Spain: Alex Luque and Koheilan Kinscso win 2-day 2x100 km Barcelona Santa Susanna

Alex Luque Moral, riding Koheilan Kinscso, won the Raid Barcelona- Santa Susana on December 4 2011. It was the 59th running of the 2-day 200 km ride.

1. Alex Luque Moral (ESP) - Koheiland Kimsco - 11:23.17
2. Laurent Mosti (FRA) - Kilim de Fignols - 11:24.23
3. Alex Criville Tapias (ESP) - Inguru - 11:24.29
4. Gauthier Folchat (ITA) - Mika de la Mole - 11:28.40
5. Daniel Maldera (FRA) - Otello de Rivoiron - 11:33.10

For a complete list of finishers, see
http://www.endurance.net/international/Spain/2011SantaSusannafinal.pdf

Photo Gallery by Kristian Feneaux here:
http://www.caballo.com/fotos2011/santasusanna2011/index.htm

Abu Dhabi: Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championship Updates

December 6
Ariel MacLeod (Canada)
Well now is the start of a new day, wonder would adventures Abu Dhabi brings us today. Finally got some sleep! That might help to be more functional. Going to see Summy soon and take her for a little ride :)

December 7
Lientjie de Wit (Netherlands)
The Emirates Palace Hotel so so so so beautifull ...... and gold glitter where you look ..... ONGELOOFLIK!

Ali Toft (Australia)
Ferrari World... mega nice place...fast cars... went on worlds fastest roller coaster!

Maura Leahy (Canada)
Well initially when i saw the price of the AEU map for my GPS at $123 decided not to buy it, well, trying to find things is way too difficult, we always get there as there are multiple routes to get there. And we are getting to see a lot of Abu Dhabi becuase if it. Yesterday we spent way too much (i'm not saying how much) time to find a mall..... purchase the map last night well worth it - will make getting to the opening ceremony and closing cerimony much easier. :) way too many good driving stories :)

Abu Dhabi: Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championship Updates

December 5:
Steven Hay (USA)
Arrived in Abu Dhabi about 8:30. Great, easy trip. I'll go out with the crew tomorrow and do the early feeding

Dessia Miller (USA)
Not sure if too many people realize this, but one of the US horses, Cody Canuck is Canadian bred! So we have two Canadian horses competing at the YR World Champs!


December 6 6:
Mary Katherine Clark (USA)
Rode all the American horses this morning. Al was wonderful and read to go. I love that horse.

Melody Blittersdorf (USA)
It has been an amazing last few days here in Abu Dhabi. Beautiful weather, Horses and riders doing great ! Yesterday we went to several Camel sauks (pretty much a racing Camel tack shop) Today We went to the worlds fastest roller coaster. Of course all this after they ride and we spend tons of time at the BARN !!!

We are having a blast with Canada in our barn : )

Kelly Kimbler (USA)
The team went out on their first training ride today in the desert. It was sunny and hot! Wide open trails with car driving along. A little different then what we are used too!
After a full day at the barn the OC treated us to a private party at Ferrari world...home to the worlds fastest roller coaster!!!!!! Really fun day!

Spaniards Heading for Abu Dhabi for Young Rider/Jr WEC

El Raid Blog

December 6 2011

"The Raid junior Spanish team, current European bronze medalist, has departed from the airport to Abu Dhabbi Liege, where on Saturday December 10th will take place on Junior World Championship in the discipline, in the International Endurance Village, Al Wathba of Abu Dhabi.

A total of 120 miles in extreme desert plain in its entirety that are absolutely for our riders and horses. Up to 33 countries have announced their attendance.

Yebra Quico convened to represent Spain's Champion Maria Ledesma with Us-Hamir, Marc Oliva with Jep Embaucadora, Gil Bereguer with Lucero Miki and Mariona Naranjo with Tra Clica, while this last horse has not been authorized to take Emirates flight to Dubai by the authorities, who have not been given good permits the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Directorate General for Agriculture and Livestock. "

Source FEI.

