Portugal: CEIO Nations Cup 2009 - 4 October 2009

Endurallportugal.com

CEIO 160 km Barroca D'Alva, Alcochete - 4th October 2009

Endur'All is now preparing the Nations Cup 2009 which will be the final of the circuit between France, Belgium, Italy and Portugal. Nations Cup 2009 is a 160 km course beside Tejo estuary, a natural reserve located in Barroca d'Alva, Alcochete, 30 km near Lisbon and the international airport.

The Competition
The competition will count with a presence of a large number of international riders that will not only be competing a 160 km but will be profiting a course through a beautiful landscape, a surrounding area of Lisbon that has revealed itself has a paradise at 20 minutes away from the capital. Tejo estuary, a natural reserve of the country that presents 325 square km of an enormous biodiversity and considered the biggest sanctuary of wild aquatic birds.

The course offers a unique terrain conditions for the practice of Endurance in Europe, since that has received the European Endurance Championship 2007 Open, and the Nations Cup CEIO 2006, 2007, and 2008. 160 km courses almost entirely cutting through estuary country criss-crossed with rice-paddies, canals and dukes as well as pine forests and oak plantations. We've chosen a pleasant, technical and fast course for the riders to enjoy but also to prove their level of competitiveness.

More information at Endurallportugal.com

Namibia: Walvis Bay Hosts Endurance Horse Riding

Newera.com.na

31-August-2009

by Albertina Nakale

WALVIS BAY - Excitement is mounting as horse riders prepare themselves for the annual International Horse Endurance Ride, which gets underway at Walvis Bay on Wednesday.

According to the Namibia Endurance Ride Association (NERA), a significant number of riders from South African and Botswana and hosts Namibia will be in action in this highly acclaimed competition.

"Walvis Bay is the ideal location for the competition. The dune landscapes provide for some of the toughest endurance rides, attracting riders from all over the world," said the secretary of NERA, Annette Hanekom.

The first endurance ride in Namibia was held in 1966 between Veldduin and Maroelaboom, and soon grew in leaps and bounds.

After the withdrawal of the South African Defence Force in 1989 endurance riding came to abrupt halt in Namibia. However, by 1990 the Grootfontein Endurance Ride Club was established and the first endurance ride after independence was held in April that year at Kranzfontein, near Grootfontein.

The maiden edition of the National Championships was held at Gobabis in 1992. Ever since the endurance sport has grown tremendously and there are currently more than 200 members and seven clubs.

"More important than the numbers is the quality of improvement that Namibia Endurance Riding has experienced. We have grown to become internationally competitive with our wonderful and tough horses.

While our riding routes are a true challenge in stamina, fitness and endurance."

As with the previous competitions the event has not only attracted top riders beyond Namibian borders but has lured high profiled technical delegates, veterinarians, supporters and friends.

"As you can imagine this is a healthy boost to the coastal economy and an opportunity to promote the area as a tourist attraction. The competition will be held in compliance with the regulations of the Federation Equestre International (FEI)."

The competition that wounds its way around Walvis Bay, covers a distance of 130 kilometers for the senior open division and 120 kilometers for the junior riders.

"This is the biggest equestrian event in Namibia. It does not only put the country on the international map, but also promotes Walvis Bay and the town's unique environment.

"According to our estimates, the income this event will generate will be thousands of dollars through accommodation, meals and other tourism activities as participants, officials and spectators will flock to the endurance championships," Hanekom concluded.

Spain: Equipo espanol para el Mundial de Raid YR/J

Ecuestreonline.com - Mas

17/08/2009

Diego Haces ("Esso Starlet"), Agda Muixí ("Troian 3"), Uma Mencia ("Indian Tawfik"), Andrea Laura López ("Cal al Jakin"), Laura Vilaregut ("Arca") y Eulalia González ("Sadek P") han sido los binomios elegidos para representar a España, el próximo mes de septiembre, en el Campeonato del Mundo de Raid de Juveniles y Jóvenes Jinetes (Bábolna, Hungría).

Mediante un comunicado oficial firmado el 14 de agosto por el seleccionador nacional, Quico Yebra, la Real Federación Española de Hípica ha dado a conocer los nombres de los seis binomios que representarán a nuestro país en el Campeonato del Mundo de Raid de Juveniles y Jóvenes Jinetes, que se disputará del 5 al 6 de septiembre en Bábolna (Hungría), sede de una centenaria ganadería y una de las cunas del famoso caballo árabe Shagya.

