Abu Dhabi: Khalid and Hazza start as frontrunners

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan
December 31, 2008

Abu Dhabi: Last year's defending champion Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his elder brother Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the 2007 winner, will once again start off as frontrunners to win the three-day (80x3) 240-km Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup.

Last year, Shaikh Khalid won the 240-km ride on Nemer while in 2007 it was Shaikh Hazza, who finished first on ZT Faraventura.

The three-day 240-km ride is one of the four rides which make up the three-day endurance festival staged at the Boudtheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE.

The three-day 240-km event is a tough test for both rider and horse.

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Abu Dhabi: Endurance festival kicks off Wednesday

Wam.org.ae

Dec 31, 2008

ABU DHABI, Dec. 31st, 2008: The Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan International Endurance Festival is set to kick off on Thursday at the Bou Theib Endurance Village in Al Khatem.

250 male and female jockeys from the UAE and other countries will compete in 4 races over 3 days for a total of AED 600000 in prizes.

The event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of Emirates Heritage Club.

The winner of the main 3-leg 240km ride which will be spread over 3 days will receive AED 100000 in cash and the Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Endurance Cup.

Dubai: Hamad wins Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 1

By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter

Dubai: Hamad Ebrahim Abdullah Al Marzouqi scored a fluent win on Lautaro to take yesterday's 100-km Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Challenge 1 endurance ride, a national event open only to UAE riders from private stables.

Hamad, riding the 13-year-old chestnut gelding for Al Ain Stables, completed the 4-stage 100-km ride in four hours 10 minutes and 56 seconds at an average speed of 23.91kmph at the Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalam.

A total of 72 riders took part in yesterday's event which was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance.

It was a consistent riding display by Hamad on Lautaro that ended in a comfortable win for the youngster with Rashid Arif Al Zarouni on Soughah in second place and Mohammad Hassan Abdullah on Tiramisu in third ahead of Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha, who was one of the favourites.

[More ...]

Abu Dhabi: From Hobby to Profession!

Gulf News

(photo: M. Satya Narayan/Gulf News)
Maj Al Adhab says the support of the Rulers and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has helped him get a good insight into the finer aspects in officiating as an endurance judge.

By M Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: December 27, 2008, 23:32

Abu Dhabi: What started out as a hobby in 1990 soon blossomed into a fruitful association with horses and Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab is not only the Director of Dubai Mounted Police but has enjoyed many firsts in the equestrian world.

It was a hobby in 1990 and as a cadet in Dubai Police he began to enjoy riding and competing in equestrian events and after he became an officer in 1996, Mohammad Eisa caught the eye and began his journey as an official.

In 1997, the officer was sent to Australia under instructions from His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and became a Steward in flat racing and was named to the Emirates Racing Authority as the first UAE national Steward.

His next step was into endurance and starting off as junior official, he soon reached the peak and is today one of the two active four-star international judged in endurance.

Speaking to Gulf News, Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab speaks about his involvement with horses which has seen him officiate in numerous world championships.

Gulf News: How did it all come about your involvement with horses?
Major Mohammad Eisa Al Adhab: It started as a hobby but and it was this interest in horses which soon resulted in me being named as Director of Dubai Mounted Police in 1997 after I became an officer in 1996.


Could you please explain Dubai Mounted Police in brief?
We have over 200 horses and they are part of different divisions. We have horses for crowd control, endurance, show jumping, ceremony shows and more recently we have a division which helps in rehabilitation of handicapped.

Apart from heading the Dubai Mounted Police, what are the other areas of interest with horses?
Thanks to the busy racing and endurance season in the UAE I have become a four-star international judge which allows me to officiate in international events. I am also the first UAE national who has been named as an 'Expert' in horses by the Dubai Courts.

What is your role as a Horse 'Expert'?
In cases involving horses or other equestrian activities, I am eligible to give my opinion to the courts.

As a UAE national, how do you look at your role as an International Endurance Judge?
The UAE is one of the few countries with the highest number of FEI rides. Apart from this the support of the Rulers and the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation has helped me get a good insight into the finer aspects in officiating as an endurance judge. With the horse's welfare being paramount my experience as a rider helps.

