Mongolia: Justin pips Saskia in a thrilling final dash for the line!

Mongolderby.theadventurists.com

"Team Juskia" re-enact their 'Man from Snowy River' fantasies and swoop down a valley for a glorious finish

Eight days into the majestic Mongol Derby, US rider Justin Nelzen has crossed the finish line to claim victory from Saskia van Heeren of South Africa. After 1,000kms riding together the margin was narrow, just a few lengths, and both were jubilant after a final sprint for the line on a fine pair of horses.

Justin was hardly out of breath. Having initially made an assault on the finish line last night and been forced to turn back in a downpour of biblical proportions, they had a great run in for the final leg this morning. Said Justin, "We were out in front last night, decided to take it easy this morning, no need to push the horses, we could afford to just look after them. About 300m out, Saskia gave me the nod and we 'turned the horses loose' to see what they had, and raced to the end. The horses were great, they look great, Saskia and I feel great, the Mongolian people have been great!”

He was full of praise for his team-mate, a Derby veteran from the inaugural race in 2009. "It was a team effort, two horses travel faster than one. Saskia deserves this victory as much as I do, she's been with me the whole time. We've been riding 8 days and we've had a lot of fun. When times were tough we motivated each other- and told each other to 'suck it up' a few times! You have to be tough waking up with aches and pains and facing another 12 or 14 hours in the saddle. But it couldn't have been a better experience."

Justin found much to admire on his journey; "The scenery is absolutely beautiful. And the people- they take such good care of you. To get to know them- such gracious people, such wonderful horses- was the highlight."

When asked what his immediate plans were, he didn't hesitate; "I'll be taking a hot shower if I can find one!"

Saskia was still buzzing from her final Derby dash, and in fact still mounted, when she spoke to us. A glutton for punishment, this is her second Mongol Derby, and she insists it will be her last: "Another Derby and my knees will give out permanently!

"We had a wonderful gallop down the hill to the finish, one arm in the air for balance, it felt like "Man from Snowy River. I was half scared we would trip up on the final stretch, or spook at the finish line entourage- “please do not throw me off in front of all of these flags and cameras!

"It was a great finish! I have a beer in my hand, I'm sat on a horse, and it's 8am! Justin and I both agreed it was a big bonus to ride with someone else; it was give and take, you need someone else to help balance the highs and lows. In retrospect the things that were lows at the time become highs when you have endured them and completed the race. We rode in violent hail storms, nearly got struck by lightning, and rode in forty degree heat. I have two swollen knees and my back is in spasm. I am physically broken, but mentally absolutely high. You feel like you have achieved something very grand. The landscape is humbling, but also makes you feel proud. Proud in spite of looking very uncivilised, with our split lips."

When asked about her experience of surviving on the steppe, she said "Mongolian people are the nicest on the planet- so friendly and so giving. They made a huge effort for us, and it's an honour to be with them and stay with them, and a privilege that they lend their magnificent horses for us. Danger aside, you feel very safe out here with the Mongolians. It is a wonderful life out here on the steppe- you have to deal with being alone, with no barriers. Unrestricted by social/political constraints, you learn who you are. This is an experience everyone should go through! There is no room for bullshit, silly social worries. It's pure survival."

We will be speaking to more riders as they complete their epic 1,000km ride in the coming days. A support vehicle loaded with photographs is also on its way back to Derby HQ in Ulaanbaatar, and we look forward to some eloquent images to do justice to Team Juskia'a eloquent words at the finish line.

The remaining riders can all be tracked online via their GPS Spot trackers, visit the Tracking Page to see who is winning.

Each Rider is raising at least £1000 for the official charities, Mercy Corps and AVSF so that the Mongol Derby makes a genuinely positive impact over and above the benefits of the race itself.

The Mongol Derby is organised by The Adventurists in partnership with Tengri Group in Mongolia.

Mongol Derby: Justin Nelzen and Saskia van Heeren neck and neck with just 25km to go...

Mongolderby.theadventurists.com

This year's 1000km Mongol Derby horse race across Mongolia has been tight throughout, but today two riders have broken clear of the chasing pack and are closing in on the finish line.