Diego Haces ( "Esso Starlet"), Agda Muixí ( "Troian 3"), Uma Mencia ( "Indian Tawfik"), Laura Andrea Lopez ( "Cal at Jakin"), Laura Vilaregut ( "Ark") and Eulalia Gonzalez ( " Sadek P ") were the couples elected to represent Spain, next September in the Raid World Championship of Youth and Young Riders (Bábolna, Hungary).

Through a communiqué signed on 14 August by the national coach, Quico Yebra, the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation has announced the names of the six couples who will represent our country in the Raid World Championship for Junior and Young Riders , to be played from 5 to 6 September in Bábolna (Hungary), an ancient seat of livestock and one of the birthplaces of famous Shagya Arab horse.

Mas...

France: Maria Alvarez, ganadora del CEI2* de Compiegne

Ecuestreonline.com - Mas

24/08/2009

Montando a "Julius de la Dromme", la española Maria Alvarez ganó el Raid Internacional de dos estrellas (CEI2*)-Trofeo de los Equipos del Festival Mundial de Endurance de Compiègne (Francia), en cuyo marco se corrieron los campeonatos del mundo de caballos de ocho y siete años, ganados, respectivamente, por la local Laetitia Gonçalves ("Nasdak de Sommant") y el qatarí Abugnaim Faleh Nasser Saleh ("Orette de Tanues"). En el Mundial de ocho años, Alex Luque ("O'Bajan XX-3") y David Fernández ("Enia") fueron cuarto y quinto, respectivamente.

Riding "the Dromme Julius," the Spanish Maria Alvarez won the International Raid two stars (CEI2 *)-Trophy Teams World Endurance Festival de Compiègne (France), under which ran the World Championships eight horses and seven years, won respectively by the local Laetitia Goncalves ( "Nasdak of Sommant") and Qatari Nasser Saleh Abugnaim Faleh ( "Orette of Tanu). At the World Cup eight years, Alex Luque ("O'Bajan XX-3 ") and David Fernandez (" Enia ") were fourth and fifth respectively.

Mas...

Italy: Assissi Endurance Lifestyle

Assisiendurancelifestyle.it

26-08-2009

THE MAYOR OF ASSISI AND THE ENDURANCE LIFESTYLE CEO WILL PRESENT THE DATA EVENT IN THE SALA DELLA CONCILIAZIONE

Within a month form its beginning there is an increasingly expectation for the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle, eleven days full of emotions, in the breathtaking town of san Francesco.

The Assisi Municipality is, as in previous years, a major partner of the event that is a great expression of the perfect union with the surrounding, increasing its strengths thanks to the unique beauties of city and its district that will host the Meydan City FEI Open European Endurance Championships 2009 and a plethora of other events.
Friday August the 28th at 11.00 a.m. in the Sala della Conciliazione in Assisi, the Major Mr. Claudio Ricci and the AEL CEO, Mr. Gianluca Laliscia, will attend the event presentation meeting focussed on 2009 programme and some event highlights.

Great worldwide authorities are going to be the event, just consider the fact that 28 nations will take part to the competition. We will let the numbers speak for themselves: 3 continents will take part to the event, 7 Royal families, 15 Sheiks, 18 private jets expected, 136 horse riders in the race, 24 official broadcasting companies and up to 11.200 estimated overnight stays.

Due to this reason we have considered strategically important to set this meeting in order to brief the Media and the Economical representatives to set the best hospitality for the thousands of people that are going to arrive in Assisi close to the event stats on September 17th 2009.

Assisi Endurance Lifestyle is a great opportunity to rediscover style and life quality and moreover an extraordinary occasion for our region and its promotion.

Italy: Stage nazionale: vince il gruppo

Sportendurance.it - più

Notizia del 28/08/2009

Si è svolto ieri a Suno (NO) presso le strutture messe a disposizione dallo Chef d’Equipe Sergio Tommasi, lo stage di allenamento riservato ai cavalli in selezione, dal quale verranno designati i 6 binomi che rappresenteranno la squadra azzurra ai Campionati Europei Open di Assisi il prossimo 26 Settembre. Sportendurance ha seguito, come l’anno passato, unitamente allo staff tecnico della nazionale, tutti i test ai cavalli.
Giornata calda ed afosa quella di ieri giovedi 27 Agosto, quando cavalli e cavalieri sono stati chiamati ad un allenamento in tre fasi di circa 65-70km. Il gruppo ha lavorato per queste due giornate di test, in modo molto armonico; certo, il fermento per un appuntamento importante, accentuato anche dal fatto di “giocare in casa”, era percepibile, ma per tutte le due giornate il clima è stato sereno e l’intenzione di costruire un gruppo che possa lavorare e crescere compatto è già realtà.

