FEI President Names Executive Board Members

Thehorse.com

by: Edited Press Release
December 13 2010, Article # 17377

Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) President HRH Princess Haya named Chairman of Geographical Group VII Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa (BRN) and Chair of the Driving Committee Richard Nicoll (USA) as members of the FEI Executive Board on Dec. 13.

Sheikh Khalid and Nicoll will serve on the executive board alongside First Vice President John McEwen (GBR) and Second Vice President Pablo Mayorga (ARG), who were approved at the General Assembly, which took place Nov. 1-5 in Chinese Taipei.

Sheikh Khalid, whose carrier as a sports administrator began in 1987, is an international endurance judge. He has been chair of Group VII since 2006. He has been the vice president of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation and the Bahrain Olympic Committee since 2009. This year he became the chief executive officer of the Bahrain Olympic Committee. In the past he has been involved at the senior level in international sports clubs and committees for motor sports, jumping, and endurance.

Nicoll, who was born in Britain but is now a permanent U.S. resident, has been involved in the sport of driving since the early 1970s. He is currently an "O" level course designer and technical delegate for driving and he designed courses for the 1993 World Pairs Championships in the United States, the 1998 World Single Horse Championships in Austria, the 2004 World Single Horse Championships in Sweden, and the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Kentucky. He is currently in his second term as chair of the driving committee.

The FEI Bureau decides on the specific mandate of the Executive Board, whose role is generally to interface with FEI Headquarters to oversee and support the implementation of resolutions further to an agenda approved by the Bureau.

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Nasser pulls out of ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

December 12, 2010


BAHRAIN'S Royal Team suffered a disappointing day yesterday during the first-leg of the 2010 Giants Endurance Horse Ride Challenge in Abu Dhabi. Four of the six-member Bahraini team, including captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, had to pull out of the ride.

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports' president and chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, was unable to complete the third stage after falling off his horse.

Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, captain of Al Khaldiya Stables, was also forced to quit during the second stage of the ride as his horse was exhaustion.

Things got worse for the Royal Team as prominent riders Ghazi Al Dossary and Yousef Taher also pulled out at the same stage with their horses picking up injuries.

Bahrain's remaining riders - Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, riding a UAE horse owned by Seeh Al Sallam Endurance Stable, and Ahmed Janahi, were 20th and 21st overall respectively.

Meanwhile, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Nad Al Sheba Stable's Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum steered Nayef to victory with a total ride time of four hours, 33 minutes and 12 seconds with an average speed of 25km per hour.

He was followed by compatriot Rashid Ali Younes (4:34:36) from Al Asifa Stables. Shaikh Hamdan's father and defending champion Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum (4:40:21), Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, clinched third place for Dubai Endurance Stables.

The first ride of the season, which took place at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, saw the participation of top riders from Bahrain, the UAE, Oman, India and Spain among others.

It was over 120 kms, divided into five stages. In the first stage, which was over 32 kms, Younes finished first, ahead of Shaikh Juma Al Maktoum in second and Shaikh Mohammed bin Sultan Al Nahyan third.

Shaikh Nasser was the first Bahraini to finish the stage, followed by Shaikh Khalid, Shaikh Salman, Al Dossary, Taher and Janahi.

Younes maintained the lead after the second stage, which was over 28 kms. Shaikh Mohammed Al Nahyan improved on his overall placing by moving up to second while Khalifa Matar jumped to third.

Shaikh Hamdan showed great skill and experience to take over first place from Younes in the fifth and deciding stage before racing away to victory.

Shaikh Nasser, who finished second overall last season, said he was excited to compete with some of the region's top riders in this prestigious championship.

He congratulated Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Mohammed on winning podium places and highlighted the impressive organisation of the first-leg.

Abu Dhabi: Hamdan rides to glory in Giants Endurance Challenge

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Mohammad finishes third as Sultan Al Bloushi wins National Day Cup.

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
December 12, 2010

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai finished third in the 120km Giants Endurance Challenge (Round One) which was won by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai here on Saturday at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Shaikh Mohammad, who was making his first appearance in an endurance event since he won the silver medal and inspired the UAE to a team gold in the World Equestrian Games, was on Dourmane, a 10-year-old mare during the 120km ride which was run in five stages.

