Tenterfieldstar.com.au - Full Article
13 Jun, 2012
Tenterfield Endur-ance Riding Club held its 26th ride on May 19 and 20 with the theme of “Step Up”, encouraging riders to elevate to a greater distance.
The theme was carried through with the last riders in the 100km rewarded with a small stepladder kindly donated by Pat O’Brien, a new member with a great sense of humour.
This year’s ride followed on from last year’s successful Hi Ho Silver 25th Anniversary Ride.
Tenterfield is well known to endurance riders both north and south of the border as a challenging and fun ride operated in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere from its unique bush setting in Girard State Forest.
This year a social ride of 20km elevating to 30km was run on the Saturday.
Twenty-three riders entered this event with fantastic completion rates. Ten chose to elevate and ride the extra 10km to complete 30km.
On Sunday morning, 46 riders headed off into the forest at 3am on the start of the 100km ride with 14 completing the full distance and the others choosing to retire at the 80km mark.
At 6am, the training ride of 40km saw 31 riders leave camp with six choosing to elevate and ride the extra 20km.
It is wonderful to see mums and/or dads riding with their children over all distances...
Read more here:
http://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/endurance-riding-stepping-up-to-the-challenge/2588233.aspx
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Oman Royal Cavalry Wins First Place in French Endurance Horse Race
Omannews.gov.om
Paris, June 9 (ONA)---- Ahmed bin Salim al-Hamadani from the Royal Cavalry won the first place in the French endurance horse race (110 Km), which is organized by the International Equestrian Federation with participation of 53 jockeys from different countries around the world.
The race included (4) stages; the first stage amounted a distance of (30 Km), the second (20 Km), the third (34 Km) and the fourth stage (26 Km). Maj. Sinan bin Sulaiman al-Abri, Officer of Endurance Department at the Royal Cavalry and Supervisor of the team racing in France said that the race witnessed strong competition among participants and was characterized by different terrain tracks. He added that the third stage of the race was the most difficult for Ahmed al-Hamdani due to the many slopes in the race route and rains.
It is worth noting that Ahmed bin Salim al-Hamadani is one of the Royal cavalry seven jockeys who qualified for World Endurance Championship due to be held in Britain next August.
Paris, June 9 (ONA)---- Ahmed bin Salim al-Hamadani from the Royal Cavalry won the first place in the French endurance horse race (110 Km), which is organized by the International Equestrian Federation with participation of 53 jockeys from different countries around the world.
The race included (4) stages; the first stage amounted a distance of (30 Km), the second (20 Km), the third (34 Km) and the fourth stage (26 Km). Maj. Sinan bin Sulaiman al-Abri, Officer of Endurance Department at the Royal Cavalry and Supervisor of the team racing in France said that the race witnessed strong competition among participants and was characterized by different terrain tracks. He added that the third stage of the race was the most difficult for Ahmed al-Hamdani due to the many slopes in the race route and rains.
It is worth noting that Ahmed bin Salim al-Hamadani is one of the Royal cavalry seven jockeys who qualified for World Endurance Championship due to be held in Britain next August.
Longines named as title sponsor for FEI World Endurance Championships 2012
DATE: 7th June 2012
Swiss watchmaker Longines has become the title sponsor and official timekeeper of the 2012 Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Endurance Championships (25th August 2012) at Euston Park, near Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
The FEI CEI 4* competition over 160km, organised by Janah Management, will officially be known as the Longines FEI World Endurance Championships.
The 14th running of the FEI World Endurance Championships will see around 160 riders from up to 40 countries lining up for the contest around the undulating Euston Park track.
Reigning world champions, Spain’s Maria Alvarez and Nobby hold the record as the only combination to have claimed two world titles in succession and Spain will be hoping that Ms Alvarez is again among their line-up. The UAE currently holds the team world title. Alvarez’s winning time of 7hr:35min.44sec at the Alltech Kentucky World Equestrian Games in 2010 will be a target for the winning rider at this summer’s World Endurance Championships.
