Great Britain: British Team Makes Their Final Preparations!

Endurancegb.co.uk

9th September 2011

Our British Team riders, crews and management have been making the final preparations for the ride tomorrow morning which starts at 4.30am local time (3.30am over here!).

As well as final crewing arrangements, horse care and logistics necessary for ride day, there has been time for them to relax as well..... as Chair of International it is always very important to ensure that you fully support your team and Mr John Yeoman has chosen a rather novel way to express himself this time..... by painting his fingernails in the team colours!!!!! Photographic evidence is here!

Bahrain: Royal Team for European Open

Gulf-daily-news.com

September 8 2011

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa will be among the leading Bahraini riders in the FEI 2011 European Open Endurance Horseride Championship in Florac, France.

This highly anticipated 160km event, sponsored by the Bahrain Royal Endurance Team, is set to take place on Saturday at Florac Endurance Village with some of the continent's top riders in the fray.

The Bahrain team, who arrived at the endurance village earlier this week, continued their preparations for the upcoming event, organised by Lozre Endurance Equestre.

The Florac 160km Championship follows trails through the mountainous region of the CŽzannes National Park in Central Southern France.

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, said the team hopes to maintain their recent impressive run in the European competitions this year.

Successful

He said the team had a successful participation in previous endurance rides in Europe earlier in the summer. Among those achievements was a second-place finish in Germany and later in France.

Shaikh Nasser also highlighted the outstanding achievement of team member Salman Isa, who clinched the eight-year-old category title during last month's FEI World Championship at Compiegne, in France.

The programme of the European Championship begins today with a several meeting by the organising committee, to be followed by the veterinary examination tomorrow in the National Park of the CŽzannes.

The race will then take place the following day from 4.30am, while the prize-giving ceremony is scheduled for Sunday.

Spanish champion Maria Alvarez Ponton will defend her title on Nobby and join the riders at the start of the race.

The programme for the European Championship is being supported in total by the Lozere Tourism Department where the ride will be held.

Out of 230 demands of participation, only 171 representing 18 nations could be honoured by Lozre Endurance Equestre. This is an absolute record of contestants on a competition of this type, but this shows as well a strong will of the European nations for a return back to the origins of the discipline.

For this challenge imposed by the FEI in order to assign definitely this championship to Florac, Lozre Endurance Equestre had designed specially for this championship a trail in one big loop.

The trial respects the traditional values endurance: stamina, horsemanship, sports ethic, respect for the horse's physical well being and morale.

Florac organised the first Continental Endurance Championship in 1984 and the 2011 teams are assembling with 142 listed riders and reserve participants from 20 countries.

UAE: Growing popularity of equestrianism to be evident at ADIHEX 2011

Middle-east-online.com

2011-09-07

ADIHEX to give visitors chance to see forward-looking and futuristic developments in equestrian field.

ABU DHABI - Equestrianism is not only one of the oldest and noblest of pursuits, but also one of the fastest-growing. From Argentina, where pato, played on horseback and combining elements of polo and basketball, is the national sport, to the rediscovery and breeding of the ancient Caspian horse, and the burgeoning attraction of vaulting in the north-west United States, equestrian events of all types are increasing in popularity around the world. In the UK, for example, the sport enjoys such popularity that an estimated 43 percent of households (11 million) have a household member with some form of interest in equestrianism (including racing)*, and the equestrian sector is the largest sporting employer in the UK**.

In the UAE, horses play a special role. The Emirates Equestrian Federation was established in 1992 – under the Chairmanship of His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council – and in 1996, in Kansas, USA, UAE riders participated for the first time in a World Championship endurance event. Just two years later, the UAE hosted the World Championship endurance event which attracted a record 162 competitors. Polo –‘the sport of kings’ – is rapidly becoming more popular with both participants and spectators in the country.

Moreover, the Arabian horse have historically dominated the discipline of endurance riding. Yet in tandem with celebrating these traditions, ADIHEX will give visitors the chance to see forward-looking and futuristic developments in the equestrian field – a celebration of the past, present and future of riding, driving or vaulting with horses, and the use of horses for practical working purposes, transportation, recreational activities, artistic or cultural exercises, and competitive sport.

The increasing popularity of equestrianism is evidenced by the greater number of exhibitors at the ninth edition of ADIHEX (Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition), taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) from 14th to 17th September. Among those exhibiting is Al Khail Equestrian Equipment, suppliers of “everything from horse equipment to stable equipments and feed supplements,” in the words of Derick Samson, Veternarian at the company.