Al termine della seconda giornata Sergio Tommasi C.T. della nazionale italiana endurance, molto disponibile ed estremamente gentile, si è concesso in esclusiva ai microfoni di Sportendurance per una breve intervista:

Mancano esattamente 30 giorni all’appuntamento più importante della stagione cioè il campionato europeo open. In quale stato di forma si sono presentati i cavalli e quale lavoro avete svolto durante questa due giorni di stage?

I cavalli si sono presentati tutti in buone condizioni, il primo giorno abbiamo effettuato tutti i test veterinari a riposo che ritenevamo opportuni, mentre il secondo giorno hanno fatto un allenamento in andatura di circa 66 km suddiviso in tre fasi. Prima della partenza sono stati eseguiti i prelievi ematici che si sono susseguiti fase dopo fase, per monitorare la reazione dei cavalli allo sforzo fisico e a determinare lo stato di condizione degli stessi.




It took place yesterday at Suno (NO) at the facilities made available by the Chef d'Equipe Sergio Tommasi, the internship training reserved for horses in the selection, which will be designated by the 6 combinations that will represent the Italian team at the European Championships Open Assisi on 26 September. Sportendurance followed, like last year, together with the technical staff of the national test for all horses.
Hot and muggy day than yesterday Thursday 27 August, when horses and riders were called to a workout in three phases of about 65-70km. The group has worked for these two days of testing, very harmonious, sure, the excitement for an important appointment, accentuated by the fact of "playing house" was perceptible, but for every two days the weather was sunny and the intent to build a group that can work and grow compact is already a reality.

At the end of the second day of the Italian national Sergio Tommasi CT endurance, very friendly and extremely polite, it was granted exclusive to the microphones of Sportendurance for a brief interview:

Missing exactly 30 days the appointment of the season that is the European championship open. In quale stato di forma si sono presentati i cavalli e quale lavoro avete svolto durante questa due giorni di stage? In what state of form occurred horses and what work you have done during the two days of work experience?

The horses are all in very good condition, the first day we did all the testing veterinarians at rest as we see fit, while the second day they did a workout in the gait of about 66 km in three phases. Prima della partenza sono stati eseguiti i prelievi ematici che si sono susseguiti fase dopo fase, per monitorare la reazione dei cavalli allo sforzo fisico ea determinare lo stato di condizione degli stessi. Before leaving blood samples have been performed that have followed step by step, to monitor the reaction of horses to physical effort and to determine the state of condition of the same.

più - More...

Australia: Jamie saddles up for a feat of endurance

Southeast Advertiser
24 Aug 09 @ 09:53am by Belinda Seeney

ENDURANCE horseracing takes not only talent and technical skill but plenty of patience.

Hawthorne teen Jamie Green (pictured) is top in his field, taking out the Australian National Endurance Championships (160km Youth) at Imbil in June.

The South-East Advertiser’s YoungStar sports category winner started the race at 3am and finished at 5pm to clinch the title.

Jamie’s endurance riding success has been swift considering he only began riding lessons three years ago.

“One of our neighbours was into it and we bought my first horse off them,” he explained.

“They asked me if I wanted to do an endurance ride with them and I just got hooked.”

The 14-year-old Churchie student said that an average endurance race lasted 10 to 14 hours.

The horses were examined by a veterinarian every 40km.

Mum Denise Green said Jamie spent every weekend and holidays at the family’s Mary Valley property, training and riding his horses.

“Living in Brisbane makes it difficult but his dad helps out by staying at the farm to do extra horse training before major rides, not to mention driving Jamie and his horses to each endurance event,” she said.

Jamie will travel to Victoria in September for the 160km Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

[More ...]