Justin Nelzen, a former US marine, and South African Saskia van Heeren who also raced in the 2009 Mongol Derby, are camped right now at the penultimate Urtuu (horse station) just 25km from the finish line.

Agonisingly close to the finish line, they actually set out from Urtuu 24 to try and cross the finish line today but a torrential downpour forced them back to the horse station where they're currently camped.

Racing rules only permit riding during daylight hours so as soon as dawn breaks the two riders will set out to complete their epic race, but nobody knows who will cross the finish line first.

The pair are expected to approach the finish line at 7am local Mongolian time and as the sun is about to rise in Mongolia they are most likely just about to set off.

Each Urtuu (horse station) is approximately 40km apart and most of the riders are camping at one of these stations.

Just one Urtuu behind the leading pair at horse station 23 is Madonna Harris, camping up without any other riders and currently in a strong third but probably not able to challenge for a win.

Halfway between horse stations 22 and 23 and just behind Madonna and sleeping out on the steppe are Sophie del Selliers and Richard Dyer.

And at Urtuu 22 the following riders make up the chasing pack: Camilla Speck, Anya Campbell, Hilary Ponti, Camilla Swift and Rhiannon Thomas.

Kat Swigart who bravely rode on after a fall is at Urtuu 20 along with Ann Bradbury, Elsa Post and Susi Saddler.

The riders can all be tracked online via their GPS Spot trackers, visit the Tracking Page to see who is winning.

Each Rider is raising at least £1000 for the official charities, Mercy Corps and AVSF so that the Mongol Derby makes a genuinely positive impact over and above the benefits of the race itself.

The Mongol Derby is organised by The Adventurists in partnership with Tengri Group in Mongolia.

2010 WEG: YMCA of Central Kentucky to open facilities to guests of the 2010 Games

August 12, 2010

LEXINGTON, KY - The YMCA of Central Kentucky joins the World Games 2010 Foundation in welcoming guests from around the world during the 16 days of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, by providing facilities to athletes and guests who want to stay active during their visit.

Any person attending or participating in the Games will be allowed free guest access to the Y’s facility branches, which include Beaumont Centre Family Y, High Street Y, and North Lexington Family Y, for the duration of the Games.

“With YMCA’s located in 124 countries worldwide, this is a great opportunity for our association to welcome the world to our community,” said Jim Kelsey, marketing and communications director for the YMCA of Central Kentucky. “We’re excited to welcome new friends from all over the world while continuing to serve this community.”

The Y has been serving the Lexington community since 1853, and is a non-profit, volunteer organization with a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The branch facilities of the YMCA of Central Kentucky vary slightly but all of them feature state-of-the-art workout amenities including free weights, cardio equipment, group exercise classes, aquatic facilities, locker rooms with showers and more.

To gain free entry to any of the facility branches during the Games, athletes or visitors just have to show their World Equestrian Games pass or ticket to Y staff upon entering the facility. There is no limit to how many times a guest can use the facilities, and even Lexington residents attending the Games are allowed access.

For more information about the YMCA of Central Kentucky and to view the location and details of each facility branch, click here.

Great Britain: Endurance WEG Team member back in the saddle

Equestrianteamgbr.co.uk - Full Article

2010-08-11

It takes a lot of grit and determination, not to mention physical stamina, to be an endurance rider at the top level, especially if you have just given birth to a daughter and intend to be on the team for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) to be held in Kentucky, USA in September.

Ros Clapp, 37, from Baltonsborough, Somerset, completed the 80km Endurance Ride at Barbary Castle on 7th August, with her team horse, Nazeeka, just 27 days after her second daughter, Jenna, was born. She then attended the team training day the following day, and Jenna came too – her first experience of crewing, though she slept through most of the action.

“I feel fine. I did some walking and kept active while I was pregnant and managed to stay reasonably fit. My physio said that running was not so good so now I am working on getting my core strength back, doing Pilates and my father-in-law has leant me his exercise bike!”, said Ros, who also has a 2 year old daughter, Polly.

“It was good to be back competing again. There was quite a bit of canter work on 80km ride and at the training day, which was good for my calves! Nazeeka was in good form and did all the work. My Mum and sister have been helping keep her fit and she did a 120km ride while I was not riding, so now she just needs some hill work to get her really fit for the WEG..."