Samson says that the growing popularity of equestrian activities in the UAE has led not only to the import of equipment such as the SATO Tread Mill and Horse Walker Machine, which can be used to analyze poor performance in horses and prescribe remedial action, but also to products that have been developed especially for the country: “Our products on the supplements side are tailor-made for the UAE, since we bring doctors to conduct research on the country’s environment and weather before we actually develop the product. Our products include HBA supplements, complete vitamin minerals and many others, and we are in most cases the exclusive distributor.”

Samson says that the increasing prominence of equestrianism is driving new trends in the industry: “Clients are increasingly looking for equipments that help in pampering their horse. For example, we now offer horse spa machines, that are becoming very popular, and they help to relax the tendons of the horse.”

The long, proud history of equestrianism will be represented fully at the stand of Sorrell Studios, where the company’s proprietor and artist, Kenna bint Mohamed Al-Sayed Al-Hashami, will be present. Ms Al-Sayed, whose artwork has been included in the past five American Saddlebred Museum’s Annual Art Auctions, as well as being juried into the Ex Arte Equinus 4 International Equine Art Competition, will show and sell her work at the Sorrel Studios LLC stand at ADIHEX, located at H8 – 4.

Ms Al-Sayed is a member of the International Equine Artists group and a devoted horse rider who has been riding for over twenty years. Her experience around horses has helped to give her extensive knowledge of equine movement, reactions, and the intricacies of tack associated with various disciplines of riding. By staying in touch with the equestrian world, her art reflects different breeds of horses, riding styles, tack and training methods accurately.

Ms Al-Sayed believes that art is one area where equestrianism is under-represented and under-recognized: “I would like to think that equestrian art will start gaining respect within the art world. As of now, art that is realistic in depicting animals (in this case, horses) is not thought of as ‘high art’ and is usually harder to get accepted into prestigious art competitions. There are a number of groups and competitions that are just for equine artists and many of the artists competing in them are world class – it would be nice to see our subject matter receiving more attention. I would also love to see realism as a genre undergo a renaissance within the art world and with the public. All artworks are valid and deserve attention as they are a means of expression; it just seems there has been a trend for only modern abstract works to be constantly revered, yet there are many artists working with neo classical and photorealism techniques that could use more publicity, in my opinion.”

* British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) National Equestrian Survey (2005-6)

** British Horse Industry Confederation (BHIC) (October 2009)

Great Britain: Florac 2011 European Championships - Update

Endurancegb.co.uk

28th August 2011

Definite entries were made on Thursday and the reserves have been ranked.

The combinations representing Team GBR at the Florac 2011 European Championships on the 9th & 10th September are as follows:

Alice Beet & Adara Sauveterre
Tricia Hirst & Madjin Des Pins
Karen Jones & Macadamia
Catriona Moon & Leila
Christine Yeoman & ZT Richshakfy
David Yeoman & Haszar

The non-travelling reserves have been ranked in the following order:

Rachael Atkinson & Vanash
Nicky Sherry & Shimmering Blue Jasmine
Annie Joppe & Dilmun

Horse and rider blog for The British endurance team at the 2011 European endurance Championships

Horseandrideruk.com - Full Article

Welcome to the Horse and Rider blog for the British Endurance team at the European Endurance Championships 2011. We will keep readers up to date with regular blog posts and pictures from the British team riders at the Championships in the lead up to and throughout the event.

The six strong British Endurance team will be leaving on their journey to Florac in the South of France for the 2011 FEI European Endurance Championships early tomorrow morning (Sat 3rd September). Saturday the 10th September will see these riders and their horses set out on the gruelling 160km, hilly course in Florac.

The team selected for the European Championships are experienced and very keen to do well. Chairman of Selectors, Di Latham, said on behalf of the selectors and management team, "We are confident that this is a strong Team who will rise to the challenge ahead to bring home a Team medal".

The team consists of, newcomer Karen Jones from Devon, who joins Christine and David Yeoman from Somerset. Catriona Moon from Northumberland and Tricia Hirst from Wales have also been successful in team selection, along with the youngest team member, Alice Beet from Surrey. There are four non-travelling reserve riders, Rachael Atkinson, Sally Hall, Annie Joppe and Nicky Sherry.

Christine Yeoman from Shepton Mallet has a wealth of experience at international level, having been on the squad for two European Championships and two World Equestrian Games (WEG) in both Aachen and Kentucky. She finished in 31st place in the 2010 WEG with LM Midday...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandrideruk.com/article.php?id=1678

France: Monpazier

2 September 2011

France's Julien Lafaure, riding Phedra Cabirat, won the 160km CEI*** race at Monpazier, France, on 2 September 2011 by one second over Qatar's Hassan Tahous S.J. Al Nuaimi, riding RP Attual. The winner averaged 17.39 km/h over the course. Following just over 6 minutes later was third place Enora Boulenger of France, riding Braza. Qatar's Faleh Nasser SS Bughenaim, riding Major Armor came first across the finish line, but his horse did not pass the final vet check on metabolics.