Walter von Känel, President of Longines said: “Longines is proud to be title sponsor and official timekeeper of the FEI World Endurance Championships. Thanks to its long dedication as official timekeeper of equestrian sports since 1881, Longines is considered as an essential partner to a sport which embodies the brand’s values.”
The Swiss watchmaker is a significant partner of the sport of endurance – the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup presented by Longines is now in its fifth year.
Ian Williams, FEI Non-Olympic Sports Director, said: “The Longines FEI World Endurance Championships 2012 will be an event of the highest sporting quality and we are grateful to the title sponsor for their support.”
Championship organiser James MacEwan said: “We are fortunate to have the support of such a prestigious company at such a high level. We are looking forward to producing a memorable championship in a great year for sport in this part of the world.”
Alongside title sponsor Longines, organisers welcomed two Dubai industry giants, Meydan and Emaar Properties as additional supporters of the championships.
Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “Equestrian events are part of the Arab world’s heritage, and Emaar has a strong history of supporting such noble initiatives.
“We are honoured to support the FEI World Endurance Championships, which brings together participants from over 40 countries, underlining the strong global interest in the event.”
Saeed H. Al Tayer, Chairman of Meydan Group said: ““The opportunity to support the 2012 World Endurance Championships compliments the focus of the Meydan Group, as the sport of Endurance riding is a great part of the equestrian legacy of the UAE and Dubai.
“We are pleased to serve as one of the event’s sponsors and welcome the opportunity to promote the great sport of Endurance riding in Dubai and across the world.”
With around 1000 participants, riders, crew and officials, the championship will have a significant economic impact on the area around Euston Park and the Newmarket area during the build-up and immediately post competition.
For media information, accreditation or images, please contact Longines FEI World Endurance Championships PR, Elizabeth Peplow;
Tel: +44 07917 647663, Email: wec2012media@gmail.com
Swiss watchmaker Longines has become the title sponsor and official timekeeper of the 2012 Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Endurance Championships (25th August 2012) at Euston Park, near Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
The FEI CEI 4* competition over 160km, organised by Janah Management, will officially be known as the Longines FEI World Endurance Championships.
The 14th running of the FEI World Endurance Championships will see around 160 riders from up to 40 countries lining up for the contest around the undulating Euston Park track.
Reigning world champions, Spain’s Maria Alvarez and Nobby hold the record as the only combination to have claimed two world titles in succession and Spain will be hoping that Ms Alvarez is again among their line-up. The UAE currently holds the team world title. Alvarez’s winning time of 7hr:35min.44sec at the Alltech Kentucky World Equestrian Games in 2010 will be a target for the winning rider at this summer’s World Endurance Championships.
Walter von Känel, President of Longines said: “Longines is proud to be title sponsor and official timekeeper of the FEI World Endurance Championships. Thanks to its long dedication as official timekeeper of equestrian sports since 1881, Longines is considered as an essential partner to a sport which embodies the brand’s values.”
The Swiss watchmaker is a significant partner of the sport of endurance – the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup presented by Longines is now in its fifth year.
Ian Williams, FEI Non-Olympic Sports Director, said: “The Longines FEI World Endurance Championships 2012 will be an event of the highest sporting quality and we are grateful to the title sponsor for their support.”
Championship organiser James MacEwan said: “We are fortunate to have the support of such a prestigious company at such a high level. We are looking forward to producing a memorable championship in a great year for sport in this part of the world.”
Alongside title sponsor Longines, organisers welcomed two Dubai industry giants, Meydan and Emaar Properties as additional supporters of the championships.
Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties, said: “Equestrian events are part of the Arab world’s heritage, and Emaar has a strong history of supporting such noble initiatives.
“We are honoured to support the FEI World Endurance Championships, which brings together participants from over 40 countries, underlining the strong global interest in the event.”