Leader

Shaikh Hamdan, member of the UAE team which won the gold at the WEG in Kentucky, won the ride in 4 hours 33 minutes and 12 seconds to lead the three-round challenge. Shaikh Hamdan was on nine-year-old Naif and finished ahead of Rashed Ali Yunis on Kumait with Shaikh Mohammad third on Dourmane....

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/hamdan-rides-to-glory-in-giants-endurance-challenge-1.727950

Bahrain: Royal Team for Abu Dhabi ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

Friday, December 10, 2010


SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will lead a six-member Bahrain Royal Endurance Team in the inaugural round of the 2010 Giants Endurance Horse Ride Challenge tomorrow in Abu Dhabi.

The first ride of the season, set to take place at Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, will be over 120km and is divided into five stages.

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president and chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, will be joined by a group of elite Bahraini riders.

They are Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Yousef Taher, Ghazi Al Dossary and Ahmed Janahi.

The Bahraini riders, who also took part in the Season Open Championship and the Morocco-Bahrain Ride last month, arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Shaikh Nasser, who finished second overall last season, said he is excited to come back to the UAE and compete with some of the region's top riders in this prestigious championship.

Among the prominent riders taking part is defending champion Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai who is also due to take part this season.

Shaikh Nasser said the Bahrain team decided to participate in the first round after a series of impressive results in recent regional and international championships.

He stressed his faith in members of the Bahrain team to produce outstanding results in tomorrow's round, adding that his rides are determined to claim podium places this season.

On his part, Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the new season of the Giants Endurance Challenge is regarded a crucial step for the Bahraini team towards reaching higher standards.

He confirmed that the team will take part while being managed by a group of experienced trainers who prepared the horses right after their departure from Morocco.

Shaikh Khalid believes the Giants Endurance Challenge is a great opportunity for the Bahraini riders to get more experience and confidence as they face off with top UAE riders.

Meanwhile, the veterinary examination is set for today at the Al Wathba Endurance Village while several of the Bahrain team members underwent training yesterday.

After an intense battle last season, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum won the third leg of the Giants Endurance Challenge, emerging champion of the three-leg ride.

Staged at the Dubai International Endurance City at Seih Assalam, the 120-kms ride was graced by His Majesty King Hamad and Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance.

Both King Hamad and Sheikh Hamdan crowned Sheikh Mohammed as champion of the Challenge while Sheikh Nasser was also honoured for taking second place overall.

Abu Dhabi: Giants ride tomorrow for top prize in National Day Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Riders from the region and around the world in two five-stage events

* By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
* December 10, 2010

Abu Dhabi: Some of the medal winners at the World Equestrian Games' endurance championship will be seen in action during tomorrow's 120-kilometre National Day Cup and the 120-kilometre Giants Endurance Challenge (Round 1) at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, members of the gold-medal winning UAE team are likely to ride in the National Day Cup and the first round of the Giants event. Some of the top riders in the region and around the world are expected to take part in the two rides, to be held over five stages each.

"A total prize fund of Dh300,000 and a car will be up for grabs in the National Day Cup ride. The Giants ride here will kick-start the three-round series with the venues for the next two rounds to be decided soon," said Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/giants-ride-tomorrow-for-top-prize-in-national-day-cup-1.727004

2011 Tevis Entry - Early Entries Pick First!

December 3 2010

A pen starting system will be used for 2011 Tevis. . . so get your entries in early!
". . .The first riders who submit their entries can self-seed. Pens will be filled first come, first served. Please enter early. Postmarks will determine order of pen selection. Please choose your preferred starting pen, one, two, or three.
Please note that Pen 1 is for riders preferring a faster start, Pen 2 is for riders preferring a moderate start, and Pen 3 is for riders who want to start more slowly."

Go to the http://www.teviscup.org/home_3.html web site to download form.

Spain: Otel-Lo Leads National Ranking

9 December 2010

Otel-Lo, owned by Jordi Arboix, leads the Spanish National Rankings with 575 points.

Behind him is Elisabeth Font's Twister with 558 points, and in third place is Alex Luque's Sankoc with 533.50.