Twenty-one of 43 starters finished the race.

South Africa: Genghis Khan rides again!

Timeslive.co.za - Full Article

SUTHENTIRA GOVENDER | 04 September, 2011

Craig Egberink spent $10 000 to enter the " baddest horse-race on the planet", the Mongol Derby in Mongolia.

And his prize for winning the gruelling 1000km race - beating 22 other riders in the process? A Mongolian horse bridle and a jacket.

"I t was never about the prizes. I did it for the challenge . .. and surviving it," the tough Kwa-Zulu-Natal dairy farmer said this week.

The 10-day annual race through Mongolia's wilderness, held between August 6 and 16, is billed as the "longest, toughest, baddest equine affair on the planet".

According to the race's UK-based organisers, The Adventurists: "The race is dangerous, it's unsupported, and you could die."

At least five of the riders withdrew this year after sustaining injuries, some of which required surgery.

Another South African, Barry Armitage, damaged his right arm and ribs when he fell from his horse.

The riders - who included farmers, polo players and endurance riders - came from the US, Australia, the UK, Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, South Africa and Spain...

Read more here:
http://www.timeslive.co.za/lifestyle/2011/09/04/genghis-khan-rides-again

France: Entrants for Florac European Championship

Horsereporter.com
- Pamela Burton

August 31 Florac, France ~ September 10 is the date of the highly anticipated European Championship 160km to be held in Florac, in the National Park of the Cézannes. Florac organized the first Continental Endurance Championship in 1984 and the 2011 Teams are assembling with 142 participants from 20 countries. Spanish Champion, Maria Alvarez Ponton, will defend her title on Nobby and join the riders at the 4:30 AM Saturday start. Best Condition will be held at 9:30 AM on Sunday, the 11th, followed by the Prize Giving and Closing Ceremony.

The program for the European Championship 2011 is being supported in
total by the Comite Departemental du Tourisme de Lozere (The Lozere
Tourism Department) where the ride will be held. Tourism being such a
high percentage of French income in many places, the Tourism
Departments are willing participants in many endurance races,
especially of the higher Star level. Likened to the Tevis Cup in
America in terrain, the Florac 160 km 3* Championship follows trails
through the mountainous region of the Cézannes National Park in
Central Southern France...

Read more here:
http://blog.horsereporter.com/2011/08/31/142-entrants-in-for-european-championship/

A Hoof Perspective: AERC and AHA National Championship 2011

Christoph Schork
Thursday, September 1, 2011
[Full story posted at http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/bootmeister-natural-hoof-care-tips/a-hoof-perspective-aerc-and-aha-national-championship-2011]



For many years, Roger Taylor had hosted a 6 day pioneer endurance ride in this central area of New Mexico. Rich in history with a great scenery and plenty of sightseeing and exploration possibilities, Lincoln county has lots to offer.

This year's entries were down. Some blame it on the economy or high fuel prices, but the competing riders were rewarded with great weather, an outstanding veterinary staff and excellent management. Adequan was a major sponsor and helped make this event possible. Abundant rain this summer made the countryside very lush and green.

With over 17,000 vertical ft of elevation gain in the 100 mile race (and an equal amount of elevation loss), this championship ride featured more altitude climbing than Big Horn (15,500 ft) and Tevis. With temperatures topping out in the 90s, a good amount of humidity and a total mileage of 105, the 2011 AERC National Championship turned out to be one of the toughest in recent memory. New Mexico also has no shortage of rocks, so a very high percentage of riders elected to ride in protective horse boots with the overwhelming majority choosing Easyboot Glue-On hoof boots or the Easyboot Glove. It certainly seemed to be the right choice of hoof care products when looking at placings, finishing times and completion ratios.

[More...]

Namibia: Walvis bay hosts Africa endurance race

Namibian.com.au

30 August 2011

By: STAFF REPORTER
WALVIS Bay Endurance Club plans to host the Annual and Senior Rider Africa Championships tomorrow.

The event, courtesy of the Namibian Endurance Race Association is the ultimate endurance challenge over the highest dunes in the world.
The distances for the endurance range from 45km to 120km through the outskirts of Walvis Bay to the salt pans, dune 7 and along the beach. This ride is not only one of the most spectacular in Africa, but also an endurance ride in the true sense of the word. Rider and horse have to endure all aspects of the vastness and solitude of the Namib Desert. Currently there are over 220 entries from all over Southern Africa.
Organisers urge the public to come and support the club and riders. Lunch will be made available. For more information, contact Zelda von Schauth on 081 127 7578.