Read more here:
http://www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk/news-detail.php?id=522

Mongol Derby 1000km horse race underway now in Mongolia

http://mongolderby.theadventurists.com/index.php?page=derby-news-release-launch

14 riders in contention at halfway stage...

The Mongol Derby 1000km horse race across Mongolia thundered out onto the Steppe on Saturday 7th August and the dramatic horseback adventure has already seen rider injuries, withdrawals, extreme fatigue and intense competition for first place.

Now just over halfway into the race, the leading riders have travelled well over 500km and reached horse station 16 out of a total of 25 along the route. There are two groups of seven riders still racing, camped overnight just one horse station apart, so as they sleep only 40 kilometres separates the whole field after 5 days of racing. The race will restart at dawn in Mongolia.

Nearly all the riders are reported to be showing clear signs of the physical strain. Kat Swigart, from the USA, is sporting a "double egg" bump to the head and a black eye after taking a tumble on Sunday. In the company of two other riders who alerted our medical team and dispatched them to check up on her, she has bravely continued none the worse.

The medical response services are provided by the Derby's Official Medical Partner – Prometheus, who are well known for delivering emergency medical support in remote environments such as the Mongolian steppe.

South African Elsa Post and British rider Anna Bradbury have called time on their competitive bid for Derby glory and elected to be transferred further up the course, giving them the chance to rest, re-group and re-mount when they are ready while the pack thunders on.

Unfortunately another South African Rider Alexandra van Heeren sustained a broken collarbone during pre-race training and was forced to retire from the race.

The training was held on the steppe by Maggie Pattinson, Chef d'Equipe of the British Home International Endurance Team since 2007 and endurance expert extraordinnaire. She is now travelling along the route of the Derby in a response vehicle, and reported earlier today:

"The race hotting up now Richard Sophie and Alisa left 10 mins ahead of Justin, Madonna and Saskia this morning. All in good spirits despite wet conditions, having achieved 4 stations yesterday.

"If spirits high, bodies showing some wear and tear, even Madonna is tired. The Dark Horse is Richard, who looks no different morning, noon or night".

Maggie's dark horse is Richard Dyer, a British rider currently in the leading pack – one to watch.

Justin Nelzen, a former US marine is the only other man competing in the race and has been a favourite of many. He has stated his intentions are to win, but he'll have to overcome Richard, and the other 12 female riders to win the 2010 Derby.

The riders can all be tracked online via their GPS Spot trackers, visit the Tracking Page to see who is winning.

Each Rider is raising at least £1000 for the official charities, Mercy Corps and AVSF so that the Mongol Derby makes a genuinely positive impact over and above the benefits of the race itself.

The Mongol Derby is organised by The Adventurists in partnership with Tengri Group in Mongolia.

New Zealand: Endurance Board comments on World Equestrian Games withdrawals

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 11 2010

The Endurance Board of Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) has distanced itself from the controversy surrounding the withdrawal of two combinations from the World Equestrian Games.

Two-time national champion Jenny Champion and 2010 national champion Sue Reid each withdrew from the team after their first-choice grooms failed to gain selection.

The withdrawals have left New Zealand with three combinations in endurance in the Games in Kentucky, severely damaging the country's chances of team honours.

The Endurance Board, in a statement to members, noted the public discussion and debate around the withdrawals and voiced fears it could damage the sport's standing.

It said it wanted to reiterate to members that the Endurance Board held no authority over ESNZ High Performance and retained no position of influence over endurance high-performance selections or selection criteria for the Games...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/08/072.shtml

The First Barefoot Endurance Horse of Guatemala Goes to the WEG 2010

Easycareinc.com Blog - Full Story

Monday, August 9, 2010 by Kevin Myers

Candelita and Jaime Mansilla earned their place in the Guatemalan Team for the WEG 2010, on June 19th at the FEI 3* Event in El Caman Chimaltenango, with Easyboot Bares as back up.

We had three US FEI Officials attending the event, Dr. Mike Tomlinson, Teresa Cross and Sue Phillips helping us as Foreign Officials. And our own FEI 4* Judge Scarlet de Rodas was on location, who has participated in several FEI rides in the US, including the Git R Done in California last January.

