Sunday, March 17, 2013

Bahrain: Mohammed lifts Nasser trophy

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Article

March 17, 2013

HUSSAIN Mohammed was crowned winner of the Nasser bin Hamad International Endurance Race trophy yesterday.

The Royal Endurance Team rider came on top in one of the most exciting national endurance races, which took place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Mohammed completed the race in a total time of five hours, two minutes and 50 seconds, with 23km per hour average speed.

He finished ahead of fellow team member Raed Mahmood (5:07:15), who settled for second place, while Ahmed Al Fateh Stable rider Shaikha Najla bint Salman Al Khalifa came third.

In the stables category, Shaikha Najla's overall finish time saw her win the competition and one of the three Toyota SUVs awarded by championship patron Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The second fastest in the stables competition was Abdulrahman Al Zayed of Ajyal Stables (5:24:37), with Fahad Al Azri (5:27:26) of Al Asayel Stable third.

Organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), being presided by Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the event also featured an 80km international qualifying ride.

But the main race of the day saw riders from across the kingdom battling over five stages for the cup glory.

The qualifying ride consisted of three stages. The first and second each covered 30kms, followed by 20km for the third.

Jaffer Mirza of the Royal Team took an early lead in the first stage, which was over 30km. He was followed by Mohammed Abdulsamad, also of the Royal Team, in second place, with Hussain Mohammed coming third.

Another 30km distance was waiting for the participants in the second stage, which ended with no significant changes as Mohammed took over the lead from Mirza, as Mahmood and Ghazi Al Dossary climbed up to second and third places, respectively.

In the 20-km third stage, Mahmood moved ahead of Mohammed, who slipped to second, for the overall lead. Al Dossary followed in third position.

Mahmood stayed ahead of everyone in the 20-km fourth stage against Mohammed and Olalya Gonzales, who were in second and third places, respectively.

But in the fifth and deciding stage, Mohammed showed some outstanding riding skills and stamina to take over the lead and celebrate a well-deserved victory with his stable mates.

Shaikh Nasser, in the presence of Shaikh Khalid and other Breef officials, presented trophies to the winners in the main event, and keys to the SUV winners in the stables competition at the prize-distribution ceremony held at the endurance village after the race.

Shaikh Nasser praised the outstanding performance of the riders yesterday and the competitive level which added more thrills to the race.

He said this race is regarded as one of the distinctive events this season, which was clearly emphasised by the participants' keenness to take part and claim podium finish.

Shaikh Nasser thanked the working committees, who exerted extra efforts in preparing for the races and pulled off great success in organsing last year's edition.

The Royal Endurance Team captain also expressed appreciation to Shaikh Khalid for backing the federation in organising all races in general, and this competition, in particular.

Canada: Port Hope rider goes the distance

Northumberlandnews.com - Full Article

Karen Longwell|Mar 17, 2013

Teen excels at competition

PORT HOPE -- Solstice Pecile, 13, started riding horses before she could walk.
Solstice's mother Phyllis Pecile is an avid rider and took her riding as a young child. The Grade 8 C.R. Gummow Public School student started riding on her own when she was six. Recently Solstice is excelling in the sport of long distance riding. The Ontario Competitive Trail Association presented Solstice with nine awards in February including Top Junior Rider for 2012.

Following in her mother's footsteps, Solstice started distance riding at eight years old. She completed a six-mile team event called ride n' tie.

"I loved it so much that I wanted to do more," she said...

Read more here:
http://www.northumberlandnews.com/sports/article/1593403--port-hope-rider-goes-the-distance

Saturday, March 16, 2013

Great Britain: Horse tips that are meant to last lifetime

Morpethherald.co.uk - Full Article

Published on Friday 15 March 2013 00:05

STANNINGTON Village Hall was packed as members of the public received top equine tips at a special event.

The themes for the evening presentations, organised by the Endurance GB Northumberland & Tyneside Group, were ‘Equine Weight Management’, by vet Colin Mitchell, a partner of Scott Mitchell Associates, Hexham, and ‘Endurance Riding and How to Get Started’, by Diane Holmes, chairwoman of the group.

She gave those in attendance an interesting insight into endurance riding, describing the fun of pleasure rides suitable for all shapes and sizes, and the challenges of the graded endurance rides at varying distances, in which the rider learns to get the best from a horse over different terrain and weather conditions.

To encourage more junior and young riders to the sport, she announced that under 16s go free if accompanied by a paying adult when entering its pleasure/social rides.

