Abu Dhabi: Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championship Updates

Abu Dhabi: Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championship Updates

December 8

Kelly Kimbler (USA)
All members of the team and crew have arrived including Carl, Camey & Tessa. Tonight was a great party in the desert. 
Tomorrow we vet in at 2, so lots of last minute details in the morning. (We are ten hours ahead of the central time zone.) The race starts at 6:30 am on sat. So that will be like 8:30 pm central time friday night!


December 9

Kelly Kimbler (USA)
Long busy day preparing for the race tomorrow.

Cody vetted in great with all A's. Really ready for race day. Just about to start the ride meeting, then dinner and bed. 
I will not be able to update tomorrow during the race but a friend commented in my status from yesterday that there will be live updates and listed the webpage. If you go to that link on the top bar go to endurance + results. Then look at the left side for YR championship phases 1 - 5. They should be keeping it updated as the race progresses. We are 9 hours ahead of east coast time and the race starts sat. @ 6:30 am. So that will be Friday night at 9:30 pm for east coast or 8:30 central. Camey is going to post a picture of the team after the vet in. 
Kyle's horse was a little sore and sadly will not be allowed to start. They have made the course very technical so they will have to ride smart and careful in order to finish strong. Go USA :-)


Maura Leahy (Canada)
Checking out the trail... Fish tailed in to a scrub brush trial and poped the tire off the rim.... Bill diving to fish hut may be a non issue and has nothing on driving in the dunes

Veto in is today at 2:00pm, 6 hours from now. Summer is looking great!! The Team is doing Great and working very well together. Last night was an outing to the desert... had told Ariel MacLeod a few days ago that she was not to ride one of the road side camels untill after the race, but if we found a tourist type camel that she coulds... we they had camel rides at the event last night :). All my worring about the road side camel ride was nothing compared to the drive from the bus to place where the event was... 4x4 through the dunes at high speeds, fish tailing, going close to other 4x4's and fences, being on two wheels.... OMG and guess who was thrilled with the trip... for thoes who know me well you know what the trip was like for me. Will post from the vet in this afternoon.


Ariel MacLeod (Canada)
Summy passed vet in like a boss! :p


Yara de Boer (Netherlands)
Sand, sand, sand etc. But i'll never get bored here!


Glenn Sinclair (Canada)
So much to say and so little time to say it! Once this is all over I will go over all of the posted photos and flesh them out with a little explanatory text, but for now a few updates will have to suffice. The big news as Maura just posted is that our mare got through the first inspection with flying colors . She got all A's and her pulse was a very low 32..this after a long windy walk into new territory and being the only horse by herself waiting for the US to vet through prior to aloowing Canada's sole entry into the very hectic and crowded vet gate area. Canada and US are in the same quarantine barn together so we moved back and forth together and I was able to see the US horse's trot as well and for my money Summer had by far the best trot. Unfortunately for the US one of their 4 riders was eliminated for lameness and will not be allowed to start. What a huge disapointment after coming all this way!


Our barn quarantine man "Osama" has taken a particular fondness for Summer and has given her an Arabic name "Al Anoud" which is apparently the name of a very famous racemare and although I can't find an online translation he says it means beautiful mare.
Now that this process is done its going to be a difficult night to sleep for what few hours we will be allowed. There is a rider's meeting at 7 pm followed by a Vet meeting then dinner then getting up in the wee hours to prepare for a 6:30 am start.
Apparently the first 2 loops are very technical with alot of deep sand so the horses will need to go slow but after that it becomes more of a speed course.

We are allowed to take a 4X4 onto the course in designated areas where we will be allowed to get ahead of Ariel and Summer and pass relay style a bottle of open water to Ariel in motion with which she can drink and pour water over Summers neck. Dehydration of horse AND rider can happen since the wind cools you and makes you feel dry and comfortable meanwhile you are cooling thru the evaporation of sweat that hasn't had time to form on you so you don't feel hot or sweaty.


WE got rid of building tension and anxiety last night with an evening trip to the desert for dinner and entertainment.
After a long bus ride we were loaded into SUV's and were taken kamikaze style through the dunes at breakneck speed experiencing what appeared to be one life-threatening manoever after another and I came very close to wetting my pants!


You know you have had an extreme experience when there are people waiting at the other end asking you if you are OK when you get out.
There were drinks and a cash bar then a buffet and free hooka pipes called "shishous" sp which actually contain various flavored tobaccos and after 32 years of being an ex-smoker I actually shared a black licorice one with Tara and it was delicious and fun. Didn't taste remotely of tobacco and smelled beautiful and luckily I have absolutely no interest in doing it or any other tobacco ever again.
Next there was a belly dancer who after doing a couple of numbers invited people on stage and before long it turned into one big fun dance party! Ariel was surprised that there was another side to me than the "stick" that she is used to (meaning me) and I told her that if she knew me when I was her age that she would be surprised that I am even alive today. Yes you too can overcome a rough teenagehood especially if you get into horses!