Bulgaria: FEI Balkan Endurance Championships 2011 – Koprivshtitsa

Horsesinthesouth.com

31 August 2011

DOUBLE GOLD FOR BRILLIANT BULGARIANS by Louise Parkes

Lausanne (SUI), 30 August 2011 – The host nation scooped team and individual gold at the FEI Balkan Endurance Championships 2011 staged at Koprivshtitsa in Bulgaria last weekend. The Bulgarian side was the only finishers in the three-nation team contest, while Miroslav Borshosh produced an impressive and well-judged performance with his Arab gelding, Munir B, to emphatically claim the individual title.

Koprivshtitsa, which lies on the Topolnitsa River and in the Sredna Gora mountains, is well-known for its architecture. and for the folk-music festivals that ensure it is a very popular destination for tourists. It is also home to a National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore which takes place every five years, attracting musicians, artists and craftsmen from across the country. So visitors to these FEI Championships experienced an authentic take on Bulgarian culture and heritage.

The horses and riders were truly tested with an 86 kilometre course that started at 1,000 feet above sea level and rose a further 400 feet. “The competitors did a great job,” said FEI Technical Delegate Bo Kjellgren (SWE) afterwards, “and the Bulgarian Federation was very much behind the event, giving it huge support.”

VERY TOUGH
Poland’s Dr Piotr Szpotanski, a highly-experienced FEI Veterinary Delegate, described the competition trail as “very tough”, but was surprised how well the horses coped with it. “I found it frightening when I was driving the mountain trail in my car, but the horses seemed to find it much easier!” he said. Rumours of wild mustangs running loose through the countryside, and even the occasional wolf prowling in the wilderness, didn’t deter the competitors from the task at hand.

And the Bulgarians proved the masters on their home turf. In the team event, three of the Bulgarian side recorded almost identical finishing times – Janina Ivanova (Zezana) stopping the clock on 05:56:26, Maria Jordanova (IBN Galal Sava) crossing the line in 05:56.28 and Ivan Stoichev (Zahir) breaking the beam in 05:56:29, while Kiril Stepanov (Gaucha de Pallares) was just over three minutes further behind. It was a clear-cut and unchallenged triumph.

Only two of the Greek team completed, but both of them would be well-rewarded when Efstathia Koutsafti took individual silver ahead of team-mate Evangelia Vlotidu in bronze.

The Turkish team of Ekan Demir (Mirliva), Un Ali Ekber (Padisah), Ozden Oten (Duman) and Mustafa Ozer (Ruzgar) all failed to finish.

EXCELLENT JUDGEMENT AND REMARKABLE SKILL
Borshosh’s success in taking the individual title came down to excellent judgement and remarkable skill. The 38 year old, who hails from the Bulgarian capital city of Sofia, has been competing as an Endurance rider for less than five years and, with his 11 year old Arab horse, Munir B, had only completed one 80 kilometre ride prior to these Championships. Yet he timed his progress around the three-loop course so that he had plenty of fuel left in the tank on the final circuit to finish with an average speed of 16.210 kilometres an hour, and an overall average speed of 15.864 km/h.

It was Koutsafti and her 11 considerably more-experienced 11 year old Chamelot, who were favourites as the race began. This grey mare previously competed under the Italian flag and has two 120 km runs under her belt, but this was the first big test with her latest rider and their average speed of 14.917 km/h left them well behind the gold-medal winning partnership. Koutsafti’s average speed of 11.840 km/h on the final loop was only slightly quicker than compatriot Vlotidu’s result with another former Italian horse Giorgia Delle Corse whose overall average speed of 14.729 was good enough to clinch the bronze. Their last-loop efforts however only served to accentuate the superiority of the champion, whose horse was full of running to the very end.

RACING FINISH
And the next four places, from fourth to seventh, were battled out in a racing finish between Bulgarian team gold medallists Ivanova (4th), Jordanova (6th), Stoichev (7th) and Croatia’s Petra Sebelic riding Wolf, who slotted into fifth place. Riders from six nations – Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Romania, Turkey and Serbia – competed at the event.

FEI Technical Delegate, Bo Kjelleren, was delighted with the way these Championships were conducted. “It was a fantastic ride, and the organisation was very professional,” he said. “The event ran smoothly and there was a great battle for the medals – it was an excellent challenge for the riders, who looked after their horses very well,” he added.