In the recent past, you have been officiating in all international championships. What are the challenges?
I was the Head of the Ground Jury at the Doha Games and have been a member of the Jury at the World Endurance Championships in 2006 in Germany and the recent World Endurance Championship in Malaysia. I was also an official at the European Open Championship in Portugal in 2007.

The sport is one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines. With it the rules are also constantly being changed but fortunately for me... I manage to keep abreast of developments.

USA: Goethe Ride - Florida

The Goethe 100 was held this past weekend in Florida. Managed by Connie Caudill this long standing ride offered an FEI division this year for the first time. With perfect Florida weather the event had a large turnout and a competitive field.

Preliminary Results:
100 Milers
26 starters/14 finishers
BC- Valerie Kanavy-Gold Raven

1 08:35:45 Kanavy, Valerie Gold Raven (BC)
2 08:49:40 Rapp, Ellen Berjo Smokey
3 10:18:11 Faryadi, Farzad Hot Desert Knight
4 10:19:11 Gibbon, Kyle Julio
5 10:19:33 Rojek, Steve Sambet
6 12:35:10 Worthington, Janice Serloki
7 12:35:15 Lewis, Chris Mufasa
8 12:54:38 Farris, Mary Thundering Overtime
9 12:54:38 Schultz, Debbie TR Notablymi shaah
10 13:28:01 Blittersdorf, Melody Synthetic
11 13:28:02 House, Norma Legendary Echo
12 13:28:03 Savory, Megan Shamwari
13 13:28:04 SLeeper, Meg Syrocco Gabriel
14 13:28:05 Ivey, Debra Razyl Cha
L Alderdice, Krista Zinfandl Coalmane
L Brunjes, Kathy Tektonic
L LF Green, Lisa LR Amana Tabi
L RH Downs, Kathryn Blew Away
M Kirkland, Alexandra DJB Mercy Mercy
P Mero-Kuryla, Jeanette Lynika
PULL Carrie, Dawn Little Bear TC
RF Parsons, Debbie Eclipse
RO Hagman-Eriksson, Maria Ruleta PJ
RO M Krell, Darlene Raising Cano
RO M Kidd, Edward Merlin
ROM Yanada, Yukio Sarahs Song

75 Milers (w/o the horse names)
38 starters and 25 finishers
BC- Cia Reis
1 06:07:15 Kanavy-McGunigal, Danielle
2 06:07:30 Reis, Cia
3 06:13:33 Olsen, Jeremy
4 06:33:37 Barbosas, Hernon
5 06:38:42 Roush, Michelle
6 07:42:41 Bejarano, Wendy
7 07:42:43 Hoyns, Heather
8 07:42:44 Gielen, Robert
9 08:04:29 Vinton, Yvette
10 08:16:00 Nelzin, Justin
11 08:22:55 Crandell, John
12 08:31:05 Littlefield, Chris
13 08:39:40 WALKER, NANCY
14 08:39:40 O’Donnell, Brenda
15 08:49:20 Smetek, Gregory
16 09:24:55 Augustine, Dave
17 09:35:46 PEARSON, LAURIE WHALEY
18 09:41:43 Horn, Devon
19 09:41:45 Butler, Darolyn
20 09:49:11 Ciubuc, Radu Ion Aurel
21 09:56:42 Mettes, Cynthia
22 09:56:45 Olson, Foster
23 10:20:00 Pauley, Leigh Ann
24 11:31:50 Hendrickson, Stephanie
25 12:29:42 Carrie, Ross
L LF Kaden, David
L R Downs, Daryl
L RF Orr, Kim
L RO Snook, Lucy
LF Welling, ROxi Rivkind
LF CICCONE, ROXANNE
LH Swift, Rita
M CRANDELL, LINDA
PULL WILLIAMS, LISA
PULL WILLIAMS, KIMBERLY JoY
RH/RO Tachibana, Yurika
RO Kale, Brittany
RO L Van Deusen, Cheryl