Candelita has been shod her entire career she is now nine years old and has done endurance for four years. But we at Haras EL Pino Endurance have started experimenting with natural hoof care for about eight months with the broodmare band and non-competition horses. We were so impressed with the results that were now at the stage of trying it on our competition horses...

Read more here:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/bootlegging/0/0/the-first-barefoot-endurance-horse-of-guatemala-goes-to-the-weg-2010

FEI Open European Endurance Championships for Juniors and Young Riders 2010, Kreuth, Germany

Horsesinthesouth.com - Full Article

TEAM FRANCE DOMINATES YET AGAIN – UAE TAKES OPEN INDIVIDUAL TITLE

The small village of Kreuth is any horse person’s dream – a complete village based entirely around equestrian sport. The venue is well established and has hosted Endurance, Eventing, Reining and Dressage International competitions, but this is the first time an FEI Championship has been hosted in Kreuth. The site, comprised of various arenas, cross country courses, a hotel and large airy barn for stabling, is nestled in the Bavarian countryside approximately two hours south of Munich (GER) on the south east edge of the Taubenbach Forest. It is a perfect venue for Endurance, with extensive vet-gate space, a flat grass trot-up area and ample parking for crew vehicles. The route is principally made up of gravel forest tracks.

Sixteen nations were entered for the FEI Open European Junior and Young Rider Championships with a total of 51 horse/rider combinations. Unfortunately three horses failed the pre-ride vetting, one horse each from Italy, Portugal and Hungary. The biggest impact of these vet-outs was for Hungary who had only brought three horses. The loss of their third horse would mean they would no longer be able to challenge for a team position and would now only field two individual riders. The usual European nations were out in force, although some with fewer riders than normal. Teams were entered from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Spain, Germany, Italy and Portugal. As this was an Open Championships there were some entries from further afield, namely Argentina, the United Arab Emirates and the USA, although none of these nations sent a team.

Read more here:
http://horsesinthesouth.com/blog/index.php/2010/08/09/fei-open-european-endurance-championships-for-juniors-and-young-riders-2010-kreuth-ger/

Young endurance rider secures record European 4th for Britain

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Sophie Montagne, H&H newsdesk
9 August, 2010

Endurance rider Beth Langley secured Britain's highest placing ever at a young rider Europeans, coming fourth at the championships in Kreuth, Germany on 5 August.

Nineteen-year-old Beth, riding HS Ametista, covered the 120km (75 miles) at an average speed of 12.3mph, hassling a strong French team all the way.

"I was stabled opposite the French and, as my pony is only 14hh, I don't think they saw her as much of a threat," Beth said.

But, riding as an individual, she was free to follow her own tactics, antagonise the French and push for a placing.

"I stuck behind the French team for the first loop and let them do all the work which annoyed them," she said...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/300831.html

Mongolia: Kiwi leads the field in the world's most demanding horse race

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

A Kiwi double Olympian is leading what is described as the longest and toughest horse race in the world.

The second annual Mongol Derby will take the riders 1000 kilometres across the Mongolian wilderness.

Last year's derby took the participants between seven and 10 days to complete, raising money for Mongolian charities.

Madonna Harris, 53, who represented New Zealand in road cycling in the 1988 Olympic Games and in cross-country skiing in the 1988 Winter Olympics, was one of 16 riders who lined up for the start of the race on Saturday.

Yesterday, she was leading the field. "I have been working on accepting that it will be one of the hardest things I've done and knowing there are bound to be moments of difficulty," she said on the race website.

"I'm certainly not riding to win ... I'm expecting to be distracted along the way by the culture and people, and I want to be able to see the environment as I travel through...."