Results:
Team Championship: GOLD – Bulgaria 17:49:23 – Zezana (Janina Ivanova), IBN Galal Sava (Maria Jordanova), Zahir (Ivan Stoichev), Gaucha de Pallares (Kiril Stepanov).

Individual Championship: GOLD – Munir B (Miroslav Borshosh) BUL 16.210 kmh; SILVER – Chamelot (Efstathia Koutsafti Efstathia) GRE 11.840 kmh; BRONZE – Giorgia Delle Corse (Evangelia Vlotidu) GRE 11.900 kmh.

Australia: Shahzada 400km endurance ride at St Albains,NSW

Conderosaendurance.com.au

1 September 2011

CONGRATULATIONS must go to Len Law and Conderosa Zoltan who completed the Shahzada 400km endurance ride at St Albains,NSW. The Shahzada consists of 80km every day for 5 days.

Conderosa Zoltan is our 3rd horse to contest the Shahzada in the last 2 years, Conderosa Argunort who finished 5th overall and Conderosa Shammis who finished 15th overall previously. Bringing 100% completion for the Conderosa Stud in the Toughest test of all !!!!!!!!!!.

Len who comes from Queensland borrowed Conderosa Zoltan from me as he didn’t have a horse able to contest the Shahzada at the time and was keen to just get through. WELL not only did he get through but Zoltan finished 3rd Heavyweight and 16th overall.

This is a fantastic result for Zoltan who through no fault of his own keeps finding himself on the reserve bench as we have so many competitive forward moving horses in work at present.

Compiegne - should we come back (again)?

From Leonard Liesens

This is a new post in a new column. Don't expect a self-congratulation newsletter or similar. There are enough on the Net. Grogallo raised the issue in some old posts. Here they are. here.

This week-end in Compiègne was not brilliant for the Belgians. Except for the Van Cauter brothers, but they were riding horses brought from Spain by the Belgian team vet Peter Wijnendaele. We have to come to the conclusion that either we don't have the horses or we don’t have the means to compete seriously in Compiègne.

This 2011 vintage —can we use this word for horses?— was impressive in quantity and quality of the horses brought to the-always-magnificent-venue of Compiègne. The Gulf states have showed some of their best recruits —mostly French-bred horses— trained in the professional French stables. Of course, as they use to do so, they were in the lead of the race from the beginning. Beside the best UAE, Bahrain and Qatar's horses, there were some of the best French horses ridden by the professional riders who were not working as crew for the Arabs teams.

full report at http://endurance-belgium.com/billet/110826compiegne.htm

The British Equestrian ID Service, for Riders, Horses, Clubs and Property

Your-story.org

August 26, 2011 | Author: AlertIDGroup | Posted in Equestrian
0
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The British Equestrian ID Service provides personal identification for horse riders, their horses and their property. It allows the rider to store vital information on an online profile which can be accessed by the BEIDS 24/7 Emergency Support Team in an emergency. Still wondering how this can help you? Read on for the benefits of BEIDS to riders, their horses and their riding school.

To riders:

* BEIDS provides riders with the peace of mind that if they are involved in an accident they will receive the most effective treatment based on their medical conditions, requirements or the medication they are currently taking, information that is included in their online profile.
* Riders can be reassured that if they are involved in an accident their next of kin will be contacted and informed of what has happened to them, who’s looking after them and where they have been taken, e.g. hospital.
* BEIDS Hat & Property Badges can also be used as an effective way of identifying a rider’s property and increasing the chances of it being returned to them.

To horses:

* By attaching a Horse ID Toggle to your horse you know that if it bolts or escapes, whoever finds it will easily be able to find out who it belongs to, who needs to be contacted and where it should be returned to.
* Their vet’s contact details can be added to the online profile in case the horse is injured.
* Information about the horse’s dietary needs, medical information and temperament can also be added, basically any information that could be useful to the person who has found, or is looking after, the horse.

To riding clubs and schools:

* If members email their profile to their riding school, club or equestrian college they belong to it means that group leaders and teachers will be able to keep an organised record of their students’ medical details and next of kin contact information. This information could prove vital should there be any kind of emergency situation.
* As the information can be updated by the rider at any time, club leaders or instructors will be safe in the knowledge that they always have the most up to date information.
* This system could also prove beneficial at events, when you either have visiting riders or your own riders are on a trip. In these situations event leaders are unlikely to know all of the riders personally and therefore wouldn’t know of any medical conditions or who to contact in an emergency. Using BEIDS would work in a similar way to the British Eventing medical armband card but would be able to provide more detailed information.

