Australia: Applications for Chef d'Equipe

AERA.asn.au

March 15 2012

Equestrian Australia are calling for applications for the position of Chef d’Equipe for the World Endurance Championships to be held at Euston Park, Great Britain, in August 2012.

View/download the job description, resume template and nomination form or contact the AERA Secretary, Ieva Peters, email: ieva.peters@bigpond.com or from the AERA website.

Applications must be to the Equestrian Australia (National Office) by no later than 16th April 2012.

Great Britain: Equilibrium Products Sponsor the 2012 Endurance International GB Teams

Endurancegb.co.uk

12th March 2012

We are delighted to announce that Equilibrium Products are sponsoring the Endurance GB International Teams this year with the Equilibrium Therapy range of massage and magnetic products.

The first to benefit will be the World Class Start and Potential Squad who are competing in Belgium in just over a month's time. Next will be our Elite Team in the World Endurance Championships at Euston Park in August, and finally our Young Riders will also benefit in September in their European Championships in Belgium.

The Equilibrium Therapy massage and magnetic therapy pads have been very well received by International riders including Carri Ann Dark, Lorna Kidson and Louise Rich. Emma Miller, Chair of International said "We are really pleased to have this sponsorship and support from Equilibrium with such well designed and popular products. The riders will have access to the massage and magnetic back pads during each vet gate and pre and post-ride at their respective International competitions allowing the horses to benefit from these fantastic products."

Information on the Equilibrium range of products can be seen on their website:
http://www.equilibriumproducts.com/

Bahrain: World military endurance ride set

Gulf-daily-news.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

BAHRAIN will be hosting the First World Military Endurance Horse Ride Championship this year in December.

First vice-chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa has issued directions for the preparation of the prestigious event.

The first edition will be organised in co-operation with the International Military Council (CISM), with large number of riders from around the world expected to take part.

The organising committee is yet to announce further details regarding the upcoming championship.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Khalid has approved the working committees. This was announced after Shaikh Khalid's meeting with Bahrain Military Sports Association president Col. Dawood Hussain Al Manea.

Shaikh Khalid also chaired the Executive Committee meeting, which was attended by committee deputy chairman Al Mane and tournament director Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa.

CISM vice-president Abdulhakim Al Shino of Bahrain was named head of communication committee, while the technical committee is headed by Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan.

Shaikh Khalid noted that the military championship, to be organised for the first time at the international level, has received big interest from His Majesty King Hamad, who always shows interest and support for equestrian sports.

Shaikh Khalid praised Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his keenness to improve the abilities of the Bahraini riders and encourage them to participate in different endurance competitions.

He also hailed the role played by the Military Sports Association in Bahrain in preparing talented riders for the national military teams which have achieved outstanding results over the past years.

On his part, Al Manea expressed thanks and appreciation to Shaikh Khalid, praising his efforts in supporting and patronising horseracing tournaments, and for issuing his directives to develop plans and programmes to organise such events.

He emphasized that the Bahrain Military Sports Association, through its working committees, and in co-operation with Breef, will do its utmost for the success of the World Championship, which was approved by the CISM.

UAE: Polish rider rules endurance race

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Kart made a quantum leap from 10th place on first day to overall winner after three days

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Published: 00:00 March 11, 2012

Abu Dhabi: Kamila Kart seems to be enjoying her endurance season here in the UAE.
The Polish rider won the gruelling 240km three-day Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Festival endurance ride at the Boutheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem here yesterday.

Riding 11-year-old Novisaad d Aqui, Kart did very well to finish a mere two seconds ahead of Ceinwen Morgan on Kalawind de Sommant with the UAE's Noora Abdullah Ahmad Al Hosani on Fanmar Baza in third place.

Feature ride

Kart's win in the feature ride of the Festival, organised under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President's Representative, is her second after the Polish rider had earlier done well in two Ladies rides.

Kart had won the President's Cup for Ladies over 90km held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba and had earlier finished sixth in a Ladies Ride held at the same venue.

The three-day 240km ride was run with the riders negotiating 80km each day. At the end of the first day, Kart was in 10th position.

