Spain: New Individuals Named for the World Endurance Championship

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

The Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation, has given an extension of the list of horses for the World Equestrian Games and then transcribe the expansion:

"National coach Raid, Quico Yebra, has extended the provisional list of shortlisted for the World Equestrian Games Juma with 50% horse and rider usual, Jon Ander Martin, according to their scores on the National Ranking. According to therefore, screening of horses is now as follows:
Nobby
SANCKOC
Chevereto
DUNA
VOLVO
TB OLIB
OTEL.LO
FOG
ENIA
RHOF
GOBI
JUMA 50%
As reported previously, the final selection will be based on the results of tests of medical, veterinary and physical ordered by the coach, with dates to be agreed with the heads of each horse and published on this website.
Regardless of those trials, and in order to advance the implementation of specific demands Organizing Committee and the U.S. administration for import of horses in the USA, responsible for each of the horses that are included in this statement should contact the Veterinary Team, Josep Ayats via email Equine clinicamobilequina@clinicamobilequina.com Mòbil declines.
Any other information about the World Championship on Raid can be obtained by sending an email to raid.consultas @ rfhe.com "

WEG organizers lower ticket prices

Kentucky.com - Full Article

Wednesday, Jul. 14, 2010

By Linda B. Blackford - lblackford@herald-leader.com

Organizers of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are lowering ticket prices in an attempt to sell more of them.

Starting Thursday, a special promotion will offer a 30 percent savings on tickets to many of the early phases of the competitions. The special offer will run through Labor Day weekend and end on Sept. 6.

The Games will be held from Sept. 25-Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

So far, about 260,000 tickets have been sold, far below the once-anticipated 600,000. Organizers have said the economy is mostly to blame for more people not buying tickets priced over $100 for some events. Tickets to many event finals have been selling well, officials said.

The new prices include a discount on the one day of endurance riding, from $45 to $25 per ticket...

Read more here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/07/14/1348648/weg-organizers-lower-ticket-prices.html

Great Britain: Mohammed wins British Endurance

UAEInteract.com

14/07/2010

Euston Park (UK) - Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday won the endurance horserace, held in Euston Park in the United Kingdom.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, and H.H. Sheikh Majid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. The race, run for 166 kilometres and competed by 25 riders from different Arab countries, Europe, United State and Australia, was held in preparation for the World Endurance Championship, to be held in the U.S. State of Kentucky between 22 and 28 September.
Emirates News Agency, WAM

China: Bayanbulak Swan Lake Equestrian Endurance Race Held in Xinjiang

Big5.cri.cn - Full Article

12 July 2010

The second Bayanbulak Swan Lake Equestrian Endurance Race was held Saturday at the Bayanbulak Grassland in Xinjiang's Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture. Horse riders from different areas in and outside China have taken part in the race. Adopting the international rules for the first time, this race pays more attention to the welfare of the horses. Zhao Jianfu has the details.

Reporter:
More than 100 horsemen from all over China including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, Xinjiang and other provinces as well as from Singapore have competed in the Bayanbulak Swan Lake Equestrian Endurance Race.

Xu Jingling, a rider from Singapore, tells us his feelings about the race.

"I took part in a similar endurance race last year in Inner Mongolia, that was more for experience. This time I'm trying to do better, but mostly is for fun. I think it's a good idea to adopt the international standards, because one of the main principles of the international standards is the condition and welfare of the horse, so I think it's very important they take the approach."

Although it's the second endurance race held in the area, it is the first time the standards of the Federation Equestre Internationale, or FEI, has been adopted in Xinjiang, and the second such race with international rules in China following the event which took place last year in Inner Mongolia. The whole 80 kilometer race is separated into four stages, and the condition of the horses is tested between them. The horses take breaks between the stages so as to guarantee they won't get hurt. If the physical condition of a horse does not meet the standards, it will not continue the race.

Man Zhenwei, chief judge of the endurance race, talks about the importance of adopting the international rules of equestrian endurance racing in China...