A full list of Rankings can be seen here:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2010/12/ranking-nacional-de-caballos-de-raid.html

AERC Director Election results

AERC Directors (at large) for 2011-2012:



Leslie E. Anderson

Olin Balch DVM

Randy Eiland

Laura Hayes

Terry Woolley Howe

Susan Keil DVM

Mollie Krumlaw-Smith

Mike Maul


Congratulations!

Easyboot is the Official Hoof Boot of Tevis 2011

EasyCare Inc. | www.easycareinc.com
Wednesday December 8, 2010
Tucson, AZ.

EasyCare announced today a new partnership with the Western States Trail Foundation, the organizing body that oversees the planning and implementation of the annual Tevis Cup 100 mile endurance ride.

"We're delighted to count EasyCare as a lead sponsor for the 2011 edition of the Western States Trail Ride," said Kathie Perry, President of the WSTF Board. "This meaningful financial support comes at a key time in the year for us. Although we incur annual expenses for the event itself, portions of our resources are used throughout the year to preserve and maintain the trail and improve access points for the future."

WSTF promotes the use of trails established by gold rush emigrants to California and a historic route established by miners across the Sierra Nevada Mountains from the gold mines of California to the silver lodes of Nevada.

The relationship between EasyCare and the Western States Trail Ride goes back some 35 years to 1975, when Easyboot founder Dr. Neel Glass completed the Tevis Cup 100 mile ride in Easyboots. Since that time, Easyboots have provided additional hoof protection every year for more and more horses who take on what is arguably the most challenging 100-mile ride in the world.

"I think of the Western States Trail as part of our national identity," said Garrett Ford, President and CEO of EasyCare. "We each play a role in preserving the event and the trail for today and for the future. The Western States Trail represents one of the best proving grounds for our products, both in terms of technical challenge and reputation. We are honored to count ourselves as partners with this organization."

Mr. Ford completed the Tevis Cup ride for the first time at age 13. He has gone on to conquer the trail six times with a horse and once on foot at the Western States Trail Run.

For more information on the Tevis Cup ride, please click here. For more information on Easyboots, please see the EasyCare website at http://easycareinc.com and the EasyCare blog at http://blog.easycareinc.com. For all additional questions, contact Kevin Myers, Director of Marketing at kmyers@easycareinc.com.

Bahrain: Chip 'n' Ride!

Gulfweeklyworldwide.com - Full Article

December 8-14 2010

EVERY horse and pony in the kingdom is to be micro-chipped as the country endeavours to be internationally-recognised as 'glanders free', writes Stan Szecowka and Anasuya Kesavan.

A professional team is to visit every stable in Bahrain to carry out the procedure and issue each animal with a 'passport' with details of its medical history.

The cost of the exercise is 'significant' but a spokesman for the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs said the government would cover the cost.

The move follows the cancellation of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's (BREEF) show jumping season.

Breef's secretary general Ghalib Al Alawi sent out a circular to the equestrian community urging immediate co-operation warning 'legal proceedings' would be considered against anyone flouting the rules.

"Please do not organise any show jumping events where horses from your club are likely to be mixed with other horses from others clubs or centres," he said.

Since May all equine shows have been cancelled, movement between stables suspended and horse trading banned to prevent the spread of the highly-contagious condition which is incurable and can lead to victims suffering agonising illness and eventual death. Some animals, however, can carry glanders and show no symptoms for months.

The war against the bacterial equine disease in Bahrain - which is believed to have claimed 126 victims - appeared to have been won and riding activities were once more back on the agenda following the recent announcement of an endurance horse riding season calendar...

Read more here:
http://www.gulfweeklyworldwide.com/article.asp?Sn=7942&Article=26111

Spain: 2010 Santa Susanna Raid

December 5 2010

SPAIN SANTA SUSANNA 2x100 Km

Luca Zappettini rode Rucola della Bosana to a win in the 58th running of the 2-day, 200-km Santa Susanna raid near Barcelona, Spain with a total ride time of 11:31.08. Marta Pujadas Sala and Twister finished second, and Bernat Casals Fores and Sheila 50% Lucus finished third. 29 of 82 starters finished both days of the raid.