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/4003269/Kiwi-leads-the-field-in-the-worlds-most-demanding-horse-race

Kanavy Withdraws Horses from WEG Selection Trials

Saturday August 7 2010

Concern over the selection and demonstration process for the US team has prompted former multiple World Endurance Champion Valerie Kanavy to withdraw her 3 horses - King Ali Gold, Gold Raven, and Spectacular Gold, from the selection trials for the World Endurance Championship to be held September 26, 2010 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Kanavy's main concern is that the trial, to be held in Illinois next week, is too close, for the distance and speed the horses will be asked to go, to the Championship race. "If you were training your own horse, you might do a 50 mile ride in a controlled situation, to peak your horse for the WEC," Kanavy said. "I've worked really hard, and I've demonstrated that my horses are capable. I won't run them in the heat, humidity and mud at speed 5 weeks before the WEC. That's the bottom line."

Secondly, the ten horses and riders selected from the trials will go on to Shaker Village, Kentucky, and will stay there for the 3 weeks before the WEC, sitting in Shaker Village, Kentucky, until the final 5 riders and horses will be chosen 4 days before the race. "The horses would be more relaxed in their home environment; this robs them of comfort and rest before the big race."

Kanavy had raised a lot of concerns about the process all along the way, but they were not addressed. "I expect a lot out of my horses. I've worked toward this [2010 World Endurance Championship on home turf] for 3 years. I've demonstrated over the years, with all the horses in my stables, including the young ones, their capability with my training and program.

"I've been flexible and open minded, and I know I don't know everything... I've evaluated, consulted, and tested my horses, and I know they are capable of giving their best performance, but my horses can't do a good job if all the energy gets sucked out of them before the race."

Kanavy is disappointed things worked out this way, but she's moved on. "I've already got my horses booked on a flight to Europe for 2 big races, including the Young Horse Championships in France. I'm looking forward to testing my young one against the best in Europe."

- Merri Melde

Brazilian Confederation of Equestrian Endurance teams defined for the World Equestrian Games

Enduroonline.com.br - Full Article

Held every four years, the World Equestrian Games this year in sixth version, is known as the "World Cup" of the horse. For the first time outside Europe, the competition that takes place between September 25 and October 10 in Lexington, in the U.S. state of Kentucky will gather approximately 1,000 athletes from 65 countries competing in eight different sports. Brazil has a presence in the race since its debut in 1990 in Sweden, but it is the first time will be represented by teams in seven categories: Dressage, Eventing (CCE), Endurance, Reining, Jumping, vaulting and riding Special (paraequetre).

For definition of the teams that will represent the country in the World Equestrian Games, the Brazilian Confederation of Equestrian selective been promoting since 2009, and the formation of teams began to be defined. Three modes already have their representatives: Enduro, Eventing and Reining.

Endurance:

Enduro in Brazil will have five representatives, four of them competing for a team and as individual. All animals are from purebred Arabian. Amazons are selected Karina Arroyo riding HSK Nadjin, Lilian Garrubo Juda with HEM and Victoria Lins riding Chanrion C, and the rider with Rafael Salvador Caliph Tamm. Are still seeking three other place in the team Enduro: Ana Carla Maciel riding WN Perla, Andre Vidiz with Magic Endurance and Fernando Gonçalves Mustaz with SC. "These athletes will have their animals subjected to clinical examination and complementary by veterinarians of the Technical Commission and the Director of Veterinary CBH, Thomas Wolff, in order to define the fifth set and selected the two sets reserves," said Olav Maciel, Director of Enduro CBH. Team boss is William Santos Ferreira and coach, Gerson Acedo Vieira.

The Belgian Squad for the WEG in Kentucky

Photos, from top to bottom: Dominique Evrard, Pietro di Geronimon, Karin Boulanger, Maritza Pereira

Endurance-belgium.com

After the good performance of the Belgian Juniors at Kreuth in Germany at the European Championship (Belgium took Team Silver and Bronze Individual), it is now time to focus on the riders and horses who will travel to USA.

Belgium is a small country with quite few endurance riders (500 competing at various levels from 30km to 160km). In terms of international riders, there are maybe 30 to 40, depending on the year and the horses they have to compete. Last year, we had only two FEI rides in Belgium, the major one at Mont Le Soie and the 'WorldCup for Veterans' in Mirwart which takes place End October. But it is easy in Belgium to cross the border and head to the neighboring countries, France, Germany, UK.

France is our preferred destination as we can find many high-level rides at less than 500 km from our place. And always a very good level of participation and well-organized rides.

