Russia: Kazakhstan horses win CIS cup

Caspionet.kz

Kazakhstan’s national horseback riding team has won the CIS Cup in the city of Spassk-Ryazansky in Russia. The Kazakh team consisted of five horses of the Adai breed which is now being actively revived in the Mangistau region. Teams from Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Russia competed for the commonwealth cup. The Mangistau horses, that took the lead over the Kabarda horses, won the 80-kilometer race. Both jockeys and horse owners were awarded on their native land as well. The region’s governor Krymbek Kusherbayev presented representatives of the Kazakhstan Federation for Equestrian Sports, horse owners, and jockeys of Adai horses who contributed to the development of equestrian sport in the region with certificates and letters of gratitude. In addition, the Kazakhstan Federation for Equestrian Sports awarded owners of 23 horses with official documents, the «passport of competition horses of Kazakhstan». The CIS cup winners became holders of passports by the International Federation for Equestrian Sports. Breeders have been enjoying a growing state support in recent years thanks to which Mangistau is working successfully to revive the Adai breed. Athletes have a lot of competitions ahead of them and they expect to win prizes for a good reason.

Amangeldy Munaitbayev, jockey
«Horses that grew up in the Mangistau region got accustomed to harsh local climatic conditions. They are very strong and capable of great endurance. So they show good results during racing competitions. They performed well in Almaty and in Russia. I wish that the horses of this breed will always achieve good results.»

Omani Rider Qualifies to World Endurance Championship Finals

Omannews.gov.om

Muscat, August 22 (ONA) --- The Omani rider Ali bin Hassan al Farsi riding the horse (Rafaro) managed to qualify to the World Endurance Championship 2012 to be held next year in Britain. Al-Farsi is the third rider from the Royal Cavalry to qualify to the World Endurance Champion Finals 2012 after two other riders Mahmoud bin Marhoon al Fouri and Ahmed bin Salim al Hamdani who also qualified.

Al-Farsi's qualification to the World Endurance Championship Finals came after his success in French Kompian Endurance Championship for (125) km.

135 of the world's best riders have taken part in the race from Britain, Spain, France, Brazil, Argentina, Italy, South Africa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and the Sultanate.

The race was held on five rounds. The first round is (32) km, the second is (27) km, the third is (25) km, the fourth is (21) km and the final fifth round is (20) km.

France: Salman Al Sabri wins CEI** Sponsors Trophy at Compiegne

August 21 2011

Salman Ali Al Sabri of the UAE, riding Ojai Dents de Lion won the 130 km CEI** Sponsors Trophy at Compiegne on Sunday August 21 in a time of 5:49.47, besting second place France's Jean Philippe Frances by 1 second. France rode Ouedfik La Majorie. The top two averaged 21.3 km/h over the 130 kilometers. Third place went to the UAE's Saeed Al Marri, riding Oiseau du Breuil in a time of 5:55.24

141 started and 57 finished the race.

Stories, photos, and results of the World Endurance Festival at Compiegne can be seen here:
http://www.endurance.net/international/France/2011Compiegne/

France: Shaikh Nasser for 120km ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

August 21 2011

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will today lead Bahrain's Royal Endurance Team in a 120-kilometre international ride taking place in Compiegne, France.

The gruelling event is scheduled to get underway at 8am, Bahrain time. It is the main race of the World Festival of Endurance, currently taking place in the northern French city with participants from all over the world.

The race will be the penultimate stop of the Royal Team in their ongoing European training camp, as they are currently gearing up for the forthcoming European Endurance Championship, also to be held in France in September.

Shaikh Nasser - who is the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman, Bahrain Olympic Committee president and Royal Team captain - will be joined in today's race by some of the kingdom's top riders, including Ghazi Al Dossary, Raed Mahmood, Abdulrahman Saad and Jaffar Mirza.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first deputy chairman and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in Compiegne yesterday but will not be competing in any races. His presence is a huge boost to the team, and he aims to show his full support to the Bahraini squad.

Some other Royal Team members will be competing in a 160km event, also to be held today. Among them are Ahmed Janahi and Mohammed Abdulsamad.