50 Milers
BC Lisa Winburn/SA Ireesh Tenor
40 starters/33 finishers

1 03:50:00 Greenwalt, Carolina Reach for the Gold
2 03:56:00 ALLEN, ELIZABETH KHEMOZEDDI
3 03:58:00 Raciborska, Do Saagre Gold
4 04:31:00 WINBURN, LISA SA IREESH TENOR
5 04:38:00 HAGIN, AMBER Beaujolais
6 04:46:00 HOWELL, MARY SHAani
7 04:46:00 Mooney, Jessica Shashi
8 04:53:00 Pfoertsch, kevi what about bob
9 04:55:00 WALKER, DEBORAH COBRA
10 04:55:00 FEROGLIA, LESLI MAGNUFIQUE
11 04:55:46 STILLWELL, INTA Ce Nickie Bay
12 05:04:30 VILLENEUve, MARIA SMOKE RISE ZAHARA
13 05:04:31 WOODHOUSE, CHRYSTA MISS T MOONLITE
14 05:05:08 Boysen, Cody Autumn In Motion
15 05:08:18 Petras, johnny Cazze
16 05:28:20 Magee, J D Lucky
17 05:29:09 Magee, kathy Elden
18 05:29:40 HOWELL, cATHE DIXIES MORNING SKYE
19 05:31:24 Heater, RON P.D.
20 05:35:10 BASS, KEITH FENIX T
21 05:43:06 JOHNSON, TERESA SEQUENCE
22 05:43:14 YENTER, MARY ROHARA EGOISTE
23 05:48:12 Steiner, Carol Jumpin Jax
24 05:48:23 schoech, joe Kamakazi bAY B
25 05:57:10 Kemerer, SKip Samir Moniet
26 05:57:20 KEMERER, ASHLEY KIRAH ZONE
27 05:57:25 LEWIS, SAMANTHA FLEETS REFLEXION
28 06:31:53 Vavala, Carolyn CA hAfizoliVa
29 06:34:44 Mathews, Barb Torpedo Masterpiece
30 06:34:50 Maillard, WES
31 08:04:01 strasser, sheryl Wut the sign sea
32 08:10:02 SHOAf, DONNA SILKO DESSERT RAIN
33 08:10:04 JOHNSON, KELLY AJA
EL /gate 1 HUNTER, TERI KHOMENTS KAROL
L LH KALLELA, SINI SOHO
L RF BISCH, EDWARD RUSTY
L RF BROWN, JERRY JENERATOR
LH/RF Waxman, Alisa
RH Reich, Deborah Tryxa
RO BOWER, LOUISE TROOPER TOBY

Limited Distance
Best condition- Shelley Scott-Jones
37 starters/32 finishers

1 01:59:00 GIRARD, TAMMIE RAJAH EL PHARD
2 02:00:00 staffney, penny kismit
3 02:00:00 whiteacre, catherine yasmin tseacoast
4 02:13:00 Roberts, Cassandra AV Temptress
5 02:13:00 Scott-Jones, Shelley Crank It Up
6 02:15:00 BUICK, DEBBIE FOUND ONE MAXIUMUM BAY
7 02:15:00 Lemieux, Elaine Hershey
8 02:17:00 Powers, Melissa Luv on the Rocs
9 02:21:00 WONSER, JEAN WIELKI
10 02:24:00 Doler, Vickie Lady
11 02:27:00 Annis, Margie Nirus
12 02:34:00 Paul, Vance MystiQal Firefly
13 02:35:00 FLorkiewicz, Maria MAJECO
14 02:44:00 Yates, Samatha Marco
15 02:49:00 Schoech, Tamra Bogey
16 02:50:00 BROWN, MALINDA EAGLES ROCK SER
17 02:50:00 Popff, Natalie Gria
18 02:50:00 Spear, Caitlin Houre Black Kandu
19 02:55:00 Janecek, Laura Tuff
20 02:55:00 Haulbrook, Kathleen Hercules
21 02:57:00 BRIANT, CAROL VIRONIKA
22 02:58:00 FULCHER, REBECCA DREAM EAGLE
23 03:04:00 Parker, Elaine LM Sterling Sundance
24 03:16:00 BOSTROM, JOY BAILA DE NEGOLD
25 03:26:00 BRADLEY, TAMMY PRIME TIME
26 03:32:00 Anthony, Julie SPENCER
27 03:37:00 Leger, Sherry Jambo
28 03:56:00 Burton, Mason Cracker jack
29 03:56:00 Burton, Carla Rain
30 04:14:00 BASS, HOPE Magic
31 04:48:00 Neff, Bonnie Alley Dancer V
32 04:48:00 Roy, carol Travieso
L Frnt Wilcox, Victoria Sennamon
L Hind Richardson, Kathy Georgia
LH Heppleston, Jill Blessings Easter Promise
RF Rohrer, Joy Myakka Q
RO stauffer, caren slim pickens