During the break for refreshments, guests browsed over several displays, including horsemanship equipment and care products for the barefoot and bitless horse...

Read more here:
http://www.morpethherald.co.uk/sport/local-sport/other-sports/horse-tips-that-are-meant-to-last-lifetime-1-5501408

Bahrain: Valuable prizes for endurance championship winners

Gulf-daily-news.com

March 16, 2013

THREE Toyota SUVs will await the top three finishers at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, hosting the Nasser bin Hamad International Endurance Race today.

Stables from across the kingdom have prepared their horses ahead of this prestigious event, which gets underway at 6am.

Participants will come from well-renowned local stables, including the Royal Endurance Team and Al Khalidiya, who have a vast riding experience as they head into this battle as favourites.

The championship features a 120km ride for seniors as well as an international 80km qualifying race, also open for senior riders.

The 120km ride was divided into five stages, starting with 30km for the first stage. The second stage will also cover 30km, while each of the remaining three stages will each be over 20km.

As for the international 80km qualifying ride, it consists of three stages. The first and second will each cover 30km, to be followed by 20km for the third.

This ride will be held under the patronage of Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The organising committee, headed by Breef president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, has approved the total weight for both races.

Participants' weight in the 120km event should not exceed 75kg with the saddle, while a maximum weight of 70kg for each riders is allowed in the 80km race.

The veterinary area, meanwhile, yesterday hosted the veterinary examination held at the endurance village, in the presence of Shaikh Nasser and race organisers.

Shaikh Nasser said he believes that today's main race promises to be exciting and breathtaking until the final steps of the final stage due to the importance of this event and the keenness of the local riders to take part.

Shaikh Nasser thanked the working committees, who spared to effort in preparing for the races and pulled off great success in organsing last year's edition.

The Royal Endurance Team captain also expressed appreciation to Shaikh Khalid for backing the federation in organising all races in general, and this competition, in specific.

On his part, Shaikh Khalid affirmed the importance of having a variety of races in this weekend event, and giving all stables and its respective riders the opportunity to participate.

He stated that this race is regarded one of the distinctive events this season, which comes within a series championships organised by the federation.

Nutrition Service Co. Seals Commits as Alltech Official Partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy

March 13, 2013

[PULASKI, Wis.] – Nutrition Service Co., a Wisconsin-based developer of equine and livestock nutrition, has joined as an Alltech Official Partner of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. Officials with the company announced the partnership March 9 during an open house at Nutrition Service Co.’s headquarters in Pulaski, Wis.
 
This partnership provides a wide range of benefits including exclusive marketing rights. Nutrition Service Co. will activate a number of marketing and promotional campaigns through its line of Equi-Rich Horse Feeds, which are developed through the Alltech Equine Advantage Program. As an Alltech Official Partner, the company will involve their customers throughout Wisconsin in the excitement of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy.
 
“Nutrition Service Co. is proud to sign on as an Alltech Official Partner of Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy,” said Wayne Nighorn, president of Nutrition Service Co. “This is a priceless opportunity for our company to reinforce its support of the equine community and link our new Equi-Rich Horse Feeds to the most celebrated event in the world of equestrian sport.”

“Alltech and Nutrition Service Co. have a long-standing history of service to the agricultural community of America,” said Jennifer Rittenhouse, regional marketing manager for Alltech. “Sharing Alltech’s commitment to health and performance of horses, Nutrition Service Co. will help spread the news of the Games to farming communities in America’s Midwest region.”

The Alltech Official Partner Program is a strategic sales and marketing partnership with leading horse feed and animal health companies throughout the world. It enables these global partners to differentiate their feed with the Alltech Equine Advantage and also provides them with the right to use Alltech Official Partner brand marks linked to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy. This exclusive program allows partners and their customers to share in the excitement of the world’s most celebrated equestrian championships.


Press Contacts: Elizabeth Adams, Alltech PR
eadams@alltech.com; (859) 401-2964

Wayne Nighorn, President of Nutrition Service
(920) 822-8881

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Australia: Valley endurance event falls victim to weather

Gympietimes.com.au - Full Article

12 March 2013

TWO months of extreme weather have forced organisers to postpone the 2013 Far A Way Easter Endurance Carnival in the Mary Valley.

The event committee made the announcement yesterday saying a new date would be advised for a rescheduled event.

"Unprecedented weather events this year and most recent rain events have significantly reduced the availability and compromised the safety of tracks throughout Imbil State Forest," a committee statement read.

"There is no guarantee that the forestry will be in a position to carry out significant repairs in time for competition...