Bahrain: Nasser off to a winning start

Gulf Daily News

http://snapshots.endurance.net/2011/12/bahrain-hh-sh-khalid-bin-hamad-al.html Photos by Osama Mohammed

YOUSEF Nasser yesterday steered Al Jared to victory in the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride, the inaugural event of the 2011/12 endurance horseride season. The first event of the season, held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, was over 100 kms and open for private stables.

The Al Asayel Stable rider completed the four-stage event in four hours, 35 minutes and two seconds, with an average speed of 21 kms per hour.

Behind him was Al Mugheirat Stable's Nasser Awad (4:37:30) with an average speed of 21 kms per hour.

Securing third place was Nasser Khalifa (4:40:42) of Al Fateh Stable. He also had an average speed of 21 kms per hour.

All three riders received a brand new vehicle, donated by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation President (Breef) Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, at the awarding ceremony.

A side ride for seniors was also held. It was won by Abdulrahman Al Saad (4:09:40) of the Royal Endurance Team.

Second place was won by Yousef Nasser (4:35:02) of Al Asayel Stable while Awad Nasser (4:37:30) of Al Mugheirat came third.

Divided

Both rides were divided into four stages. The first two stages covered 30 kms each, the third was over 25 kms while the fourth and final stage was over 15 kms.

In the main ride, the Royal Endurance Team dominated the show with three of their members leading the first stage.

Gordon Singh came on top at the end of the first stage, crossing the finish line in one hour, nine minutes and 44 seconds. He was followed by Al Saad (1:09:49) in second place. Somer Singh (1:11:03) finished third.

In the second stage, Al Saad took over first position from Gordon after completing the stage in 1:13:59.

Gordon (1:13:14) went down to second while Somer (1:16:53) was third.

In the third and penultimate stage, Gordon made a major leap by moving up to first place, finishing the stage in 1:04:50 following a fierce battle with Al Saad (1:05:22) who dropped to second.

Abdulrahman Al Ali of Al Asayel Stable climbed into third place in 1:15:29.

The event was flagged off by Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi in the presence of Breef first vice-president Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa and other officials.

The Royal Endurance Team members were congratulated by their captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa after the awarding ceremony.

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee lauded the efforts of the organisers.

On his part, Shaikh Khalid said the rides were exciting and lived up to expectations.

Meanwhile, the next event on the federation's calendar will be the National Day Ride, set to take place on December 24. It will be followed by the Heavy Weight Challenge on January 7.

His Majesty the King's Cup ride, the main event of the endurance season, will then take place on February 4. The Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride will then be held on February 18.

The Breef Championship is scheduled for March 2, to be followed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Cup night ride on April 6.

The season is due to conclude with End of the Season Ride, scheduled for April 5.

Abu Dhabi: FEI World Endurance Junior & Young Rider Championship

Horse-canada.com - Full Article

December 5 2011

Ariel MacLeod of Montney, BC, will represent Canada at the FEI World Endurance Junior & Young Rider Championship, which will take place on December 10 in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates.

MacLeod, 17, will ride Cairos Summer Romance, a Canadian-bred nine-year-old black Anglo-Arab mare owned by MacLeod’s mother Tara Macleod, over the 120 km race. With 129 competitors representing 33 nations, this CH-M-E-JYR 4* competition is certainly a premier international event on the endurance circuit.

“My goal is to take it easy during the first couple of loops,” said MacLeod, of her plans with her home-bred partner. “If everything goes according to plan, we will kick it up for the last few loops if Summer feels like she has some spunk.”

Team Canada Veterinarian, Glenn Sinclair, DVM, left on December 2 to be in Abu Dhabi to meet Cairos Summer Romance on her arrival. MacLeod and her grooms, Tara MacLeod and Joan Harris, traveled on December 3 with Team Canada chef d’équipe, Maura Leahy.

“I would like to thank Glenn, my mom and dad, Joan and Maura for all their help and support,” added MacLeod...