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Bahrain: National Guard Championship

Ghazi al Dossayr and Jelham
First to Finish - Photo by Osama

GHAZI Al Dossary and Abdulla Al Khatry emerged champions in the senior and junior races, respectively in the National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship held yesterday at the Bahrain Interna\
tional Endurance Village in Sakhir.

More than 100 riders from Bahrain and Saudi Arabia competed it out in this prestigious event which featured 120km five-stage races open for junior and senior riders.

Endurance.Net Coverage

Great Britain: Molly Malone carries Hannah to a hat-trick

Journallive.co.uk

Dec 20 2008

HEXHAM-BASED Endurance rider Hannah Shotton has won the North Bedmax Trophy for the third year in a row on her Connemara pony, Miss Molly Malone.

The event is run by the Northumberland & Tyneside Endurance group and is open to any EGB or SERC (Scotland) member. There are ten qualifying rides with distances over 48 kilometres held across the North and Scottish Borders. Points are calculated based on the horse’s speed and final heart rate. The faster the speed and the lower the heart rate, the higher the points.

The trophy is awarded to the horse-rider combination with the highest total from four of the rides and prizes are presented to the first three places.

The Northumberland & Tyneside Endurance GB trophies were awarded at their Annual Group Meeting in the Robin Hood Inn, near Corbridge, by vet and sponsor Colin Mitchell, partner at ScottMitchell Associates, Hexham.

He made a short presentation on equine dentistry which was followed by a talk on the activities and hopes of the EGB Young Riders by Hannah Shotton.

Bahrain: Riders Set for National Guard Race

NINETY-two riders are in the fray for today's National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship, starting at 5.30am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The second endurance race of the season, to be held under the patronage of National Guard Commander Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, will be over 120km.

The race will be divided into five stages. The first and second stages will cover 30km each, 25km for the third stage, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.

A huge number of riders have confirmed their participation in this challenging event which is open to seniors and juniors of all ages and nationalities.

Among top stables taking part in the senior race is the Royal Endurance Team who will be represented by 18 riders, led by veteran Yusuf Taher who will ride Maraka.

Other prominent team riders include Ghazi Al Dossary, Jaffer Mirza, Khalid Al Ruwaie, Fahad Bakheit, Raed Mahmood, Ahmed Abdulsamad, Abdulhaq Qadoori and Ahmed Abdulsamad.

The remaining Royal team members are Mohammed Batch, Mahindra Singh, Karan Singh, Ahmed Abdulla, Elene Lyon, Morgan S., Abdulrahman Al Zayed and Mohammed Al Thawadi.

Al Talia Stable, another title favourites, will be spearheaded by three riders - Sang Singh Bhati, Samir Singh and Dalpat Singh.

Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa will lead a three-member team of Al Fateh Stable. The remaining two are Abdulla Al Muawda and Isa Buhazza.

Other stables in the fray include the Kingdom Stable, Al Shuwamekh, Hawar Equestrian, Hossam Mansoor, Jehad Al Sharaf, Awal, Ibrahim Abdali Stable, Al Ruwaie, Falcons, Saar Riding School, Hassan Al Ruwaie, Generation Stable, Al Asayel, Ali Ghuloom and Shabeer Malalla.

In the junior race, the Royal Endurance Team will be represented by Shaikha Maryam Al Khalifa and Ahmed Al Qaud.

From Al Fateh Stable, Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa is another favourite to win a podium spot in this category. Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Khalifa, Isa Al Ghatam and Hussain Aref are the other riders to race for Al Fateh Stable.

Also taking part in the junior races are riders from the Kingdom Stables, Hawar, Al Shuwamekh, Awal, Ras Jameel, Abu Younes, Al Mughairat, Al Ruwaie, Saar, Hassan Al Ruwaie and Al Asayel.

This prestigious championship will also feature two qualifying races over 60km and 80km. These warm-up races mostly attract young riders seeking experience for major events in the future.

