Countdown to the 2012 Tom Quilty Gold Cup

Tophorse.com.au - Full Article

The 2012 The Tom Quilty Gold Cup Endurance Ride commences this Thursday June 7 and runs throughout the Queen’s Birthday long weekend until Tuesday June 12. It’s expected to attract a field of over 130 riders from around the world with competitors flying in from the Middle East, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe to compete alongside the Aussies, who are ranked world-class in the sport of Endurance.

Accompanying the riders will be their support crew, media and spectators which will swell the population of St Helens to around 2,000 during the week of the event.

The ride is a punishing 160km endurance pursuit with the objective being to test horse and rider…”100 miles on one horse in one day”. Competitors will begin their ride over bush tracks commencing at midnight on Friday June 8. Although each horse and rider has 24 hours to complete the Tom Quilty Gold Cup ride, the winners are expected to cross the finish line in about half that time, arriving on Saturday afternoon. Riders will also be vying for the coveted Best Conditioned awards, which acknowledges the excellent physical condition of the top endurance horses...

Read more here:
http://www.tophorse.com.au/countdown-to-the-2012-tom-quilty-gold-cup__tom_quilty_cup__N

Germany: Bahrain's Isa wins 160km event in style

Gulf-daily-news.com

By RAMI HULAYYEL , Posted on » Sunday, June 03, 2012

BAHRAIN's Salman Isa won the 160km Endurance Horse Ride held yesterday at Dillingen, Hamburg.

The Royal Endurance Team rider, who came on top in the World Championship last year in Compiegne, France, was again in superb form to complete the German event in first place on Olympic larzac.

More than 70 riders from across Europe competed it out in the 160km ride, which lasted for over 12 hours. But it was the Bahraini rider who emerged victorious, showing some excellent riding skills to cross the finishing line in just nine hours, eight minutes and 45 minutes with a 17km per hour speed average.

Isa was followed by Margaret Beumer (9:08:46) of Germany in second place, while another Dutch rider Dornsiepen Bernhard (9:09:49) rounded off the podium by coming third overall.

The top three will be honoured this morning at a special prize-giving ceremony at the race venue.

Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also took part in the race, had to pull out after his horse Hondo stumbled during the third stage.

He was joined by Yacoub Al Hammadi, winner of the King Cup and the Crown Prince Cup, besides Raed Mahmoud, Houd Ibrahim, Jaffar Mirza, Mohammed Al Thawadi, Salman Isa and Mohammed Abdulsamad.

The Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president congratulated Isa following the race and expressed pride on this achievement.

Shaikh Nasser said he was pleased with the condition of the venue surface, which he described as one of the best in Europe.

Experience

He said the German ride was a useful experience for members of the Bahrain team, who are preparing for the Asian Championship that is due to take place in the UK in August.

This was the first time Bahrain Royal Endurance Team was competing in a race in this German region.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Endurance Team director Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Yousef Taher and Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa also competed in the 120km ride held on the day.

Shaikh Mohammed was the last Bahraini survivor in the race after his teammates were forced to pull out in the early stages.

Riding Isfandyar, Shaikh Mohammed could hold up to the fourth stage, where his horse was eliminated after failing to pass the veterinary examination following the fourth and penultimate stage. The Bahraini team were also present at the 90km ride, which saw Yousef Taher complete the event in third place.

Riding, Elnino, the veteran Bahraini rider could only finish the race with a total ride time of five hours, 46 minutes and 17 seconds.

Top UAE riders qualify for world championship

Gulfnews.com

41 countries confirm their participation in equestrian event in August

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy EditorPublished: 00:06 June 1, 2012

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who led the UAE to a team gold in the 160km endurance event at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010, has already qualified with a few horses for the World Endurance Championship to be held on August 25 in Euston Park in the UK.

Two more 160-km qualification rides are to be staged in Euston Park on June 3 and 24, respectively, to help riders and horses from around the world qualify for the August 25 event. Over a 100 riders are expected to tackle the tough course in Euston Park with the 160-km distance raced in loops of 38km, 29km, 30km, 20km, 23km and 20km, respectively.
Shaikh Mohammad, along with Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, have already qualified along with a few other UAE riders.
The UAE, led by Shaikh Mohammad, had won the team gold and the individual silver and bronze medals at the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky and are likely to be starting off as favourites once again in the World Championship.