Read more here:
http://www.horse-canada.com/horse-news/fei-world-endurance-junior-young-rider-championship/

Abu Dhabi: 60 riders to compete in UAE horse race

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Teams will be represented by four riders who qualified along with the horses for the championship

* By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
* Published: 14:51 December 5, 2011

Abu Dhabi: Over 60 riders from 29 countries will be competing in the 120-km FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba this Saturday.

Speaking to Gulf News, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club who is the Event Director for the championship said, "Saturday's 120-km event is being held by the Adec and the Emirates International Endurance Village. Quite a few teams have already arrived and we are in top gear preparing for this junior world championship."

The UAE, which has many endurance rides for juniors, will be among the favourites for a medal in both the individual as well as team categories.

The UAE's Hussain Ali Al Marzouqi on Sergai won the last FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship held in Hungary in 2009 while in last year's European Junior and Young Rider Endurance Championship the UAE again finished on top with Ahmed Ali Al Sabri winning the gold in the Open category on Alizee de Marjolaine....

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/60-riders-to-compete-in-uae-horse-race-1.943959

Abu Dhabi: Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championship Updates

Dec 4
Mary Kathryn Clark (USA)
Arrived in Abu Dhabi today. All US horses travelled very well and look great.

Kyle Gibbon (USA)
Several members of our team have landed in Abu Dhabi today.  My 6 hour layover in Amsterdam turned out to be wonderful. 
Melody Blittersdorf and I met up and took a train down town and did some sightseeing.  It was very early in the morning and was also a Sunday, so nothing really open yet.  I think Melody has a short video to share.  We did come across one little bakery that was open and had the ovens running.  We sat down and enjoyed a nice Dutch latte and a traditional Christmas pastry called "oliebol". 
Our tour was short and dark but we got to see some beautiful architecture iluminated with Christmas lights.  Surprisingly, it was still quite dark at 9:00 a.m.  After some racing around to locate the right train to get back to the airport in time, and running up escalators going in the opposite direction, we had some good exercise.  I must say that most of the Dutch people seem so very tall, but everyone was so helpful and the nicest  
Kelly Kimbler and Kelsey Kimbler were also reunited with us in Amsterdam and flew together the final 6.5 hour leg to Abu Dhabi.  The Canadian Chef d'Equipe was also with us.   A few of Spain's young riders were also on our flight. 
At the hotel we had dinner with Cheryl Van Deusen, Mary Katherine Clark, Lori Shifflett, and met up with Emmett and John Crandell as well.  The Mafraq hotel is very nice and the food delicious.  I ordered the Morrocan Braized chicken with dates and cinnamon sticks. 
News is the horses are all looking wonderful.  Can't wait to go to the barns in the AM.  Barns open up at 8:00 AM and are a brief 20 minute drive away.  12:17 AM here, good night!

Kelly Kimbler (USA)
We are here! This beautiful tile work ceiling greeted us as we got off the airplane. We have checked into our room and the horses are checked into their stalls.

Glen Sinclair (Canada)
Well I got here last night and Summer this morning and hopefully the rest of the team and my luggage will also get here this evening. Nothing like 2 days of travelling followed by a day in the desert without a change of clothes..lets change the subject.

The mare is amazing! We did bloodwork upon arrival and she looks ready to race and the rest of her physical exam is remarkable. I was going to g...ive her "rehydration therapy" supplied by the treatment vet and he said to me that he would not give her fluids as she is obviously adapting and that we might in fact interfere with the process.

That and combined with the fact that our 4 tentmates from the US were about to go for a handwalk leaving her alone changed my plans as we are only allowed in the quarantine area from 8-noon and 2-6 so there was yet another reason to hold off.

After she dragged me around the desert in front of the US horses and handlers she had a good roll in the sand paddock behind the tent and then seemed back to her quiet content self.

