UAE: Shaikh Hamdan clinches crown

Gulf-daily-news.com

February 28, 2010

THE UAE's Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum was the overall winner of the Giants Endurance Challenge held yesterday at Dubai Endurance City (ECN) in Seih Assalam.

Some of the best riders from Bahrain and the UAE competed in the deciding ride of the championship which was over 160km and also a qualifier for next year's World Endurance Games in Kentucky, the US.

It was the third and final round in the challenge which started in Abu Dhabi, then continued in Bahrain. The first three stages of yesterday's ride were hit by a desert storm, which forced the elimination of several riders.

Riding Dean, Shaikh Hamdan completed this six-stage ride on top in five hours, 59 minutes and 53 seconds with a 23.17km per second speed average.

Shaikh Hamdan, the Dubai Crown Prince, was followed by Fredrick Zobairi (6:14:05) of Spain in second place while Majed Al Jahori (6:14:12) of the UAE's Al Ain Stable came third.

Bahrain were spearheaded by three riders, led by Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who pulled out during the third stage after his horse picked up an injury.

Other Bahraini participants were Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president and captain of Al Khaldiya Stable Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also withdrew in the fifth and penultimate stage due to similar circumstances.

Abdulhaq Qadoor (8:34:04), the most experienced rider among the Bahraini participants, was the only local entrant to complete the race in 14th place.

Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was also out of the race in the fourth stage as his horse Sas Alexis suffered an injury.

It was, however, Shaikh Mohammed who started the ride in style, leading the riders at the end of the stage in one hour, eight minutes and 49 seconds. Not far behind was Jaume Punti Dachs (1:08:52), riding Au De, in second place and Shaikh Hamdan (1:09:58) third.

Shaikh Mohammed maintained his momentum in the second stage to keep his lead with a total ride time of 2:14:43. Dachs (2:16:24) also kept his second position while Shaikh Majed, brother of Shaikh Hamdan, (2:16:55) moved up to third.In the third stage, Shaikh Mohammed stayed third in 3:18:31 and ahead of Shaikh Hamdan (3:25:33) who climbed to second and ahead of third-placer Shaikh Majed (3:25:42).

Shaikh Hamdan took over the lead from Shaikh Mohammed at the end of the fourth stage with a total ride time of 4:38:43.

Mubarak Al Belooshi (4:41:54) improved on his standing to claim second place, then Shaikh Majid (4:47:08) came third.

Since then, Shaikh Hamdan never looked back as he remained on top in the fifth stage, which he completed in 5:24:50 and kept his rhythm in the six and final stage to win the title.

After yesterday's race, the top three riders were honoured at the prize-giving ceremony, which took place at the Dubai Endurance City.

The ceremony was attended by His Majesty King Hamad who presented the prizes to the winners in the presence of Shaikh Mohammed and other senior UAE equestrian federation officials.

Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by Shaikh Mohammed, Shaikh Nasser, Shaikh Khalid, senior officials and race organisers.

On this occasion, His Majesty, Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid congratulated Shaikh Hamdan on his victory and wishing others success in future competitions.

His Majesty also hailed the efforts of the race organisers, noting that the championship has witnessed a strong brotherly competition between Bahraini and UAE riders, reflecting the strong ties bonding both countries.

Click HERE for photos by Osama Mohammed.

Sport Horse Vet Symposium to Run with WEG

TheHorse.com
February 26 2010, Article # 15892

Promoting peak performance in the equine athlete through proper healthcare will be the focus of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games Veterinary Sport Horse Symposium, to be held Sept. 22-24 at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Ky. The symposium is presented by Alltech, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital.

The three-day education meeting is designed for veterinarians who treat horses involved in sport horse disciplines, such as eventing, reining, endurance, show jumping, driving, and dressage. An international roster of veterinary experts will present the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions commonly affecting the sport horse. Sessions topics will include orthopedics, diagnostic imaging, nutrition, upper respiratory disease, podiatry, and muscle disease.