USA: American Rider Alexandria Kirkland Prepared to Contend for 2009 World Championships

Alexandria Kirkland, training for the 2009 Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championships

Sixteen-year-old Alexandria Kirkland will be the U.S. representative at the 2009 FEI Young Rider/Junior World Endurance Championships, held in Babolna, Hungary on September 5. The prestigious 75 mile horse race will be attended by 29 countries and over 120 competitors. Kirkland will be the sole American rider to compete at these Championships, and she is coming off of a solid individual bronze medal at the North American Championships last month in Indiana.

"After such a strong performance at the North American Championships, I have high hopes for these World Championships. My sponsors, Hought Endurance Tack and The Distance Depot, have provided me with everything I need to be successful in Hungary. Being the United States' only hope for a medal definitely puts the pressure on, but I am confident in the talent of my support crew and the horse." Kirkland says about the Championships.

Accompanying Alexandria will be her mother and her chief crew, Deborah Kirkland. It will be the first World Championships for both Kirkland and her crew, though her mother has been a crew member for Alexandria’s entire career in Endurance.

"I've been coaching and assisting Alexandria for over five years now," says Deborah Kirkland. "She has always been an intense strategist at races, and a fierce athlete. Alexandria will be riding a leased horse from France, a horse she's never seen before, on a course that she's never ridden, so she will have to use her experience and riding skill to be successful."

The United States Young Rider Endurance program has never captured a medal at a World Championships, and Kirkland hopes to be the first. In fact, the United States has not stood on the podium of a World Championships in over ten years, since Valerie Kanavy's gold medal at the 1998 World Endurance Championships. However, the US is hoping to change their luck in time for next year’s 2010 World Equestrian Championships in Kentucky.

"A good showing at the 2009 World Endurance Championships would absolutely set the stage for Team USA in 2010, when the Championships are on our home turf in Kentucky," said Kirkland. "Hopefully we can put America back on the top of the sport of Endurance."






Qatar: Al Shaqab Wins 130km Endurance Race in Compiegne, France

Impressive Fourth Victory of French Campaign

Compiegne, France – The Al Shaqab Endurance Team continued their winning ways in the recent competition in Compiegne, France as rider Faleh Nasser Abugnaim won the 130km event for seven-year-old horses.

Abugnaim skillfully guided his mount, Orette de Tanues, to the victory in 6:30.10. Second place went to Virginie Atger of France in 6:35. A total of 55 riders from throughout the Europe began the race the northern French city with 35 contestants completing the course.

Fifteenth after the first veterinarian check, Abugnaim aggressively moved to second by the second lap and was able to gain the lead during the fourth and final lap to secure the victory.

Al Shaqab, a member of Qatar Foundation, has been highly successful during their French riding campaign. Since arriving in late July the team has taken top honors in four separate events. The wins include 90km event in Tarbes, and two victories in St. Paulien, 90 km and 160 km races and the 130km Compiegne competition.

The team continues to train for the upcoming European Endurance Championships to be held in Assisi, Italy, September 26 and will attract riders from five continents.

Great Britain: Final selection for the World YR Championships

Endurancegb.co.uk

17th August 2009

The British Young Riders team to complete at the Young Riders World Championships at Babolna in Hungary in early September has now been announced ....



Carri Ann Dark on Esta Leonardo Diabo
Beth Langley on HS Ametista
Helen Perry on Wesam

Great Britain: British Team Selection for European Championships in Assisi

Endurancegb.co.uk

16th August 2009

Selection for the European Championships 2009 at Assissi took place this weekend at Waresley Park, Beds. The following horses and riders were successful and have been invited to compete for GBR in September in Italy ...


Beccy Broughton with Java Sunlight
Roz Clapp with Nazeeka
Fiona Hamilton with Sharifah
Annie Joppe with Dilmun
Catriona Moon with Leila
Christine Yeoman with LM Midday

Travelling reserve horse: LM Taquillero
1st non travelling reserve Rachael Atkinson with Vanash
2nd non travlling reserve Jan Cockley Adams Khadidja du Pont

UAE: Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum of Dubai Banned from Competing in Horse Races

Allheadlinenews.com

August 14, 2009

Anne Lu - Celebrity News Service News Writer

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (BANG) - Dubai's Crown Prince has been banned from riding in horse endurance races. The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has forbidden Sheik Hamdan bin Mohammed al Maktoum from competing in any of its events for 10 months after his horse tested positive for a steroid.

The 26-year-old royal was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.