Its great sharing the space with the US as they are so quick to offer assistance and materials if we are in need of anything and after a few years of being together at competitions we are becoming friends

Apart from that the driving here is good for the producers of Zantac and I think that I made enough mistakes today that the rest of the stay will benefit from this experience.....so many off ramps and options with so little time to choose especially when driving solo without a GPS or back-seat driver (that will change when Maura gets here) *S*

There are hundreds of camels training in some of the same areas as our training areas are and tonight they were out in throngs...some jogging some camelled(ponied) some with heavy blankets on some with muzzles and often one big one being ridden witha bunch of small ones in tow..I think they must race them young like TBs hope to check out the Camel racetrack as well as a million other things this week.

In any case so far we are in good shape with our equine competitor and after the the other team members get here and get a couple of days to adjust we should be in good shape...unless of course my luggage does not arrive.
Hoping to pass this journalistic baton to somebody else tomorrow and I apologize for any errors as I am too tired to go over it.

Best wishes to all!

Sincerely

Glenn Sinclair

Maura Leahy (Canada)
I arrived at 8pm this evening (well last evening) and was picked up along with the others that were expected at the same time - thanks Glenn for paving the way. Met up with Kelly, Kelsey, Kyle and Melodie in the Amsterdam airport, was great to see some familiar faces.

Was unpacking when i got the panicked email from Tara, she couldn't find their visa's - thank goodness for ipads and technology..., she was able to email the visas to the transfer station desk and they were able to print them - problem solved!! Apparently it is a $10,000 fine for the airline for having a passenger without a visa. The first time somebody wanted to see my visa was when i got to Abu Dhabi. Zulu the TD was in the loby when i went downstairs so hitched a ride to the airport - all was well they were abe to print copies and got a story to telleveryone about :)


At the moment only 2 people allowed in the barn at one time, this will apparently changing tommorw and thoes with accreditation will be alllowed into the barn starting tomorrow.


The journey is now in full swing

Ariel MacLeod (Canada)
We are finally in Abu Dhabi. And although it's 2:30 in the morning here Joan mom and I are bright eyed and bushy tailed, ready to go see miss summy in a few hours!

Lientjie de Wit (Netherlands)
oooo it's our last night in Dubai.....it was so nice...going to Abu Dhabi 2morrow....and then....it will be horses morning noon and night.....

Further updates will be updated! at
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2011WECYRJ/

Abu Dhabi: USA's Steven Hay out of WEC

December 3 2011

Some issues with influenze records will prevent Steven Hay and Khalil Asam from representing the USA in Abu Dhabi in the Young Riders/Juniors World Endurance Championship. He will, however, be there to support the USA team. The rest of the USA horses are en route and should arrive in Abu Dhabi today.

Abu Dhabi: Sara Al Jaber triumphs at Abu Dhabi Ladies Endurance Cup ride

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

Posted on December 1, 2011 by worldreporter

December 1, 2011, Abu Dhabi, UAE~The 40th National Day Celebration by the UAE gave special meaning to the win of Sara Al Jaber riding Highland View Dolly at the 100km Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup ride, held at the Emirates Endurance Village on Friday.

Sara finished the ride in a time of 3:31:30 on her 7 year old mare, trained at the Al Jaber Stables, riding at an average speed of 28.37/kph. She took the lead during the last loop, passing second place finish Maha Khalid on the 15 year old, Ramalea Captain Starlight (Shah-Zamir x El-Shalao Almira), from the W’Rsan Stable, who finished one minute later. Four minutes more and Noura Abdulla Mahmoud, riding the half-Arab, 9 year old, Edenfels Silver Sioux ( Wycombe Lodge Samid x Lindall Peggy Sioux) from Emaar Stables, completed for third...

Read more here:
http://blog.horsereporter.com/2011/12/01/sara-al-jaber-triumphs-at-abu-dhabi-ladies-endurance-cup-ride/

Abu Dhabi: The Latest NZ Update from Abu Dhabi

NZEquestrian.org.nz

29/11/2011 9:38:53 a.m.

Sian Reid and Georgia Smith have now joined the rest of the NZ Junior World Championship Team in Abu Dhabi. Andrea Smith and I went out to the airport at 5.15am to meet the girls, unfortunately the Navigator lady took them for a little tour then they went around the car park three times. They eventually got on track and picked up the girls safely.