Listen, and read more here:
http://big5.cri.cn/gate/big5/english.cri.cn/7146/2010/07/12/2561s582391.htm

The Namibian WEG Team - The Long Road from Africa

Horsesdaily.com - Full Article

Sunday, 11 July 2010 13:17
Pamela Burton, Burton Graphics & Photojournalism

Three Namibian girls gain qualifications to ride for the Namibian Endurance team on US horses at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. “It’s an awesome feeling,” said 19 year old, Anna Wucher. “We're happy to finally get to say we're going to the WEG and not if, when, and maybe! We are all very excited and hope we do well there, too!”
The three girls have been working and training at Darolyn Butler’s Cypress Trails Ranch in South Texas near Houston. Kordula Voigts, 24, was the first to arrive. “Dulie is an excellent rider, but had no previous endurance experience before she started riding with me in April of 2008,” said Butler. “She's a brilliant horsewoman and perhaps the most compassionate, yet effective trainer I've ever known. She's turned three different, almost man-eater horses completely around. Duli is also unbelievable help in organizing the training schedule, the packing up on the trips and generally very pleasant to be around. The other ladies have only been here four months, but they are equally as nice and I'm growing to love these ‘lil gals too.”

“I grew up on a stud farm for warmbloods used for jumping and dressage,” said Kordula, aka Duli...

Read more here:
http://www.horsesdaily.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2120:the-namibian-weg-team-the-long-road-from-africa&Itemid=1537

Canada: Thompson rider wins bronze at equine event

Tompsoncitizen.net - Full Article

July 7,2010

By Ian Graham
sports@thompsoncitizen.net

Jessica Mannes of Thompson was one of three riders to represent the province as a member of the endurance horse riding team at the 2010 Canadian Endurance Championship held in New Lowell, Ont. July 1, winning a bronze medal with her teammates.

Mannes, riding Justess, along with Prue Critchley of Hamiota riding Fort William +/- and Aime St. Vincent of Ste. Anne riding in the Limelight, were third in the 50 mile endurance event, representing the Distance Riders of Manitoba (DRM), the province's endurance riding organization.

"We are so proud of our team taking the bronze medal at the championship, and to do so after traveling so far to get to the event is remarkable " said Myna Cryderman, DRM president...

Read more here:
http://www.thompsoncitizen.net/article/20100707/THOMPSON0201/307079991/-1/THOMPSON/thompson-rider-wins-bronze-at-equine-event

Sample wins Tom Quilty

http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2010/07/12/206091_horses.html




Fran Cleland

July 12, 2010

ONCE again Queensland endurance rider Brook Sample stamped his amazing ability by winning the famous Tom Quilty Endurance Ride for a fifth time.

He did this late last month, riding Brookleigh Excalibur, in eight hours and 35 minutes.

Brook's previous wins were in 1990, 1995, 2002 and last year.

Held in Manilla, NSW, the event attracted 292 riders, who began the ride from the Manilla showgrounds at midnight for the 160km famous journey.

The first and second legs covered 43km, mainly over easy-going gravel roads and open paddocks with creek and river crossings.

Horses then left that track and rode north and returned to the ride base before making the final 32km loop through hills to the finish line.

First across the line was David Anderson Jnr, riding Ashwind, in eight hours, 30 minutes and 25 seconds. Juniors and lightweight riders can't win the overall class but it was a remarkable effort.

Brook Sample was next in 8.35, to take out the national champion and the Tom Quilty.

Brodie Freeman took out the heavyweight title, in nine hours.

Sasha Laws King won the lightweight section on Tubbarubba Cheval in a time of 10 hours and 11 seconds.

Short-listed riders for the World Equestrian Games endurance championships are Brook Sample, Brookleigh Ricardo and Tarrangower Crecendo, Penny Toft with Don and Norbert Radny, riding West Coast Archaron.

South Africa: Endurance Team Members Chosen for Kentucky WEG

July 9 2010

http://www.endurancesouthafrica.co.za/index.html - The official web site of the 2010 Alltech FEI WEG Endurance S.A. Team

Dominique van Zyl - Bambinella, Lani van Gerve - Arkab Legato, and Eone' Willemse - Shamwari, have qualified and been selected to represent South Africa in Endurance at the WEG2010.

Though Dominique qualified on the South African horse Prins in 2009 at Schanskraal, she chose to qualify on a Brazilian mare, Bambinella, due to the strict quarantine restritions on South African horses. Both horse and rider achieved their WEG qualification in March of 2010 in Brazil.

Lani van Gerve has ridden internationally in Namibia, Botswana, the USA, and as a Young Rider in Bahrain in 2005. Arkab Legato, with 4500 competitive kilometres to his name, has completed 3 Fauresmith South African Championship rides, and 8 160-km rides, including a first place and Best Condition award at the Tri-Nations and South African National Championships, Beaufort West in 2009.

Eone' Willemse has completed 10 160-km rides on 9 different horses. She has competed internationally in Namibia, Botswana, New Zealand, and the USA. Shamwari, owned by Megan Davis, has completed 5 160-km rides and is ranked number 3 on the National Best Condition List.