Saeed H. Al Tayer, Chairman of Meydan Group said: ““The opportunity to support the 2012 World Endurance Championships compliments the focus of the Meydan Group, as the sport of Endurance riding is a great part of the equestrian legacy of the UAE and Dubai.
“We are pleased to serve as one of the event’s sponsors and welcome the opportunity to promote the great sport of Endurance riding in Dubai and across the world.”
With around 1000 participants, riders, crew and officials, the championship will have a significant economic impact on the area around Euston Park and the Newmarket area during the build-up and immediately post competition.
For media information, accreditation or images, please contact Longines FEI World Endurance Championships PR, Elizabeth Peplow;
Tel: +44 07917 647663, Email: wec2012media@gmail.com
Spain: Alex Luque and Louteiro de Eo are National Champions
Alex Luque and Louteiro Eo won the Spanish National Championship at Mount Casarrubios, Toldedo, Spain, on June 9 2012. Time for the 160 km race was 8:34.58, for an average of 18.64 km/h. Louteiro Eo also won Best Condition. Second place went to Alejandra Dachs riding Yesmane in 8:37. Nuria Serrabassa followed 39 seconds later to earn third place on Dakila Pascale
17 of 45 riders completed the race.
For more results, see
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2012/06/resultados-provisionales-del-campeonato.html
17 of 45 riders completed the race.
For more results, see
http://ggjineteraid.blogspot.com/2012/06/resultados-provisionales-del-campeonato.html
Saturday, June 09, 2012
Saudi Arabia: Discovery at al-Magar
Saudiaramcoworld.com - Full Articleby Peter Harrigan
photo courtesy of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities
When Mutlaq ibn Gublan decided to dig a birka (pond) to keep his camels watered, he arranged for a backhoe and drums of diesel fuel to be driven from the road to the site on his ancestral grazing lands in southwest Saudi Arabia. The spot he had chosen, amid finger-like valleys that cut through low sandstone hills, was near traces of an ancient waterfall, which hinted that, in millennia past, nature itself supplied more than a mere birka.
His pond was never completed. As he supervised the excavation, he says, "I spotted a smooth, shaped stone sticking out of the ground. I recognized it was an old and important object." He could tell at once it was a statue of an animal. It was buried upright, head toward the surface, he says. "I paid off the operator and told him to follow his tracks back to the road."
Over the next few years, Ibn Gublan unearthed some 300 objects there. Though none was as large as the first, his finds included a small stone menagerie: ostrich, sheep and goats; what may be fish and birds; a cow-like bovid (Bovidae); and an elegant canine profile that resembles one of the oldest known domesticated breeds, the desert saluki. In addition, he found mortars and pestles, grain grinders, a soapstone pot ornamented with looping and hatched geometric motifs, weights likely used in weaving and stone tools that may have been used in leather processing, as well as scrapers, arrowheads and blades—including an exquisitely decorated stone knife in the unmistakable curved design of the traditional Arabian dagger.
Two years ago, he loaded it all up in his Jeep, drove it to Riyadh and donated it to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (scta).
"When I first saw the pieces, I just could not believe it. It was, how can I say, incroyable," recalls Ali al-Ghabban, head of antiquities at the scta, his French-accented English giving away his years at the University of Provence. "This is Neolithic material," he states, from "a sophisticated society possessing a high level of art and craftsmanship that we have not previously seen." Al-Ghabban had a laboratory run a radiocarbon analysis on trace organic remains found later alongside some of the objects. That dated the material to between 6590 and 7250 bce, he says...
Read more here:
http://www.saudiaramcoworld.com/issue/201203/discovery.at.al-magar.htm
South African Horse Exports Could Surge As Controls Recognized
Bloomberg.com - Full Article
By Tshepiso Mokhema - Jun 8, 2012
South Africa’s horse exports could rise fourfold if the recognition of the country’s controls on African Horse Sickness by the World Organization for Animal Health eases shipments, Racing South Africa said.