The two girls had their first run on the desert sands and were pleased to see their horses again. The team then took a walk up Mt.Nikolai with Sian and Tessa jogging some of it. There were great views from up there.

After a long day first day and the new arrivals were tucked asleep early. There is not a lot else happening only the Aussies and us at the base at present.

By Sue Reid

Abu Dhabi: A Safe Arrival for NZ Junior Worlds Team after long trip

NZEquestrian.org.nz

25/11/2011 7:37:44 a.m.

The first contingent of the NZ FEI Junior/Young Rider Endurance Team and their horses left NZ this week for the World Championships being held in the UAE.

Everyone has arrived safe and sound, feed had been a bit of a problem when they first arrived however this has been sorted now.

The horses arrived looking very well considering they had a 10 hour stopover in Singapore, Team Vet Nick Page and Chef d’Equipe Kevin James did a great job of looking after them on their long journey.

The team has a great routine in place now and drive out from their hotel at about 6.30am to head to the stables which is about a 50 minute trip. Once there they then muck out, walk or ride the horses then head back to the Mafraq or somewhere else for lunch. Then at about 2.30pm its back to the stables and walk the horses out again. The horses have seen the camels in the distance and AA Sabatage was not at all keen on them.

The Australians arrived yesterday with 6 horses. They have put their flags up now so we are all settled into our respective homes and the first two teams here.

UAE: Richest ride for Arab lady riders attracts 60 entries

Shaikha Fatima Cup carries Dh800,000 purse
By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Gulf News
November 30, 2011

Abu Dhabi: The Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival will mark the 40th anniversary of the UAE National Day by hosting the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup on Friday at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said the ride, which is open only to Arab lady riders, will carry a total prize purse of Dh800,000, making it the richest ladies' endurance ride.

"A total of 60 riders from the UAE and other Arab countries will take part in the 100-km ride with the winner taking home a Dh200,000 prize," Al Nuaimi said.

Lara Sawaya, Director of the Shaikh Mansour Festival, said, "We have decided to keep the ride open only to lady riders from Arab countries to improve their chances of winning."

Article continues below

"Around 25 of the lady riders will participate in a ‘Ladies' march of love' for the mother of the UAE, Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE's General Women's Union, who has touched so many lives in the UAE and made a huge difference to the Emirati women's confidence and belief," Sawaya said. The march will start at 3 pm from the Baniyas Equestrian Centre to the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Richest ride

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Communications Chief at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, said, "The endurance ride is being held under instructions of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. It is the richest ride and we hope that it will live up to the standards that we expect for any event organised as part of the Shaikh Mansour Festival."

Noura Al Suwaidi, Director of the General Women's Union, said, "The support for the ride is under instructions from Her Highness Shaikha Fatima to enhance and support women's sports in the country in general and her passion to develop the Emirati women to play an active role in society."

Talal Al Hashemi, of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council ,said it was a huge step forward for UAE lady riders to take part in the most valuable endurance event. "Since it is part of the National Day's 40th anniversary, we are expecting an exciting event," he said.

"For women in the UAE this is another great stage to celebrate the 40th anniversary of our National Day and Mauzan is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our UAE people to ensure we continue to prosper under the wise and visionary guidance of our leaders," said Rafia Helal Bin Drai of Mauzan, one of the sponsors.

"The support of Her Highness Shaikha Fatima for ladies' racing is an exceptionally exciting development and we have seen rapid growth over the past," said Bill Tatham, Senior Vice-President of Invest AD. Essam Abdullah of the Emirates Arabian Horse Society and Khalid Al Haddad, District Manager of Emirates airlines, also addressed yesterday's press conference.

After today's march and veterinary check the lady riders will get off to a mass start at 6.30am tomorrow for a slice of the Dh800,000 prize fund, with all those completing the 100-km ride eligible for a share.

Tomorrow's ride will be run in four stages of 33km, 27km, 24km and 16 km.

Bahrain: Stage set for new endurance season

Gulf Daily News

PREPARATIONS are in full swing for Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride, the inaugural event of the 2011/12 endurance horseride season, scheduled for Saturday.

