canadian Distance Riding Championship

Come and join us for a Festival of Endurance, Competitive Trail & Ride and Tie competitions in New Lowell, Ontario located in Simcoe County. Your trails will be varied and consisting of fields, sandy pine forestry, some hilly sections and roads.
We promise something for everyone with a 100 Mile FEI CEI***, 75 Mile FEI CEI**, and a 50 mile FEI CEI*. As well, there will be Young Riders Divisions in both the 75 and 50 Mile FEI events. Open Divisions will be offered for all endurance events in addition to the Championship challenges for Ride and Tie and CTR, as well as a 25 mile/40km Novice and 25 mile/40km mileage.

Download pdf flyer

Great Britain: Endurance riders canter to team win

Isle of Wight - County Press online

Friday, June 11, 2010
photo: Some of the winning team and their helpers, from left, Mandy Steen, Carla Maskell, Caroline Cooper, Anna Lek, Emma Broadhurst, Trudi Gatrell and Jessica Gatrell.

A TEAM of six Island riders produced a stunning performance at the Berkshire Downs Endurance Riding Event last weekend.
The team, from Vectis Equestrian Club, were representing the club for the first time in this discipline but despite their lack of experience at this event, still romped to victory.
The 30km route was mainly along the famous Ridgeway and comprised rolling hills with good through hard going.
With no gates to slow them down, the squad — Caroline Cooper (Peronne Pazazz), Emma Broadhurst (Lilly), Mandy Steen (Dynamite Daisy), Fliss Crouch (Tarran), Trudi Gatrell (Decadence) and Carla Maskell (Be Fine) — completed the route in good time, with final heart rates and average speeds deciding the result.
After everyone completed the route, they found they had all achieved the highest grade and had won the Riding Club team event.
This win qualifies the team for the national finals at Southwell Racecourse, Nottinghamshire in September.
The team was assisted on the day by Pauline Wade, Tina Murrant, David and Jessica Gatrell, Dave Dana and Anna Lek, who crewed the team at specified crew points and at the start and finish.
Meanwhile, members of Vectis Equestrian Club travelled to Sparsholt College to compete at the Riding Clubs Area Dressage to Music competition.
Wendy Warren with Truly Scrumptious rode an excellent test and qualified for The Riding Clubs National Championships in Aintree in October.
Kelly Blow and Sally McIntosh, with their horses Mirabella and Sibena were equal first in the pairs’ event while Marty Davison, riding her impressive Friesian horse, Geart, came fourth in their music class.
The IW Riding Club had two of its members placed at the competition.
Pam Gardener, riding Island Lad, came second in the novice restricted section, while Fiona King and Wilma F. Vejgard won the elementary 44 test and came third in the elementary section.

[More ...http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/sport/endurance-riders-canter-to-team-win-33198.aspx]

Australia: Horse Sports - Singleton Endurance riders

singletonargus.com
11 Jun, 2010 11:04 AM

photo: CHAMPIONSHIPS: Margret Boland with Alandell Karlinta and Darryl King with Shanadarr Khaleel.

The 160km ride will see King and Boland head off at midnight on Friday, June 24 and are required to complete the five legs within 24 hours.

Attracting international riders, the event is treated by King and Boland as a relaxing way to destress from life.

Facing cold temperatures and rough terrain, training is vital to the level of success endurance riders reach.

“It is just you and your horse in the elements,” Boland said.

Competing in the middle weight division, Boland and King have been preparing their animals with training and special care.

“They are athletes in the horse world and require all the vitamins, care and physical work of any athlete,” Boland explained.

King is entering the championship with only his 160km qualifying ride behind him.

Boland however has met the criteria to be a part of the New South Wales squad at the event.

Animals are vet checked at all five legs and there is a one hour break at legs one, two and three with a shorter one at legs four and five.

If an animal does not pass the final check they are disqualified from the event.

[More ...http://www.singletonargus.com.au/news/local/sport/general/horse-sports-singleton-endurance-riders/1856110.aspx]

Lexington Herald-Leader, Kentucky.com Team up with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

June 9, 2010

The Lexington Herald-Leader/Kentucky.com has been named the Official Print Media Sponsor of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The Games will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park September 25 to October 10, 2010.

As part of the sponsorship, the Herald-Leader will produce daily start lists and results sheets available on the grounds for Games spectators. The Herald-Leader also will provide the Foundation with promotional space to advance the Games.

“Our partnership with the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com fulfills a large need for us,” said Terry Johnson, vice president of marketing and sales. “The daily start lists will provide an invaluable resource for our fans to enjoy the event and their marketing assistance will help us effectively communicate with their readership.”

The partnership with the Games also includes expanded advertising and circulation opportunities.

Tim Kelly, president and publisher of the Herald-Leader, added, “We are pleased to play a major role in the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The impact of the Games will be long-lasting on Lexington and Central Kentucky. We’re glad to make this contribution to the Games and to the communities we serve.”

The Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com will provide Kentuckians and visiting fans with comprehensive, multi-media coverage of the pageantry, the sports and the personalities of the Games, and the events and activities surrounding it, on a daily basis.


About the Lexington Herald-Leader

The Lexington Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com are committed to being Central and Eastern Kentucky’s primary sources of news, advertising, information and commentary. The combination of the Herald-Leader and Kentucky.com reaches seven out of 10 adults in the 40-county Newspaper Designated Market. Winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, the Herald-Leader is owned by The McClatchy Company of Sacramento, Calif.


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 Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital. 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

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.