At the end of 160kms and after two days, Sabrina Mendiz was leading with Kart in fourth place.
In yesterday's final 80km leg, Kart initially slipped a place lower to finish the first stage in 5th place,but later gathered pace to top the final stages to stave off the second-placed Morgan.
Another consistent performer this season, Fatima Jasem Saeed Al Marri came up on top once again, this time winning the 120km Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Cup. Al Marri, who won the prestigious National Day Cup earlier in the current season, pipped Emma Victoria Finnie of Germany with just a second separating the two after five loops covering a distance of 120kms...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/polish-rider-rules-endurance-race-1.992710

Great Britain: Endurance rides get under way ahead of first competition

Thisisdevon.co.uk - Full Article


Friday, March 09, 2012
Western Morning News

The new season of pleasure rides organised by the South West Group of Endurance Great Britain (GB) have now started.

Open to both members and non-members, these rides cover routes from ten miles up to 18 miles over a variety of terrain. For members, they are an opportunity to gauge the fitness of horses and ponies before the first competitive ride of the season. For non-members, they are a chance to experience an endurance ride and to enjoy riding across new and exciting countryside.

There was sunshine and a brisk wind for the first two rides, the first on Dartmoor from a venue at Okehampton and the second in Cornwall, around Cardinham Woods.

The Okehampton ride had a new venue this year, from the car park at Meldon Quarry, used with permission of the Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council. Some 30-plus horses and riders enjoyed a challenging route across north Dartmoor.

From the venue, the horses and riders headed up tracks on to the moor at Langstone Hill before riding down to Meldon reservoir and crossing the dam. The route then took them along the West Devon Way to Sourton Tors and the long canter up the grassy slope to the top of the ridge. From here the route carried on across Coombe Down, below Great Nodden, and on to the turning point at Nodden Gate.

On the way back, there was an alterative fast loop up towards Okehampton Camp, for those horses and riders who still had some energy left after the steep canter up Langstone Hill...

Read more here:
http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Endurance-rides-way-ahead-competition/story-15456268-detail/story.html

Great Britain: Try Before you Buy Scheme Continues in 2012

Endurancegb.co.uk

12th March 2012

Non-members of EGB are welcome at all non-competitive rides, but Try Before You Buy provides a great opportunity to try this challenging sport in a competitive ride.

Following on from huge success last year, the Try Before You Buy scheme will continue this season. Try Before You Buy is aimed at people wishing to experience competitive Endurance riding, and offers free registration for horse and rider to enable them to compete in two competitive novice rides up to 40km before becoming a full member of EGB. The list of rides to choose from is extensive, with 23 regional EGB groups and a busy EGB calendar offering over 100 rides, from February to October, covering all levels.

Endurance GB’s chairman, Jo Claridge said “try before you buy was so popular last year we have decided to continue it for 2012. The number of people wanting to take up Endurance riding is increasing all the time making it one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines. Many people who took part in try before you buy in 2011 have now taken out full membership for this season”.

Endurance gives competitors the chance to ride through new and exciting countryside and rides frequently take part in areas where general hacking is not permitted. There is good camaraderie between riders and competitors have great fun taking part. For those who do decide to join EGB having participated in Try Before You Buy, there is an excellent coaching, training and support system for all the levels of competition for members. Welfare of the horses is paramount and there will always be someone experienced on hand at a ride to answer any queries.

Non-members of EGB are welcome at all non-competitive rides, but Try Before You Buy provides a great opportunity to try this challenging sport in a competitive ride. Participating riders will pay just the competitive ride entry fee for the ride which is £37. The registration fees for horses and riders, which are usually £97, will be free to allow participation in two rides under the scheme. Rosettes will be awarded for completion, but there will be no eligibility for trophy points or progression towards novice qualifications.

Riders may only participate in the scheme for one season, anyone who took part in 2011 will not be eligible to do so again in 2012.

For more information see http://www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/item.asp?ItemId=2699

Australia: 2012 Tom Quilty in Tasmania

AERA.ASN.AU

In June 2012, the Tom Quilty National Equine Endurance Championship will be held in St Helens, Tasmania. As you would be aware, the Championship will consist of a 160km competitive horse ride held over 24 hours. The Tom Quilty has been running for over 45 years, and is steeped in history and tradition. The Tom Quilty National Championship changes state each year and in 2012, it is Tasmania’s turn to host Australia’s premier endurance ride.