A final list of riders will be submitted by July 24 for both the individual as well as team events. So far, 41 countries including the UAE have already confirmed their participation.

Meanwhile, the Americans, who have surrendered their domination of the event to the UAE, France and Spain in the last decade, have named two champion lady riders in their tentative squad.

Becky Hart, the only rider to win the World Championship thrice in a row and Valeri Kanavy, another multiple world championship winner, have been named on the UAE squad.

Hart, riding her own horse No Repeat, has qualified and is in the US Long List. If selected, Hart will be bidding to win the world championship nearly 20 years since she won her third consecutive title. Hart and the legendary horse R.O. Grand Sultan won the World Championship in 1988, 1990 and 1992.

Turkmenistan: FEI Equestrian Raid I

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

FRIDAY, JUNE 1, 2012

Our Member of Raid, D. Rafael Garrido, sends us a chronicle of the first Raid Equestrian, according to FEI rules, held in the distant lands of Turkmenistan, lands where they begin to accept the FEI rules and serves to expand the hobby to the world of Equestrian resistance to rules which ensure the health of the horse.
This is the chronicle of the first Raid in Turkmenistan:

"The raid at the International Conference Ajal-Teke Horse in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, 2012

In late April, a small delegation of members of the Spanish Association of Akhal-Teke horse we go to the horse's Day celebrations in Turkmenistan at the invitation of the ministry's horse country. We accompanied the national team raid Ignasi Casas and Alberto Cotelo equine dentist, as lecturers. There were delegations from the various national associations of Asia, Europe and America. We had almost daily program for a week, including the first raid under FEI rules to be made in Turkmenistan. We all know that equine resistance paths are part of the history of Turkmenistan. To start in the FEI rules of the sport, the organizers had asked the participating national associations that provide their specialists.

We witnessed the rise of the necessary infrastructure to host an equestrian event in the desert, consisting of a yurt village, placing colored flags to give a background to the event framework complementing the Kopet Dag mountains, about three miles of flags placed to define three sides of the event area, the construction of tandyr to make bread, lifting three huge swings and wrestling ring - the winner gets a sheep - a scenario and a huge esplanade covered with rugs. Everything was being flooded with the influx of a large audience, women with their tight dresses and embroidered bibs and around the neck, with two black braids or artistically handkerchief tied around a bulky bun, men in suits and with his cap in head and the venerable AK-sakal white beard and sheepskin hats.

The day of the raid we were gracious, with a layer of clouds that accompanied us most of the day. There was a marvelous display of Akhal-Teke horses. The association brought the rider Uruguayan raid Olascoaga Pio, who was assigned one of the horses belonging to a private breeder.

The race consisted of two phases of 30 km each. Turkmen riders made ​​their first raid with international standards and not all were clear about the method. The breeders did not agree with these rules once they started to remove some horses. The judges did have clear rules and so wanted them to be accepted. Our president of the association, Blanca de Toledo, was translated and anyone wishing to kill the messenger. There were two horses in the country's president in the raid, removed one, all logic dictated that he must win the other.

Pio asked by several guests told us that some horses, not all, were well trained, some have taken a great result with an experienced rider and was very happy with the horse he had ridden. Olascoaga Pio and his family are dedicated to breeding and training horses and endurance raid in Uruguay (there are two different categories), with customers in the UAE. They recently introduced its first Ajal-Teke in competition, a 11 year old horse is competing in 120 km.
I do not want to pretend that everything was like silk, but the first international raid Turkmenistan took place April 25, 2012 and 24 horses and riders and breeders of these horses and the Turkmen Atlary made it possible and laid the foundations of this sport in their country.

Ingrid Schulz
Spanish Association Ajal-Teke Horse
Almeria, May 24, 2012."


Greetings from Gabriel.
El Raid Blog

Arab women clear the hurdles to their horse-riding dreams

Thenational.ae - Full Article

Ayesha Al Khoori
May 30, 2012

Ayesha Al Khoori talks to some female Arab horse riders whose families were not always supportive of the sport.