The controls were recognized late last month, South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries said on June 6. The country has the immediate potential to export 300 horses annually, Peter Gibson, the chief executive officer of Durban-based Racing South Africa, said in an e-mailed response to questions late yesterday.
“With improved protocols, this figure could double within 24 months,” Gibson said of the country’s potential exports.
Before 1950 South Africa exported a total of about 300,000 horses, according to Racing South Africa. The continent was declared endemic for African Horse Sickness in the late 1950s meaning that South African horses had to be quarantined before if they were sold to buyers in the U.S, boosting costs. The first exports from South Africa took place in 1788.
An outbreak of the disease near the town of Stellenbosch in 2004 halted all exports for two years and horses sent to Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates were subjected to lengthier quarantine periods.
South African horses are prized for sporting use, most notably endurance races and thoroughbred racing, Gibson said. They are also used for polo...
Read more here:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-08/south-african-horse-exports-could-surge-as-controls-recognized.html
By Tshepiso Mokhema - Jun 8, 2012
South Africa’s horse exports could rise fourfold if the recognition of the country’s controls on African Horse Sickness by the World Organization for Animal Health eases shipments, Racing South Africa said.
The controls were recognized late last month, South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries said on June 6. The country has the immediate potential to export 300 horses annually, Peter Gibson, the chief executive officer of Durban-based Racing South Africa, said in an e-mailed response to questions late yesterday.
“With improved protocols, this figure could double within 24 months,” Gibson said of the country’s potential exports.
Before 1950 South Africa exported a total of about 300,000 horses, according to Racing South Africa. The continent was declared endemic for African Horse Sickness in the late 1950s meaning that South African horses had to be quarantined before if they were sold to buyers in the U.S, boosting costs. The first exports from South Africa took place in 1788.
An outbreak of the disease near the town of Stellenbosch in 2004 halted all exports for two years and horses sent to Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates were subjected to lengthier quarantine periods.
South African horses are prized for sporting use, most notably endurance races and thoroughbred racing, Gibson said. They are also used for polo...
Read more here:
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-06-08/south-african-horse-exports-could-surge-as-controls-recognized.html
Serbia: Endurance Horse Race
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ENDURANCE HORSE RACE “WHITE HORSE”, Krčedin, 16 June 2012
The competition is organized in accordance with the “Rulebook on Organization and Implementation of Distance Racing” published by the Serbian Association for Equestrian Sport for the Olympic Games and FEI disciplines for horse welfare.
The race is organized by:
1. Equestrian Club “Kremen”, Pančevo; 060/037-1613, Višnja Andrić, hipodrom.pa@gmail.com
2. Equestrian Club “Arandjelovac”; Arandjelovac, Jelena Obradović 060/6711-7057, kkarandjelovac@gmail.com
The race is hosted by Rabbit Burrow Homestead, Krčedin, Uče Zekovića 7, www.zekinsalas.com, e mail office@zekinsalas.com, Radica Gligorić
The endurance race on White Horse Track in Krčedin is run alongside the site of the same name at which the Celtic tribe Skordisci created a huge profile of a horse in white stone, in the manner it used to mark its territory throughout Europe. The WHITE HORSE in Krčedin was still visible at the beginning of the 20th century.
One lap of WHITE HORSE Track in Krčedin is 21km
Recreational riding is available on WHITE HORSE Track on the same day after 4 pm, as well as on every first Saturday of a month, requiring previous booking at 064 641 5572, Slaven Živković, Manager, Rabbit Burrow Homestead, or by e-mail at office@zekinsalas.com
Friday, June 08, 2012
Australia: Short List for 2012 World Endurance Championship
May 26 2012
I am very pleased to have today endorsement from the Equestrian Australia High Performance Manager Brett Mace, on behalf of EA, of the selections of rider and horse combinations made by the panel for the World Senior Endurance Championships, 2012. We are also grateful for EA’s support in administering the processes required to ensure all the official deadlines are met, and in supplying member services to these riders so that they can represent Australia at this event.