After the dancing they sent us back through the dunes with a little less dramatic flair and then a bus ride home where people from all nations chatted amiably together and friendships were struck.


I forgot to mention the Camel rides which I chose not to participate in but I was fascinated by their conformation and anatomy. 
The camels that get down and up alot have huge callouses over their elbows stifles and breast bones. When they go down the lean forward on their elbows and slowly stretch their skinny little hocks behind and land on their stifles and breastbones. 
The party did serve to tire us out and hopefully we do get some sleep tonight and have a positive day tomorrow. 
There are many more pictures out there and as I said I will try and tell you a bit about them after this is all over. 
So wish us well and godspeed to Ariel and "Al Anoud"


Yours as always

Double n Glenn

Abu Dhabi: Youngsters ready for desert test

Gulfnews.com

FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship starts in Al Wathba tomorrow

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Published: 00:00 December 9, 2011

Abu Dhabi: After a few excursions and Wednesday night's gala welcome party, riders from around the world now have to prepare for a severe desert test at the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Endurance Championship tomorrow.

More than 75 riders from 29 countries will be battling it out for individual as well as team medals in the 120km event, which will be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Event director Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi told a press conference here yesterday that all FEI officials, both technical and veterinary, had arrived and the stage was set for the UAE's third staging of the event after 1998 and 2005.

Taleb Daher Al Muhairi, Secretary-General of Emirates Equestrian Federation, said: "The UAE will be looking to win this event as we are the defending champions in the individual event.

"Our four riders have prepared well and we are hoping for another good performance to maintain our status as a leading endurance nation."

Fahad Ali, representing the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: "This is another world championship that Abu Dhabi will be staging.

"In fact we have three world events this weekend in three different disciplines and this augurs well for the future of Abu Dhabi as a sporting destination."

The young riders, aged between 16 and 21, will tackle five different loops, including the demanding ‘Tora Bora' hilly section.

Difficult part

Foreign Technical Delegate Derek Liebenberg said: "Normally in the open rides the ‘Tora Bora' is part of the penultimate loop, but Saturday's field will tackle that in the second loop itself.

"This will get the young riders to negotiate the difficult part and then go for some pace on the final two loops.

"Another important feature of this year's championship is that the rider and horse had to qualify together in one ride.

"Earlier riders used to just come and sit on horses that have qualified separately. While this has reduced the number of entrants, it has also enhanced the quality of the event.

"Climate-wise the riders from Europe and the West will not face many challenges, but the desert terrain will be a new challenge, though most of them have trained in such terrain before coming here."

Teams will be represented by four riders, the three best times counting.

Countries

The countries represented are: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, India, Italy, Mexico, Namibia, The Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Slovakia, Sweden, South Africa, Uruguay and hosts UAE.

Abu Dhabi: Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championship Update by Netherlands' Yara de Boer

[google translate]

Posted on December 8, 2011
Written by Yara de Boer at 5:00 p.m.

I would love to tell you how it is here, how we all experience .. but it is so hard! Stabbing people on the highway, newspapers are sold at the roundabout, melons are sold along the highway and the people are so nice here! I actually feel quite at home ..

7-12, '11
In the morning there grooms left for the horses to feed them, water measuring, stables and fattening them in check. All four top they look out! Also they were very excited when they were in the barn .. when we (the riders) arrived we left the desert to walk with the horses. The further we went into the desert, the happier they were. It's hard to describe what it does to you, if you see the horses so enjoy!

In the afternoon two hours near the stables. For example, the horses rest and we can eat. Many fruits, but also many sweet, haha!

In the afternoon we prepared the horses for horseback into the desert to go before the first ride! A quiet ride and a half hours, the horses motion. In the distance we saw something that was growing. It was a herd of camels who met us on our route. The horses had to let this sink in before she decided to go around .. The horses are very happy, feeling strong and just want to walk! It is so special for the first time on your horse to move after they have made such a journey. Then we looked after them, and yes .. they face with a blanket on the night! Best fresh then.

At night, began the opening ceremony at the 'Palace' in Abu Dhabi. What big, beautiful and lots of luxury that was! In the courtyard were the riders of each country behind his own flag. In our music we walked round a show then followed with a bird on horseback, dancers and a speech to invite us for dinner. And of course that was also delicious! It was also nice to have some time to bring the others to speak. You're all working towards the same goal.

First grade, the major Sheiks

8-12, '11
This morning again grooms the horses went for the same reasons as the previous day. Sometime later, we arrived the riders and the horses went into the desert to ride, but this time for two hours. The horses were fit! We drove more and did more with the horses so we have a round can run as much and as beautiful sand! It's just sand, but am definitely not boring. We looked in our eyes, while we had our hands full with the horses, so feel good! After the ride we washed them for the inspection tomorrow. After lunch, the horses are Trimmed and a few grooms for the horses went to walk with them. The riders stayed at the hotel for us to prepare for the contest. What, who, how in the vetgate etc, and still like to sit quietly. Something for the first time this week. And it tickles all, we want to horses! See how the horses enjoy ..