"Veterinarians are well served in all disciplines to understand as much as possible about the factors affecting the performance of the competitors in their care," said Alan Ruggles, DVM, Dipl. ACVS, of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital. "The symposium program brings together the leaders in many facets of equine clinical practice that determine a horse's performance at any given event."

Bayer Health Care--Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health, and Luitpold are sponsoring the symposium.

Complete sport horse symposium program and hotel information. Contact Elaine Souers of Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital at esouers@roodandriddle.com or 859/233-0371 for more information.

In addition to this symposium, a one-day seminar for horse owners will be held at the Embassy Suites in Lexington on Friday, Sept. 24.

France: Florac Ride Candidate for European Championship 2011

160florac-lee.com

The French Equestrian Federation has chosen the 35th edition of the 160-km Florac ride to present France's candidacy for the organisation of the European Championship 2011. Subject to the FEI’s acceptance, the Florac 160-km ride in 2010, which will be run over a new course, will be the pre-ride for Florac 2011.

Lozere Endurance Equestre (LEE), the association organising the Florac ride, has specially designed a course for this European Championship made up of a series of point-to-point phases, forming one large loop, in keeping with the traditional values of endurance: stamina, horsemanship, sports ethic, respect for the horse's physical well-being and morale.

We are of course maintaining the usual programme: : 90 km and 130km rides, breed shows, stallion parade as well as THE les 160-km de Florac® ride.
This 2010 edition, 24th July, the pre-ride, will be one of the last qualifier competitions in Europe for the Kentucky WEG.

For more information, and a schedule for this year's ride, see www.160florac-lee.com

Ireland launches new equestrian brand

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

February 26, 2010

Horse Sport Ireland has launched its 'Team Ireland Equestrian' brand, which will be worn by all Irish equestrian riders across all Olympic disciplines up to London 2012.

The logo, which is a shamrock consisting of three horse shoes, was developed by Horse Sport Ireland as part of a major drive to market Ireland's equestrian teams to sponsors and the general public.

Horse Sport Ireland Chairman Joe Walsh said that the new concept had been developed over the past year by HSI to create a single identity for Irish teams across all of the FEI disciplines of show jumping, eventing, dressage, para-equestrian, carriage driving, endurance, reining and vaulting.

The launch was a new beginning for the sport in Ireland. "We have outstanding riders in this country and with top class coaches and structures in place we can take on the world. It is time for people to get behind our riders, our horses and Team Ireland Equestrian," he said.

"Last year we had 480 riders who represented Ireland in international competition with huge success and I believe that our riders, breeders and owners deserve more credit for their achievements on the world stage," he said.

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Dubai: Endurance City hosts weekend rides

Gulfnews.com

Region's best riders to compete in final round of Giants Endurance Challenge

Staff Report
February 26, 2010



Dubai: This will be a busy weekend for endurance riders with two rides scheduled to be held at Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC).

The ECN 90km Endurance Ride for Ladies will take place Friday, and will run over four loops.

Tomorrow, some of the best riders in the UAE will compete in the final round of the Giants Endurance Challenge, a CEI three star ride over 160km. It is the third and final round in the challenge which started in Abu Dhabi, then continued in Bahrain.

Throughout this challenge, the participants have been accumulating points, as the rider and horse with the most will be the overall winner. This ride has a reputation of attracting the region's best, and is restricted to riders whose body weight is 75kgs without a saddle. The ride will consists of six loops: red, blue, yellow, green, pink and white and the first inspection will take place today from 3pm to 5pm.

General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club, Ali Mousa Al Khamiri said: "We are very grateful to Abu Dhabi and Bahrain to give us the honour of hosting the final round of the Giants Endurance Challenge here at Dubai International Endurance City, and we would like to thank Abu Dhabi and Bahrain for their participation. We also expect this ride to be a very tough one due to the higher FEI Rating and the longer distance."

"We are truly grateful to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who has been a key role in supporting all equestrian sports and Endurance in particular through the years.