When she was a young girl, Salama Al Saadi's family members would laugh about her dream to become a horse rider.

She still sought her mother's permission, to no avail.

"I want to try, but they implanted fear in me," says Al Saadi, now 22.

While the men in her family are allowed to horse ride, Al Saadi's mother believes it is unsafe for girls in particular to engage in the sport.

"It's a culture thing," Al Saadi says.

"But the idea is still on my mind," she says, believing horse riding will instil in her responsibility and confidence. "I'm not losing hope. I still wish to be a horse rider one day."

For 21-year-old Dana Al Mutawa, it wasn't difficult to convince her parents to allow her to ride horses. "Although my father didn't accept the idea for a while, he changed when he observed how devoted I was," she says.

Al Mutawa, who has been riding for seven years now, adds that having male cousins and family friends engaged in the sport has "made it easier for my family to go through the process of acceptance".

While her parents like seeing her active, her father draws the line when it comes to competitive horse-riding events, finding competitions to be time-consuming.

Al Mutawa says this restriction once caused her to briefly withdraw from her family. "But I know they will reconsider it," she says. "And someday they won't pressure me to stop."

Her friends were initially against her hobby, but later on became supportive.

"Through the years many local girls have entered the equine field, so it became a normal phenomenon in our society," she says.

Referring to religious traditions, Al Mutawa argues that whenever she rides horses, she keeps herself fully covered...

Read more here:
http://www.thenational.ae/lifestyle/well-being/arab-women-clear-the-hurdles-to-their-horse-riding-dreams

Bahrain: Al Saad fifth in French race

Gulf-daily-news.com

May 29, 2012

BAHRAIN's Royal Endurance Team riders Abdulrahman Al Saad and Raed Mahmood were fifth and seventh, respectively, at the Compiegne Endurance Horse Ride held in Compiegne, France. Al Saad completed this 160km ride in seven hours, 51 minutes and 35 seconds, while Mahmood crossed the finish line in 7:51:35.

The race was won by Qatar's Faleh Nasser, steering Cughenaim Antall De Jalima, who timed 7:49:18.

He was followed by a trio of French riders. Jean-Philippe Frances (7:51:11), riding Qrafik La Majorie, came second, ahead of compatriots Philippe Tomas (7:51:12) on Quotien Persky and Enora Boulenger, who were respectively third and fourth.

Oman's Mahmood Marhoon finished sixth between the two Bahrainis, with French rider Pierre Fleury coming eighth, followed by Juilien Goachet, Lisa Riou, Geraldine Brault and Cecile Demierre, all of France.

Meanwhile, France were first overall among teams, finishing ahead of teams from Brazil and Qatar, who came second and third, respectively.

The French team consisted of Jean-Philippe Frances, Philippe Tomas, Pierre Fleury and Lisa Riou.

Both Bahraini riders were congratulated by team leader Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa after the awarding ceremony held at the endurance village.

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, expressed pride after watching his teammates finish in the top 10.

He said the results underline Bahrain's strong presence in world-class endurance events, and wished them progress in future races.

France: Compiegne CEIO*** 160 km Nations Cup

27 May 2012

Faleh Nasser Bughenaim of Qatar won the CEIO*** Nations Cup at Compiegne on 27 May, riding Antall De Jalima in a time of 7:49.18. Following 1 minute 44 seconds later was a close race for 2nd among French riders, with Jean Philippe Frances and Qrafik La Majorie edging ahead of Philippe Tomas and Quotien Persky, and Enora Boulenger aboard Melia Du Barthas. Bahrain's Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Saad was in 5th riding GW Pagena Ox.

There were 31 finishers from 58 starters.

Complete results here:
http://www.atrm-systems.fr/index0eng.htm

Photos by Osama Mohammed here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/112590388649341553131/CompiegneNationsCupOsamaMohammedPhotos52712

Endurance Using Easyboots in the UK

Easycare Blog - Full Article

Sunday, May 27, 2012 by Team Easyboot
Submitted by Karen Corr, Team Easyboot 2012 Member

I love reading the reports from endurance riders from other parts of the world but there seems to be a lack of reports coming from the UK, so I thought it was about time I put fingers to keyboard and attempt a blog for the first time.