For more information on the South African WEG team, see http://www.endurancesouthafrica.co.za/index.html

Malaysia: The King rides into second place

NST.com.my - Full Article

2010/06/28
Zainuddin Muhammad
nstsport@nst.com.my

YANG di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin led Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) Team One to second place in the Malaysia-Thailand Endurance Trophy tournament at Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, yesterday.

The King, astride 12-year-old gelding Jakim Murphy, completed the 80km race in 5:04:41s, while his son Tengku Muhammad Ismail, the Regent of Terengganu, crossed the finish line on eight-year-old gelding RTES Smith in 4:56:15s. Two other team members -- Tengku Seri Temenggong Tengku Baharuddin Sultan Mahmud and Nor Nadia Badrul Hisham -- clocked 4:56:14s and 4:56:20s respectively to make it a one-two finish in the team event for RTES. RTES Team Two, comprising Pailin Sungkit, Rai Mundo, Mohd Bulkhari Rozali and Jeffree Zainuddin, accumulated the fastest total riding time of 17:05:52s to emerge champions for the second time after winning the first edition in Pattaya in March. In the individual category, Tengku Mahkota Kelantan (TMK) team's Rostam Mohd Nor and Mohd Azizie Ismail shone in the 80km endurance challenge. Rostam, riding 10-year-old gelding Janor Kappa, claimed top spot after completing the race in 3:56:20s while runner-up Mohd Azizie, astride nine-year-old gelding Texas, was three minutes and 14 seconds slower in completing all four loops. Terengganu's endurance star Abdul Rahman Muhammad, who won gold in the recent Malaysia Games, could only manage third place for State of Terengganu Endurance Team (STET) on his 14-year-old gelding, Idefix A'Auradelle. Fifty-three riders took part in the 80km category but only 37 completed the race.

Great Britain: GB endurance team for World Equestrian Games announced

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Amy Mathieson, H&H news writer
7 July, 2010

The British endurance team heading to Kentucky for the World Equestrian Games has been confirmed.

Alice Beet, Beccy Broughton-Booker, Ros Clapp, Janice Cockley-Adams and Christine Yeoman will represent Great Britain at WEG (25 September-10 October)

And the non-travelling reserves will be Charlotte Bryd, Karen Jones, Sarah Rogerson and David Yeoman.

The team horses are yet to be announced.

"We are confident that we have a strong team, with a vast amount of experience at international and championship level, capable of competing against the best in the world for medals," said chairman of selectors, Di Latham...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/299861.html

New Zealand: Marlborough riders bag national awards

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

The Marlborough Express
08/07/2010

Marlborough endurance riders Kylie Avery, Missy Green, Tessa Wells and Sherryl Wells scooped major awards at the National Endurance New Zealand prizegiving held in Christchurch last weekend.

Avery, a Marlborough member now living in Canterbury, riding Silands Mia Bella, took out the Endurance Senior Horse and Rider of the Year award for most points throughout the 2009-10 season. She also finished third for overall senior distance rider, completing 1235.5 kilometres, which were mostly accumulated on two mounts – Mia Bella and Silands Jasark, and ninth on Horse and Rider points with Silands Jasark.

Green and Xavier Cheerokee topped the Competitive Trail Riding Open Horse and Rider rankings, with fellow Marlborough duos Heidi Bulfin on Stonelea Sparkling Rose (runner-up), Lorraine Stratford on Jay, Oliver Radford on Temptations Future and Kim Swan riding Roselea Shady filling the next four placings.

Xavier Cheerokee took out the Open Distance horse title with 380km (from 10 rides), while Jay came in second, with Sparkling Rose, Temptations Future and Roselea Shady third, fourth and fifth respectively. Tessa Wells, riding Masada Park Maestro, claimed both the Junior CTR Horse and Rider award and Junior Distance horse with 253km...

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/sport/3896813/Marlborough-riders-bag-national-awards

Spain: Riders and horses selected for the European Championship Youth Ride

El Raid blog - Gabriel Gamiz

Wednesday July 7 2010

The Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation has given the following note with horses and riders shortlisted for the European Championships in Kreuth Raid Youth (Germany).

"Value for youth riders and horses shortlisted to attend the European Championship in Raid Kreuth (Germany) from 1 to August 6, 2010.