Each of the Bahraini riders took their horses yesterday to the mandatory pre-event veterinary examinations, conducted by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

Hoping

Today, they will all be hoping to follow up on the success of Royal Endurance Team member Salman Isa, who won another 160km ride held on Friday for horses aged eight years old or younger. It also took place at Compiegne, as part of the ongoing festival.

Isa is also an Al Khalidiyah Stables rider. He clinched the six-stage race with a total time of eight hours 15 minutes 38 seconds, overcoming a quality field. France's Sandrine Lance was the runner-up, while Spain's Monica Comas came third.

Isa was yesterday presented his trophy and gold medal for winning his race. Isa received congratulatory calls and cables sent from His Majesty the King, Shaikh Nasser as well as Shaikh Khalid.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser vowed to continue working towards His Majesty the King's goals of further promoting Bahrain through the sport, and to raise the kingdom's flag in various international competitions.

Also yesterday, Shaikh Khalid sent a cable of congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad, marking the outstanding achievement of the Royal Team Compiegne.

Shaikh Khalid described Isa's win on Friday as the result of the tremendous support of His Majesty the King to the equestrian sport. Shaikh Khalid also lauded the backing of Shaikh Nasser.

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser Congratulates Salman Isa On Winning the World Endurance Championship

BNA.BH

19/8/2011

Manama-August 19 (BNA) Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa congratulated Salman Isa who won the World Endurance Championship for eight-year old horses. He finished first in the 160-km-race which was held in Compian, France. This is the first time Salman Isa takes part in European endurance championships.
He won the six-stage race, after fierce competition with EU and GCC riders. French Sandrine Lance and Spanish Monica Komas finished second and third respectively.
Salman Isa extended sincere thanks and appreciation to Royal Endurance team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al-Khalifa for keenly following up his participation in the World Endurance race for eight-year old horses in France.
AHN

France: Isa wins 160-km ride in Compiegne

Gulf-daily-news.com

Saturday, August 20, 2011

HIS Majesty King Hamad made a congratulatory phone call last night to Bahrain Royal Endurance Team rider Salman Isa, who won a 160-kilometre ride for horses eight years old and under, held yesterday in Compiegne, France.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa also made a call to Isa, congratulating him on his achievement.

Isa won the gruelling six-stage race in a time of eight hours 15 minutes 38 seconds. He overcame a top-quality field that included participants from Europe and the rest of the GCC.

France's Sandrine Lance was the runner-up, while Spain's Monica Comas came third.

France: Compiegne Young Horses

19 August 2011

Salman Isa Al Radhi of Bahrain, riding Persepolia Larzac, won the 8 Years Old CEI*** 160 km on Friday 19th August at Compiegne in a time of 8:15.38, averaging 19.44 km/h.

Finishing second was France's Sandrine Lance, riding Movisko du Lauragais, in 8:19.20, averaging 19.30 km/h. Spain's Monica Comas Molist, riding Princesse de Campagne finished third in 8:20.05. 20 started and 11 finished.

***

Saeed Sultan Shames al Marri of the UAE, riding Qatar La Majorie, won the 7 Years Old CEI** 120 km on Friday 19th August at Compiegne in a time of 5:39.53, averaging 21.20 km/h.

It was a close race for second, with France's Philippe Tomas, riding Quotien Persky edging out Qatar's Faleh Nasser Al Bughaneim on Querohz de Benech
by 3 seconds. Tomas' riding time was 5:44.25, averaging 20.92 km/h.

40 riders started and 23 finished.

***

Sunday is the Sponsor's Trophy CEI** 130 km Nations Sponsors Trophy. 130 are expected on the starting line.

***.
Photos by Osama Mohammed, and more on Compiegne at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/France/2011Compiegne

Spanish Riders in France

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

[google translation]

Thursday August 18, 2011

In this month of August many Spanish riders move to neighboring countries to participate in the Raid of Compiegne and Pau.

This is the note from the Spanish:

"RAID: MASS DISPLACEMENT OF RIDERS TO FRANCE IN AUGUST

A total of 12 pairs move next weekend to Compiegne (France) to compete in the horse 7 to 8 years and the Sponsor.