Based on previous Tom Quilty events held elsewhere in Australia, we anticipate at least 500 interstate and international visitors to St Helens, in addition to around 400 Tasmanians who attend the event. International visitors from the UAE, Japan, Malaysia and the USA are regular participants in the Tom Quilty Championship and to gain a Tom Quilty completion buckle is one of the most highly regarded awards within the international, as well as national, endurance community.

In addition to the Tom Quilty Championship, the event will have a Trade Stall section for attendees to browse and make purchases. Given that the large amount of riders, crew and officials will stay for the majority of the week of 4th – 11th of June 2012, this will provide a substantial market for sales and promotion. Every competitor will receive a copy of the Tasmanian Tom Quilty program, a glossy colour magazine with the details of each State’s Endurance Championship, plus an outline of the program of events for the three main days of competition. You may like to prepare a page to be inserted into the program.

The Tasmanian Tom Quilty Committee have a media plan in place and will be publishing regular articles and media releases in the Examiner and other local newspapers leading up to the Tom Quilty 2012. We can also promote your business through this medium if you would like. We have been allocated six large advertisements in the state-wide newspaper, the Examiner, specifically in the Horse Directory, and we will also be preparing a feature closer to the event. This could be excellent coverage for your business if you would like to promote your organisation.

If you would like further information on how you can be involved, please contact me on gburford@freshfreight.com.au or on mobile 0439961090. We hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,

Greg Burford
Treasurer
Tasmanian Tom Quilty 2012 Committee

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser Endurance Horse race a success

BNA.BH

3/3/2012

Manama, March 3 (BNA) The Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and Head of the Royal Endurance team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa today honored the winners of the Shaikh Nasser 100 Kilometers Endurance Race.

The race which started at the early hours of the morning witnessed the participation a great number of local stables despite the strong wind gusts and rising sands.

On this occasion Shaikh Nasser praised the winners' advanced level, hailing their tremendous effort to finish the race despite bad weather.

He also praised BREEF's efforts in organizing the race, asserting that Shaikh Khalid's directives are well appreciated and reflect the federation's keen interest to develop its races. He also wished all the federation's staff further success.

For his part, Shaikh Khalid expressed happiness of the race's success despite the cancellation of its last stage due to bad weather.

He congratulated Shaikh Nasser on the success of the race and the high competence showed by the riders.
He also congratulated the winners of the race and hailed their efforts, wishing them further success in future races.

h.s.

Bahrain: Endurance ride preparations on

Gulf-daily-news.com

Friday, March 02, 2012

THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) has stepped up preparations for the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Adults Endurance Horse Ride, to be held tomorrow.

Set to take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, the event will be over 100km and offers valuable awards, including three Toyota 4x4 cars that will be given away to the top three riders.

A veterinary examination is scheduled for today from 3pm to 5pm at the village. The veterinary commission is being headed by Dr Abbas Al Haiki of Bahrain.

It includes foreign veterinary delegate Mohammed Al Hammad of Saudi Arabia, Tunisia's Yassine Motemri, Roula Shabhan of the UAE, Ridhab Zeki of Iraq, Khalid Al Ruzaiqi of Oman, Mohammed Al Daen of Saudi Arabia and Dounia Motemri of Tunisia.

Other veterinarians are Bahrain's Ebrahim Yousif, Sabah Al Kabie, Abu Obaidah Yacooq and Abdulrahman Abu Shook.

The federation also named the officials for the ground jury. Dhafi Al Merri of Qatar was appointed president of ground jury, which also includes Bahrain's Ghalib Al Alawi, Abdulsamad Al Bosta, Mahdi Al Kalati, Fahad Al Rumaihi and Ali Ghuloom.

Mohammed Dadulla is the foreign technical delegate, Jordan's Haider Al Zu'bi was named chief steward while Abdulla Al Rumaihi is the event steward.

The race will feature four stages. The first will be over 30km, while the second will also cover 30km. The third stage will be over 20km, while the fourth and final stage also covers 20km.

Tomorrow's event will be held under the patronage of Breef president and first vice-chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Khalid said that races in Bahrain differ from those of other countries due to the large number of stables and horses, which underlines the kingdom's great interest in this sport. He highlighted the efforts of the board of directors of the federation in developing endurance competitions.

Meanwhile, Royal Endurance Team will head into this event as the top favourites.