About BEIDS

The British Equestrian ID Service (BEIDS – http://www.beids.co.uk) exists through a unique partnership with the British Horse Society, British Eventing, British Dressage and Endurance GB.

For further information on the service please visit the BEIDS website where you can find more information, find out how to sign up and how to get in touch.

You can also become a fan on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/BEIDS247), follow us on Twitter @BEIDS247 or visit the Alert ID Group blog (http://alertidgroup.wordpress.com).

France: Florac riders selected

Frenchhorseandcountry.com

25/08/2011 By fhc

The Endurance European Championship will take place at Florac on September 10. The selectors have announced the following pairs:

Virginie Atger / Antall of Jalima,
Sunny Demedy / Nerval of Beder, owned by Johnson and Marc Delphine Labrunie
Pierre Fleury / Kergof owned by Stéphane Fleury
Julien Goachet / Frity Coat of Lubiana, owned by Jean-Pierre Le Hegarat
Romain Laporte / Osmos Caussanel, owned by Claude and Virginia Popper Creche
Gregory Tilquin / Leila Montamel, owned by Edith Schwartz

Reserve:
Bénédicte Santisteva / Djour of Bozouls, owned by Marcel Mezy

Click here to visit the Florac 160km Endurance site:
http://www.160florac.com/index.php?lang=EN

Great Britain: Story of a powerful bond between man and horse

Brechinadvertiser.co.uk

Friday 26 August 2011 07:28

The inspirational true story of a Brechin man’s miraculous journey from paralysis to recovery thanks to the powerful spiritual bond between man and horse is the subject of the new book - Drinking the Wind: At the limits of endurance by John Tytler Thomson.

John lies in hospital unable to move. Struck down by a sudden stroke, paralysed, brain damaged and on the edge of death he must make a choice: whether to give up, or to fight.

As he hesitates between life and death, a ghostly figure passes before his eyes; an undulating, magnificent horse, beautiful, terrifying and mysterious. At that moment John realises he has to turn back and fight to live.

Having glanced beyond the veil and seen this spirit guide, without knowing why or how, John understood that if he was ever to recover from the effects of his stroke he would have to seek out the horse in his vision.

So as a critical element in his rehabilitation, John decided to learn how to ride.

During months of painful and demanding physical and psychological training, and despite the concerns of his family and friends, John developed a truly remarkable relationship with horses; within just eighteen months he was riding solo in the Trans Scotland Endurance Ride; no mean feat for a fully able-bodied rider.

With the help of his pure-bred Arabian, Prince Omar, John conquered the most dangerous terrain and harshest natural elements of the British Isles on his profound two-hundred mile journey from the East coast to the West coast of Scotland.

So moved was John by the sense of achievement, but also by the close bond he now shared with his beloved horse, that he decided to devote himself to his new passion by entering into competitive endurance racing.

Within two weeks John and Prince Omar were climbing up the rankings, progressing quickly through the novice, then advanced classifications and winning a host of competitive titles along the way.

Drinking the Wind: At the limits of endurance is a remarkable testimonial to the powerful connection between human and animal, man and horse.

John Tytler Thomson reveals his awe-inspiring struggle to recover from a debilitating stroke, revealing the radical benefits that horse-riding brought him as a potent form of rehabilitation.

Thomson explains with terrific passion the uniquely powerful bond that can exist between horse and rider, and in doing so, illustrates the great beauty and strength of both the human spirit and the equine spirit guide.

Drinking the Wind: At the limits of endurance, delivers a compelling account of both physical and spiritual endurance and will bring tremendous encouragement to any victim of stroke, or a similar physical illness, when the road to recovery can at first appear too gruelling to contemplate.

Thomson’s emotionally charged narrative is life-affirming, tapping into our deepest fears and anxieties and revealing the positive effects of alternative therapies.

The sweeping beauty of the Scottish landscape comes alive in Thomson’s writing, as he evokes a mythical backdrop befitting of such an epic quest.

He relates the cultural gems of the North, the curiosities of an ancient land with a wonderfully rich culture, whilst conveying the subtly changing relationship between himself and Prince Omar, each at the mercy of the other but together learning to trust and protect one another with each difficult step of their journey.

Since his stroke, John Tytler Thomson has become a man who lives every day as if it were his last and the story of his incredible, saddle-bound triumph over adversity his both rousing and humbling.

At it’s heart is a story of friendship, love and support, engendered in that special alliance between one man and his horse.

Drinking the Wind: At the limits of endurance by John Tytler Thomson (published by Metal Rabbit Editions 2011, RRP £9.99) is available online at Amazon UK www.amazon.co.uk and can be ordered from all good book retailers.