2010 FEI Horse and Rider Registration

2010 FEI HORSE AND RIDER REGISTRATION
USEF

The FEI has implemented a new procedure for FEI Registration that states any horse or rider that is not registered before they compete will be disqualified. FEI Article 113 will be strictly applied and all Athletes/Horses must be registered prior to taking part in an FEI event. FEI organizers should be checking the FEI registration for horses and riders and should not allow anyone to compete without them. If such registration is not completed, the Athlete/Horse will be disqualified in accordance with the applicable article. If you are renewing an FEI registration you can complete it online at USEF www.usef.org by signing into your USEF Login. NOTE: The FEI considers the Riders/Drivers/Vaulters as the Person Responsible for ensuring that their registration and the registration of their horse is complete prior to competing. The processing of FEI registration can take up to 4 weeks so if you need your number right away there is a RUSH service that you can request for an additional $30.00. If you have any questions or concerns regarding FEI Registration please contact Ashley Sabo at 859-225-6989 or via e-mail at asabo@usef.org.

ATHLETES' AND HORSES' REGISTRATIONS FOR 2010
AND THE VALIDATION OF RESULTS
Referring to the General Regulations Art 113, as per below:

Article 113 - Registration of Athletes and Horses

All Athletes and Horses must be registered with the FEI, unless otherwise specified by the Sport Rules and with their own or, where appropriate, their host NF before they can be permitted to take part in an International Event. (See also Article 119 - Sport Nationality Status of Athletes and Chapter V Horses).
NFs are responsible for registering all Athletes and Horses and shall ensure that such Athletes have the appropriate corresponding sport nationality.
Any Athlete and/or any Horse who is not registered with the FEI shall be automatically disqualified.
The registration system is linked to the results publications.

Australia: Riders and their mounts show skills at testing endurance run

Maitlandmercury.com.au - Full Article
JAMES LAW
24 Feb, 2010 08:26 AM

Horses and their riders were put to the test last weekend in a twilight endurance ride at Glen William, near Clarence Town.

Rachel Haskins from the Williams Valley Endurance Riders Club was impressed with 137 entries, especially because this was the first time a race of this kind had been held in the Dungog Shire in more than 20 years.

The 80km trek through scenic countryside tested the endurance, strength and stamina of both the horses and riders, and attracted participants from as far as Berry, Coffs Harbour and Dubbo.

The race kicked off at 2.30pm on Saturday to ensure the ride was not run in the hottest part of the day.

The highlight of the course was the climb to the top of McDougalls Hill, which presented views to the Stockton sand dunes and across to the Barrington Tops.

The winner completed the circuit in five hours and 52 minutes, while the last horse crossed the line at 1am on Sunday, after 10 hours of riding. Eighty-three per cent of the participants finished the course.

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New Zealand: North Island Endurance Champs

Equinetrader.co.nz
Monday, February 22, 2010

Sue Reid riding Makahiwi Achilles had a great win at the North Island Endurance Champs held at Waiuku earlier this month, winning the CEI3* 160k North Island Championship in a time of 9:04:04.

Endurance will once again make an appearance at New Zealand's premier annual event, the Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show in March.

This year sees some changes to the Endurance format the organisers are hoping will encourage greater number participation. The introduction of a shorter distance ride and Novice classes means that this year's HOY will cater for all levels of horse and rider.

It's less than a month before HOY gets under way in Hawke's Bay on March 16 and for many combinations it's the culmination of a season of hard work. For those who don't compete, it's a fantastic opportunity to see the best equestrian talent New Zealand (and some overseas competitors) has to offer. The show seems to get bigger and better every year and this year is sure to be no exception, so don’t miss out!

Malaysia: Fiaizzuddeen wins RTES Endurance Ride

NST.com.my

2010/02/23

By Zainuddin Muhammad
TMKN Equestrian rider Mohd Fiaizzuddeen Mohd Yusof, riding nine-year-old gelding Janor Addas, emerged champion in the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) Endurance Ride 2010 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu, on Sunday.