Photos by Brigitte Huard

Friday 03.12.2010 trotting on line
http://www.brigitte-huard.com/03-12-10-Santa-Susanna-trotting,811,21,fr,f.html

Saturdayi 04.12.2010 on line
http://www.brigitte-huard.com/04-12-10-Santa-Susanna,810,21,fr,f.html

Sunday 05.12.2010
http://www.brigitte-huard.com/05-12-10-Santa-Susanna,812,21,fr,f.html

Complete Results at:
http://www.endurancetiming.com/1008e2/

Spain: Letter from Jose Manuel Soto on the Kaliber Andalucia 2011

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

Jose Manuel Soto sent us a letter of introduction of new regulations Andalucia LV-Kaliber 2011, for all fans of this test are more informed and willing to participate in this great trial.

"Dear Friends,

The 2011 edition will be the sixth and comes with some news. Be held (Dm) between 2 and 9 April, and although there are many fringes to close about the route, linking the towns of Granada and El Rocío (Huelva).

Due to the economic problems we are supporting we have to propose this year to try something shorter. There will be only six stages, plus a rest and a short prologue.

Another novelty will be the elimination of the category of equipment, will now only be able to compete in the category of pairs (a rider, a horse). This we believe will make the test more exciting and competitive, and possibly more understandable to the public.

It will also be something less expensive, 750 euros for pairing, which includes, as you know, boxes, hay, straw, and daily meals for riders and assists, as well as several dinners.

Also the amount of the awards will suffer, will distribute "only" 6,000 euros between the three front runners.

After this new approach we submit these questions to your opinion and expect your suggestions.

I think we will achieve greater media coverage, which will be good for you to negotiate better contracts with your sponsors.

We are making arrangements with several national TV channels and international media give more coverage to lacarrera. Already in the last two test images have been broadcast in over sixty countries through Eurosport.

In the five issues that we have received high praise from the international press, but there are many things to improve, and although they say it is "the best raid of the world" we are determined to get more participation and more monitoring of the media with the sole aim of bringing the beautiful game to the public.

The stunning Andalusian countryside, despite the tremendous crisis we are experiencing, we continue to see happen on the backs of our horses, and we want those precious images to go to all households in the world, and become the best promotion possible for our land continues to receive visitors at any time of year.

From here, we encourage all of you to come to compete and enjoy this unique race, and you live the exhilarating experience of riding through the magnificent scenery which gives us the Andalusian spring, along with riders from around the world, which is always a nice way to meet people and share this beautiful hobby horses that both unites us.

A big hug to all

Jose Manuel Soto. "

Bahrain: Shaikh Khalid triumphs

Gulf Daily News


SHAIKH Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa steered Razorback Indigo Blue to victory in the 85kg FEI qualifying ride yesterday in the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Horseride Championship.

The 2010/11 endurance ride season got underway in thrilling fashion with two top riders competing in two rides. The other event was an 100km ride, which was won by Isa Al Hazza.

In the 85kg ride, The Al Khaldiya Stable leader completed the four-stage event in first place with a total ride time of four hours, 12 minutes and 56 seconds and a 23.722 speed average after an exciting battle at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Khalid, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, finished the first stage in third place, then improved on his placing in the second stage where he moved up to second.

Shaikh Khalid then moved on top at the end of the third stage and maintained his sole lead throughout the fourth and final stage to emerge champion.

Second place was won by Al Hazza of Al Fateh Stables with a total ride time of 4:12:58 and a 23.719 speed average.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president and chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa completed the podium winning third place in 4:13:40.

Shaikh Nasser, the Royal Endurance Team captain, steered Tarabic Carl to a third-place finish.

He started the ride taking fourth place after the first stage, which was followed by a fifth-place finish in the second.

In the third stage, he regained fourth position before granting himself a place on the podium at the end of the fourth stage.

Meanwhile, Al Fateh and Al Asayel shard honour in the main ride of the day, which was over 100km and divided into five stage.

Al Hazza of Al Asayel Stable steered Prince Charming to first place overall and win the top prize, a brand new Toyota Fortner, presented with support from Ebraim K. Kanoo.

He took victory after his overall placing in all five stages. He was second in the first stage, first in the second, then claimed second position in the remaining two stages.

Second overall was Al Asayel Stable's Mohammed Al Niri in 4:29:45 with a 22.243 speed average, while Othman Al Awadhi of Al Fateh Stable who completed the ride in 4:54:55 with a 20.341 speed average.