I've been competing in endurance rides for about 15 years and have only managed to sample endurance outside the UK once - the President's Cup in Abu Dhabi, crewing for a British rider, whose horse was spun after 25 miles. But we got to see the rest of the race in full flow and followed some of the horses along the course in the desert - an experience I'll never forget. We have travelled the length and breadth of the UK to compete in endurance rides but with the ever-soaring price of diesel, we are becoming more selective as to where we go and how far we're willing to travel. The furthest we'll travel now is a maximum of three hours to get to an event. That's probably just down the road for a lot of riders in the USA. My favourite rides are in the North of England - they tend to be a lot hillier and more varied in terrain and generally more of a challenge.

Over the years, I've tried a number of different boots for endurance riding and until 2010 I was undecided as to which worked best. However, in 2010 I was sponsored by the UK distributor for Easyboots - Trelawne Equine - this was an amazing opportunity to try out the Gloves and Glue-Ons throughout the season. My gelding was eight years old and at Advanced Level - in the UK this means he had completed two 65km rides and one 80km ride at a set speed. The aim for that year was to introduce him to some faster work at this level and aim for his first race rides. Upping the speed was no problem for him - he had the base of distance work behind him and at the beginning of July he completed his fastest 65km ride to date at the Wirral (fast and flat on the West Coast) in Easyboot Gloves...

Read more here:
http://blog.easycareinc.com/blog/team-easyboot/endurance-using-easyboots-in-the-uk-2010-to-2012-by-karen-corr-team-easyboot-member-2012

Australia: Unexpected response to Hendra virus

Equinescienceupdate.com - Full Article


A survey of equine veterinary practices in Queensland Australia has shown that veterinarians are stopping doing equine work because of the risks posed by Hendra virus.

Hendra virus (HeV) infection primarily affects fruit bats, but was first reported in horses in 1994. During the initial outbreak 14 horses died. Seven other horses were shown to have been infected and were humanely destroyed.

Human infections, although uncommon, most often affect people in contact with horses. Of seven cases of human HeV infection, five have involved equine veterinary personnel conducting post mortem or endoscopic examinations. In three cases the infection was fatal.

A study, published in Emerging Infectious Diseases, explored the issues faced by staff of equine veterinary practices relating to HeV infection-control and workplace health and safety...

Read more here:
http://www.equinescienceupdate.com/articles/urhv.html

Australia; History of The Tom Quilty Gold Cup Endurance Ride

Equestrianlife.com.au - Full Article

With the 160 km Tom Quilty Endurance ride commencing midnight on the 8th June in Tassie , read a quick history of the event.

Endurance riding has been an organised sport in Australia since 1966. Reports of the Tevis Cup endurance ride in the USA began reaching Australia. One person inspired by the concept of a long distance competitive horse ride was R. M. Williams, editor of Hoofs and Horns, a pioneer horse magazine in this country. An invitation was extended through the magazine for people interested in conducting Australia's own 100 miles in one day ride.

It was decided if the Americans could do it, so could the Aussies! The venue would be in the Hawkesbury district, near Sydney, New South Wales, being a relatively central, scenic location, with the support of the University of Sydney's Rural Veterinary Centre, Camden. A committee was formed to organise the first 100 mile ride.

R. M. Williams wrote to his friend Tom Quilty, a great horseman and cattleman in the Kimberly area of Western Australia. Williams asked for his support for the 100 miles ride, and Quilty donated $1000. This was used to make a gold cup, the prize for the winner of the event. This is a perpetual trophy, and the ride was named the Tom Quilty Gold Cup in his honour. The original Gold Cup now resides in the Stockman's Hall of Fame, in Longreach, Queensland.

Cash prizes were originally offered as incentive for competitors, however, at the last minute it was pointed out that local by-laws prohibited racing for money, over public roads. A meeting of riders and officials was held, and all resolved to ride for the satisfaction of simply participating, and for the honour of wearing the handsome silver Quilty buckle. The Quilty buckle is still a highly regarded prize in endurance with those who earn one treasuring it as equivalent to an Olympic Gold Medal.