So, I am delighted to announce, on behalf of the selection panel of Barb McDonald, Trish Mackay and myself, the short list, in alphabetical order:
Talea Haskow-Stewart and Blake’s Heaven Bombora
Andrea Laws King and Razorback Love Song
Norbert Radny and West Coast Acharon
Matthew Sample and Brookleigh Ricardo
Alexandra Toft and Emily Jones te; reserve horses Travina (and Rupert te, pending final qualification)
Penelope Toft and Travina; reserve horse High Society
All riders and horses have done a wonderful job so far, achieving the stringent qualification standards, engaging with the selection process, and aspiring to represent Australia. We know the team will be in excellent hands, with Chef d’Equipe Peter Toft and team vet Dr Narelle Cribb, and hope that we are all able to support them, in whatever way possible, to achieve their very best.
I am very pleased to have today endorsement from the Equestrian Australia High Performance Manager Brett Mace, on behalf of EA, of the selections of rider and horse combinations made by the panel for the World Senior Endurance Championships, 2012. We are also grateful for EA’s support in administering the processes required to ensure all the official deadlines are met, and in supplying member services to these riders so that they can represent Australia at this event.
So, I am delighted to announce, on behalf of the selection panel of Barb McDonald, Trish Mackay and myself, the short list, in alphabetical order:
Talea Haskow-Stewart and Blake’s Heaven Bombora
Andrea Laws King and Razorback Love Song
Norbert Radny and West Coast Acharon
Matthew Sample and Brookleigh Ricardo
Alexandra Toft and Emily Jones te; reserve horses Travina (and Rupert te, pending final qualification)
Penelope Toft and Travina; reserve horse High Society
All riders and horses have done a wonderful job so far, achieving the stringent qualification standards, engaging with the selection process, and aspiring to represent Australia. We know the team will be in excellent hands, with Chef d’Equipe Peter Toft and team vet Dr Narelle Cribb, and hope that we are all able to support them, in whatever way possible, to achieve their very best.
FEI, OIE Unite to Improve High Performance Horse Transport
Thehorse.com - Full Article
by: Christa Lesté-Lasserre
May 31 2012, Article # 20097
In a major step towards worldwide policy change, the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) has announced its solidarity with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in seeking to improve the international movement of high-level performance horses.
Speaking at the opening of the OIE's annual assembly in Paris last week (May 20-25), director general Bernard Vallat, DVM, said his organization recognized "important constraints to the movement of horses" that have come to their attention as international equestrian sport--which has grown 34% over the past three years--continues to expand.
"It is clear that there is a need to define the criteria for healthy, high performance horses as a subpopulation, which reflects the low level of disease risk involved in their movement," Vallat said.
At the 2012 FEI Sports Forum, which took place in early May in Lausanne, Switzerland, the international movement of high performance horses was a hot topic of discussion. It was concluded that having globally standardized testing and quarantine requirements--which currently is not the case--for this particular group of horses, which by necessity must be in impeccable health, would facilitate easier and more streamline international movement...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20097
by: Christa Lesté-Lasserre
May 31 2012, Article # 20097
In a major step towards worldwide policy change, the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) has announced its solidarity with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) in seeking to improve the international movement of high-level performance horses.
Speaking at the opening of the OIE's annual assembly in Paris last week (May 20-25), director general Bernard Vallat, DVM, said his organization recognized "important constraints to the movement of horses" that have come to their attention as international equestrian sport--which has grown 34% over the past three years--continues to expand.
"It is clear that there is a need to define the criteria for healthy, high performance horses as a subpopulation, which reflects the low level of disease risk involved in their movement," Vallat said.
At the 2012 FEI Sports Forum, which took place in early May in Lausanne, Switzerland, the international movement of high performance horses was a hot topic of discussion. It was concluded that having globally standardized testing and quarantine requirements--which currently is not the case--for this particular group of horses, which by necessity must be in impeccable health, would facilitate easier and more streamline international movement...