Al Hazza and Al Niri were each presented with a brand new Toyota Pickup at the awarding ceremony held right after the event.

Spain: Santa Susanna Raid this weekend

December 2 2010

The 58th Raid de Barcelona Santa Susanna will be held 3-5 December by the Club Hipic Maresme near Barcelona, Spain.

The two-day, 200 km ride currently has 89 starters listed. It can be seen here.

The Santa Susanna ride is reportedly the oldest endurance ride in Europe. It's a challenging ride with trails in the area of the Montseny mountains.

The start list can be seen at
http://www.sportendurance.it/3371-89-i-partenti-per-santa-susanna/

Bahrain: Riders gear up for endurance event

Gulf-daily-news.com

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

THREE cars will be given away to the top three riders in the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Horseride Championship on Saturday.

The decision was announced yesterday by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa prior to the inaugural event of the season.

The ride, set to take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, will be over 100km and promises to feature some of Bahrain's top riders representing different stables.

Shaikh Khalid said additional cash prizes will be presented to each rider who completes one of the stages within the ride.

He confirmed that the awards scheme aims to bring the attention of riders in Bahrain to participate in the opening ride of the season, adding that more prizes will be provided in future competitions later this year.

Meanwhile, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president, chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and captain of the Royal Endurance Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa hailed the efforts of the federation ahead of the new season.

He highlighted the valuable prizes being allocated in each ride and believes that the season will feature gruelling battle among Bahrain's riders.

The season's opener will be followed by the 120km National Day Championships on December 24 which is open to senior and junior riders.

The Breef Senior and Junior Championships will then take place on January 8, next year, and is over 120km.

The fourth competition on the Breef's calendar will be 120km His Majesty King Hamad Championship, the most awaiting event of the year, scheduled for February 5 and is open for seniors and juniors.

The federation will then organise the Shaikh Nasser Championship on February 19 and is over 100km.

Another Breef event for the seniors and juniors will take place on March 5 and is over 120km.

That will be followed by the 120km His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Cup for seniors and juniors, the first night endurance ride of the season, to be held April 1.

The season is set to conclude on April 22 with another night ride titled the Season Ending Championship, which is over 120km.

Spain: Arboix and Luque Invited to President's Cup

El Raid blog - Gabriel Gamiz

25 November 2010

Two Spanish riders Alex Luque and Jordi Arboix have been invited by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club to participate in the President's Cup on February 12, 2011.

This is the note of the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation:
Raid: An invitation to two Spanish riders for the Presidents Cup in Abu Dhabi

Today On November 23 has been received by the FEI the invitation of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club riders Raid Spanish, World Cup recently, Alex Luque and Jordi Arboix to participate in President's Cup Race to be held in Abu Dhabi on 12 February.

Spain: 2011 Al Andalus

El Raid blog - Gabriel Gamiz

24 November 2010

(google translation)

This morning in the Sicab, has presented the VI Kaliber-Andalucia, in premises of the Palace of Congresses in the Sicab.

The table was chaired by José Manuel Soto accompanied by a representation of the Junta de Andalucia and Kaliber Spain, Jose Manuel has outlined the details of this next Kaliber, which goes from the village of El Rocio, where there will be a prologue to continue to Seville and road and continue up to Antequera, where there will be a day of rest, then follow the Monumental round and finish in the emblematic city of Granada.
This year there will only be said that the participation of pairs (a horse and rider), with six stages and a rest day.

After the presentation of Kaliber, offered us some beers, where all the previous record attendance Kaliber and issues related to the horse world.

***
The equestrian endurance test more demanding in the world will start next April 2 at the Dew (El Rocio) and end on April 9th at Granada

The 2011 Raid will travel 500 km in six stages through Andalusia protected enclaves, of surpassing beauty, where we can show the complicity between horse and rider

Sevilla, 24 November. A year hosts the Raid Kaliber Andalusia-Andalusia that this coming year 2011 celebrates the sixth edition. This test driven in 2006 by the Andalusian singer José Manuel Soto - passionate sportsman and horse world - has become a sports-tourism event of the first magnitude. Kaliber-Andalucía Raid resistance test is more demanding horses and horse racing longest and toughest in the world. This year divided into 6 stages and 500 kilometers tests speed, endurance and skill of both horse and rider.