He clocked four hours, 19 minutes and 34 seconds in completing the 80km ride, ahead of RTES rider Pailin Sungkit, astride Tora August, who covered the three loops in 4:25:06s.

Third place went to another TMKN Equestrian participant, Rosdan Mohd Nor who crossed the finish line on gelding Nashaar in 4:43:59s.

Raja Tengku Baderulzaman Sultan Mahmud, who is the head of the Terengganu Regency Advisory Council, finished 12th.

A total of 42 riders from nine endurance clubs in the country took part in the tournament and all winners received their prizes from Terengganu State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Rahin Mohd Said.

Bahrain: Al Hazza claims endurance ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

February 21, 2010

ISA Abdulla Al Hazza won the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Cup yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Al Hazza, riding CR Prince Charming and representing Ahmed Al Fateh Stable, was one of just three competitors to complete the gruelling 100-kilometre four-stage race, which was sponsored by Batelco and held under the patronage of Bahrain Olympic Committee president and Bahrain Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Al Hazza completed the ride in four hours 12 minutes and three seconds - finishing over 20 minutes ahead of runner-up Ali Abdulla Al Tamimi.

Al Hazza ended the opening two 30km stages of the event in third place, before moving up to second after the third and penultimate leg, which was over 24 kms.

The Bahraini then did well over the final 16 kms to take the lead and cruise to the finish with a top average speed of 23.80kph. Along with the gleaming winner's trophy, Al Hazza also drove away with a brand new 4x4 jeep.

Al Tamimi was the runner-up in 4:35:03. Riding Khoto and representing Al Asayel Stable, he started strong and held first place after the first three stages. He could not keep up the pace, however, and dropped off significantly in the last leg.

Abdulla Nasser Fahad Al Zabi claimed the final spot on the podium. Riding Al Fahd, the Al Muhqeerat Stable entrant clocked 4:44:30.

Penultimate

After starting off in the top eight, Al Zabi made his way into the leading three by the end of the penultimate stage, and maintained his position from there on.

Forty riders representing stables from across the kingdom took part in the event but only 12 remained by the start of the concluding leg.

Following the race, the top three were presented their respective trophies by Shaikh Nasser, along with Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Batelco consumer division general manager Mona Al Hashemi.

See photos by Osama Mohammed here.

Spain: Additional rides part of V Raid Kaliber Al-Andalus

Within the V Kaliber Raid Al-Andalus Lands shall be the following additional tests:
Launching the 10th of April 2010.
Promotion on the 10th of April 2010.
O * CEN on 10 April 2010.
1 * CET on 10 April 2010.
CEN 1 * on 10 April 2010.
FEI 1 * on 10 April 2010.
CEN 2 * on 10 and 11 April 2010.
FEI 2 * on 10 and 11 April 2010.
CEN 3 * Day 10, 11 and 12 April 2010.
FEI 3 * Day 10, 11 and 12 April 2010.
More information at El Raid blog

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser endurance set

Gulf-daily-news.com

Saturday, February 20, 2010


SHAIKH Nasser bin Hamad's Endurance Ride Championship takes place today at Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The event, being sponsored by Batelco, will feature senior and junior events. Each ride will be over 100 kilometres. They will both be held over four stages. Leading entries from Bahrain and the GCC are set to compete.

The first and second stages will each cover 30km, while the third will be 24km and the fourth and final stage will be 16km. Racing gets underway at 6am.

The veterinary examination for the horses and the weigh-in of riders were held yesterday at the event premises.

The winner of today's ride will take home a brand new four-wheel-drive along with a glittering new trophy.

The event has been organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation, and is being patronised by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain Olympic Committee president and Royal Endurance Team captain.

2010 President's Cup - by Paula Nascimento

THE BEST RACE EVER

"The last loop was the cherry on the cake of this historical evidence, what we saw was an unprecedented fight with several changes of position and animals running as if on a great flat race track without fences. The exchanges were constant and less than 14 kilometers to arrive, it was impossible to say who would cross the finish line in front"

by Paula Nascimento - www.endurancebrasil.com.br

The title may sound exaggerated, but for those who are endurance enthusiasts, witness what happened last February 13, 2010 at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, has been elusive, and it is a privilege.