Three other pairs are planning to move to Pau.

They are movement patterns of August to compete at the World Championships for Young Horses waiting for our great tasting high mountain Ripoll celebrated on 27th of that month and is already heating engines.

Remember that juniors may qualify and rate their horses for the next World Championships are national tests which will have priority for screening.

Since it has not yet come forward Dabhi Abbu program continue to be graded all national tests and CEI CEI ** *** up the presentation of the nominated entries. "

New Zealand: Girls are riding to success

Wanganuichronicle.co.nz - Full Article

Mark Dawson | Thursday, August 18, 2011

The success of young riders Charlotte Grayling, Tayla Mason and Georgia Smith should not be too much of a surprise.

The equestrian centre at Nga Tawa Diocesan School in Marton is reckoned to be the best school facility in the country.

It has 82 stables, three all-weather arenas and a 1200m all-weather track and about a third of the 270 girls at the school are involved in the equestrian programme which is run by Libby Whyte.

"We have developed a reputation for the equestrian centre and that, in turn, has attracted more up-and-coming riders," said Whyte.

Byline2The success of top equestrian stars like Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson and Caroline Powell has provided a boost for a couple of local young riders.

Aspiring horsewomen Charlotte Grayling and Tayla Mason have been invited to attend national training camps in Taupo next month by Equestrian Sports New Zealand.

Such camps were discontinued some years ago when national sports funder Sparc cut the money it put into riding after equestrianism suffered a slump, starting with a poor 2000 Sydney Olympics.

A return to form has seen New Zealand take bronze at last year's World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, and Todd win the Badminton Horse Trials, Powell take Burghley and Nicholson claim the British championship at Gatcombe.

The resultant 40 per cent boost in Sparc funding means the re-establishment of a development programme that will help the 17-year-old Marton schoolgirls with their dreams of one day making the Olympic three-day eventing team.

And a third Nga Tawa Diocesan student, 14-year-old Georgia Smith, is also making her mark in the riding world. Smith, from Taihape, is one of four riders chosen to represent New Zealand at the Junior World Endurance Championships in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, in December.

Her speciality is distance events and at the world champs that means a 120km race which could take up to six hours...

Read more here:
http://www.wanganuichronicle.co.nz/news/girls-are-riding-success/1072246/

Thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk

Staveley breeders' Arabian horses at a premium

5:47pm Wednesday 17th August 2011
By Allan Tunningley

SOUTH Lakeland horse breeders Dom and Jan Atkinson have triumphed at a top equestrian event.

Their Arabian endurance horses impressed judges during a British Equestrian Federation evaluation held at Southview, Cheshire.

The Staveley pair, who run Seren Arabians, earned two first premiums with their colt Seren Hanau and filly Seren Bellatrix Malika, both three-years-old.

The BEF Futurity evaluation series aims to identify British bred young potential sport horses and ponies destined for careers in dressage, eventing, show-jumping or endurance – and may even find the Olympic Champions of the future.

Seren Hanau took the highest mark of the day for an endurance horse at Southview, and Seren Bellatrix Malika the second highest. Their respective scores of 8.43 and 8.14 and a first premium each indicate that they have the potential and outlook to perform at national level.

Dom said: “We have 15 horses, from foals to truly ancient, living in natural herds which gives them the temperament to cope well with difficult and unexpected situations and surroundings.

“We’ve been breeding Arabian endurance horses here at Seren Arabians above Staveley for 20 years, based on our foundation stallion Hanson. Sadly he died in 2009.

“This was also the year that the BEF futurity began to include endurance horses. In 2010, our first ever entry had the highest endurance score of the year nationally, and this year we entered the last two of Hanson’s youngsters that qualify: Seren Hanau and Seren Bellatrix.

“They both scored first premiums, and Hanson currently leads the all-time overall rankings for endurance sires – a fitting tribute to a wonderful old stallion.”