The winner of the first Quilty was Gabriel Stecher, who rode his Arabian stallion ‘Shalawi' bareback the full 100 miles...

Read more here:
http://www.equestrianlife.com.au/articles/History-of-The-Tom-Quilty-Gold-Cup-Endurance-Ride

Great Britain: Golden Horseshoe on Exmoor gives a challenge and a lot of cheer for riders

Thisissomerset.co.uk - Full Article

May 25 2012

The Golden Horseshoe Ride on Exmoor is well known as the toughest challenge on the endurance calendar. It certainly lived up to its reputation this year, with only two horses successfully finishing the 160km (over two days) class, out of six starters.

David Yeoman from North Brewham, Somerset, on his 12-year-old French part-bred Arab Marlouf de Norvavre, won a silver medal, and Linda Kidd, from Marlborough, on her Anglo Arab mare Drastik with AK, also 12-years-old, a bronze.

Both riders are Golden Horseshoe veterans, having completed the ride several times before on different horses.

David won the Golden Horseshoe 100-mile cup, the Saxon Trophy for the Highest Place part-bred Arab and the Top Man Award. Linda won the Handling & Presentation Award, the Showgirl Trophy for the highest-placed mare, the Dunlop Heywood Veterans’ Award for the highest- placed horse whose rider is 55 or over on the day of the ride, and the Top Lady Award.

Successes for South West Group members included three out of the six gold medals in the Exmoor Experience class and a silver in the Exmoor Eighty.

Torrential rain for several weeks before had put the whole event in doubt as flood water poured down the Exmoor rivers and washed out some of the tracks. At one point even the venue field looked unusable...

Read more here:
http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Golden-Horseshoe-Exmoor-gives-challenge-lot-cheer/story-16185184-detail/story.html

Netherlands: Carmen Romer is New Dutch Champion

20 May 2012

Carmen Romer became Dutch Champion when she won the CEI*** 160 km Championship, riding Gitana, at Leersum, Netherlands on19 May 2012. With a finish time of 9:59.55, they were almost 20 minutes ahead of the nearest competitor, Raphael Van Cauter of Belgium, ring Taborah De Sier. Linda Cowperthwaite of Great Britain, riding Marady Mystharon, was third. Five riders out of 10 completed the 160 km.

The Netherlands' Daphne Sloots won the CEI** 126 km on Kain in 7:20.53, ten minutes ahead of second place Andre Vidiz and Negreplise. Belgium's Kristel Van Den Abeele and Tizghi de Florival was third. Ten of 15 completed the race.

Seven juniors and young riders competed in the CEIJYR** 126 km, with The Netherlands' Marijke Visser winning the ride on Nib Karaskan Star, in 7:20:25. Belgium's Olivia Antoine and Wigor Za came second just 38 seconds later, with Belgium's Romane Yernaux and Gazelles du Bosphore 34 seconds behind in third. Five of 7 completed the race.

Ten riders competed in the CEI* 91 km race, with France's Vincent Dupont and Khandjar du Boulve finishing first in 5:47.15, 25 minutes ahead of second place Danny Droghini and Caprice, of Belgium. The Netherlands' Esther Groen and Zakholy's Shadiya were third. Nine riders finished.

Caledon Equestrian Park Named Host Venue for 2015 Pan American Games

USEFNetwork.com

RELEASE: May 19, 2012
AUTHOR/ADMINISTRATOR: Jennifer Ward for Starting Gate Communications

Palgrave, Ontario - Caledon Equestrian Park in Palgrave, Ontario, was the first sport venue to be named for the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games in a special groundbreaking ceremony held May 18. TO2015, the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Organizing Committee, the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario and the Town of Caledon joined together to announce Caledon Equestrian Park as the official venue for equestrian sport, while also unveiling plans for facility improvements and community legacy.

Held during the Caledon National show jumping tournament, competition was halted to allow athletes and their families and friends to gather for the groundbreaking ceremony. Canadian Equestrian Team members Yann Candele of Caledon, ON, and 2008 Olympic Team Silver medalist Jill Henselwood participated in the on-site announcement.