Read more here:
http://www.gympietimes.com.au/news/valley-endurance-event-falls-victim-to-weather/1787520/

France: The equine sector and the region of Normandy back the Games

Jemfeialltech2014-normandie.fr

11/03/2013

On Friday 3 March, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy Organising Committee brought together nearly 200 members of the Norman equine sector at the Lower Normandy Crédit Agricole Bank of Caen. The Committee was able to run through its plans for getting everyone to back the event just 18 months before the actual start of the Games.

Laurent Beauvais, president of the Normandie 2014 Organising Committee, along with Fabien Grobon – managing director, and representatives of the regional equestrian authorities (the Regional Equestrian Committee, the Lower Normandy Horse Industry Council, and the Hippolia Foundation for equine research and innovation) made the most of the occasion to review what had already been done and to prepare the major stages of the next 18 months. Those involved in the project were keen to highlight the importance of mobilising the support of the entire region in addition to the equine sector. The idea is to make this event a popular, sporting celebration so that the economic and social benefits for the region will be maximised for the coming 15 years.

« L'Elan des Jeux » (Run up to the Games) : a unifying regional project

As well as being a unique opportunity for Normandy to write a page in the history of top-level equestrian sport, hosting the Games is all part of a serious development strategy for the whole region. It is with this in mind that the call for project initiatives was launched by Luc Avril, the Lower Normandy Council territorial project manager. It is hoped that this will incite people to suggest their projects and to play an active part of the momentum that the Games will generate.

There are currently several thousand sports-related and cultural initiatives on the table, as well as social, non-profit and educational organisations that all stand to be rewarded and given official endorsement. These initiatives should promote Norman excellence, popularise both the event and equestrian activities and encourage an eco-friendly and innovative event.

All the Norman supporters wishing to get involved in the promotion of the Games and equestrian sports in Normandy, on a not-for-profit basis, have until 5 May 2013 to submit their candidature on the www.elandesjeux.fr website (French-only website). The results will be announced from June 2013 onwards.

A 15-year legacy: « Beyond the Games »

This mobilisation should create a long-lasting heritage and breathe new life into the region. Seventeen strategic projects all linked to the Games or to the Games’ partners are going to be set up. They should go towards creating a positive image of Normandy as a region full of vitality. These projects will concern infrastructure/land development, tourism, research, promoting Norman and French excellence in terms of equine research, economy etc They will give prominence to a whole set of values; values that are dear to the Norman people and for which they are proud of. They will be the ambassadors of a truly attractive region. ,

Now is the time to get everyone together for what will be an exceptional year. An expected 500,000 visitors will all be playing a part in the biggest equestrian competition in the world!

Check the official website « Elan des Jeux » www.elandesjeux.fr (French-only website) for further information concerning the territorial project and the call for initiatives.

Saturday, March 09, 2013

Great Britain: Endurance GB to run 'Try before you buy' scheme again for 2013

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Madeleine Pitt

8 March, 2013

A scheme run by Endurance GB (EGB) to let people experience competitive endurance riding before becoming a full member of the organisation, will continue for the 2013 season following its success last year.
“Try before you buy” — which was started in 2011 — offers free registration for a horse and rider so they can take part in two competitive novice rides up to 40km before committing to membership.

“[The scheme] has become so popular we have decided to continue it for 2013,” said Endurance GB’s Jo Claridge.

“The number of people wanting to take up endurance riding is increasing all the time, making it one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines...

Read more here:
http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/competitionnews/389/316151.html

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Namibia: Anib Lodge hosts endurance ride

Namibian.com.na

By: STAFF REPORTER
07.03.13

THE Kalahari Endurance Riding Club held its annual endurance ride at Kalahari Anib Lodge on March 2.

Only one of the 29 horses entered for the event did not complete the 80km course.

For newcomer Charles Versfeld from South Africa it was his first endurance ride and he completed it successfully with the support and encouragement of his fellow riders. He was riding the 2011 African Championship winner Manna from Gawie Viljoen’s Zabubega Arabian stud at Keetmanshoop.

Pupils from the Keetmanshoop Private School also performed well in the event.

De Lange Kotze, the route marshal for the day, and Paul Brand, chairman of the Kalahari Endurance Riding Club, had high praise for the route preparation done by Jaco Visser of Kalahari Anib Lodge.