Meanwhile, in Outer Mongolia…

Sluggerotoole.com - Full Article

Pete Baker, Tue 16 August 2011

If you were wondering where the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Owen Paterson, was [You were?! - Ed], he’s been in Mongolia [In a yurt! - Ed]. A “ger” actually. The NI Secretary of State is one of 23 riders, including his wife Ruth Paterson, who have taken part in the third Adventurists’ Mongol Derby – a 1,000 km multi-horse race over 10 days on the Mongolian steppes which began on the 6th August using “around 1000 semi-wild Mongolian horses” the Adventurists “select and train”, and changing horses at urtuus spaced at 40km along the 10o0km un-route.

The controversy surrounding the inaugral Mongol Derby in 2009 among endurance riders appears to have alleviated. And the official Derby site does note that the weight limit on equipment was halved in 2010.

There is a 5kg weight limit on equipment, so you’ll have to travel light. This may sound like very little but in 2009 the weight limit was 10 kg and riders soon discovered they needed far less than they had brought with them.

And there were other changes.

In 2009 a world class team of vets from Mongolia, Scotland, New Zealand and South Africa provided superb care for the horses taking part in the Mongol Derby. In 2010 the top class veterinary care will be provided by three emergency response vets from Massey University in New Zealand, as well as our 18 specially trained equine vets from Mongolia.

Though it’s difficult to get confirmation of official statements in such a remote event...

Read more here:
http://sluggerotoole.com/2011/08/16/meanwhile-in-outer-mongolia/

Northern Ireland: Minister's race plan raises £50,000

Belfasttelegraph.co.uk - Full Article
Sunday, 24 July 2011

Almost £50,000 has been raised for injured soldiers and other good causes by the Northern Ireland Secretary's planned participation in the world's longest horse race.

Owen Paterson will ride 1,000km (621 miles) across one of the world's last great wildernesses in the Mongolian steppe next month. The Mongol Derby is modelled on warrior Genghis Khan's legendary system for communicating across his vast empire.

Mr Paterson and his wife Rose have been raising money for the Royal Irish Benevolent Fund, the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries and a Mongolian charity.

He said: "We have been stunned by the generosity of the people of Northern Ireland who have shown really incredible support for the Royal Irish Benevolent Fund. So far we have raised £47,500 and we are tantalisingly close to our goal of £50,000."

Three soldiers from the regiment were killed during their recent tour of Afghanistan and another 16 were severely injured.

The Conservative MP said: "The work of the benevolent fund supporting members, their widows and children is very important. That's why we are delighted that people have given so generously. It is starting to sink in that we are going to be riding 60 miles a day for 10 days on semi-trained horses, which is quite a daunting prospect, so in the final weeks we are really stepping up our training..."

Read more here:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/northern-ireland/ministers-race-plan-raises-50000-16027145.html

Belgian Team for European Championship

Endurance-belgium.com

15 August 2011

The final decision has fallen after a two-days clinic held last week in the south of the country, in the hilliest part of Belgium, to mimic a bit the environment of Florac.

The selection process was actually very simple for the Chef d'Equipe Pierre Arnould as two candidates on the short list had to give up.
They were Wendy Fallon (her mare has been injured) and Elisabeth Hardy (the mare Lutece de Crouz is back to the owner).

So the six couples who will represent Belgium are :
Maritza Pereira with Lima du Barthas (5th Florac2008)
Celine Just with Jahman (5th Tarbes 160km)
Raphael Van Cauter with Taborah de Sier (4th Tarbes 160km)
Michel Lequarre with Sahid des Fontaines(11th Castelsagrat 160km)
Pietro Di Geronimo with SD Mengali(21st Lexington 160km).

A good team with reliable horses which could do well at the team competition.

Other nations' selection for Florac
GERMANY: Six German Endurace Riders Participate at the European Endurance Championships in France After the last sighting the following endurance riders have been selected by the endurance commission of the German Olympic Committee (DOKR),
who will represent Germany at the European Championships in Florac, France to be held on 10 September 2011:
Joana Al Samarraie with Famosa
Klaudia Al Samarraie with Olymp
Sabrina Arnold with Beau
Dr. Gabriela Förster with Priceless Gold
Petra Hattab with Prince Sharif
Sybille Markert-Bäumer with Estopal Estopa