Read more here:
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=20097
Australia: Endurance race with a midnight start
ABC.net.au - Radio interviewBy Tony BriscoeFriday, 8 June 2012
Horse riders from across Australia will gather at midnight tonight at St Helens on the east coast of Tasmania for an endurance race with a difference.
The 160 kilometre Tom Quilty Gold Cup will be held over a course which involves farmland and forestry.
The endurance ride was last held in Tasmania at Sheffield in 2005, and attracts riders from the city as well as country areas.
Organiser Sarah Adams says the race is very strictly controlled and animal welfare is at the forefront of the race.
Radio Interview with Sarah Adams:
http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/rural/tas/countryhour/201206/r955076_10228156.mp3
Australia: Just happy to be competing in Tom Quilty
Theadvocate.com.au - Full Article8 June 2012
FOR Sheffield's Stuart King and stepdaughter Sarah Parker, this weekend's Tom Quilty Cup will certainly be a family affair. The most coveted Australian equine endurance event, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, will be held at St Helens, starting at midnight tonight.
Horses and riders will travel 160km within a time limit of 24 hours. Teams from all over Australia have converged on the East Coast for the Cup.
For King and 15-year-old Sarah, this weekend has been a long time coming.
"I've been trying to make it to a Tom Quilty for eight years or more now, so it's great to finally get to one, especially in my home state," King said...
Read more here:
http://www.theadvocate.com.au/news/local/sport/equestrian/just-happy-to-be-competing-in-tom-quilty/2584041.aspx?src=rss
Thursday, June 07, 2012
Great Britain: Lincolnshire mother and son take on 266-mile horse-riding challenge
Thisislincolnshire.co.uk - Full Article
June 7 2012
A MOTHER and son team are set to undertake a gruelling 266-mile endurance horse-riding challenge starting from Stickney this weekend.
Jane, 46, and Michael Evans, 23, are attempting the gruelling challenge on their faithful horses, Rookie and El, to raise much needed funds for the Stroke Association.
Jane said: "We chose the charity because there's a history of stroke in the family and because my job allows me to see firsthand how the money goes to help change the lives of local stroke survivors."
Starting from Stickney on Sunday, June 10, the duo will follow the Heritage Trail which will lead them through to the beautiful landscape of Yorkshire and will arrive in their home town of Durham two weeks later.
Jane said: "My son and I are both keen endurance riders and it was my best friend, who lives in Stickney, who gave me the idea to do the challenge...
Read more here:
http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Lincolnshire-mother-son-266-mile-horse-riding/story-16291327-detail/story.html
June 7 2012
A MOTHER and son team are set to undertake a gruelling 266-mile endurance horse-riding challenge starting from Stickney this weekend.
Jane, 46, and Michael Evans, 23, are attempting the gruelling challenge on their faithful horses, Rookie and El, to raise much needed funds for the Stroke Association.
Jane said: "We chose the charity because there's a history of stroke in the family and because my job allows me to see firsthand how the money goes to help change the lives of local stroke survivors."
Starting from Stickney on Sunday, June 10, the duo will follow the Heritage Trail which will lead them through to the beautiful landscape of Yorkshire and will arrive in their home town of Durham two weeks later.
Jane said: "My son and I are both keen endurance riders and it was my best friend, who lives in Stickney, who gave me the idea to do the challenge...
Read more here:
http://www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk/Lincolnshire-mother-son-266-mile-horse-riding/story-16291327-detail/story.html
Wednesday, June 06, 2012
Great Britain: Man vs. Horse Marathon
http://www.green-events.co.uk/events.html?id=54
The Man v Horse Marathon began in June 1980 following a chat over a pint (or three) in the back bar of Neuadd Arms Hotel. The then Landlord, Gordon Green overheard two men discussing the relative merits of men and horses running over mountainous terrain. The enterprising Gordon, never one to miss an opportunity to promote Llanwrtyd Wells and improve business at his hotel, decided to put it to the test. And so began Green Events and its first, longest standing and now internationally acclaimed event, The Man versus Horse Marathon.