In the 80km race, three riders are in the fray and they are Tito from Al Shuwamekh Stables, Nasser Awad from Al Mughairat Stable and Sayed Hussain Sayed Ali from Jawad Radhi Stable.

Six riders will line up in the 60km, including Abdulla Al Qaud and Abdulla Johar of the Royal Endurance Team, Mohammed Al Belooshi and Mohammed Al Khatry and Abdulrahman Ali of Al Asayel Stable besides Amelia Boyd from Abbas Khalil Stable.

Meanwhile, the veterinary examination will be held today from 2.30am until 4.30am at the endurance village. The weight procedures will also take place today during the veterinary examination as each rider should not be less than 75kg in weight.

The veterinarian and grounds jury committee members were announced as Carol B of Great Britain was named head of the ground jury committee which also includes Ghalib Al Alawi, Haider Al Zu'bi of Jordan and Bahrain's Abdulsamad Al Busta, Mahdi Al Kelaiti, Ali Ghuloom and Fahad Al Rumaihi.

Tunisia's Dr Yasine Al Mo'tamiri is head of the veterinary committee which consists of veterinarians from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, India, Argentina and Bahrain.
Endurance.Net Coverage

USA: Arabian breeder Donald Forbis dies

Horsetalk.co.nz

Longtime US arabian horse breeder Donald Forbis died on Monday in Mena, Arkansas, at the age of 81. He had been diagnosed with lung cancer in June.

With his wife, Judith, Forbis founded the renowned Ansata Arabian Stud in 1958. The couple met in Turkey in 1957 while he was working as an oil well manager and she was with US International Cooperation Administration's Turkish Mission. They married in March 1958.

Both were horse lovers and while living in the southeast Diyarbakir region, bought Arabian horses to race in the local races for "something to do." Don trained them, and Judith rode them in the races. Her book Hoofbeats Along the Tigris chronicles their hazardous racing career as they won races and earned the respect of the Turks, Kurds and Arabs.

[More ...]

Bahrain: Riders set for National Guard Endurance race

Gulf-daily-news.com

18th DECEMBER 2008

LEADING riders will be vying for top honours in the National Guard Endurance Horseride Championship to be held on Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The championship, which is the second event of the season, will be over 120 kms and is open to senior and junior riders. It will be held under the patronage of National Guard Commander Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Top stables taking part in this event include Al Fateh Stable coached by veteran rider Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa.

Al Fateh Stable will be represented by four riders including Shaikh Salman's daughter Shaikha Najla Al Khalifa who will compete in the junior race.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Khalifa (junior race) and Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa and Abdulla Al Muawda (senior race) are the other members of the team.

Al Asayel Stable is also entering a strong field led by Khalid Al Khatry. Yousif Isa and Mohammed Al Thawadi are set to take part in the senior race while five riders - Abdulla Al Khatry, Fahad Sulaiman, Abdulrahman Rashid, Khalifa Saad and Mohammed Saifa - are in the fray in the junior race.

Coaches Khalid Al Ruwaie from Hassan Al Ruwaie Stable and Jaffer Al Alawi of Falcons Stables are also confident of their riders putting up a good show. This event will also mark Bahrain's National Day and His Majesty King Hamad's accession to the throne.

Endurance.net coverage

WEG Equine Piroplasmosis Protocol Released

Thehorse.com

by: Edited Press Release
December 12 2008, Article # 13258

After years in development, a plan that allows horses positive for equine piroplasmosis to enter the United States in order to compete in the Alltech 2010 World Equestrian Games was recently presented to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) General Assembly. The Games, to be held Sept. 25-Oct. 10, 2010, represent the world championships of the eight FEI disciplines. This is the first time the Games will be held outside of Europe.

Equine piroplasmosis is a blood-borne disease that can cause sickness in horses that have not been previously exposed. In areas of the world where the disease is more common, it can be transmitted by carrier horses that have encountered the disease previously and that carry both the causative organism and antibodies in their blood.

The World Games 2010 Foundation coordinated with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to organize this protocol.

"Effectively negating the piroplasmosis risk for both competition horses and the domestic horse population is a primary focus for our team, as part of our overall importation and quarantine plan," said Kent Allen, DVM, veterinary services coordinator for the event. "We want all horses to enter a healthy environment, and to leave the Games from a healthy environment."