The team, captained by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, comprise some of the kingdom's most prominent riders. They include Abdulrahman Al Zayed, Raed Mahmood and Abdulrahman Al Saad, who all expressed keenness to put forward their best performance and win the competition.

On his part, Al Ruwaie Stable captain Khalid Al Ruwaie said his team is well-prepared for tomorrow's ride, which promises to be one of the most interesting rides in the season.

Al Ruwaie also said that his team includes the youngest participant in the championship, 14-year-old Rashid Khalid Al Ruwaie, who is making his debut in endurance ride championships.

Horse sport faces Olympic hurdle

Weeklytimesnow.com.au - Full Article

March 1 2012
Fran Cleland

EQUESTRIAN events are no longer a given for the Olympics, writes FRAN CLELAND

The Olympic Equestrian Federation has reassured its support for horse sports in the Olympic Games for the next 100 years.

But many still have doubts.

This year's London Olympic Games at Greenwich Park marks 100 years of equestrian sport in the Olympic movement.

FEI president Princess Haya issued a statement last week celebrating the milestone.

Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Stockholm Games.

It is one of the few Olympic sports in which men and women compete against each other and the only one which involves an animal.

But there is considerable discussion as to whether the equestrian sports can survive at the Games.

Other sports - far less expensive to run and hosted by countries not capable of holding horse sports because of quarantine issues - are hammering at the IOC's doors for inclusion.

Horse sports appear "elitist" and their requirements can cause resentment.

London's Greenwich Park has come under criticism from residents - similar to the Grand Prix-related Albert Park protest in Melbourne - due to the loss of access to the park at competition times.

The $68.5 million cost of construction for what is only a temporary venue which carries no benefit to the equestrian community is difficult to justify when it would have cost far less at existing facilities at Windsor.

The simple fact cannot be denied. Equestrian Sport is expensive to run.

The 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington finished with a loss of $1,386,625 despite sponsorship, and required a cash loan close to the event...

Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2012/03/01/449591_opinion-news.html

Spain: Postponement of Al-Andalus Ironhorse

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

February 29 2012

From the Organizing Committee of Al-Andalus Ironhorse VII we report that was postponed until October, due to problems outside the organization, this is the note of the Organizing Committee.
"From the Organizing Committee of the Raid" Al-Andalus Ironhorse "Sorry to inform you that, for reasons beyond our control, we are forced to postpone the race until next fall.

The terrible economic crisis, coupled with the approaching elections Andalusian prevent us from accessing any financial support or media and can not guarantee the viability of our project.

We regret the disruption we have caused you and deeply appreciate all your wonderful willingness to cooperate and participate.

Hopefully the situation will soon improve and we can organize a race category and media support the sport deserves. "

Greetings from Gabriel.

Qatar: Arabian adventure: Desert riders uphold ancient equine tradition

QATAR (CNN) -

The sun is not yet up over the desert, but already 50 horses and riders are gathered at Qatar's Endurance Village in Al-Wakra, half an hour's drive from the capital Doha.

They are gathered to compete in a 120-kilometer (74.5-mile) endurance race, the likes of which are held here most weeks. Masked riders gaze steely-eyed into the desert as their horses crest their necks and paw the ground, eager to get the race under way.

The starter counts down in Arabic, and the horses and riders surge over the starting line, galloping into the pitch-black desert with their high-held tails streaming behind them.

Hot on their heels a fleet of Land Cruisers hares after them across the sand, the glare of their headlights creating a moving oasis of light. These are the support vehicles from which the owners, trainers and managers can observe the race in progress and shout instructions.

Today, the horses will complete laps of a 30 km (18.6 miles) course, stopping for checks at the end of each lap. Any horse deemed unfit to continue thhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5099696e race will be eliminated at each check point.

They will travel at speeds of up to 40 km per hour (25 mph) for around eight hours. Of the 50 who started the race, fewer than a quarter will complete it.

Most of the horses are pure-breed Arabians who are revered in Islamic culture, prized for their beauty, intelligence and, above all, their endurance.

It was the Arabian horse that formed the genetic blueprint for the modern racehorse, with every modern thoroughbred tracing its DNA to just three "original" oriental stallions imported to the UK in the 18th century.

Some say the Arabian horse was a gift to mankind from Allah. The ancient breed is supremely well-adapted to the unforgiving desert terrain of the Middle East.