Hamden is the son of Dubai's ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, who is currently serving six-month ban after one of his horses failed two drug tests.

Sheik Mohammed's horse trainer has also been banned from the sport after he admitted administering a steroid and a hypertension medication to his equines.

Hamden's horse Eo Fawati tested positive for anabolic steroids after a 120km endurance race in Bahrain in January.

In a written statement to the FEI, he claimed a private investigation at his family's stables had failed to discover how the drugs entered the horse's system.


More at NBCSports

Great Britain: Team GBR Launch Fundraising Auction

Horsemart.co.uk

An Online auction has been launched by Equestrian Team GBR to raise funds to send the British Team to the World Equestrian Games in 2010. The site includes exclusive gifts, experiences and a huge array of items that will appeal to everyone. The auction forms a major part of Team GBR’s fundraising initiatives, which are now gathering momentum.

There are a number of lots on the site already that you can bid for. Items include the chance to join the eventing performance squad for winter training, a pamper day for two at Peter Jones in Slone Square, lessons with our equestrian stars, the 3ft tall Olympic mascot from Hong Kong and much, much more.

A World Equestrian Games includes the eight disciplines of dressage, eventing, show jumping, para-equestrian dressage, driving, endurance, reining and vaulting – for the British team this is more than 51 horses in total.

“The Games are being held in Kentucky, USA, the first time they have ever been held outside Europe,” comments Will Connell, Equestrian Performance Director. “To send a full team and remain one of the top equestrian nations in the world, we need your help. All proceeds of this auction will go towards sending the team to the Games and supporting our talented riders in their quest to compete and win on the World stage. Without your help we will not be able to send a full team.”

The Olympic and Paralympic teams are generously supported by lottery funding via UK Sport, but the non-Olympic sports of driving, endurance, reining and vaulting do not receive funding of any kind. GBP 500,000 is needed to support those teams and fund their trip to Kentucky next year.

The auction site has been launched with the generous support of the John Lewis Partnership who joined with the British Equestrian Federation as part of the British Olympic Association FTSE 100 partnership scheme.

The site is very easy to use, setting up an account will only take a few minutes and then you can start bidding straight away on any of the items. There is also the option to sign up for auction email alerts, to be the first to know about the exciting new lots being added to the site.

The British Equestrian Federation and all its member bodies are committed to sending a full team to the World Games and the auction site is just one way that people can get behind the Teams.

You can also show your support by joining Team GBR Ontrack. Supported across the British Equestrian Federation and launched in partnership with the equestrian Olympic and Paralympic teams via British Eventing, The British Show Jumping Association and British Dressage, Team GBR Ontrack brings together, for the first time, all equestrian and horse sport activity in the UK under one ‘supporters club’. There are two options to join, either free or a one-off fee of GBP 20 which brings with it a range of exciting benefits for you and the teams.

Everyone joining the full membership option will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a VIP trip the World Equestrian Games in 2010 and the first 500 members will get a unique black membership card.

Ontrack will officially launch at an exclusive fundraising event in the Cotswolds on 8 September. With a champagne reception, luxury lunch, showcase of all World Equestrian Games sports and the opportunity to meet stars of the past and future, this is a not be missed event. Details of how to buy tickets are available on the website.

Also look out for the exciting Team GBR raffle which will be coming very soon with the exciting first prize of a GBP 100,000 Olympic Horsebox and some great runners-up prizes too.

Visit the auction via www.equestrianteamgbr.co.uk and find out more about the other initiatives at www.teamgbrontrack.com.

Show your support:
o Bid on an auction item
o Buy a raffle ticket
o Join Team GBR Ontrack
o Buy a ticket for the first Ontrack fundraising day

It’s all great value, only takes a couple of minutes of your time and will make a real difference to our equestrian teams while giving you some great benefits, gifts and prizes in return!

Area rider finishes well in Tevis Cup

SkyHiDailyNews.com
Tennessee (Lane) Mahoney "Tenney," former Grand County student and resident of a ranch owned by her family near Kremmling, recently placed sixth in the Tevis Cup, a 100-mile, one-day, equine race from Truckee, Calif., to Auburn, Calif.

The Tevis Cup race is considered one of the most, if not THE most, difficult horse race in the world. The 2009 race had entries from six countries and 33 states. About 180 riders entered and 87 completed the race.