The first event of the season, which is for the Breef President Cup, will feature two races set to take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The main race will be over 100km and gets underway at 6am, while an additional qualifying ride will begin at 6.15am and cover a total distance of 80km. They will be followed by the awarding ceremony at 1pm.

Some of the kingdom's best riders are expected to take part in the rides, promising to feature exciting and gruelling competitions among the participants.

However, favourites the Royal Endurance Team decided not to take part in this weekend's ride, following a decision from team leader Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, said the decision was to give the opportunity to more stables to participate.

He expressed delight as the new season approaches with more riders expected to submit their entries for the opening event.

The Royal Endurance Team captain said the race will be mainly open to public stables interested in taking part, and wished them success.

Shaikh Nasser highlighted the continued support from His Majesty King Hamad to equestrian and endurance activities in Bahrain, which has contributed to the significant development of both disciplines.

He also lauded the efforts of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), under the presidency of Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, in preparing for the season's opener.

Shaikh Nasser, meanwhile, approved the distances of the stages for both races as well as other issues.

The 100km ride has been divided into four stages, including 30km each for the first and second stages. The third will be over 25km while the fourth is over 15km.

In the 80km qualifying ride, participants will battle over three stages and they are 30km for the first, another 30km for the second and 25km for the third.

The organising committee also named the ground jury for the ride. It's being headed by Abdulghani Al Boosta. Other members are Ghalib Al Alawi, Ali Hussain, Mahdi Al Kalaiti and Fahad Al Romaihi.

The technical delegate is Mohammed Dadulla, while Haider Zubi and Abdulla Al Rumaihi are the stewards.

Dr Abbas Al Haiki was appointed president of he veterinary commission, with Dr Mohammed Al Hammad being the foreign veterinary.

Other veterinarians are Dr Fareeda Abdulrazak, Dr Ebrahim Yousif, Dr Sabah Al Kabie, Dr Abu Obaidah Yaqoob and Dr Abdelrahman Abu Shook, all of Bahrain.

The treating veterinarian at the event is Dr Caonabo Melo of the Dominican Republic.

Following this weekend's ride, the federation will then prepare to organise the National Day Ride on December 24. It will be followed by the Heavy Weight Challenge on January 7, next year.

His Majesty the King's Cup ride, the main event of the endurance season, will then take place on February 4, to be followed by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride on February 18.

The Breef Championship is scheduled for March 2, and then His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Cup night ride will be held on April 6. The End of the Season Ride will then be held on April 5.

Abu Dhabi: Richest ride for Arab lady riders attracts 60 entries

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Shaikha Fatima Cup carries Dh800,000 purse

* By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
* Published: 00:00 November 30, 2011

Abu Dhabi: The Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival will mark the 40th anniversary of the UAE National Day by hosting the HH Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Endurance Cup on Friday at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said the ride, which is open only to Arab lady riders, will carry a total prize purse of Dh800,000, making it the richest ladies' endurance ride.

"A total of 60 riders from the UAE and other Arab countries will take part in the 100-km ride with the winner taking home a Dh200,000 prize," Al Nuaimi said.

Lara Sawaya, Director of the Shaikh Mansour Festival, said, "We have decided to keep the ride open only to lady riders from Arab countries to improve their chances of winning."

"Around 25 of the lady riders will participate in a ‘Ladies' march of love' for the mother of the UAE, Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE's General Women's Union, who has touched so many lives in the UAE and made a huge difference to the Emirati women's confidence and belief," Sawaya said. The march will start at 3 pm from the Baniyas Equestrian Centre to the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Richest ride

Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Communications Chief at the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, said, "The endurance ride is being held under instructions of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. It is the richest ride and we hope that it will live up to the standards that we expect for any event organised as part of the Shaikh Mansour Festival..."