The piroplasmosis organism requires specific tick species to complete its life cycle. For the organism to spread, this species of tick must feed on an infected horse, then drop off and feed on a non-infected horse.

More...

New Zealand: Harmon shows endurance over testing 102km course

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article and results

The Marlborough Express | Wednesday, 17 December 2008

Linda Harmon outlasted Kylie Avery to take 102km honours at the Marlborough Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Club's annual endurance ride on Saturday, December 6.

The two Marlborough riders were side by side for much of the four loops over the Easter Marchburn, Ditchling and Chestnut Valley properties but in the end it was Harmon and Landon V'erah who proved victorious.

Harmon crested the final hill ahead of Avery and Silands Jasark and gently cantered her horse down the final strip and over the line in 7 hours 47.26 minutes.

Avery finished 26 seconds later. Landon V'erah completed a double, taking the best conditioned award for the 102km class.

Marlborough junior rider Jaime Heywood, aboard Delights Antar, also completed the 102km ride, in 9.52.14.

More...

Sport Horse Veterinary Symposium to Run with WEG

Thehorse.com

Edited Press Release
December 16 2008, Article # 13280

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital and Alltech will sponsor a sport horse symposium for veterinarians to be held in conjunction with the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. The symposium, "Promoting Peak Performance in Equine Athletes," will be held Sept. 22-24, 2010, at the Marriot Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Ky. In addition to this symposium for veterinarians, Rood & Riddle and Alltech will conduct seminars at the Kentucky Horse Park during the Games for non-veterinary attendees.

The symposium will focus on veterinary care for horses involved in sport horse disciplines, including: eventing, show jumping, dressage, endurance, reining, vaulting, driving, and para-equestrian. An international roster of speakers will present in-depth, current information on orthopedic problems, diagnostic imaging, equine podiatry, gait disorders (lameness versus neurological disease), upper and lower respiratory disease, muscle disease, and nutrition.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is the official equine hospital and veterinary partner for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, which will be held Sept. 25 through Oct. 10 at the Kentucky Horse Park.

"Rood and Riddle is delighted to partner with Alltech to sponsor a symposium for sport horse veterinarians from around the world," said Tom Riddle, DVM. "We timed the meeting so that veterinarians could attend the symposium and stay for the Games, which begin the day following the closure of the symposium. We are assembling an outstanding group of speakers who will offer the latest information on veterinary care and nutrition of the sport horse."

Abu Dhabi: Muhairi Wins National Day Endurance Race

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

James Jose

14 December 2008

ABU DHABI — Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi bounced back in style to win the prestigious National Day Cup FEI CEI 120km Endurance Ride at the Emirates Endurance Village in Al Wathba on Saturday.

With this win in one of the most looked forward to event of the Endurance season, Dubai’s Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi also brought the National capital’s domination to a halt. Riders from Abu Dhabi have won all the six Rides of the season so far — three Open Rides and three Junior Rides.

It was a sensational and sweet win for Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi as he was placed 16th after the first loop of 32km. And also, his horse Sudan was vetted out in the Shaikh Rashid bin Hamdan Challenge two weeks ago. It was ridden by his younger brother Ali Thani Mohammed Al Muhairi. Sudan bounced back in style and it augurs well for owner Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Minister of Finance. Muhairi timed four hours, 47 minutes and 54 seconds. Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed, who was leading until the fourth loop, had to settle for second after his horse Tris Filou, from the Al Reef Stables, was tired to make a dash to the finish. Sultan Ahmad Sultan bin Sulayem, bronze medallist at the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia, was third. Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed had an overall time of four hours, 52 minutes and 22 seconds, while Sulayem had a timing of five hours and nine seconds.

Briton Alice Beet displayed one of the finest fightbacks of the day...

More...

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser finishes fourth

Date:14-12-2008

ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished fourth place overall in the first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix yesterday at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi, writes RAMI HULAYYEL.

Forty six riders from Bahrain and the UAE took part in the first of a three-race series being organised for the first time by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian Endurance Federation (Breef) in co-operation with the UAE Equestrian Federation.

Only 18 riders could finish the race which was divided into five stages - 32 kms, 30 kms, 24 kms, 18 kms and 16 kms.