The veterinarian Dr Iris Pack said she was impressed with the condition and fitness of the horses that took part in the ride.
The riders finished in the following order: 1,5km Juniors - Kaylain Visser on Asanib Schatina;

31,5km Senior Standard - Dgini Visser on Edel Delta (first), Jacqueline Nadler on Asanib Isis (second), and Jeanette Swart on Asanib Ismitta (third); 44,5km Juniors - Lizel Pretorius on Toney and Engela Louwrens on Coby;

44,5km Senior Standard - Zaryda Loubser on Que Pasa Sharaf, Elders Corporate on Forest, Reinolt Schurz on Tirat Natan, and Bart Steyl on Baladi;

64,5km Juniors - MJ Garbers on Jomarein Samir;

64,5km Senior Standard – Raymond Schierschmidt on Edl Agbahr Kader, Tobia Kruger on Que Pasa Aziz, and Gabriel van Wyk on Tir’at Jazz;

86,0km Juniors - Zanté Viljoen on Zabubega Shaker, Chané Viljoen on Zabubega Sharat, Philip Knupp on Jahan Sabiha and Jaedene Steenkamp on Zaridha;

86,0km Senior Liggewig - Agarob Matlatla on Kaya, Johannes Swartbooi on Brarab Manasse, Henning Steyn on Zabubega Marzouk, Josef Waters on Karan Shah, Frans van Wyk on Tirat Irex and Johannes Hakskeen on Sheikh Sabaah;
86,0km Senior Standard - Paul Brand on Xanadu, Gawie Viljoen on Zabubega Kahmad and Charles Versfeld on Zabubega Manna.

Wednesday, March 06, 2013

Australia: Horsing around in Imbil

News-mail.com.au - Full Article

6 March 2013

ENDURANCE horseriders in the Mary Valley will get their last chance to qualify for the famous Tom Quilty Gold Cup National Championship at the Easter carnival hosted in Imbil this year.

To qualify for the national championships held in Kilkivan competitors can participate in the new feature event, a 160km Tom Quilty Queensland Qualifier race, at the Easter carnival from March 28 to April 1.

Far-A-Way Riders president Geoff Fisher said: "With the annual rotation of the Tom Quilty around Australia, it will be six years before Queensland riders again have the chance to compete in their own state."

Endurance horseriders from across Australia will join international competitors at Imbil this Easter to compete in a huge endurance riding program.

The carnival is developed by event organiser the Far-A-Way Riders Association.

Events ranging from 20km to 320km make the Easter carnival an annual highlight for many Queensland endurance riders and others from across Australia...

Read more here:
http://www.news-mail.com.au/news/horsing-around-in-imbil/1780188/

February 2013 Arabian Horse Int'l

Arabianhorseintl.com

The February 2013 issue of Arabian Horse Int'l is out.

Stories feature Khalifa Al Jahouri: Champion of HH The President of the UAE Cup for JYR; 31st Brazilian National Arabian Horse Show: Endurance training and metabolic thresholds; and Meg Wade: Never Say Never.

See the full copy here:
http://www.arabianhorseintl.com/magazine/digital_magazine_fev_2013/

Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser meets Simon Brooks - Ward

BNA.bh

05/03/2013

Manama, March 5 (BNA) -- Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and Bahrain Olympic Committee president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa met Simon Brooks-Ward, Event Director and Producer and discussed general procedures for Bahrain’s participation in the 2013 Royal Windsor Horse Show, to be held in the UK from May 8 to 12.
Bahrain is organising an international endurance horse ride on May 12 in the UK on the sidelines of the five-day show.

The ride is one of a variety of equestrian competitions that will take place over four consecutive days in this year's festival, which has a wonderful mix of International Carriage Driving, Showing, Equestrian Displays and first class Jumping.

During his meeting with Brooks-Ward, Shaikh Nasser emphaised that Bahrain’s taking part in this prestigious festival comes in compliance with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad to extend the kingdom’s active presence in international sporting events.
Shaikh Nasser added that the decision was also to highlight Bahrain’s development achievement in different areas, especially in sports, affirming that Bahrain has made a significant step in preparing for its participation in the festival.

The Supreme Council chairman noted that the Bahraini delegation will look to make the most of their presence in the UK during the four-day festival, by promoting Bahrain as one of the countries that featured a quantum leap in different areas.

Both parties also reviewed Bahrain’s preparations to organize the endurance ride on May 12, with several prominent riders from Bahrain and other countries expected to take part.

On his part, Brooks-Ward affirmed that the show organizing committee is keen to make Bahrain’s participation in the UK a very special experience, besides providing ideal conditions for the activities and programmes that will be organised by the Bahraini delegation during the race.