THE NETHERLANDS: Le chef d’équipe, Emile Docquier a désigné les couples suivants:
Jeanne Linneweever, Riki’s Macho Man
Suzanne Pen, Noniusz
Barbara Peterse, Pachinco
Carmen Römer, Gitana 220
Yvonne van der Velde, Joy Escobar
Jannet van Wijk, Zaira Star

ITALY:
Diana Origgi/Pervinca della Bosana
Alfonso Striano/Waligora
Danilo De Angelis/Present Jey
Simona Garatti/Badr Dell’Orsetta
Emanuele Fondi/Felicidad
Per la definizione del sesto binomio e della riserva, il tecnico si è riservato di procedere ad ulteriori valutazioni dei binomi formati da:
BRUNELLI ALLESSANDRA – KAILA DE TENSIONNIVES /I BATTISTA CARLO – FLUMINIO

Spain: Selection for the European Championships

August 16 2011

Completed tests developed past day 13, in St Feliu Sasserra facilities, which were convened by the national coach, Quico Yebra, binomials shortlisted the final list of seven candidates (the team signed four pairs, with two more individuals) for the European Chamionships in Florac on 10 September is composed of:

Nobby with Maria Alvarez.

Fling Tornade with Laia Muixi.

Calzadilla with Anna Mª Yebra .

Faref Bugati with Ivan Autet.

Zarha de Vilaformiu with Oriol Casals.

Arizona de Lafon with Francesc Xavier Casellas.

Pal Partenon with Otto Velez.

Throughout the week, after analyzing the results of veterinary examinations carried out, will communicate the final composition of the list.

Germany: Endurance Riders Nominated for European Championships

Horseweb.de

Aug 15th, 2011 | By kr | Category: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

15 Aug 2011

Six German Endurace Riders Participate at the European Endurance Championships in France

After the last sighting the following endurance riders have been selected by the endurance commission of the German Olympic Committee (DOKR), who will represent Germany at the European Championships in Florac, France to be held on 10 September 2011:

Joana Al Samarraie with Famosa
Klaudia Al Samarraie with Olymp
Sabrina Arnold with Beau
Dr. Gabriela Förster with Priceless Gold
Petra Hattab with Prince Sharif and
Sybille Markert-Bäumer with Estopal Estopa

Source: FN press

2011 Mongol Derby Has Been Won

TheAdventurists.com - Full Article

by Mr Tom on: 13 Aug 2011 categories: Mongol Derby,

After a week of adventures, injuries and some of the toughest horse riding in the world we have a winner. Craig Egberink of South Africa who led the field for most of the race has crossed the line in first place. In what turned out to be a nail bitting finish Sanbayier who had been catching up over the last few days of the Derby crossed the line just 2 minutes later to claim second place. Below is the listing at the moment. These take a while to calculate with accuracy as we have to cross check all the results and timings from each station. As soon as we can give you full details we will publish them live here.

All the riders are now at the finish and the 2011 Mongol Derby has come to a close.

1st Craig Egberink

2nd Sanbayier

3rd and 4th Bayinmuenke & David Ha (positions to be confirmed)

5th Jo Dawson

Crossing Sunday around midday was a group of 7 riders (positions to be confirmed):

Owen Patterson

Rose Patterson

Olivia Swingland

Kevin Pricemoor

Richard Allen

Tyga Helme

Jason Tse

Coming in towards the end of Sunday our last 3 riders crossed the line,

Sophia Mangalee

Frederique Schut

Ronald Van Der Velden

Of the 23 riders who started this year's Mongol Derby, only the 15 riders in bold above were still in the competitive race for the finish.

Riders who did not make the finish-line on a horse (they are all fine and most are at the finish line now for the party tonight):

Paul Erskine

Regina Bueno Ros

Borja Jimenez

Cara Barnes

Tommy Tsui

Marcus & Sarah Chenevix-Trench

Barry Armitage

More news, and radio interview with the winner here:
http://www.theadventurists.com/the-jibber/mongol-derby-2011-has-been-won

France: Compiegne Festival Mondial d'Endurance

August 15 2011

The World Festival of Endurance in Compiegne will be held 18-22 August.

the Young horse championship CEI** 120 km - 7 years old, and the CEI*** 160 km - 8 years old will take place on Friday 19th August; and the CEI** 120 km Sponsors Trophy will take place on Sunday 21st August.