Many of these animals are ex-racehorses, gradually trained and brought up to fitness to compete in endurance races.

Although the sport is ancient in its origins, today's races are as professional as they are competitive, with horses conditioned to the peak of fitness and subject to rigorous veterinary inspections both during and after the race.

...more

Joan Harris Receives Endurance Canada Hall Of Fame Award

Horse Sport | February 23, 2012 | 0 comments

Endurance Canada takes great pride in recognizing Joan Harris for all she has done for the sport of endurance in Canada. For her dedication, Harris has been named as recipient of the Endurance Canada Hall Of Fame Award.

The list of Harris’ endurance related accomplishments could wrap around a trail loop, but she is not content to retire and reflect on her past accomplishments. She remains an active member of the local saddle club near her home in Jarvie, Alberta. She has quite literally lost track of the number rides she has organized and managed, some of them FEI, in the past 30 years. Harris has also held every board of director’s position in her provincial organization, the Endurance Riders of Alberta.

At present she is a member and a committee member of Endurance Canada, and she is an FEI Endurance Steward. Her resume of her international involvement in the capacity as rider, official and crew is extensive.

Harris has held three FEI rides in a row, and she has a three year plan for more rides including FEI rides and fundraising rides for them. No small task on a tight budget, a retirement income, and quite often a task force of one—herself. When her trail system needs to be cleared and marked on horseback which she has often done on her own, she has been known to pack a chainsaw on her horse and spend a whole day clearing trail.

Yet Harris still makes time to ride. Her lifetime mileage is close to 6800 competitive miles and Harris is looking forward to participating in 100 mile rides this coming summer and next year, so she will have her 7000 mile award buckle in time for her 70th birthday.

“It is a great honor to be recognized this way for my 30th anniversary of being involved with endurance riding,” said Harris. “I love every aspect of this sport from grassroots to podium. It has been my life.”

Harris’ mixture of modern foresight, blended with experience and her enthusiasm to assist anyone from first time rider to first time FEI rider has been an encouragement to many endurance members.

“Joan Harris has been hugely valuable to the sport of Endurance in Canada; one might almost say pivotal,” said Endurance Canada Committee chair, Terre O’Brennan. “In addition to her many years of service at the domestic level—managing events for her local Alberta riders—she has been at the very forefront of promoting international level competition. Her commitment to managing FEI-sanctioned events where both athletes and officials can qualify and get experience has been crucial to our efforts to compete on the World stage.”

And while she has no plans to retire just yet the Hall of Fame would not be complete without Harris’ name in it.

New Zealand: North Island Championships

NZEquestrian.org.nz

Lisa Davenport and Lace and Fineness won the STIHL CEI3* 160 km Championship in the North Island Championships, held on 21-22 January, 2011. Their ride time was 9:36.50, 17 minutes ahead of second place finisher Rosemary Revell and AA Mystic Charm. Best Condition award went to Lace and Fineness. Of the 16 starters, 7 finished.

Georgia Smith, riding Aurora Australia, won first place and Best Condition the Ethical Agents Pty CEIJY3* 160 km Championship as the lone entrant. Her total ride time was 10:00.01.

The Dixon Smith Equestrian CEI2* 120 km Championship was won by Braden Cameron on Karamea Krusader, in 6:49.53, 6 seconds ahead of Alexandra Rogers on Supre Topaz. Third place Sandy McCuan and Mizraim Silver Gym received Best Condition honors.

First place and Best Condition in the Sarah Linton Equine Therapies and Saddle Fitting CEIJY2* 120 km went to Emma Mason and Tararua Mistalight.

For more results, see
http://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=727&ESID=5817

Spain: The national Raid loses one of the great, Quico Yebra

Left Quico Yebra giving an award to José Luis
Ruiz Hidalgo. ggjineteraid.blogspot.com

Thehipicatimes.com

The Raid Team Leader in Spain, Quico Yebra, has died after losing battle with cancer that lasted two years.

The equestrian world national and international has lost an exceptional professional. Yebra Quico has left us after two years battling cancer. The Spanish Team Leader Raid achieved in this discipline that Spain stand out internationally. It has been so far who has reaped more success as Team Leader Raid in Spain.