The meeting was also attended by Royal Court chief Abdulla Al Rumaihi, Royal Ceremonies head Khalifa Al Fadhala, Royal Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan and director of Shaikh Nasser Media and Information Centre Tawfeeq Al Salehi.

This year's show celebrates its 70th anniversary, having started in 1943 to raise money for the war effort.

There are classes for the grass roots competitor right through to top international riders, besides four arenas at Royal Windsor, all with a full programme of national and grass roots show jumping as well as Military Services and Pony Club jumping competitions.
EM
Royal Windsor is the first major event of the equestrian showing season. It has 117 showing classes with an additional 20 championships. Over 3,000 horses and ponies compete at Royal Windsor in very prestigious classes.
As for the RWHS British Riding Clubs Championships, it's a unique grass-roots competition offering both riding club and non riding club competitors the once in a life time chance to compete at Royal Windsor.
Qualifier rounds take place around the country throughout the year, with the finals and championships being held in the prestigious Castle Arena at Royal Windsor in 2013.
One of the most important driving events in the UK - The Land Rover International Driving Grand Prix with an FEI World Cup Qualifier for the Four-In-Hand class – will also take place during the festival.
Over 80 competitors from 18 nations take place in this event with the most popular phase; The Marathon taking place on May 11.
The President of the show will be His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who still takes an active part in the event.
EM

Monday, March 04, 2013

Dubai: Dana wins Rashid Festival ride

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

3 March 2013

Dana Mohammed Sharif Al Mutawa astride Hirstglen 
Horizon and Amy Louis McAuley on Nirida de Paute finished a ladies 1-2 in the 120-km Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village on Saturday.
The top two riders and the third-placed Shaikh Hamed Dalmook Al Maktoum on Colonial Boy made a clean sweep by the Seih Assalam Stables in Dubai.

Dana said it was a tough ride as she faced stiff competitions from many strong horses in the final loop.

“I followed the instructions of my trainer Ali Al Muhairi and made a steady progress to the final stage and was able to put up a good display to emerge the winner,” said the 21-year-old Dana. “This is my best finish though Hirstglen Horizon have registered many victories.

19-year-old McAuley, who is a student at the Jumeirah College Dubai said: “I am very happy with my second place in the ride. My previous best has been a top four since I took up the sport fours years ago. A fifth place was Nirida de Paute’s best before...”

Read more here:
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/sport/inside_sport.asp?xfile=/data/nationsports/2013/March/nationsports_March32.xml§ion=nationsports

Saturday, March 02, 2013

Lesotho Rescue Ride: First Riders Announced

Rescueride.wordpress.com

The first round of riders is in for the Lesotho Rescue Ride, a seven day trek from South Africa into the tiny country of Lesotho and back out. The ride was created to raise awareness about the plight of the horses within the Lesotho Government pounds.

The ride will take place October 1-8, 2013.

Riders are:
Wendy Chambers/Australia. Mongol Derby 2012.
Kevin Price Moor/South Africa. Mongol Derby 2011 (Ride organizer)
Richard Allan/United Kingdom. Mongol Derby 2011
Craig Egberink/South Africa. Mongol Derby Winner 2011
Olivia Swingland/United Kingdom. Mongol Derby 2011
Sophia McKee/United States. Mongol Derby 2011 (Ride organizer)
Bildo Saravia/Mexico
Paul Erskine/South Africa. Mongol Derby 2011

Friday, March 01, 2013

Canada: Solstice sitting tall in the saddle

Mykawartha.com - Full Article

Todd Vandonk|Mar 01, 2013

(BAILIEBORO) Solstice Pecile is well beyond her years when it comes to riding horses.
Solstice's love for horses began at a young age with the help of her mother. She was riding by the time she was able to walk. By the time she was six years old, the now 13 year old was riding on her own.

Solstice hasn't looked back and is starting to make a name for herself in the sport of distance riding, cleaning up at the 2012 Ontario Competitive Trail Riding Association (OCTRA) Awards Banquet, earning high point overall horse, competitive trail horse, top junior rider and top Arabian horse.

"I was competing against adults, juniors and people that have been competing in the sport a lot longer then I have, so it is special," explains Solstice.

The sport of distance riding consists of four separate disciplines -- Set Speed, Competitive Trail, Endurance and Ride'n'Tie, each offering a variety of distances to choose from. Scoring focuses on the well-being of the horse which is required to pass a veterinary inspection before, at checkpoints during and again at the finish of all competitions...