The hosts dominated the podium yesterday with Abdulla bin Hazim winning the race in four hours, 58 minutes and 10 seconds.

Behind him was UAE's presidential affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan (5:08:34) while compatriot Ahmed bin Harmash (5:13:06) was third.

Riding Omsura Nasrohn, Shaikh Nasser was among five of Bahrain's top riders in this prestigious event which is only open to riders over 75 kgs.

Shaikh Nasser had steered the same horse to victory in the Opening Season Championship held last month,

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, finished the race in 5:16.51.

Federation's first vice-president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa had to pull out of the race in the second stage as his horse was exhausted.

The remaining Bahraini riders in the fray were Ghazi Al Dossary (5:33:40) who was eighth overall while both Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa and Abdulhaq Qadoori were unable to complete the race.

Among the leading riders from the UAE were UAE's vice-president, prime minister and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum who finished fifth overall.

Shaikh Mohammed's son Shaikh Hamdan, who entered the race as one of the leading contenders for the title, had to pull out in the first stage following an injury to his horse.

The event was witnessed by a number of Breef board members headed by Endurance Committee chairman Shaikh Faisal Rashid Al Khalifa.



Endurance.Net Coverage

UAE: Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan finishes second

Khaleej Times

photo: Khaleej Times
James Jose
December 14

ABU DHABI – He watched with glee, his club Al Jazira crush Al Nasr in the UAE Pro-League on Friday night. And on Saturday, Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan rounded off a perfect weekend, by finishing an impressive second in Round 1 of the Giants Endurance Challenge FEI CEI 120km Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Abdullah Saeed bin Huzaim, astride Nucius Romas, won the three-star ride. Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the Emirates Racing Authority, astride Carallio, was impressive as he came second.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, rode an impressive ride to finish fifth. Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid, was placed 21st after the first loop before bouncing back in style.

The Giants Challenge is a three-round series with the second ride in Bahrain on January 10, 2009 and the third in Dubai on February 28, 2009.

Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan was placed fourth after the first loop of 32km, with a time of 1:16.45 seconds. He moved up to second in the second loop of 30km, with a timing of 2:28.45 seconds. But he dropped down to seventh in the third loop of 24km, with a time of 3:38.09 seconds.

He remained in seventh in the 18km fourth loop, with a time of 4:31.02 seconds. He finished the fifth loop of 16km in second. He had an overall time of five hours, eight minutes and 34 seconds with an average speed of 25.58. “It was a tough ride. Nevertheless, it was good to get some points in the first round,” Shaikh Mansour said later.

The top 10 placed riders in each of the three rounds will receive points with the rider who accumulates the highest number of points emerging the champion. A bonus of 10 points will be given to the rider who complete the rides on the same horse.
Ahmad Ali Bin Harmash, astride Aratahnes Legend and from the Fazaa Endurance Team, was third with an overall timing of 5:13.06 seconds.

Abu Dhabi: Mohammad, Mansour in top five

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
December 13, 2008

Abu Dhabi: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, finished in the top five to pick up valuable points in the first of the three-round FEI Three-Star 120-km Giants Endurance Challenge (Body Weight) Ride on Saturday.

Shaikh Mansour, riding Carallio, finished second behind Abdullah Saeed Bin Huzaim on Nucius Romas while Shaikh Mohammad finished fifth on Tazoul Al Parry in yesterday's ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa finished fourth and the leading riders in this 75kg Body Weight ride will now meet again in Bahrain in the second round on January 10, 2009.

More...

The Netherlands: 2009 Dutch Championships

The 2009 Dutch Championships will be held 12-14 June 2009, in and around Ermelo, Netherlands. For the 8th consecutive year, organizer Eric Lamsma is putting together a 160-km course over the established Fasna Trail. Routes will carry riders through the beautiful Veluwe region: forest paths interspersed with vast heather.

Start, vet gates, and finish are in one location, at the headquarters of the KMSH, the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation.

Many international participants are expected, as well as last year's returning Dutch Champions, Janet van Wijk and Latino.

More information at Fasna Trail.

Bahrain: Riders for UAE event

Gulf Daily News

ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and a group of Bahraini riders are set for a new challenge today, when the first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix gets underway at 5am (Bahrain time) at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi.