The course was changed in 1982 to provide a more even match between the man and the horse resulting year on year in very close finishes - sometimes with the horse winning by only a few seconds. It took 25 years before a man finally beat a horse, Huw Lobb won in 2hrs and 5mins beating the fastest horse by 2 minutes.
******
http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/man-horse-marathon.aspx
When: 9th June 2012
Where: Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales
Man vs. Woman. Normal.
Man vs. Man. Routine.
Man vs. Horse. Bizarre.
~~~~
Horse beats Man. Natural.
Woman beats Man. Way to go.
Man beats horse.
Man beats horse? Wow!
It takes real horsepower to beat a horse at his own game. Many a runner has put his best foot forward but only one man has taken a horse head on and come out ahead. And not just by a nose.
Like all good stories, this one too began in a pub. With a few pints inside him, one man claimed men were equal to horses any given day. Several pints later, it was decided to publicly test his claim and the first race took place in June 1980.
From that year forth, the action takes place in Llanwrtyd Wells, host town for the unique horse vs. man marathon. This year will be the 32nd time when over 300 runners test their legs and lungs against that of 20 horses in a gruelling 22-mile cross country race in the Welsh mountains.
The odds favour the horses despite a 15-minute head start for humans - up for grabs is a substantial booty to the runner who beats a horse to the finishing line. Any takers?
For more information on Wales Tourism | Wales Holiday Calendar
Tuesday, June 05, 2012
Italy: A New Kind of Endurance
27 May 2012
Italian endurance rider Stefano Chidichimo created a special opportunity for new endurance riders that normally wouldn't have a chance of experiencing the sport. Handicapped riders participated in the first promotional event of endurance and equestrian rehabilitation: a 3 km simulated endurance ride in the Tuscan countryside of Maremma at the Pietriccio Rosso Equestrian Center owned by the Aldi Family.
Stefano reports: [translated] "For the first time, in a special project I made, share and built in only one month with Italian Federation, a ride for people of many different abilities, was in endurance, up and down easily on the hills, like a real champions.
Junior and Senior handicapped riders, blind, with Downs syndrome, and other mental disabilities, came from Tuscany, Sardinia and Liguria, and completed the ride at 5-8 km/h average, perfect at vet gate in 20 min. under 64 beats per minute… Incredible! All participated in a prize-giving ceremony with their high level technicians: Alessandra Pes di San Vittorio, Francesca Gentile and Maria Ignazia Marras and their Staff.
There were no limits for riders Ameri Andrea, Battistini Alessio, Castaldi Gaia, Del Rio Giovanni, Iorizzi Giulia, Marano Vincenzo, Mura Paolo, Ugolini Stefano, Ulivastri Fabio ... Really enjoyed in harmonic concentration and natural free aptitude for a new therapeutic opportunity!"
[slide show]
Italian endurance rider Stefano Chidichimo created a special opportunity for new endurance riders that normally wouldn't have a chance of experiencing the sport. Handicapped riders participated in the first promotional event of endurance and equestrian rehabilitation: a 3 km simulated endurance ride in the Tuscan countryside of Maremma at the Pietriccio Rosso Equestrian Center owned by the Aldi Family.
Stefano reports: [translated] "For the first time, in a special project I made, share and built in only one month with Italian Federation, a ride for people of many different abilities, was in endurance, up and down easily on the hills, like a real champions.
Junior and Senior handicapped riders, blind, with Downs syndrome, and other mental disabilities, came from Tuscany, Sardinia and Liguria, and completed the ride at 5-8 km/h average, perfect at vet gate in 20 min. under 64 beats per minute… Incredible! All participated in a prize-giving ceremony with their high level technicians: Alessandra Pes di San Vittorio, Francesca Gentile and Maria Ignazia Marras and their Staff.