The FEI, dated February 18, this emotional letter published on its website, in memory of Quico Yebra:

"With special offer dismay and sadness of the death of Quico Yebra, under whose direction the Spanish Raid has achieved major successes in its history.

Quico has died in the morning because of a cancer against which he fought for two years.

The disease was not an obstacle to lead the Spanish team on their recent successes in the World Championship 2010 (individual gold) and in Europe, 2011 (individual Gold and Silver Team).

Previously, since 2005 to become our Team Leader, other World Championships and European categories of senior and junior have witnessed their good work and results, which have devoted themselves to raid Spanish as one of the best in the world.

From here our sincere support to his family and the whole family of Raid, you lose today a unique figure.

Rest in Peace "

India: Even paralysis couldn't stop Raj Patel's jockey dreams

DNAIndia.com - Full Article

Published: Monday, Feb 20, 2012, 15:41 IST
By DNA Correspondent | Place: Ahmedabad | Agency: DNA

When Raj Patel, 11, a student of the fifth standard finished first in the juniors category of the endurance race held in Ambdo village near Gandhinagar, his family, friends and onlookers erupted in joyous celebration, cheering the young boy for his achievement.

But only few knew that this little champ had also triumphed in the greatest endurance test that life had in store for him.

For, Raj, who has taken part in several such races across the state and dreams of being a jockey, had taken a fall from a horse which left him completely paralysed. Raj fell from a horse the very first time he insisted on riding one!

"We had just bought a mare and he insisted on riding it. At that time he was just three and a half-year-old. Because he was being so stubborn about it, we let him sit on it while we stood at a distance. To our horror he fell off the mare," said Hiren Patel, father of Raj, who runs a farm and a dhaba...

Read more here:
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_even-paralysis-couldn-t-stop-his-jockey-dreams_1652575

UAE: Al Abbar victorious in Rashid Endurance Ride

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Teenager braves sandstorm aboard gelding Jordan Vale Red Cloud to come home 29 seconds clear of the field

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports ReporterPublished: 00:00 February 19, 2012

Abu Dhabi: The depth of the UAE's pool of riding talent was once again evident as another youngster topped the podium in the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum CEI Two-star 120km Endurance Ride yesterday.

College student Mohammad Ahmad Hassan Al Abbar, 18, rode 15-year-old Jordan Vale Red Cloud to a fantastic win in harsh conditions at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.
A field of 143 riders took part — another sign of the growing popularity of endurance riding in the UAE, the nerve centre of the sport. Several riders from other countries were also in the field.

The sandstorm which the country has been experiencing created havoc as the open desert venue made it extremely difficult for both rider and horse...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/al-abbar-victorious-in-rashid-endurance-ride-1.982832

New Zealand: Worsfold Takes Top Honours at South Island Champs

NZEquestrian.org.nz

14/02/2012 8:47:32 a.m.
Northwinds Bradley McGregor’s name was once again added to the South Island Champs CEI 3* 160km trophy after being steered to another victory by Debby Worsfold on February 4th at Hawarden, North Canterbury in the CopRice sponsored event.

“Brad” as he is known in the paddock is owned by Chris King and won the award in 2009 as well as placing second in the same class the following year, also with Debby onboard.

This year they finished in a time of 11.09.58, almost one hour ahead of second placed Sarah Hamer riding Glendaar Fire Maid, in the mare’s first completion at this level.

Brad won the Gallagher Best Conditioned Horse Award.

Also being contested on the Saturday was the Silands Stud CEI 1* 100km, CopRice CEI JY 1* 100km and CopRice 100km CEN Junior classes, alongside the Trans Tasman Challenge with teams from New Zealand and Australia competing for the coveted shield.

There was a fair amount of excitement when non-NZ team member Hamish Malcolm, riding Northwinds Apollo, crossed the line first in a gallop finish, in the 1* 100km class, with Australian team rider Steve Grey, riding Linda Puller’s Joie de Vivre of Kishon, just one second separating the two, with ride times of 5.36.52 and 5.36.53 respectively. The two horses then tied (in what is thought to be the first time) for the Gallagher Best Conditioned Horse.

The Young Riders in this class also had a gallop finish(just several minutes after the seniors) – two NZ riders and one Australian, the kiwis doing well to finish first and second with Vanessa Bragan and LaraPinta Sky taking the honours from Charlotte Wadsworth and Avaasha and Charlotte’s pony then going on to be named Gallagher Best Conditioned Horse.