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/richest-ride-for-arab-lady-riders-attracts-60-entries-1.940399

FEI Celebrates 90th Birthday

FEI.org

FEI CELEBRATES 90TH BIRTHDAY AND 1000-DAY COUNTDOWN TO ALLTECH FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES™ 2014

24 Nov 2011

Today, 24 November, is a historic day for the FEI as the Federation celebrates its 90th birthday and joins in the celebrations for the 1000-day countdown to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014.

Exactly 90 years ago, on 24 November 1921, representatives from national equestrian organisations from Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States gathered in Paris (FRA) with the objective of forming an international federation. The inclusion of equestrian sport in the Olympic movement and the rapid development of the sport overall made it clear that internationally recognised rules supervised by a world governing body were essential. The Fédération Equestre Internationale was born and Baron du Teil of France was elected as the first FEI President.

“The FEI was founded in 1921 at a small gathering in troubled post-war Europe; now, 90 years later, the FEI is an international organisation with 132 Member Federations and is in charge of almost 3,000 events organised all over the world. More than 50,000 horses and 32,000 riders, drivers and vaulters are today registered with the FEI,” FEI President HRH Princess Haya commented.

“We are proud of the history and tradition of our sport, which celebrates the centuries-old relationship between humans and horses. We continue to celebrate equestrian sport, which has proved beyond any doubt that it has the magic and charisma to remain attractive and relevant in the modern sporting landscape. What an incredible journey it has been and what an incredible journey it will continue to be over the next 90 years!”

Another important date was also marked today with the launch of the 1000-day countdown to the FEI’s flagship event, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Caen (FRA). To celebrate the occasion, the French minister for sport David Douillet, personalities representing the Organising Committee, the region of Lower Normandy, and the city of Caen, as well as Alltech Chief Marketing Officer Catherine Keogh, and FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos unveiled the 2014 Games’ official logo at the Caen Fine Arts Museum.

The logo, which depicts a horse’s head and a human’s head superimposed on a leafy green background, demonstrates the unique bond between human and horse at the heart of the Games. The shared profile and shared eye are a creative way of showing the relationship between two elite athletes and their combined determination to win. The beautiful host region of Normandy is present in the bold green colour and the apple blossoms on the backdrop. An animated version of the logo can be viewed here.

A totem pole constructed from three Jumping rails pointing up towards the sky will be erected near the stadium Michel d’Ornano in the city of Caen, where the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 opening and closing ceremonies will be held. A solar-powered countdown timer will be placed on the totem pole, so that the Games become a part of the local residents’ everyday lives even before the event gets underway.

Celebrations will continue on Saturday 26 November when the people of Caen will be invited to learn more about equestrian sport through games and family-oriented activities.

Join the party on FEI Facebook and Twitter where fun quizzes, giveaways, photos and videos are being posted.

The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 logo which was officially unveiled today in Caen (FRA)

Australia: Wade's Triumph Inspires

Weeklytimesnow.com.au - Full Article

Kim Woods | November 28, 2011

AUSTRALIAN endurance champion Meg Wade has become an inspiration to riders around the world.

Her recovery from a traumatic brain injury and determination to ride again has earned her the Federation Equestre Internationale award, Against All Odds.

The FEI Awards 2011 were announced in Rio de Janeiro on November 14.

FEI president Princes Haya said Meg was an inspiration to the equestrian community.

Although her flight to Rio de Janeiro was unexpectedly cancelled, Meg was overwhelmed to receive the award.

"It is my hope that awards like this will raise the awareness of brain injury among the whole equestrian community," she said.

Meg fell from her horse during an endurance ride at Tumbarumba, in southern NSW, in April 2009.

She spent 255 days in rehabilitation and was never expected to ride again.

Until the accident, Meg had competed in 65 160km events, winning 25 of them.

She created history in 2008 as the first person to win the prestigious Tom Quilty Gold Cup four times.

Meg surprised the medical fraternity by learning to ride again in November last year with the help of Riding for the Disabled...

Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2011/11/28/410121_horses.html

UAE: Fatima rides to endurance cup glory

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Published: 00:06 November 27, 2011
Gulfnews.com
Emirati woman on Siloah Hamza beats strong field to script national day race history



Abu Dhabi: The National Day celebrations came early for Emirati woman rider Fatima Jasem Saeed Al Merri, who made history when she became the first lady rider to win the prestigious National Day Cup 120km endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here yesterday.