Kaliber-Andalucía Raid congregate each year to national and international riders not only participate in a unique sporting event, but, in turn, discover the beauty of Andalusia and its people. It's more than a competition, as it not only offers a sporting challenge against the clock if it is discovered, trot, nature and culture of Andalusia. And in the Raid is not there first, but to go by dosing the horse and keeping it at an appropriate pace for each stage.

The racetrack is developed through many different routes, where horse and rider show their complicity face different types of soil with natural obstacles that complicate the path. The Raid runs through Andalusia protected enclaves of surpassing beauty. Each stage of the Raid-Andalucía Kaliber usually consists of 40 km, existing veterinary controls to check the pulse of the horse at the end of each. In this control the clock is ticking until the horse is not below 65 beats. At night, horses and riders, hard day's rest to recover to face with the dawn a new era.

Like every year the tour Raid-Andalucía Kaliber change your route and the sixth edition will start on April 2 and ends at the Dew 7 days in Granada. The Raid will this year with a prologue about 25 miles, starting and finishing at the Dew. As news, the Raid VI consist of 6 stages, each of 60 km - divided into two phases which is 30km from a veterinary and a break of 45 minutes. Furthermore, this edition will be most competitive and exciting, if possible, as it disappears more equipment and will result only in the category of biomes (a rider, a horse). The Raid VI-Andalucía Kaliber will kick pictorial touring places like the National Park of Doñana Natural Park Sierra de Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, etc. A magical race between Dew and Granada from Seville, Villamartin, Ronda, Antequera and Alhama de Granada.

2 to 9 April all equestrians have an appointment in Andalusia-Andalusia Kaliber Raid VI. This competition attracts both participants and spectators and allowing them to discover wild landscapes in all its glory, as spring begins to bloom Andalusian fields. The world's most beautiful race, noted for its hardness, its magic and beauty. The fact go and enjoy the scenery makes it worthwhile participation.

José Manuel Soto

José Manuel Soto (March 12, 1961, Seville) is a singer known for his melodic songs. The fourth of nine children, was born into an affluent middle class family with close links to rural environment. His first hit song, and possibly gave him more fame was "For Ella," the author's own composition. In 1989 with the song "Like a Light" got second in the OTI festival. In the first half of the 90 returned to get a new hit with the song "Let yourself be loved." With 16 albums in the street and more than 1,000 concerts, combines a singer with his other passion is horses.

He is currently the president and creator of Raid Kaliber-Andalusia. This great event comes from Jose Manuel Soto passion for horses and the land where he was born and raised, Ontario. With this unique event in the world wants Andalusia is a world leader in the equestrian discipline of resistance. Teach everyone the rich landscape, environmental and cultural to account Andalusia. In the same way you create a unique sporting event and world reference Spanish label.

More photos and information:
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/

New Zealand: Champion Rider

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

20/11/2010
The Marlborough Express

Endurance trail riding may not be a big mainstream sport, but it certainly is for Heidi Bulfin.

Ms Bulfin was the Marlborough Sportsperson of the Year nominee for the sport, which involves riding horses over a variety of courses and terrain and testing their all-round skills and endurance.

Endurance riding is like a cross-country race with everyone starting at once, and is all about horsemanship.

The winner is basically first across the line as long as the horse passes a vet inspection at the end.

In trail riding, riders go out in pairs or solo and each is given an optimum time to finish the course.

There is a fine balance between getting close to the time and keeping the horse's heart rate down.

If you arrive back at the finish too early you are penalised.

It is all about pacing yourself and keeping the horse moving.

It is physically demanding on horse and rider with local trail rides ranging from 15 to 40 kilometres or longer, over testing terrain.

"We get off and run the horses down hills," says Ms Bulfin...

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/community-papers/4362946/Champion-rider

FEI General Assembly: NSAID Use Definitively Prohibited

Thehorse.com - Full Article

by: Christa Lesté-Lasserre
November 16 2010, Article # 17260

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in international equestrian competition is definitively prohibited, following a unanimous vote by the members of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the governing body for international equestrian sports, during their General Assembly meeting Nov. 1-5 in Chinese Taipei.