The Belgian Chef d'Equipe could this year make his choice among six couples. The federation saved money to send four horses/riders/crew per discipline. Of course, like everywhere showjumping, dressage and military are the most favored discipline. Endurance receives nevertheless a good treatment in Belgium (we can say that's because the discipline brings often medals to the country).

Pierre Arnould proposed the following list to the federation. He was assisted by the endurance team veterinarian and also by the 'all discipline' team veterinarian. The list of four couples and one reserve was accepted by the federation.

They are :
- Pietro di Geronimo with Mengalli
- Karin Boulanger with Poespass
- Maritza Pereira with Lima du Barthas
- Dominique Evrard with Alicia d'Havenne
Reserve will be Michel Lequarre and LI Korum. Nevertheless the endurance commission entered a special request to the federation in order to get, like other disciplines, a fifth horse traveling to Kentucky. The decision has not yet been taken.

One can remember the fuss around the Belgian team last year at the time of the selection for the European Championship at Assisi, Italy. The Belgian rider, Kristel Vandenabeel entered an appeal at the court against the Belgian federation, because she was not making part of the selection. A first express decision of a regional court asked the Belgian federation to change his decision, but an appeal from the court of Liege revoked the initial decision of the court. Will we see the same scenario this year?

All European horses will fly from the Wallonian airport of Liege, well located in the middle of Europe and equipped with all necessary infrastructure for shipping horses abroad.

Stay tuned, we will try to shoot some photos when the horse will embark on their jumbo's...

Endurance medical armbands considered after fatal fall

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Charlotte White, H&H deputy news editor
7 August, 2010

Suggestions that endurance riders should wear eventing-style medical armbands are being considered by the FEI and Endurance GB (EGB) after the death of a Japanese rider following a fall at Euston Park.

Mitsuko Masui, 73, was competing in the CEI*** 160km ride at the Norfolk venue on 11 July when she was found on the ground by British rider Kirsty Wiscombe (report, 22 July).

The rider was taken to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge by air ambulance, where she died the next day. Her death seems to have been due to a medical condition rather than a riding accident.

Ms Masui's death has prompted Euston Park president James MacEwan to urge EGB and the FEI to adopt medical cards for competitors.

"Endurance has just as high a risk assessment as eventing because of the vast distances in the saddle involved," he said...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/397/300740.html

Great Britain: David Yeoman joins re-jigged WEG endurance team

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news

5 August, 2010

A substitution has been made on the British endurance team heading to Kentucky this September for the World Equestrian Games (WEG).

The in-form David Yeoman and his ride Haszar have been picked from the bank of reserves to replace Alice Beet after her horse, Laouenne De Kerpont, went lame.

The original line-up was announced on 7 July.

"Although with rest it is a small problem, I am not prepared to travel Laouenne if I have any doubts in my mind. If I go I was planning to have a crack at it!" said Alice...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/news/article.php?aid=300726

2010 WEG: Final Stages of Preparation for the Australian Endurance Team

AERA.asn.au

Heading for Kentucky

August 4 2010

Flights are booked, we are still not 100% sure when the horses fly out, currently it is the 29th August , which is not far away. The Team is now almost organised, Norbet and Acheron had their final preparation ride of 90km this last week which they won in fine style in 4:53hrs.

The final team is

Norbet Radny and West Coast Acheron

Grooms Jane Radny ,Dr Narelle Cribb

Crew Rebecca Radny, Harry O’Brien, Ian Symington

Matthew Sample and Tarrengower Crecendo

Reserve: Brookleigh Ricardo

Grooms; Paul Brown, Jessica Landridge

Crew : Barbara Timms

Penny Toft and Don
Grooms: Anne Hall, Alexandra Toft
Crew: Helen Toft, Jackie Byrnes, Peter Toft

Chef D’ Equipe, Dr Trish Mackay Annetts, Assistant: Denise Trollope
Team Veterinarian: Dr Robyn Mather
Crew Manager: Chris Gates
Farrier: Mark Peel

Matthew and Crecendo will be competing at the Murrumba 100km ride on 8th August as the final work out and Penny and Don will be going out to Charleville the 21st August for their final run.