“After years of preparation and planning, we are honoured not only to have Caledon Equestrian Park named as the official host of equestrian sport for the 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games, but to also be selected as the very first sport venue announced by the TO2015 Organizing Committee,” said Craig Collins of Equestrian Management Group (EMG), a funding partner and the operating group of Caledon Equestrian Park. “To make the announcement in front of hundreds of our competitors, whether they are children on ponies or junior riders with international aspirations, really underlines the legacy that hosting the Pan Am events will create for the future of our sport. I am sure many of these young riders will remember gathering together on the hill for this momentous announcement, and possibly start dreaming of one day standing on the podium to claim a medal for our country.”

Mike Gallagher, President of Equine Canada, echoed those sentiments, recognizing the impact hosting the Pan/Parapan American Games will have on equestrian sport both locally and nationwide.

“This investment ensures that Caledon Equestrian Park will provide an accessible public legacy for the region to develop and train elite athletes and recreational riders for decades to come,” said Gallagher. “As the National Sport Federation representing, promoting and developing horse sport and interests in Canada, Equine Canada fully supports the suitability of Caledon Equestrian Park as a venue for the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games.”

Caledon Equestrian Park is a municipally-owned facility that will host dressage and show jumping competitions during the Games, as well as the dressage and show jumping portions of the three-day eventing competition. A nearby venue in Orangeville is currently under review for the cross-country portion of the eventing competition.

TO2015’s venue selection process is based on standards set by International Sport Federations (IFs), approval of the sport program by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), and consultation with the National Sport Federations (NSFs).

“Caledon Equestrian Park is a world-class facility with a well-earned reputation in the international equestrian community,” said TO2015 Chief Executive Officer, Ian Troop. “What’s more, it’s a publicly-owned facility so the investments we’ll be making for the Pan Am Games will benefit the public for many years to come. That’s one reason why we are calling Toronto 2015 the ‘People’s Games,’ because the investments we’re making are aimed at making events accessible to the public, and will create a rich public legacy.”

“The Harper Government is pleased to announce Caledon Equestrian Park as the official equestrian venue for the 2015 Pan American Games,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “Our Government’s significant investment in these Games for sport infrastructure, legacy and essential federal services will not only result in economic prosperity for Caledon and the Greater Toronto Area, but will leave a lasting sporting legacy here in Canada for years to come.”

In preparation for the Toronto 2015 Games, the Caledon Equestrian Park will receive capital investment from the Government of Canada, Town of Caledon, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and Equestrian Management Group for upgrades and improvements, which will include:

- A new main stadium building.
- Permanent spectator seating areas and areas for temporary Games-time seating.
- Relocation of and improvements to stabling areas.
- A new grand prix ring, warm-up rings and training areas.
- A new indoor riding arena.
- Infrastructure improvements such as services and grading.
- Other related amenities such as blacksmith area and veterinary area.

Ontario will be supporting the cost of venue overlay and Games operations through its $500 million contribution to the TO2015 budget.

The improvements and upgrades will be overseen by Equine Canada and TO2015 with John MacDonald Architect Inc., a local firm that was awarded the contract in January 2012 through a public tendering process led by the Town of Caledon. Construction is targeted to begin in fall 2012 with completion by the spring of 2014.

The participation of Caledon Equestrian Park in the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games will have a significant economic impact on the Town of Caledon. A study conducted by the Canadian Sport Tourism Association for the Town of Caledon found the annual economic impact of these improvements estimated at $15.1 million.

“I am very proud that Caledon will be part of the 2015 Pan American Games by hosting equestrian events at our world-class Caledon Equestrian Park,” said David Tilson, Member of Parliament (Dufferin–Caledon). “We are looking forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from across Canada and the Americas to Caledon in 2015.”

“The ‘People’s Games’ will create jobs, support the community, and keep the local economy in Caledon on track for our children and grandchildren,” said Charles Sousa, Ontario Minister responsible for the Pan/Parapan American Games.