France: Spain's Monica Comas wins bronze in the World Cup 8 years Raid at Compiegne

Ecuestreonline.com

21 August 2011

[google translation]

Riding "Princesse de Campagne", the Spanish Monica Comas took the bronze medal at the FEI World Championship for horses eight years, played on 19 August at the World Festival of Compiegne Endurance. Riders and horses from twenty countries took part in the French tournament.

The test was a CIS3 * 160 km was imposed on Salman Isa Al Radhi, with an average speed of 19.441 km / hr riding "Persepolia Larzac." Bahrain Rider excelled in just over three-four minutes, respectively, the French Sandrine Lance ("Movisko du Lauragais") and Monica Comas, whose third place confirms the quality of his Arabian mare from France, which last year was silver in the same place at the World seven years. Among the eleven classified 20 participants, was not the Spanish also Mary Nicholas, eliminated "Jascal" after the fifth and penultimate stage.

In the Championship for seven years (CEI2 *, 120 kms.) Was the UAE Sultan Shames Shames Al Marri who signed his first win with an average of 21.201 km / hr. sobre “Qatar La Majorie”. on "Qatar's Marjorie." Separated by just three seconds, the Frenchman Philipp Thomas ("Persky quoties") and Nasser Al Faleh catarí Bughaneim ("Querotz of Benech") were second and third respectively, just over four minutes behind the winner. The eleventh position, 16 minutes, corresponded to Marta Pujadas and "bin Kemal Troika", the only Spanish binomial classified as "Gazal Pakli" Alex Luque's horse did not exceed the metabolic controls in the fourth and final phase. Of the 41 participants, 23 were able to qualify.

Two days later he played the Patrons Trophy (Trophée des Sponsors) CEI2 * 120 km. completed by 57 pairs of 140 participants, including Spanish Javier Cervera (9 °, 19.611 kms / hr. with "Lara Lark"). Were not so fortunate fellow Alex Luque, Mary Nicholas, Silvia Yebra, and Elisabeth Ruth Comas Font (the four Amazons formed the team FEI). The victory was again Arab Emirates thanks to Salman Ali Al Sabri and "Ojai dents de Lion" (21.305 km / hr.).

France: Bahrain and Uae Take Young Endurance Horse Titles

FEI.org

22 August 2011
by Louise Parkes

Horse and rider combinations from Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates claimed the titles at the FEI World Endurance Championships for Young Horses which took place at Compiegne in France last Friday. Over testing courses, and in intense heat, it was Bahrain's Salman Isa Al Radhi and Persepolia Larzac who returned the quickest time in the 8 Year Old division, while the UAE's Shames Sd Sn Al Marri produced a strong ride with Qatar La Majorie to win the 7 Year Old competition.

Endurance riding only developed into a competitive sport in the 1950s and arrived in Europe during the following decade. In 1982 it became an FEI-approved discipline, and gradually the number of events increased. In 1998 the World Championships were staged in the United Arab Emirates, with competitors from 47 Federations taking part, and this proved the catalyst for an explosion of growth in participation over the following years.

This year's FEI World Championships for Young Endurance Horses attracted competitors from 20 countries - Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Brazil, France, Germany, Great Britian, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Qatar, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay.

8 Year Olds
Of the 27 starters in the 8 Year Old Championship, a total of 14 were representing France, but the host nation had to settle for silver medal position when Bahrain's Al Radhi completed the 160 km course with an average speed of 19.442 kmh. Al Radhi, who only joined the Royal Endurance Team of Bahrain in 2011, was delighted with the performance of his mare Persepolia Larzac. "From the third loop I could feel her speed. I rode her in a 160km race in Germany this year and came fifth, but this is my first time in Compiegne" he explained.

Sandrine Lance and Movisko du Lauragais finished second for France with an average speed of 19.298 kmh, but felt she could have done better. "I now realise I could have gone faster" she said afterwards. "I was much too careful. When I saw the winner going faster I should have kept up with him but I didn't, and I left it too late to put things right. But I've had this horse since he was five so I'm pleased with my ride and my horse" she added.

Spain's Monica Comas Molist and Princesse de Campagne finished third when clocking an average speed of 19.269 kmh. "Princesse is a lovely mare, bred in France" said Molist. "Last year she was second in the 7 Year Old Championships. We only did a 90km ride earlier this year in preparation for coming here. My ambition is to be on the World Cup team for Spain, but it's been a dream to win in Compiegne!" she added.