Again, it was sure that what happens in the Middle East is a different sport from the rest of the world. The world record was broken again this shows how hard and fought are the competitions in the UAE and this was evident with the top two broke the old record. The record continues with the horse of South African origin, Charlandre el Sharif, 13, from Al Reef Stables.

For the two Brazilian riders the race was short and lasted only one loop, both were eliminated by lameness. But it is inevitable to say that the experience was very worthwhile, since dropping to 106 sets at full speed is something that only happens in big races.

The disappointment of the Brazilians soon became an indescribable feeling. Andre Vidiz and Rafael Salvador, the breeder's Steinbruch Leo and Paul Saliba, and veterinarian Dr. Silvio Arroyo Filho were amazed at the competition as a whole and with the show they were watching. "We must see to believe" talked the whole time Leo Steinbruch, who besides breeder, is one of the most experienced riders in Brazil.

On Friday, the Brazilian squad is to follow the initial inspection. Andre Vidiz needed to change the mount because its not approved in the initial examination. After this time against the two representatives of Brazil were to know the horses they would ride. Rafael Salvador formed together with Amia, a mare of 13 years and Andrew Vidiz mounted Atlas of 12 years.

It was five o'clock in the morning when I, along with the two riders, Leo and Silvinho, we arrive at the competition venue. It was dark and cold, after talking about how it would support the riders with the Al Reefs Stables team, we see the start. 106 horss began to race at full speed and the poor visibility did not stop the riders speed on the track. We follow the Brazilians riders on the track. The number of cars that follow the horses is amazing and the difficulty of driving in soft sand, with low visibility, high speed and with cars and horses through all sides, makes it even more exciting.

In the first stage who arrived in leadership was Tayef Atiq Al Falah, the Wrsan Stables, riding the mare Uruguayan 11 years, Silvina. The group had a mean of 25.52 kilometers per hour, traversing the 34 km in only 1h17min and only 1min57s was already in the vet-check. The Brazilians arrived half an hour ago and were eliminated.

For the second step, unfortunately we received the two as companions in the car. The pace was breakneck speed was maintained and in some places the horses were faster than the cars. Who led this time was the representative of Estonia, Kaja tuisk, who rode the horse Kheops Lozelle, owned by Seeh Al Salam Endurance Stables, averaging 25.47 km / h and recovery time of 1 min27s. The following 33 sets were less than 4 minutes apart in the first place.

In the third step the lead back to the Wrsan Stables, but with another rider: Abdul Rahman Mohd Karam Shirouh, with the animal Nadja Lotoise. The speed was 25.27 kilometers / h and recovery was 1min41s seconds and there were 22 horses that were less than 4 minutes from the leader.

The fourth loop had the feared Tora Bora mountains with a lot of ups and downs, a total of 32. From inside the car, we saw the horses were crossing the Tora Bora with much more ease than the cars themselves, which often came down in reverse, they could not reach the top of the mountain.

The leadership was once again Tayef with teammate Abdul second. Tayef made 23.46 kilometers / h in the loop more difficult. The Tora Bora select who is able to get the victory, so that after this step we can see Ali Khalfan and Sultan Ahmed already in sixth and seventh place respectively, and 12 horses with less than 4 minutes for the first place.

In the fifth step, the leadership was assumed by Majed Mohd Salman Al Sabri, with Armin Zulu, 9 years, representing Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. His speed was of 24.55 km / h and took 1 minute and 29 seconds to enter the vet-check. Nine sets were at 2 minutes apart.