Fatima rode brilliantly on 9-year-old Anglo-Arab chestnut gelding Siloah Hamza to a superb win from among 170-strong starters who included two-time world champion Maria Alvarez Ponmton and recently-crowned European Open champion Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri.

Fatima along with Mohammad Saeed Mohammad Al Faresi on Kheops De Lozelle completed a one-two finish for the Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables.

Fatima and Siloah Hamza were placed 44th after the first stage of 33km and then the Dubai College student moved up to 21st after the next loop of 27km. It was in the third loop that Fatima forged into the leading pack and then faced some stiff completion from Maria on Portos. Fatima moved to fourth place after the third loop of 24km and with Maria making an exit in the next stage after her horse went lame, Fatima took the lead in the penultimate stage of 20km.

Good condition

While compatriot Mohammad Al Faresi moved from fifth to second in the final 16km, Fatima and Siloah Hamza maintained their lead and won in 4hours 20minutes 52seconds.

"This is my horse's first win but I have won a ladies ride last year," said Fatima after winning a car for her effort.

"It was a very tough ride with so many taking part. The third loop was tough but after that I realised my horse was in good condition and I managed to win."

Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi on Marlicia Walter saw his bid to win this event for the second year end early when his horse went lame in the second loop of the five-loop ride. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, who won the European Open ride earlier in the year, finished fifth on Lourizon Frost in the 120km ride.

RESULTS

Top 5 results in yesterday's 120km National Day Cup Endurance ride:

1. Fatima Jasem Saeed Al Merri (Siloah Hamza) 4 hours 20 minutes 52 seconds;

2. Mohammad Saeed Al Faresi (Kheops De Lozelle) 4:27:27;

3. Saeed Sultan Shames Al Maamari (IFO El Pablito) 4:30:33;

4. Ahmad Ali Al Sabri (Castlebar Cable) 4:31:09;

5. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Lourizon Frost) 4:34:43.

Who Won the Mongol Derby and How!?

Horsehero.com - Full Article

by Katy Willings

15 November 2011

(Editor’s note: If you are not familiar with the Mongol Derby, read Katy’s article, the 'Spirit of the Derby' first.)

In August 2011, the third edition of the Mongol Derby, the world’s longest and toughest horse race, thundered through 1000km of pristine Mongolia, catapulting (at times literally) another 23 riders into the Adventurists Hall of Fame, and with any luck, the Guinness World Record books. Organiser Katy Willings gives the inside track on this thrillng race....

Immediately after the race, I spent several weeks analysing the reams of data which came back from the Steppe, leaden with horse sweat and the faint whiff of goats, in order to bring you a less whimsical, and more informative blow-by-blow account of what happened this year, where the race was won and lost, and where it hung in the balance.

The beauty about the event is that no one individual has the full story. So much of the good and bad is privately enjoyed and endured, but nevertheless a coherent story emerges form the paperwork! I’ll mix key statistics with brief explanations, points of note and any lessons learned, and invite questions from the floor (in the Comments area below).

Race overview:
The Mongol Derby was won by South African dairy farmer and endurance rider Craig Egberink by 2 minutes (a nose over 1000kms, surely?) from Inner Mongolian contender Sanbayier, first of a cluster of three Chinese riders who were a formidable team throughout. The field spread out over the first two days but though injuries and subsequent drop-outs, the survivors were more clustered than they might have been. All bar two riders fell off, most at least once...

Read more here:
http://www.horsehero.com/editorial/?feat=73811

UAE: Final Entries for JYR World Endurance Championship

November 26 2011

The final list of entries have been posted for the FEI World Endurance Championship Junior-Young Rider 120 km race to be held on December 10th, 2011, in the UAE.

61 riders from 29 countries will participate in the race that will be held at Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

For the complete list of entries, see
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2011WECYRJ/DefiniteEntries.pdf