Tenney and her husband, Sean Mahoney, train horses and teach riding at their home "Remuda Run," outside of Fort Collins.

Although Tennessee has been doing well in the Mountain Region AERC (American Endurance Riding Club) and has qualified her horse, DWA Pearl, through Federacion Equine Internacional to possibly compete in the Olympics, this was Tennessee's first time to ride in the Tevis Cup and her first time to ride Salty, a gelding of mixed breeds.

Tennessee began training in endurance riding with Global Endurance two years ago and she and her horse DWA (Drinkers of the Wind Arabians) Pearl have been selected to compete in the endurance riding Olympic Trials this October for the 2010 Olympics to be held in Kentucky that year.

Tennessee moved here from Virginia in 1989 when she was only 7 years old and had been doing horse work Western style both in Virginia, and at family ranches in Texas and New Mexico. She had done English riding and some jumping in Virginia since she was 3.

However, after moving to Colorado, she began riding in the local gymkanas and rodeos along with helping with cattle work at her home ranch. After going to High School at Fountain Valley School near Co. Springs, she learned to drive big Belgians in the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo and at the Denver Stock Show.

news.co.nz
photo:Hannah Ritchie and Charlotte Davison are part of a team competing in the Mongol Derby

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 7:51p.m.

Two New Zealanders living in London are preparing to canter into the record books with the race of a lifetime.

Hannah Ritchie and Charlotte Davison are part of a team competing in the Mongol Derby - a race the organisers have called the biggest, baddest equine affair on the planet.

"It's based on the old postal system that Genghis Khan created," Ms Ritchie explains. "When he was developing his empire, basically his riders would ride 22 hours a day in the saddle and change horse every 40km so they could get a message from Mongolia to Western Europe. I think they did it in about 11 days."

Starting in the ancient capital of Kharkhorin, the 26 riders of the derby will cover 80km a day to finish up somewhere in the Khentii province of Mongolia two weeks later.

It's not so much a race as an endurance test. Riders will spend 14 hours a day in the saddle.

The Kiwi pair's trusty steed for the race is the native Mongolian horse. It's an ancient breed that's stocky with short legs and a large head and roams free for months at a time.

Between them the race competitors will go through almost 800 horses in Mongolia, but sourcing so many horses shouldn't be a problem. In Mongolia they outnumber people seven to one.

The competitors are only allowed to carry 10kg of supplies and there are no support vehicles following them. The only safety net is a GPS attached to each rider to ensure they can be found if things go seriously wrong.
[More ...]

USA: Thistle Down riders complete course, despite rain

Frazee-Vergas Forum
by Dale Fet
photo:Almost 2 inches of rain altered the course at the Thistle Down Run near Frazee this weekend. Riders (from left) Alexis Visser of Pequot Lakes, Karen Kersten of Pine River and Tara Saley of Brainerd headed out of the campground on a timed run Sunday. Photo by Gale Kaas

The Thistle Down Run endurance horse ride near Frazee was a success with over 80 riders entering for the weekend in spite of less than ideal weather.

The temperature in the days preceding hovered in the mid-90s with the first real warm spell of the summer. It then cooled for Saturday, but rain showers forced everyone to bring out the rain gear as the wet weather continued through Sunday morning.

As it always seems to happen, the sun came out Sunday afternoon giving everyone a warm, sunny ride home.

Endurance riding goes on rain or shine and, true to form, these riders showed they are serious horse people who love to ride.

Ride managers Teresa and Dale Fett made extra trail checks to make sure trail markers stayed up during the rains and wind so riders would stay on course. A few route changes were made to adapt to the wet conditions as safety and wellbeing for both riders and their horses is first priority.

The ride was held in memory of Ben Piche on the family farm of his children Scott (Lisa) and Renae (Ken). Thanks to Les, Pat, and Ron Kertscher along with Vinton and Joyce Vogler who allowed the ride to also cross their property.

The local crew of volunteers included Spencer Fett, Donna Fett, Orlynn Hanson, Clio Jepson, Robin Holmer, Vernette Johnson and Jessica Looker who handled sign-up, timing, vet scribe and general duties. Joyce Vogler kept everyone well fed with her excellent culinary skills.

Riders were offered choices of 50- or 25-mile endurance and 25-mile competitive rides Saturday. Sunday offerings were 25-mile endurance, 25-mile competitive, and an 8-mile novice ride.