The last loop was the cherry on the cake of this historical evidence, what we saw was an unprecedented fight with several changes of position and animals running as if on a great flat race track without fences. The exchanges were constant and less than 14 kilometers to arrive, it was impossible to say who would cross the finish line in front. After much fighting and less than 10 km to arrive, we saw that the fight would be restricted to the Sultan Ahmed Al Baloushi riding Charlandre El Sharif, who held the world record and Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri riding Kalifa, aged 12. The speed was very high and when they reached the final stretch of 2 kilometers, speeds increased from 50 km / h when the two side by side.But at the end, the experience of small South African horse of only 1, 48m high worth more and this crossed the line ahead of his opponent, breaking his own record.

Now, the Al Reef Stables has the two speed world records, in 160 km and 120 km.

The average speed of the champion in the last step was of 33.22 km / h and the second in 33.06 kilometers per hour, totaling an average speed of 25.18 kilometers per hour Both have completed the 160 km in just 6 hours and 21 minutes.

Describe and express all the emotions of this last Saturday in Presidents Cup 2010 is difficult, but maybe say it was fantastic, is the closest to what you mean. It must see to believe and by luck and a lot of fighting, some Brazilians have been able to witness this spectacle.

Photos by Paula Nascimento here

Guatemala: First International Endurance Competition 2010

Guatemala Times
Tuesday, 16 February 2010 16:54 Barbara Schieber

The event was organized by HARAS El Pino Endurance Guatemala on February 13, 2010. One of the organizers of the event, Sandra de Gonzalez, explained that the first 2010 International Endurance competition was held in Tecpan, Finca Pasajinak in the department of Chimaltenango, Guatemala. The event started at 3 in the morning and ended 10:22 at night when the last riders of the 160 km category passed the finish line.

[More ...]

Qatar: Al Shaqab Endurance team race to victory

The Al Shaqab Endurance Team, member of Qatar Foundation, had an impressive showing at the HH The Heir Apparent Endurance Cup on Saturday in Mesaieed, Qatar. The team took the top six placings in the Junior race and five of the top six in the Senior race.
In the 100km Junior race, Al Shaqab team member Khalid Faleh Fadgoush alSubaey captured the win with a total time of 4:32:29 aboard In Situ.

Khalid Sanad Ali al- Nuaimi came in second, riding Lasan to a total time of 4:32:57. Clocking the exact same overall average speed for the race, Salmeen Sultan Ahmed al-Suaidi came in only three seconds behind his fellow team member to secure third place.

Racing hard to the finish, Saeed Nasser al-Qadhi, Abdulla Khalid Ali al-Khelaifi and Saad Senan Saad al-Kaabi finished fourth through sixth place respectively, separated by only three seconds in between each placing.

The 120km Senior race had Al Shaqab team members successfully take second through tenth place. Mohammed Tahous Saif al- Nuaimi rode Hidalgo as the first Al Shaqb team member to cross the finish line with a time of 4:58:50.
Aboard First Star, Mohammed Sanad al-Nuaimi completed the race in 5:16:42 in third place. Atta Mohammed Beer came from 10th place after the first stage to finish in fourth place on the horse Leonardo.

Fifth place was awarded to Nawab Ali who impressively led the first two stages. Al Shaqab team members Abdulrahman Saad A al-Sulaiteen, Abdulla Towaim Ali al-Marri, Abdulla Mohammed Abdulla al-Amri, Sajid Khan and Hanut Singh Pabu Singh all finished in sixth through tenth place respectively.

Finishing in the top 13, Omaier Saleh N R al-Naimi crossed the finish line for al-Shaqab.

Australia: 2010 Tom Quilty in Manilla, NSW

Manillatomquilty.org.au

The 2010 Tom Quilty will be held 24-27 June in Manilla, New South Wales. The ride base will be the Manilla Showground which is on the banks of the Namoi River, the venue of the NSW 2005 and 2008 State Championship Rides. It will be hosted by the Tamworth and District Endurance Club Inc, and supported by NSWERA and the NSW Department of Sport and Recreation.

The showground will provide camping for approximately 300 horses and crew which will be all very close to the administrative facilities being used including the vetting area and communal strapping area.

WHY MANILLA?