7 Year Olds
There was an even larger field of 42 runners in contention for the 7 Year Old medals. This course ran over a 120 km track, and 14 of the starters were from France. But it was the sole representative from the United Arab Emirates who produced the winning performance, Shames Sd Sn Al Marri racing home with an average speed of 21.201 kmh from his horse, Qatar La Majorie.

"I've been riding in Endurance competition for five years, but this is my first win and my biggest win!" said the rider. "It's my first season in Europe. The course was difficult because of the hills, but I'm very happy. My ambition is to be always on the podium!" he added.

Once again a French rider came in second, Philipp Tomas crossing the line with Quotien Persky having recorded an average speed of 20.922. In modern Endurance competition, the emphasis is on the horse finishing in good condition rather than the one that finishes first, and it can take years for a partnership to develop to top level. Endurance requires extensive preparation, and key to success is the support crew who help ensure the health and well-being of both horse and rider during competition. Tomas carefully managed some concerns he had about his horse early in the race. "I was worried to begin with because he was not drinking that much, but after the third loop he was much better so I was happier. My policy is always to stay in touch with the leader and make my challenge on the last loop, but this time I just wasn't fast enough" he explained.

Qatar's Faleh Nasser Al Bughaneim came home third with an average speed of 20.919 from Querotz de Benech. "I've competed here five times now, and for sure it's a great place. I won the 7 year Old Championship here in 2009, but this is the first time to be here with this horse. I think I will be on the Qatar team for the Open European Championship next month", the rider commented.

Ian Williams, the FEI'S Director of Non-Olympic Sports, attended the event and said, "it was very competitive, with a tough battle for the medals. As always, the Compiegne organisers have done a tremendous job, and the good completion rate is testimony to both the skill of the competitors and the quality of the horses".

Results:
7 Year Old Championship: GOLD - Qatar La Majorie (Shames Sd Sn Al Marri) UAE; SILVER - Quotien Persky (Philippe Tomas) FRA; BRONZE - Querotz de Benech (Faleh Nasser Al Bughaneim) QAT.
8 Year Old Championship: GOLD - Persepolia Larzac (Salman Isa Al Radhi) BRN; SILVER - Movisko du Lauragais (Sandrine Lance) FRA; BRONZE - Princesse de Campagne (Monica Comas Molist) ESP.

Mongolia: World’s longest horse race comes to nail biting finish

www.theadventurists.com Photo
Asiancorrespondent.co - Full Article

By Jo Lane Aug 23, 2011

The 1,000 kilometre long Mongol Derby of 2011 was won by just two minutes after a 10 day ride across the vast Mongolian steppe on semi-wild horses.

South African rider Craig Egberink claimed the victory even after losing all his kit and equipment just 48 hours into the event.

His victory over Chinese rider Sanbayier (a Mongolian name by all accounts) came just two kilometres before the finish line.

Craig Egberink, eventual winner of the Mongol Derby 2011 on the course. Image from www.theadventurists.com

From travel4press.co.uk:

At the penultimate horse station with just one stage and approximately 40 kilometres to go, four riders set out on the morning of Saturday 13th August to fight it out for the finish line.

Craig Egberink and the three riders from China, David Ha, Bayinmuenke and Sanbayier rode together until they were 12 kilometres from the finish. At that point Sanbayier “decided to make a race of it” according to Craig and when they were just 2 kilometres out there was still nothing separating them until a final tactical decision decided the outcome of the Derby.

As they approached the end a final hill lay between the two leader and victory. “He had some advice to go up the hill and I shot up over it and just beat him to the finish line” explains Craig.

After seven days, 8 riders withdrawing, extreme conditions and around 1000 kilometres of racing across the Mongolian wilderness, Craig won by just two minutes...

Read more here:
http://asiancorrespondent.com/63122/worlds-longest-horse-race-comes-to-nail-biting-finish/

France: Shaikh Nasser leads Royal Endurance Horse racing team to second place in French Championship

BNA.BH

Paris, Aug 21 (BNA) Bahrain’s Royal Endurance Horse racing team continued its achievements at the French Endurance horse racing championship adding yet another win by clinching second place after the UAE team in the 120-km race led by Captain of the team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The French had to settle for third place in a tightly fought competition between all the top world teams. A total of 40 teams took place in the race and 142 riders from various world countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman.

The team came second place after covering the race in 19:35:57 after a tough challenge against world teams throughout the fifth stage.

On this occasion Shaikh Nasser extended his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his continued support and follow-up for the Royal Endurance Horse racing team in all participations that resulted in the achievements accomplished.

He also extended his thanks and appreciation to the President of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance horse racing federation Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa on his efforts in following up the team during its participation in the championship and his keenness towards elevating the moral spirits of the team and riders.