Muixi Agda Troy 3, and Nibra NIBR
Almudena Albarran Chilliqui
Maria Ledesma Opalia
Carlos Borja Claire
Eva Estaulella Heura
Berta Pujadas Urra
Ivan Padros Inguru
Diego Haces Esso
Ibon Alberdi Kat tq

Yebra Quico coach will contact the shortlisted staff to mark the anticipated work patterns before the final delivery of those selected to be the day 21/07/2010.

Concentration-review Pujal raid -10/07/2010

Final list 21/07/2010

Mother's Day Out 30/07/2010

Arrival Kreuth day 1/07/2010

03/08/2010 Opening ceremony

Prior examination 04/08/2005

Race 05/08/2010

Vuelta 07/08/2010"

WEG Regional U.S. Endurance Team Selection Trials Held

article at http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16594
by: Marsha Hayes
July 05 2010, Article # 16594

The quality and depth of the horses and riders vying for the five coveted spots on the United States endurance team for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrain Games were made apparent after three regional selection trials held June 20-28. "We identified some very good horses," noted Chef d'Equipe Becky Hart, three-time World Endurance Champion.

The trials, held in Fairhill, Md., Danville, Ill., and Prineville, Ore., were all attended by the five selectors, a three-member veterinary panel, Hart, and Vonita Bowers, Director of Endurance and Reining Activities for the United States Equestrian Federation. The selection team is looking for horses capable of covering 100 miles in around eight hours, or less.

In her role as team leader, coach, and trainer, Hart has been studying workout logs and heart rate monitor printouts of the 50-60 candidate horses to help her organize them into compatible groups before sending them on loops of various lengths and speeds. The veterinary panel members Jim Bryant Jr., DVM, Dipl. ACVS; Todd Holbrook, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM; and Duncan Peters, DVM, monitored the horses' soundness, hydration, and recovery times.

"Having a research interest in exercise physiology, I found the trials especially intriguing," said Holbrook. He is working on a future study on watering horses in extreme heat Fascinated by the different environmental factors found at the three locations, he is currently analyzing lab work on the horses. The heat indexes varied greatly between the Oregon and Illinois sites, with Maryland falling in the middle. Weather and the ability to manage horses under specific conditions could play a critical role in the event, scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 26 on the rolling hills of Lexington, Ky.

Unlike some countries with larger, more centralized endurance teams that train together, the USA hopefuls are scattered from coast to coast. The final trial to be held in Danville, Ill., Aug. 10 will bring together some of the best 100 mile equine athletes, to not only access individuals, but to see how they perform together since a team medal is an important USA goal, as well as an individual medal.

Following that trial, 10-12 horse and rider pairs will move to Kentucky for more training. On Sept. 21, five horses and five riders, and one alternate horse, will be chosen to compete for the United States in the 2010 WEG games.

WEG 2010: International Equestrian Festival is "Celebrating the Equine Spirit"

Horse Capital Productions' Festival to be prominently
featured in Lexington parade 
 
Lexington, KY (July 2, 2010) - Horse Capital Productions, producer of the International Equestrian Festival, will be the main feature in a parade to kick off the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.    The "Celebrating the Equine Spirit" parade, which is part of the city's Spotlight Lexington 17-days of free activities, takes place on Sunday, September 26 at 6:00 p.m. and will highlight a variety of breeds and horse industry associations. 
 
"It's time for Lexington to shine and substantiate why we're the 'Horse Capital of the World'," said Anne Buchanan, CEO and Founder of Horse Capital Productions.  "We're committed to ensuring the parade and the International Equestrian Festival dynamically promote equine entertainment, education and tourism."
 
The parade begins at Main Street and Midland Avenue, eventually traveling past the Lexington Center, where the International Equestrian Festival takes place, before ending at the corner of Vine Street and South Broadway.  Many breeds are already committed to participate in the parade of horses, including: the Akhal-Teke, one of the most ancient and rare breeds in the world; the Kentucky Mountain Saddle Horse, a hardy horse developed in eastern Kentucky, known for its smooth gait and calm demeanor; the Haflinger, an Austrian sport horse; and the Tennessee Walking Horse, celebrated for its showy running walk.
 
Those interested in marching or riding in the parade can visit www.internationalequestrianfestival.com for more information or email expo@horsecapitalproductions.com for guidance.   Horse Capital Productions will direct inquiries to the appropriate contact at the Downtown Lexington Corporation responsible for coordinating and officiating the parade.
 