The flights for the horses has been a bit distressing as the original flight bookings were cancelled without warning when the carrier suspended all services to Australia and New Zealand. Currently the horses are booked on the 29th August, this has also incurred extra cost to the competitors.

Dr Narelle Cribb, Paul brown and Peter Toft are scheduled to travel with the horses. This too may change!

More information when this becomes available

Barb Timms

Kentucky Horse Park to have better cell phone service during WEG

Kentucky.com - Full Article

August 5 2010

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

AT&T will expand its cell phone and wireless Internet service at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the company said Wednesday as it was declared an official sponsor of the Games.

AT&T also will provide a global positioning system that allows spectators to track the whereabouts of horses during the Games' endurance event, which will be run on a 100-mile course largely made up of private horse farms.

"We will be doing this GPS tracking for the first time," said Emmett Ross, the discipline manager for endurance who designed the course.
Ross describes endurance as "80 Kentucky Derbies at one-third the speed in one day." Ross said the tracking system is especially valuable because spectators will not be allowed on private land to watch the race...

Read more here:
http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/05/1376522/kentucky-horse-park-to-have-better.html

2010 WEG: GPS tracking for WEG endurance horses

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 5, 2010

Horses in the endurance competition at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky next month will each be tracked on the 160km course by GPS.

The GPS service should mean support crew and spectators will know exactly where a horse and rider is on the course, how the team is doing, and average speeds during the ride.

The tracking service is being provided by AT&T, which is leasing Foundation Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) Cards for the endurance event. This is the first time in the history of the Games where endurance athletes will be tracked using GPS throughout the 160km competition.

"With GPS tracking devices for the endurance competition, we are changing the way this sport is followed," said Emmett Ross, Discipline Manager for the Endurance World Championship...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/08/040.shtml

Australia: Endurance Team for WEG announced

Aera.asn.au

Penny Toft and Don (Queensland)
Successful competitors at the World Endurance Championships in Malaysia in 2008. Penny is a previous winner of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. Don is a 14 year old unregistered gelding and as a combination they have many successful 160km competitive completions over the previous five years and will be well suited to the Kentucky course.

Matthew Sample and Brookleigh Ricardo (Queensland)
A competitive duo, several wins and second placing in major FEI rides during the last five years. This will be Matthew and Ricardo’s second attempt at World Championship level, being unsuccessful in Malaysia two years ago. A dual Quilty winner in 2009 and winner of the Heavyweight division in the 2008 Quilty, Matthew is determined to do well in Kentucky. Brookleigh Ricardo is a 12 year old unregistered gelding and is now reaching his prime as an endurance horse and should do well in Kentucky.

Matthew Sample and Tarrangower Crescendo (Queensland)
The horse is owned and ridden by Matthew and is also qualified to compete in Kentucky. Crescendo is a 14 year old Arabian gelding, with a distinctive white face and strawberry roan in colour, dual Quilty winner in 2009 and winner of the Queensland State Championships in 2010.

Norbert Radny and West Coast Acharon (Western Australia)
A very successful combination in their home state of Western Australia, and now taking on the world at Kentucky. Acky, as he is commonly known, is an 11 year old Arabian stallion with many endurance wins as well as being successful on the show circuit both in hand and under saddle when shown and ridden by his other owner, Jane Radny. Acky, together with Jane, Norbert and their daughter Rebecca travelled to the Queensland State Championships to competently complete their qualifications for Kentucky.

New Zealand: Groom policy explained in 2009, says governing body

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

August 4, 2010

by Robin Marshall

Kiwi endurance riders in contention for representative honours were told in 2009 that they might not get their first-choice groom if selected, Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) says.

Chief executive Jim Ellis was commenting after the withdrawal of the second of five endurance riders selected to represent New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky late in September.

The latest withdrawal, that of Jenny Champion and her mount Freckles, means chances of team honours at the Games are difficult, as there could be no discard time. Susan Reid withdrew from the team on July 13.

The withdrawals centred around both riders failing to see their first-choice grooms selected.

Ellis said officials from ESNZ's High Performance programme had talked with Champion over the past three weeks in a bid to resolve the dispute...

Read more here:
http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/08/034.shtml