The Trans Tasman result went down to the wire with Australia coming out victorious by one minute 47 seconds, a well deserved win on borrowed NZ horses.

Jorja James and Fahana did well to claim the 100km Junior class, also winning the Maree Britten Best Conditioned award, their time 8.10.47.

Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) was also ridden this day – the 68km Open class and the 36km Intermediate class.

Making a good start to her weekend, Jenny Worsfold won the Open class, on Banu’s Wind-Dancer, from Rebecca Kenny and Blue Violet, just seven points separating them over the three loop course.

Canterbury committee member Vicki Christofferson and Blue Mountain Buddy won the Intermediate class with Liz Bishop and Rock Jam second placed, and best timed overall in CTR (sponsored by Gallagher).

Sunday saw competitors competing in the WF Lucerne Haylage CEI 2* 120km, CEI JY 2* 120km and Lincoln Grain and Produce CEI 1* 80km rides.

Robyn Hill and Silands Rhaffety finished victorious in their first 2* completion, also taking out the Gallagher Best Conditioned Award later on. Their total ride time was 8.27.07.

Ingrid Ambrosiussen and Diam’id rounded out a good weekend for Kevin James and Sarah Hamer (who own the horse) by winning the Young Rider 2* class, in a time of 10.35.31, then also being awarded Gallagher Best Conditioned Horse.

The CEI 1* 80km class also ended in a gallop finish – between three horses this time, with the first across the line unfortunately vetting out. Ian Gray, riding Naibara Silver Moon, was happy to claim the title and Gallagher Best Conditioned, with Abdalmajeed Al-Harthy and Forrest NZL finished two seconds behind for the runner up award.

The Canterbury club did a great job of running this weekend and we look forward to using this venue and tracks again for the Velvet Pure Nationals at Easter.

Click here for full results

WEG ended 2010 with financial loss despite aid from Lyons, Princess Haya

Kentucky.com - Full Article

By Janet Patton — jpatton1@herald-leader.com
Posted: 8:22pm on Feb 11, 2012

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, once lauded as likely to be the first championships of its kind to make money, apparently fell shy of that mark despite last-minute help from sponsor Pearse Lyons and FEI's president, Princess Haya.

According to its 2010 tax return, the non-profit World Games 2010 Foundation closed the year $1,386,625 in the red after receiving almost $70 million in revenue, including more than $36 million in 2010 alone.

Because the Games were put on by a private foundation, tax returns are the only financial information required to be made public. Individual contributions do not have to be disclosed.

But according to foundation chairman John Long, the 2010 revenue included a previously undisclosed extra cash injection of $3 million from Lyons, founder of Alltech, the Nicholasville-based animal health and nutrition company.

Lyons' company paid $10 million for title sponsorship of the Games at the Kentucky Horse Park, the first equestrian championships held outside Europe.

Alltech spokeswoman Susanna Elliott said last week that Lyons would not comment on the Games' finances or the transaction...

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/02/11/2065068/weg-ended-2010-with-financial.html

Abu Dhabi: Hazza takes President's Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Published: 00:00 February 12, 2012

He started on a slow pace but steered the horse brilliantly to take the crown

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Al Nahyan revealed great horsemanship when he won the prestigious HH The President's Cup CEI Three-star 160-km endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here yesterday.

While winning the Dh1.5 million ride, Shaikh Hazza also denied Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi his third consecutive success in the President's Cup.

Riding 12-year-old Glenmorgan, Shaikh Hazza started on a slow but steady pace and from being positioned 46 after the first stage out of the 126 riders who started, he went on to score a brilliant win against some of the UAE's top riders.

Shaikh Hazza and Glenmorgan completed the six-loop 160-km ride in six hours 21 minutes and 35 seconds finishing ahead of Al Beloushi on Cronus, the winning pair of last year's ride with National Day Cup winner Fatima Jasem Al Merri on Ohio in third place and recent winner of the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup 160-km ride - Abdullah Ganem Al Merri in fourth place.

Shaikh Hazza, whose previous best in the President's Cup was a 9th place finish in 2002, moved from 46th position to 12 after the second stage of 31 kilometres and after the third set of 31 kilometres he got into the top ten...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/hazza-takes-president-s-cup-1.979231