However, the FEI has agreed to pursue efforts to provide national federations with data indicating the exact amount of time low doses of common NSAIDs--including phenylbutazone (Bute) and flunixin meglumine (Banamine)--are detectable in a horse's blood or urine. This information would allow team veterinarians and riders to accurately time the administration of NSAIDs for therapeutic purposes between events, according to John McEwen, BVMS, MRCVS, team veterinarian for the British Equestrian Federation, FEI Veterinary Committee chair, and chair of the FEI List Group, which developed the now-approved proposal in September.

The decision follows an intensive two-day congress on NSAIDs use in equestrian events, hosted by the FEI in August in Lausanne, Switzerland. At the event, more than 200 international participants convened to discuss and debate the latest research, theories, laws, politics, and public opinion concerning NSAIDs use in horses.

The General Assembly's vote officially defuses the spark of the previously proposed "Progressive List" from November 2009, in which proponents--primarily FEI members from North America--urged the FEI to consider tolerating the presence of certain NSAIDs in horses during drug testing at international competitions...

Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=17260

Qatar: American Ellen Rapp is First American and Female to Win Endurance Race

12 November 2010

Doha: Ellen Rapp, of La Motte, Iowa won the opening endurance race of the season held at the Qatar Endurance Village. In winning, Rapp became the first woman to ever win a race in Qatar, and is reportedly the first American to win a race in the Middle East since Valerie Kanavy won the World Championship in 1998.

Rapp rode SA Ireesh Tenor, an 8-year-old USA-bred Shagya Arabian, trained by her husband Jeremy Olson, head endurance trainer for the Al Shahania Stud, founded and owned by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani.

"We have been training him for three years now," Olson said. "He came from Sun Arab Shagyas in Verona, Kentucky. Breeder is Daunna Sellers. He is also a half brother to SA Belshazzar, (who was Ellen's second horse on the USA Team for the 2010 Kentucky WEC and he was also 1st alternate after Smokey came up lame), and SA Edashick, who was third and BC last year here in Qatar at our biggest race 'The Emir's Cup', a 120 km held here in March. Their sire, the Shagya Stallion 'Bayram' stands in Kentucky, and throws wonderfully talented endurance horses. We have had 8 of them and they are all great, with wonderful tempermants, huge bone and great feet and conformation."

Second place was Hamed Towaim Ali Al Marri, riding Catania de Palleres, a Portuguese-bred Anglo Arabian, also trained by Olson and owned by Al Shahania Stud.

79 horses from Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia were entered in the 80-km race, which was held at night, due to the heat.

Olson reports: "Our speed the first 30-km loop was 24.8 km/h, and we arrived in 8th and 9th positions. Our speed the second 30-km loop was 25.6 km/h, and we arrived in 3rd and 4th positions. We left for the last loop in 2nd and 3rd position, 4 minutes behind the leader, but only 30 seconds ahead of 4th and 5th.

"It was a 5 horse race to the finish; the first 5 horses were within 2 minutes of each other with 7k to go! It was a very exciting race! Ellen won the race by 1 minute and 20 seconds ahead of my other horse Catania de Palleres, who was 4 minutes and 16 seconds ahead of the third place horse."

Rapp was thrilled with the win, which was full of a lot of 'Firsts'. "It was a great race on an amazing horse!" she said. "We have a lot of great horses at Al Shahania Stud, but I chose Ireesh because he and I share a special bond. Every time I get on this horse he never questions me on what we are doing, he is just eager to see what is next.

"The temperature of the day was perfect and we were not sure how Ireesh would handle the night race with the cars and headlights everywhere. He kept on crusing like he had been doing it his whole life. Truly inspiring this horse is!

"We accomplished a lot this race: Al Shahania Stud wins opening race in Qatar, I became the first female to win a race in Qatar, Ireesh was the first Shagya horse to win a race in Qatar, it was Ireesh's first race in Qatar and first win, and finally we entered two horses and they both completed and placed 1 and 2 healthy, happy, and sound....what a great night!

"I hope that we can keep up the good work at Al Shahania Stud with all of our other horses. The next race is on Christmas Day,"

- Merri Melde
www.endurance.net