The Tamworth & District Endurance Endurance Club was formed in 1993 and has run 80km endurance rides at Bendemeer and Manilla since that time. In 2005 and 2008 the club hosted the 160km NSW State Championships in Manilla. With the course and organization being so highly praised by the riders, it seemed the only challenge for the club was to run The Quilty in 2009.

With the outbreak of Equine Influenza in late 2007, this was then deferred to June 2010.

For more information, see
Manillatomquilty.org.au

Bahrain: Arab riders for 100km event

Gulf-daily-news.com

Monday, February 15, 2010

A BRAND new four-wheel-drive vehicle will be awarded to the overall winner of Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Endurance Ride Championship on Saturday, Royal Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa announced yesterday.

The decision is part of Shaikh Nasser's approach to add more competitiveness to the upcoming championship, which is one of the major events of endurance season.

The prestigious event, to be held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir and sponsored by telecommunications company Batelco, will be over 100km and features four stages with top riders from Bahrain and the GCC taking part.

The first and second stages will each cover 30km, 24km for the third and 16 for the fourth and final stage. The veterinary examination is set for Friday between 3pm and 5.30pm.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa gave his directives to the organising committees' members to step up their preparations.

Shaikh Khalid, who was recently crowned winner of the King's Cup ride which headlined a glittering equestrian festival, said the event is featuring men's and women's rides.

"Endurance activities in Bahrain enjoys the whole hearted support of His Majesty King Hamad," said Shaikh Khalid.

The Breef's chef said by visiting the championships regularly and extending full support to the riders, His Majesty inspired them to achieve higher goals.

"Without the extensive support and encouragement of His Majesty, this sport in Bahrain would never have reached to this level of professionalism and worldwide recognition."

Shaikh Khalid added that the present weather conditions will assist the participants in completing their respective categories' races.

He said the championship will be organised at halfway stage of the season as riders and horses should be at peak form. Shaikh Khalid extended his appreciation to Batelco for supporting the season events and urged other companies follow suit through sponsoring the federation's activities.

"Endurance riding is rationally known to be the ultimate challenge in this sport-supreme test of horsemanship for the knowledgeable rider, to bring his horse through a hard day of riding over long distance and variable types of terrain," added Shaikh Khalid.

"Endurance riders not only test the stamina of the horse but also the skills of the rider and the support crew."

Shaikh Khalid highlighted the point that endurance riding is a test of discipline, stamina, fitness, strength and patience.

One of the fastest growing sport in the world is the endurance riding.

Bahrain saw the real birth of this sport in its soil on April 7, 2000.

Inspired by the success of the first international championship, the Kingdom began to organise various types of championships from October to May every year.

President's Cup: PRESIDENT'S CUP - USA, A SUCCESS ONCE MORE - Heather Reynolds

Reynolds Racing - Full Story

Well, the USA did another great trip to the President's Cup 160 km race. Sir Smith was the first overseas completion in a ride time of 8:50 (36 place! so fast here), and SA Belshazzar did great as well completing his first 160 km ride in a time of 9:16. It was a great performance from both horses!

The leaders set yet another world record. I do not know the exact time but it was something like 6:20!!!

At the start Ellen and Zar went ahead of Smitty and disappeared into the heavy fog. Smitty had a slow start to settle him into a calm mind set for the day. Jeremy had to actually run a bit on foot to accomplish this. During the first loop we were last for a long while and the police escort and the ambulance trailer were following us. It felt a bit like buzzards circling. The slow pace worked though. After the first loop the pair was moving well and kept it up nicely.

More...

UAE: Al Beloushi in scintillating win

Photo by ABDUL RAHMAN/Gulf News

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
February 14, 2010

Beats Al Jahouri of Al Wathba in a nailbiting finish to lift the President's Cup



Abu Dhabi : Twenty-three-year-old Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi of Al Reef Stables rode Charlandre El Sharif to a scintillating victory in the Dh1.5 million HH The President's Cup, the 13-year-old gelding breaking his own world record for a 160km ride by more than seven minutes.