In a few minutes, we picked up by a bus for a dinner in the desert. No
idea what to expect! So quickly, quickly gather everyone. Word fun!
Update coming soon.

Abu Dhabi: Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championship Updates

Dec 6
Melody Blittersdorf (USA)
Kyle is doing Great !! Great ride today ! He is having a blast ! Practiced his French today with the French team ;) Forest had fun at the camel tack store , today they went to dubai today to a very fancy stable ;) Steven is having the time of his life too !

Kyle Gibbon (USA)
Hi Everyone - Sorry I did not get a chance to write yesterday.  Each and every day seems to start at 6 a.m. and finish at 1 a.m....

it seems as if a fair amount of trails used here, the sand is grated and raked and gets quite hard, seems as hard as pavement.

Ali Toft (Australia)
Opening Ceremony at the Emirates Palace Hotel....NICE!

Dec 7
Ariel MacLeod (Canada)
Yesterday before opening ceremonies a few of us got to go to the beach, what a beautiful sight/feeling. The sand was super white, and the water as clear and blue as ever. This morning Team Canada will get down and dirty clipping Summer, I'm sure we will see black hair everywhere!!

Dec 8
Lientjie de Wit (Namibia)
sooooo Chef d'Equipe meeting done....we're still on track.....2night's the Desert Safari Dinner somewhere in the desert......will be a great experience I think....

Mary Katherine Clark (USA)
Rode today with the team. All horses are looking great. After that my mom, Mr. Steve, Kyle, Forest, Steven, and I went to the world's 3rd largest mosque which we finally arrived at after getting slightly turned around. I can offically say that I have been in the desert and got stuck in a car.But it didn't take to long to get and unstuck and we were back to driving the course. Drove the first 2 loops. Tonight we had a desert dinner where I rode a camel, ate dinner, talked with some friends, face planted in the sand trying to come down it on a snowboard lol, and much more.Vet in tomorrow at 2 o'clock and the USA is first to vet. GO USA!!!

Lientjie de Wit (Namibia)
tomorrow it's the pre-ride checks...starting at 14h00....can't wait to see all the horses....all of them are still in quarintine...till race day....

Steven Hay (USA)
Today we rode the trail--there are some long sections, that have VERY deep sand...This is not an easy course. It's not flat either--granted there aren't mountains, but...
And by rode the trail I mean drove..actually got stuck out there too lol

More updates throughout the event at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/UAE/2011WECYRJ/

Young Riders Endurance Championship in Abu Dhabi opens

KHNS.nl

[google translate]

December 8 2011

ABU DHABI (UAE) (KNHS) - The four young riders who ride for the Netherlands in the Endurance Championship on Monday arrived in Abu Dhabi. Their horses have arrived one day later and the journey by plane successfully passed. The participants are now preparing the ground for the event over 120 km (CEI4 *). This will be held on Saturday, December 10th and goes through the whole desert.

Participants
The World Championship in Abu Dhabi is a championship for riders up to 21 years. The Dutch team consists of four combinations: the 18-year-old Marijke Visser (Soest) with Eomer, the 19-year-old Joyce van den Berg (Leiden) with the Bass Cardonne, Fenne Koppenol (Grathem) with Valesco and Yara de Boer (Winterswijk Woold ) with Sumaya G. Because Fenne and Yara since the age of 21 years have achieved for them the last time they may reach a Championship for Young Riders. Yara de Boer drove alone already (twice) before an international championship.

Riders and horses for the first time Wednesday afternoon riding in the desert, among the camels. The horses felt well. On Wednesday, the official opening of the impressive Palace by Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi. The start list has 83 participants from 30 countries. Netherlands riding for a good team classification. For a place in the country rankings, three of the four combinations well to the finish line.

The Dutch team is supervised and supported by national coach Emile Docquier (Stavelot, B) and team vet Ben Horsmans (Selfkant, D.).

Schedule
The main area of ​​the Emirates International Endurance World Championship is the Village in Al Watbha. Friday afternoon, December 9th is there for the veterinary inspection occurs. On Saturday, December 10th at 6:30 in the morning (local time), the participants start. Abu Dhabi is three hours ahead of the Netherlands.

The route of 120 km consists of five loops, ranging in distance from 16 to 28 km. The vetgates between the various routes take 30-40 minutes. During these breaks, the horses are always veterinary inspection. The ceremony included the awarding of the prize for Best Condition on Sunday, December 11. There are both individual and team medals to distribute.


Follow the World Cup on the Internet

Official website of the Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders: http://www.eef.ae/

Weblog Dutch participants: http://wkendurance.wordpress.com/

On December 10 the results are recorded live at www.atrm-systems.fr/index0eng.htm

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