There were no limits for riders Ameri Andrea, Battistini Alessio, Castaldi Gaia, Del Rio Giovanni, Iorizzi Giulia, Marano Vincenzo, Mura Paolo, Ugolini Stefano, Ulivastri Fabio ... Really enjoyed in harmonic concentration and natural free aptitude for a new therapeutic opportunity!"
[slide show]
2014 Normandy: The Team Above All Else!
JEMFEIAlltech2014-normandie.fr5/30/2012
The Organising Committee took a major step forward at the beginning of April by appointing the team in charge of the eight official disciplines. Getting all these experts together and making them an integral part of the Organising Committee was perhaps the most significant part of this development. In short, being able to mould eight individuals into a team!
To help things along, a working seminar was organised at Le Pin National Stud in the Orne area of Normandy – the venue playing host to the Cross Country of the Eventing competition on 30 August 2014. The eight discipline managers were of course present, along with their counterparts from the Fédération Equestre Internationale, who were, by the way, impressed by the sumptuous setting of the Le Pin Stud. “It’s important to get the FEI involved in our work from here on”, explained sports director, Laurent Cellier, just after the seminar.
"In my view, the most positive thing to come out of this experience is the creation of a collective movement that goes above and beyond individual expertise. We have always explained that we would encourage team spirit and with this new group we have everything we need to create a truly great event in 2014.”
This is a feeling shared by the discipline managers, and most notably by Michèle Pfender, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy’s “Mrs Reining”: “I was delighted to meet the team and find out about all the work that had been done beforehand by the members of the Organising Committee, who are young, competent and enthusiastic. Reining is a relatively unknown discipline and so I was touched by the openness and curiosity that the other discipline managers showed.”
Michèle Pfender also appreciates the spirit of the World Equestrian Games, “particularly the respect shown towards the horse which is a fundamental principle, and then the idea that the event won’t just be a one-off affair but will leave a lasting legacy. That’s really important for reining.”
Other similar seminars will probably take place every six months or so. “The next one will be in Caen in October, so that we can get to go to other competition sites after our stay in Le Pin, explains Laurent Cellier. We are already going over the technical issues to be raised with the FEI. And by then, our discussions will have become more and more regular.”
Mohammed congratulates Hamdan on UK race win
Emirates247.com
By Sheikh Mohammed's website
Published Tuesday, June 05, 2012
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, watched as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, rode to victory clinching the UK endurance ride title at Austin Park.
Sponsored by Meydan, the CEI*** endurance event in the UK is organised by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) under the supervision of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed claimed the title finishing in 7:43.00 hours despite the harsh weather conditions of heavy rain and cold wind. Riders from 14 countries participated in the endurance event.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Abbar came in second place finishing in 7:56.08 hours, while the third place went to Mohammed Ali Al Shafaar.
The UAE team's participation in the event is part of their preparations for the FEI World Endurance Championship scheduled for 26 August, 2012 in the UK.
By Sheikh Mohammed's website
Published Tuesday, June 05, 2012
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, watched as Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince, rode to victory clinching the UK endurance ride title at Austin Park.
Sponsored by Meydan, the CEI*** endurance event in the UK is organised by the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) under the supervision of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed claimed the title finishing in 7:43.00 hours despite the harsh weather conditions of heavy rain and cold wind. Riders from 14 countries participated in the endurance event.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Abbar came in second place finishing in 7:56.08 hours, while the third place went to Mohammed Ali Al Shafaar.
The UAE team's participation in the event is part of their preparations for the FEI World Endurance Championship scheduled for 26 August, 2012 in the UK.
Monday, June 04, 2012
Countdown to the 2012 Tom Quilty Gold Cup
Tophorse.com.au - Full ArticleThe 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
Sunday, June 03, 2012
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.
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.
Friday, June 01, 2012
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.
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
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
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