Al Beloushi denied Al Wathba's Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri, on Kalifa, in a finish that would have done a 1,000-metre sprint proud as there was hardly anything to separate the two horses after 160km of battling at the Emirates International Endurance Village at Al Wathba desert area.

Al Beloushi and Charlandre El Sharif completed the ride in a record time of 6 hours, 21 minutes and 12 seconds, bettering the earlier best of 6:28.28 by the same horse under Omar Hussain Al Beloushi in January 2008 in the HH Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup at the Dubai International Endurance Village.

The Al Reef youngster, riding the horse trained by his elder brother Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, was fourth going out into the final loop of 16km with less than a minute separating the top six riders.

However, Al Beloushi's horse, one of the most consistent performers, managed to get the better of 160km specialist Al Jahouri and shatter his ambition of winning his first President's Cup.

"This is without doubt the greatest win of my career. Charlandre El Sharif is a star and today he proved it," said Al Beloushi.

He, Al Jahouri and the third-placed Majid Salman Al Sabri received a car each for their efforts.

"My elder brother Yousuf just told me to pace my speed to under 25kmph for the first five stages (144km) and then go all out in the final loop, and I did just that," said Al Beloushi, whose average speed on the final 16km loop was 33.22kmph in comparison to his ride average speed of 25.18kmph.

Heart-break

For Al Jahouri, it was a heart-breaking experience as the President's Cup is the only silverware missing in the Al Wathba star's showcase.

"I think it just boils down to bad luck. I have won the National Day Cup thrice, the 160km HH Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup twice. But my best in this ride [before this race] was a third-place finish in 2007," said Al Jahouri.

Earlier, 106 riders started in the event, which was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, among others.

RESULTS

Results of yesterday's 160km endurance ride:

1. Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi (Charlandre El Sharif), 6:21.12

2. Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Kalifa) 6:21.13

3. Majid Salman Al Sabri (Armin's Zulu) 6:27.33.

Canada: Maura Leahy Named 2009 Equine Canada Volunteer of the Year

Horse-canada.com
February 11, 2010

Ottawa, ON - Equine Canada has named Maura Leahy of Dugald, Manitoba, as the 2009 Volunteer of the Year.

Leahy became involved in the sport of endurance in 1997 and rides at the local level. She organizes and manages two to three endurance rides per year in her home province of Manitoba. Leahy has been involved with the establishment of Endurance Canada since its inception, serving on the board, the Fundraising/Sponsorship Committee, the International Committee, and as the Chair of the Rules Committee. She has also represented Endurance Canada on the Equine Canada Sport Council Rules Committee.

At the international level, Leahy became involved in Federation Equestre International (FEI) in 1999 by volunteering at the Pan Am Championship Ride at Spruce Woods Park in Manitoba, and from there her involvement has progressed from a groom to member of an organizing committee and now to an FEI Steward/Judge (Level 2).

She has also attended the 2006 World Equestrian Games as team manager and groom, and served as chef d'equipe for Canada West at the 2005 CEIO 3* North American Championships and the 2009 Kentucky Cup, and was the Canadian Team chef d'equipe for the 2008 World Endurance Championship in Malaysia, where Canada finished in seventh place out of 21 starting teams. Her attendance at these events is often self-funded and on her own time for the love of the sport of endurance.

"I was so honored to be nominated for this award, everybody in our equestrian organization is a volunteer in one capacity or another, finding out that I was selected was both overwhelming and humbling," said Leahy.

The 'Volunteer of the Year' award, sponsored by BFL Canada, is presented every year to an exceptional volunteer who has contributed to equestrian sport and to Equine Canada. It is presented to someone who has dedicated himself or herself to Equine Canada and it's ideals, who have worked tirelessly for the improvement of the organization, and who has had a noticeable impact on the sport.

At the Equine Canada Annual Awards Gala on Saturday, February 6, in Montreal, QC, Leahy was presented with the 2009 Equine Canada Volunteer of the Year by Sara Runnalls of BFL Canada, and Terre O’Brennan of Endurance Canada.