The course was divided into two loops of 16 and 8 miles. After completing a loop, riders must have their horse vet checked for any health issues and then must take a mandatory 40-minute hold in camp to allow horses time to eat and drink.

They then mount up again and take their next loop until their particular class is completed. Vet checks are performed at the end to make sure all horses are healthy with vetting chores being handled by Dr. Dean Peterson of Ham Lake and Dr. Travis Kuhlka of New Salem, N.D.

Clio Jepson of Frazee endured a heavy rain shower Sunday morning on an Arab mare (Mi) to win the 8-mile novice class. Also in novice was Lisa Piche, who just started riding a few months ago under the watchful eye of Teresa Fett, riding her late father-in-law's grade mare (Penny) to a 4th place finish.

Teresa Fett, besides being a ride manager, competed both days in 25-mile endurance on her two new 4-year-old registered Arabs (Lillee and Mistir Aaz) with completions. These young horses are just old enough to enter this class and will take two to three years to get the experience and endurance needed to compete in the top of this class.

A rider's potluck was held Saturday evening with awards being given out and then Spencer Fett turned on the DJ music to entertain riders for the evening.

[full article ...]

Canadian Endurance Team Wins Silver at Endurance Young Riders Championships

HunterJumperNews.com
August 17, 2009

Ottawa, ON—Three Canadian young riders Lee Hutten, 17, Kate Coady, 20, and Ariel Macleod, 15, won the team silver medal at North American Young Riders Endurance Ride (NAYRER), held July 24, 2009, at the Clark State Forest in Henryville, Indiana. The competition was held in conjunction with the North American Junior and Young Riders Championships.

The three Canadians joined forces with two riders from Mexico and forming the International Canada/Mexico Team in which all five team members finished the ride. The Canadians rode together and each finished in a time of 11:18 over the five-loop 75-mile ride. Coady of , BC, earned an eighth place finish with Apache Eclypse, a 13-year-old Arabian gelding owned by Elroy Karius. Hutten of Chesterville, ON, rode I Bee Jazzin, her eight-year-old Anglo-Arab mare, to a ninth place finish. Riding A Salisbury Rose, a 10-year-old Arab mare also owned by Karius, Macleod of Montney, BC, finished in 10th place.

“To ride as a team was the best decision we made,” said Coady, who rode Apache Eclypse for the first time at the competition. “We helped each other along the way and the horses bonded, which made it easier to finish the last 10 miles. Elroy Karius and Gail Jewell donated my horse and Ariel’s horse, A Salisbury Rose. We would not have been able to attend the Championships without their generous support.”

“This was my first international competition, and I would definitely do one again,” Hutten, who started riding 10 years ago with Dessia Miller. “To prepare for this competition, I did two 50 mile rides and I conditioned my horse all winter. She really handled the distance of this ride very well.”

Mountain/Pacific Region team won the team gold medal, and the Central team was awarded bronze.

The winning time of 8:19 went to Kelsey Kimbler riding Junior CAHR of the Central Team. Junior CAHR was also named as the best conditioned horse.

“We are so very proud of these young riders, these horses and their devoted crew — a huge team effort and a huge success story,” said the chair of Endurance Canada, Daphne Richard. “Congratulations to all of the riders and thank you for a job well done.”

Complete results of the North American Young Riders Endurance Ride may be found at http://www.youngriders.org/documents/results/2009/endurance/2009FinalResults.pdf.

For additional information on Endurance Canada and its programs, please visit the Endurance section of the Equine Canada website or e-mail endurance@equinecanada.ca.

Written by Julie Cull

[More ...]

Australia: Top lot goes to Dubai at Magic Millions Sporthorse Sale

Efanational.com

17 August 2009

The Magic Millions inaugural Sporthorse Sale was held on Saturday evening at their Gold Coast Sale Complex.

109 lots comprising of dressage, jumping, eventing, polo, endurance, showing, breeding stallions and youngstock were put through the sale ring.

Lot 9 topped the sale at $46,000, a 6-year-old endurance mare offered by Toft Endurance Pty Ltd sold to Dubai. In total 39 lots sold for an average price of $10,600.

International buyers from Korea purchased 11 horses, 3 horses were sold to Dubai and Chinese buyers also attended the sale.