Top riders from Bahrain, the UAE, and other invited guests will line up in the first of a three-race series, being organised for the first time by the Bahrain Royal Endurance Federation (Breef) in co-operation with the UAE Equestrian Federation.

Riding Omsura Nasrohn, whom he steered to win the Opening Season Championship held last month, Shaikh Nasser will lead the Bahrainis' hopes in this prestigious event which is only open to riders of 75kg weight and above.

Shaikh Nasser, the Breef president, will be joined by the federation's first vice-president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Other Bahraini riders in the fray are Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Abdulhaq Qadoori and Ghazi Al Dossary.

The Bahrainis will face a stern test in this race where they compete it out with the region's best riders, including those from the UAE.

Prominent riders from the UAE will be Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, his son Shaikh Hamdan and UAE's vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai besides Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser and members of the Bahraini riders underwent training yesterday at the race venue.

During their practice session, the Bahraini riders met with the UAE team members, including Shaikh Hamdan, who welcomed the Bahrainis and wished them the best of luck.

Both Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid were also present at the veterinary examination held yesterday to follow up the procedures and approve their participation in today's race.

This race, which coincides with the National Day Cup scheduled for the same day, will be divided into five stages.

The first stage will cover 32km, 30km for the second stage, 24km for third, 18km for the fourth and 16km for the fifth.

After this event, riders will then travel to Bahrain next month for the second round, to be held at the International Endurance Village in Sakhir on January 10 next year.

The third and final round of the series is scheduled for February 28 next year at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.

The overall winner of the series will accumulate the highest number of points. The top 10 riders in each race of the series will gain points.

The organising committee earlier approved the points system for the series as the winner in each round will be awarded 100 points.

Eighty points will be given to second place, 70 for third place, 60 for fourth, 50 for fifth, 50 for sixth, 30 for seventh, 20 for eighth, 10 for ninth and five points for 10th.

Bahrain: Riders ready for Grand Prix race

Bahrain Gulf Daily News

SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in the UAE to lead Bahrain's top riders in tomorrow's first round of the 120-km Endurance Horseride Grand Prix at Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, in Abu Dhabi.

Commencing at 6.30am (Bahrain time), the race will be one of three races in the 75-kg body weight series to be organised for the first time in the region with riders from Bahrain, the UAE and other invited guests in the fray.

Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal and Equestrian Federation (Breef) president and Royal Endurance Team captain, will be joined by Breef first vice-president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stables Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Leading prominent riders from the UAE will be Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE's vice-president, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai besides Presidential Affairs Minister Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Tomorrow's race will be divided into five stages - 32km for the first stage, 30km for the second, 24km for third, 18km for the fourth and 16km for the fifth.

Bahrain will host the second round, to be held at the International Endurance Village in Sakhir on January 10 next year while the third and final round is scheduled for February 28 at Dubai International Endurance City in Seih Assalem.

The overall winner of the series will accumulate the highest number of points. The top 10 riders in each race of the series will gain points.

Approved

The organising committee approved the points system for the series as the winner in each round will be awarded 100 points.

Eighty points will be given to second place, 70 for third place, 60 for fourth, 50 for fifth, 50 for sixth, 30 for seventh, 20 for eighth, 10 for ninth and five points for 10th.

Tomorrow's first round will coincide with the National Day Cup which is scheduled for the same day.

Both events were announced during a Press conference in Abu Dhabi.

It was attended by Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club director general Adnan Al Nuaimi, Hydra Properties chief executive officer Dr Al Fahim and managing director of Tasweeq Lara Sawaya, announcing the 37 National Day Cup and Giants Endurance Challenge.

Al Nuaimi said Hydra Properties and Shaikh Mansour's breeding stables in Normandy, France have joined hands to sponsor and support both races.

"It is also our privilege to collaborate with the Breeding Stables in Normandy, France, owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in sponsoring these two endurance rides and other events this season," said Al Fahim.

Al Fahim said that is the first time that Hydra Properties has been involved with the National Day Cup which is one of the most important events and most of the top riders in the UAE will be there to add to the prestige of the event.

"Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan's breeding stables in Normandy, France is supporting the National Day Cup and the Grand Prix as part of its promotional campaign," said Lara.