“The Town of Caledon looks forward to working with the TO2015, its partners and ours, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Equestrian Management Group and Region of Peel to ensure that collectively we host the most successful Pan Am Games yet,” said Mayor Marolyn Morrison, Town of Caledon. “We are very proud that the Caledon Equestrian Park was selected for the Toronto 2015 equestrian events, and our team is committed to ensuring that the facility will serve our community for years to come.”

“We are very confident that Toronto will deliver a great competition and we are looking forward to working on the 2015 Pan Am Games together with the Organizing Committee and Equine Canada,” said Ingmar de Vos, Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), in a statement supporting the announcement.

Attracting more equestrian athletes annually than any other competition venue in Ontario, Caledon Equestrian Park has hosted four Pan American Games selection trials, two Olympic selection trials, 15 World Cup qualifying events, and more than 150 Grand Prix events. Currently hosting 16 equestrian events annually, Caledon Equestrian Park will close out its 2012 season with the Canadian Show Jumping Tournament held September 19 to 23 for the benefit of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

Australia: Crossing finish line goal for 66yo rider

TheAdvocate.com.au - Full Article

EQUESTRIAN
18 May, 2012

A STRONG contingent of Coastal endurance riders are gearing up for this year's Tom Quilty Cup at St Helens.

The Australian Endurance Championships will be held from June 8-10, with a strong presence of Coastal riders expected to tackle the gruelling 160km ride, including Turners Beach rider Fran Jordan.

At 66, this will be Jordan's first Quilty, where she will ride her nine-year-old gelding Tierview Saadat (known as Louie).

"I've always wanted to compete in the Tom Quilty," Jordan said yesterday.

"I only took up endurance riding three years ago and because the Quilty is only in Tasmania once every seven years, as it is shared around the states and territories, this will be my first and probably last opportunity to compete in it."

Jordan successfully qualified Tierview Saadat after completing the 160km qualifying ride, the 2011 Sassafras Endurance Ride, in July.

Tierview Saadat secured the best lightweight and best conditioned horse at that ride...

read more here:
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/crossing-finish-line-goal-for-66yo-rider/2560591.aspx

Sweden: Endurance trainer gains success in Arabian flat racing

Horsereporter.com - Full Article

May 18, 2012
By Pamela@horsereporter

With 28 starts, Maria Hagman Ericsson is not a newcomer to Arabian racing. Well known to the international endurance community, where she competed for Sweden in 14 countries, Hagman – Ericsson has also turned her attention to racing Arabians close to home.

Number two under the wire was Neira Royal (Neiron x Efta Royal) and number three in was Speedy Faq (Daffaq x Skazka). The race had 14 entries...

Read more here:
http://www.horsereporter.com/?p=3555

Great Britain: Great success at Golden Horseshoe

Goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk

Friday 18th May - 08:00 And finally, for this year, here is Press Officer Nicky Moffatt's press release after the event:

Great success at Golden Horseshoe

Riders from across the UK took part in this year’s Golden Horseshoe Ride, which was held on Exmoor from the 13-15 May. Not put off by the recent bad weather, almost 300 endurance enthusiasts made the journey to Somerset to take part in the pleasure ride and competitive classes at this year’s event.

David Yeoman riding Marlouf de Norvavre (who gained a silver medal) and Linda Kidd on Drastik with AK (who won a bronze medal) were the only two to finish the course and pass the final vetting in Class 1 – The Golden Horseshoe – which covers 100 miles/160kilometres split over two days. Says Linda: “Finishing this year’s course means everything to me. I am thrilled to bits with Drastik and depending on how she goes from here, I hope to bring her back next year.” Linda also gave a huge thanks to ride organiser Barbara Wigley and her husband Ian, who made a great effort to keep the ride running this year despite the persistent rain leading up to the event.

There were more medals to be won in classes 2, 3 and 4 – The Exmoor Stag, The Exmoor Experience and The Exmoor Eighty. Last minute entry Lisa Adshead and her Arab gelding Shakmari Gold travelled from Carmarthenshire to ride in the 80-kilometre Exmoor Experience and finish on gold time. Says Lisa: “I was very grateful to the organisers for keeping the ride on despite the recent wet weather. I am lucky because my riding at home in Wales is open mountain, similar to the conditions on Exmoor. Bryn (Shakmari Gold) gave me a lovely ride, eating up the ground with his big floating stride – a typical Arab!”