The horses were viewed and trialled in the preceding two days at the Gold Coast Polo and Country Club about 40 minutes from the sales complex. Show jumps, dressage arenas and a free-schooling yard were set up on the polo fields to enable prospective buyers an opportunity to try the horses.

On Saturday the horses were moved into the sales complex where they were able to be inspected in-hand but not ridden. Vet checks were available at the expense of the purchaser.

The horses were presented in-hand for the auction as they would be at a thoroughbred sale. The auction started at 5pm and concluded around 9pm.

Attendance was good with most of the seating filled. The bidding was reasonable however the majority of horses were passed in as they did not reach their reserve price (the highest bid of the evening was $75,000 for the black jumping stallion Dutch Choice but it fell short of the reserve).

It appeared that many people were just there as spectators and not as buyers, which was not unusual for the first year of the sale.

Feedback from the vendors was largely positive. Most agreed that the first year was always going to be the most difficult but they were eager for Magic Millions to persevere.

"It is really important that we stick with this idea and support Magic Millions," said Peter Toft of Toft Endurance, "it is exactly what our industry needs."

"I think it is a good idea and with some fine tuning it could work very well," commented Olympic rider Vicki Roycroft who, along with Adam Mellers, acted as an advisor for Jumping .

"I sold the three horses that I brought," said event rider Kevin McNab, "next year I'll bring a lot more."

David Chester, Managing Director of Magic Millions, said that they were very excited about the development of the sale and the marketing of Australian Sporthorses around the world.

"To create international exposure for Australian performance horses, will be of great benefit to the development of the industry as a whole, and we envisage this concept will only grow from strength to strength," said David.

Industry professionals from each discipline formed a sale committee to advise Magic Millions and to assist with the selection of horses. Jumping – Adam Mellers and Vicki Roycroft, Dressage – Brett Parbery, Polo – Ian "Ginger" Hunt, Eventing – Tim Boland, Showhorse – Kim Durante and Endurance – Peter Toft.
Photos coming soon.

Bahrain: Royal team excel in Germany event

Gulf Daily News
Posted on » Sunday, August 16, 2009


BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team starred in an endurance horse race in Germany, where they took first place in several race categories.

Yousef Taher riding French horse Siyam won the 160km race, which featured riders from the UK, Belgium and Germany, and consisted of six stages.

Taher finished in a time of nine hours 31 minutes and 12 seconds, as he contested the event with an average riding speed of 16kph.

Second and third place also went to Bahrain. Jaffar Merza took the runner-up spot after completing the ride in just a second behind his victorious compatriot, while Abdulrahman Al Sa'ad was also not far behind, finishing two seconds behind Taher.

In the 120km event, Ahmed Abdulla on his horse Rashken took the winner's trophy in 6:38:25. He had an average speed of 18.72kph.

Shereen Fayez, also of the royal team, won the under-18 female event also over 120km. She clocked a winning mark of 6:39:16 and a speed of 18kph.

In the men's under-18 race over 80km, Bahrain's Ahmed Al Guood finished in second place with in 5:03:23, while countryman Ahmed Janahi was fifth in the same distance's under-20 age category.

Congratulated

Following their victorious campaign, Royal Endurance Team leader Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa congratulated His Majesty King Hamad on the win and thanked His Majesty for the support to endurance riding and to all sports in the kingdom.

Shaikh Nasser pointed out that the Bahrainis' fine showing in Germany helped lift their spirits as they prepare to take part in several other European rides as well as the world championships.

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad expressed his appreciation of the royal team's efforts in victory, and encouraged them to continue their strong display in their remaining events in the summer.

Mongolia: Inner Mongolian International Endurance Event

TheLongHorseRide.blogspot.com
photo: the leading horse being vetted

The Long Horseride website

The Long Horse Ride is a journey on horseback from Beijing to London. It is scheduled to start out shortly after the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and to arrive in London in time for the 2012 London Olympics.

The ride will bring a message of goodwill from Beijing in the Beijing Olympic year to London in the London Olympic year. It also aims to raise money for disadvantaged children through its chosen charity Schoolchildren For Children.

Starting from the China Children Charity Monument on the Great Wall at Badaling, it will cross the steppes, deserts and mountains of China and Central Asia, following the Great Wall and the ancient Silk Routes. In the path of the Mongols and Huns, it will skirt the northern shores of the Caspian and Black Seas, before the final leg through the fields and forests of Europe.

[More Mongolia images...]