43 riders from France, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Oman, Spain, Sweden, Great Britain, Netherlands, and Luxembourg have entered the 120 km; 27 riders from France, Oman, Portugal, Brazil, German, Qatar, Bahrain, Spain, Great Britain, and Slovakia have entered the 160 km; 131 riders from France, UAE, SLovakia, Great Britain, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Bahrain, Qatar, Norway, Germany, Belgium, Brazil, Oman, Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, and Uruguay have entered the 130 km Sponsors Trophy

Great Britain: Animal event with lots of Punch

Buryfreepress.co.uk - Full Article

Published on Monday 15 August 2011 01:00

COMPETITORS travelled from far and wide to take part in the heavy horse endurance event held at Euston Hall on Sunday, which also doubled as an opportunity to check the animals were in good health.

Before setting off on the 12-mile course, which the winner completed in 2hrs 46 minutes, the Suffolk Punches were placed on heart monitors by vets who also took blood samples.

Nigel Oakley, who has some 16 Suffolk Punches at Rede Hall Farm, said Sunday’s endurance event showed the animals were only needing to work at 50 per cent of their capability.

Entrants came from as far as Northamptonshire for the day, which is aimed to be mainly for the benefit of the animals, their owners and vets. Ten people with vehicles took part...

Read more here:
http://www.buryfreepress.co.uk/lifestyle/animal_event_with_lots_of_punch_1_2955588

Australia: Endurance riders go extra mile

Margaretrivermail.com.au

10 Aug, 2011 12:11 PM
THE Margaret River Endurance Riders Club went to Wagin on the 29th to represent Margaret River at the annual Kazan Challenge. The ride, sponsored by Kazan Stables of Malaysia, attracted overseas and interstate competitors as well as buyers. It was a combined FEI and AERA event with ride distances up to 160km.

Margaret River Club members enjoyed the great tracks to compete in the AERA 80km and 40km divisions. Claudia Seke, riding Alcedo Mystique, qualified 1st in the 80km Lightweight division with Alcedo Mystique receiving the vet’s Best Conditioned vote. Noelene Cochrane came 2nd on Orchid Park Delilah. Tania Oosterhof completed 80km in Middleweight, riding Sileby Krystal Nile and congratulations to Emma Swarbrick and Redline Heaven Can Wait for completing their 80km in Heavyweight division - qualifying herself and her horse from Novice to Endurance status. Well done! Maria Bergstrom and Pagewood Ruby Shyne breezed through their first 40km ride.

Interested riders can contact us or can ‘have a go’ with our own Margaret River Ride on November 12. We also hope to hear from potential sponsors. Call president Emma Swarbrick 0438 778 058 Tracy Owen 0427 086 515 or 9758 2392.

-Tracy Owen

Owen Paterson on the Mongol Derby

Telegraph.co.uk - Full Article
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Owen Paterson and his wife are saddling up for the Mongol Derby.

By Cassandra Jardine

7:00AM BST 05 Aug 2011

Owen Paterson is on a diet. Carrying a few extra pounds doesn’t matter at Cabinet meetings, but the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland won’t be able to start the longest, most extreme horse race in the world unless his weight, including boots and clothes, is less than 85kg (just over 13st).

So he says no to a slice of bread with lunch at his home in Shropshire. But that, ominously, is all he has done to prepare for the Mongol Derby, a gruelling ordeal which competitors say “takes you through the pain barrier”.

Today he and his wife Rose, along with two dozen other competitors, will be dumped somewhere in the middle of the Mongolian steppe near UB, as the cognoscenti call the capital, Ulan Bator. They then have 10 days in which to travel 1,000 miles, equipped with only a pony, GPS and an 11lb bag of equipment. By the time they reach the finishing line, they will have encountered rivers, hills, thunderstorms, vicious dogs, dehydration, sunburn and, most likely, fallen off their semi-wild steeds...

Read more here:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/active/8681505/Owen-Paterson-on-the-Mongol-Derby.html