Canadian Nationals

News from the Canadian Nationals - Endurancecanada.ca

We don’t have many results, but here’s what we know so far (Thank you, Kim and Maura!):

Think there were about 70 riders overall in all divisions. The 50 was won by Valerie Kanavy, second place Elaine Steele, 3rd Lynda Byrne. Team Ontario finished two teams in the 50, Team Quebec did not finish a team, but had three riders complete. Manitoba finished all 3 riders - congratulations Prue, Aime and Jessica!

Bob Gielen won the 75 - now he can sit back, relax and celebrate his birthday! Congratulations, Bob, and Happy Day! There were 9 entered in the FEI 75. Haven’t heard many 100 mile results yet, but know that Gail Jewell, Carol Steiner, Yvette Vinton, Tom Paleczny finished - sorry, don’t know anything else.

One foreign rider came off quite hard - she is from Namibia and was riding one of Darolyn Butler’s horses. Horse vetted through, but the rider did not and was sent to hospital to be checked for neck injury.

The day has been absolutely glorious... clear skies, low humidity, temps around 18C. The trail is excellent. Esau and his crew put on a fabulous event. How will anyone ever top this location (the Girl Guide Camp near New Lowell). Real showers and toilets and so much space!!!

More as soon as we know...

***
More News from the Canadian Nationals

Race day was going very well, temp was perfect, humidity down, but results at vet stops were telling a different story.

40 started the 100, only 19 finished, in the FEI International competition 24 starters, had only 9 finish. Mostly lame but one Metabolic that sadly turned into a fatality at the Guelph clinic shortly after midnite.

Apache and Jolly Holliday pulled at 87.5 miles and that closed the opportunity for Weg for J. H. A muscle cramp the culprit, Apache was lame, both are sound this AM. Diamond Reo and Gail finished with mission accomplished in 9 th overall and 2nd in those qualified as entry into the Canadian National Championship. So she has a silver medal as well as a black eye a gift from Reo in a little trail encounter. Reo finished in good time and is now qualified to go to Weg as an alternate with Gail. So we move to plans for Weg.

Elroy Karius

Auburn, California - Endurance Capital of the World

Placercountyca.wordpress.com - Full Article

Posted on July 2, 2010 by placercountyca

Since 2003, Auburn in California has held the title of “Endurance Capital of the World”. This is because Auburn’s picture-esque landscape translates into one of the world’s toughest triathlon competitions. Auburn is situated near the Sierra Nevada mountain range and the Tahoe national park. This provides spectacular terrain ranging from rivers and lakes to hills and mountains, perfect for a this kind of competition. In case you are unfamiliar with a triathlon, it is a long distance multi-sport race that consists of swimming, cycling and running. It can vary in length and has variations with only two of the sports included. The most famous variation is the Ironman competition, which covers an unbelievable 4km of swimming, 180km bike ride and a 42km run...

The Tevis Cup

This exciting endurance race has been held annually since 1955 and is competed on horseback. The course is a staggering 100 miles, has a 24-hour time limit and covers the diverse Sierra mountain trails...

Read more here:
http://placercountyca.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/auburn-endurance-capital-of-the-world/

http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/story/2010/07/03/a-long-ride-but-it-was-worth-it/
Anne-Louise Brown | 3rd July 2010

photo by Geoff Potterna - HORSEMAN: David Anderson, 12, from Belli, and his horse Ashwind were first across the line in the 160km Tom Quilty Gold Cup.
WHEN David Anderson was a little boy he struggled to fit in because he was tongue-tied and mildly deaf.

But his parents had a plan. To give their little boy a confidence boost they put him on a horse.

David, now 12, has never looked back.

Last week the Cooroy State School student and his mare, Ashwind, were first across the line in Australia’s most prestigious equestrian marathon, the 160km Tom Quilty Gold Cup, held this year at Manilla in New South Wales. They completed the course in just over eight hours.

“When Ashwind and I ride together we know what the other is thinking. She’s an amazing horse,” David said.

“It was so exciting to get across the line first because I’ve been wanting to do the Tom Quilty for years, but you have to be 12 to compete.”

David said he had been inspired to get serious about riding after watching his big sister, Terri, compete.

“When I watched her I used to get so excited and soon I was totally addicted to horse riding,” he said.

“My aim is to be a vet that specialises in horses or a farrier. I want to live in Dubai where endurance horse racing started and work for a sheik.”

David’s mum, Sharon Cogbill, said her son was determined and focused on attaining his goals.

She said many people did not realise he was only 12.

“The only thing that gives it away is his size, because when David speaks about riding he’s so grown up,” Ms Cogbill said.

“He took to riding really naturally and was riding by himself at the age of five.