Of course the Golden Horseshoe wouldn’t be the same without its native pony, the Exmoor, and this year there were two Exmoor ponies taking part. Mary Hannah and her daughter Katy took part in the Exmoor Experience aboard their two ponies Kingsby Nutmeg and Kingsby Elderberry. Says Mary: “Our ponies are half sisters and they gave us a great ride. While Exmoor ponies aren’t built for speed, their sheer determination and stamina is what makes them a good choice for endurance riding. Also, the breed is used to the boggy patches on the moor, so you know they’re going to look after you well.”

Setting out over a revised course, which kept to the drier areas of the moor, riders were far from disappointed about not being able to ride further afield. “It was a beautiful ride across a stunning part of the country,” says Linda, “yet still as challenging as ever. Horseshoe is a firm favourite in my book.”

For more information about this year’s Golden Horseshoe Ride, visit www.goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk

Press enquiries
Nicky Moffatt 07889 234796
nickymoffatt869@btinternet.com

New Zealand: Decision on the 2012 World Endurance Championship

NZEquestrian.org.nz

20/04/2012

The High Performance Endurance Panel and the ESNZ Endurance Board wish to advise that with the season at an end the decision has been made that NZL will not be represented at the 2012 World Endurance Championships at Euston Park.

The High Performance Panel reviewed various combinations performance records and Andrea Smith with Glenmore Tariq was the only combination to achieve the required consistent performance standard. However Andrea has declined the right to compete at the World Championships as she has a focus on the 2014 World Equestrian Games.

The High Performance Endurance Panel is currently reviewing their strategies for the next 2 and 4 years and will look to conduct potential squad member interviews in June this year.

Australia: Peter Toft appointed as interim Chef d'Equipe

AERA.asn.au

Peter Toft has been appointed the interim chef d’equipe for Endurance following the resignation of current chef d’equipe Mark Freeman. Peter will hold the position of interim chef d’equipe until 25th September 2012 following the world endurance championships in August.

Equestrian Australia & AERA would like to thank Mark Freeman for his service and wish Peter the best of luck as the new Chef d’Equipe.

Regards,

Felicity Dubois

Executive Assistant
Equestrian Australia
National Office
felicity.dubois@equestrian.org.au
www.equestrian.org.au

Great Britain: Golden Horseshoe ride goes ahead

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

By Horsetalk.co.nz on May 13, 2012 in Focus

Despite heavy rain in Britain, the Golden Horseshoe Endurance Ride on Exmoor is going ahead, with competition starting today.

Treacherous underfoot conditions have meant many of the country’s biggest equestrian events have been cancelled, but ride organisers have checked the routes and make alternative plans. Riders will set off from the usual venue in Exford.

“Obviously horse and rider safety has to come first, but we are confident that the routes we have chosen for each class are rideable,” said ride organiser Barbara Wigley...

Read more here:
http://horsetalk.co.nz/2012/05/13/golden-horseshoe-ride-goes-ahead/

Welfare and dope concerns dominate endurance talks

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Pippa Cuckson

11 May, 2012

Arab nations have been heavily criticised for the high incidences of broken legs and dope violations in Middle Eastern endurance yards.
The comments were made during a round table discussion at the FEI sports forum in Lausanne on 2 May.

FEI endurance judge Jean-Louis Leclerc alleged that multiple horses suffer fractures on single yards per season and he asked what the FEI was doing to improve the situation.

The FEI’s Ian Williams said it is looking into causes and prevention of fractures in endurance “to ensure that the welfare of the horse is the central pillar [of the sport] in the future”.

The Animal Health Trust in Newmarket is also studying orthopaedic injury rates in endurance horses globally, which will play an important role in the FEI study, he said.

Top endurance vet Fred Barrelet labelled the high level of endurance medication violations from Arab nations investigated by the FEI as “disgraceful...”

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/389/312583.html