“David competed in his first endurance event when he was eight and by the age of nine was winning 320km races.”

Ironically, David almost missed out on competing in the Tom Quilty.

His father suffers heart problems and had to stop work and, to get David there, the family had to sell one of its 14 horses.

“There was no way we could let David miss out on it. Doing the Tom Quilty has been his dream for so long,” Ms Cogbill said.

“David’s career as a horseman is just starting, but I have no doubt he’s going to be a success.”

World Equestrian Games Preview

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Jennifer O. Bryant
July 01 2010, Article # 16603

Excitement mounts for the biggest-ever equestrian competition on U.S. soil.

Think of the biggest sporting events in the United States, and which ones come to mind? The Super Bowl, of course. The Kentucky Derby. A handful of mega-competitions, such as the two-week-long tennis U.S. Open. Two months from now, for the first time in history, the United States will host a 16-day sporting extravaganza that will approach the U.S. Open (which drew 700,000-plus spectators in 2009) in attendance size. It will command more than six hours of network television airtime, and it will bring together athletes from 60 nations.

It's the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG), and the eight-discipline equestrian world championships kick off Sept. 25 on the pastoral grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park, near Lexington.

The World Games 2010 Foundation, the Lexington-based organizer, anticipates selling 600,000 reserved tickets. The Commonwealth of Kentucky has been building arenas and stabling, expanding infrastructure, widening roads, and more since 2005, when the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sport, awarded the 2010 WEG to Lexington. In return, Kentucky hopes to realize the projected $150-plus-million influx of visitor dollars...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=16603

Belgium: 2010 Arville

Belgium: 2010 Arville


June 27 2010

The first 80 km National endurance ride took place at Arville, Belgium, at the same time as a 3-day event international.

Organized by international endurance rider Leonard Liesens, it attracted 66 starters.

Riders were very fortunate to compete in this wonderful venue, a park with grassland and forest of some 2000 hectares, a 17th century castle, Chateau d'Arville, with a village of gourmet food, belgian beers and many tackstores and others. Several attractions were at the venue, such as tree climbing, draft horses work performance, and carriage promenades.

"Finally the 'cohabitation'  with the international 3-days event was a success. Endurance made a good display, just beside the showjumping field," Liesens said. The ride was very technical, many ups and downs. "On the 30km loop they climbed for 900 meters. So in total on the 80km, 900x2+400= 2200 meters elevation difference. It was very warm - 34*C at the hottest part of the day - but no horse has been put at risk, none have been treated, no real metabolic elimination. The completion rate was very good - 70%. BRAVO to riders who as true 'horsemen' run their horses in these extreme conditions."

Following the style of Steph Teeter, who organizes endurance rides in Idaho, USA, Liesens marked trails by ribbons, and had prizes for many different categories: Turtle prizes for each category (the new endurance book of Leonard Liesens - "Le Livre d'un Cavalier Pour les Cavaliers"), Poulidor prizes (Poulidor is the traditional second of the Tour de France, he was second behind Anquetil then Merckx for many years), nicest couple horse/rider, nicest tack, fair-play prize, best horse showing in front of the vets, etc.
 
"We plan a CEI* for next year hoping to attract some French riders from the North," Liesens said. Perhaps some foreigners from overseas will also join the riders for this unique and beautiful ride.


Photos by Caroll Gatelier here:
http://www.endurance-belgium.com/photos/arville10/index.html



Photos by Leonard Liesens here:
http://www.endurance-belgium.com/photos/arville10ll/index.html


and recap here:
http://www.endurance-belgium.com/navigation/index.htm

New Zealand: Star endurance team ready to tackle financial hurdles

Times-age.co.nz - Full Article

Gary Caffell | 30th June 2010

Ace Masterton endurance rider Jenny Champion has a mountain to climb before she can represent New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games to be held in Kentucky in the United States from September 25 to October 10.

Champion needs $50,000 to enable both herself and her star charge, Freckles, to make the return trip and she has just over two months to meet that financial commitment.
Not surprisingly then, Champion's immediate focus is on bringing her mightily impressive CV up to date so she can present it to the various organisations and business houses from which sponsorship could possibly be obtained.

And she is also planning how any sponsors coming on board can be rewarded for their generosity, like having their names or logos embossed on a rug which will be worn by Freckles or painted on to the truck which usually transports the classy 15-year-old mare...

Read more here:
http://www.times-age.co.nz/sport/news/star-endurance-team-ready-to-tackle-financial-hurd/3916692/