Read more here:
http://www.mykawartha.com/community/article/1587315--solstice-sitting-tall-in-the-saddle

Abu Dhabi: Al Jahouri triumphs on Leo again at the Emirates International Endurance Village

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Al Ain schoolboy wins 100km endurance ride at Al Wathba

By M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: March 1, 2013

Abu Dhabi: Schoolboy Khalifa Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri confirmed his class as a champion rider when he scored his second win with the same horse, Leo, at the Emirates International Endurance Village at Al Wathba on Friday.

The Al Ain schoolboy scored a convincing win in the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup, but unfortunately will not be able to make good use of his winning prize — a car — as he is just 14 years old.

Friday’s 100km ride, open to horses owned by private stables, was run in four stages and Al Jahouri on 13-year-old chestnut gelding Leo cruised home despite finishing the first 33km loop in third place.

In the second loop of 27km, he moved up another position and then in the final two stages of 24km and 16km he was the leader, eventually winning by more than nine minutes from the second-placed Rashid Saeed Al Kamdah on Ex Caliber. Saeed Ahmad Jaber Al Harthi on Rowallan Simon was third...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-jahouri-triumphs-on-leo-again-at-the-emirates-international-endurance-village-1.1152677

Brazil: Latin Americn Endurance Equestrian Forum



The CBH and FEI for the first time will hold a forum March 15-17 2013 in South America whose primary focus will be to promote high-level discussions for veterinarians, officials, organizers and competitors, generating information exchange between the countries of Latin America.

The forum topics will cover FEI Regulation 2013, horse training endurance, the role of the veterinary team, the officials and competitors, accidents and injury prevention, nutrition, among others.

Panelists include Ian Williams, Head Endurance Dept FEI, Jean-Louis Leclerc, Brazil chef d'equipe, and veterinarians Guilherme Ferrza, Pepe Verocay, Edison Pagoto, and Alexandre Gobesso.

For more information, see
http://www.enduroonline.com.br/forum_latino_americano_de_enduro_equestre2013.php

Thursday, February 28, 2013

Great Britain: Bishop Burton student Amber Sole completes 60km endurance ride on horseback

Thisishullandeastriding.co.uk - Full Article

27 February 2013
By James Burton

A STUDENT at Bishop Burton College has completed a 60km endurance ride on horseback through the rolling plains of Assam in India.

Amber Sole, 17, an experienced endurance rider, carried out the feat earlier this month on a borrowed horse in the region of Dibrugarh.

The ride was set into three 20km loops around a tea plantation.

Amber was loaned an Indian thoroughbred called Aurum for the competition.

She said: "When setting off, I felt slightly nervous and apprehensive as I was riding a different horse to one of my own that I am used to.

"The terrain was flatter than I expected and very dusty.

"The route was well marked out and was set out with flags and many checkpoints, which was reassuring..."

Read more here:
http://www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk/Bishop-Burton-student-Amber-Sole-completes-60km/story-18265301-detail/story.html#axzz2MCuGblAN

Abu Dhabi: Big prizes on offer at trio of endurance rides

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Dh1.25m plus four cars, including a Bentley, up for grabs at Al Wathba this weekend

BY M. Satya Narayan, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
Published: 18:37 February 28, 2013

Abu Dhabi: Five cars including a Bentley and a total prize fund of Dh1.25m will be up for grabs in three endurance rides to be held over the next three days starting Friday at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

The 100km Shaikh Mohammad Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for Private Owned Horses will be run on Friday, the 120km Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Festival ride takes place on Saturday and the 120km Giants Endurance Challenge goes on Sunday.

“An amount of Dh350,000 will be distributed to all riders who finish the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup race, while the winner will get a Nissan car. Saturday’s winner in the 120km Shaikh Rashid ride will get a car, while all those who finish will get a share of the Dh400,000,” said Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Federation, at a press conference held at the Eastern Mangroves Hotel on Thursday.

“The Giants Endurance Challenge is the most prestigious of the three rides and a Bentley along with two other cars will be given to the top three, while the total prize money for those who finish is Dh500,000..."

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/big-prizes-on-offer-at-trio-of-endurance-rides-1.1152419

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Canada: Bromont Bids for 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 at FEI Headquarters

Horse-canada.com

HORSE SPORT - FEBRUARY 27, 2013
BY: FEI

A delegation led by Paul Côté, President of the Bromont Bid Committee, was at FEI Headquarters today to make an in-depth presentation to the FEI Evaluation Commission as part of the final stages of the bidding process for the hosting rights to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018.

The seven-strong team which presented the official Bromont and Montreal bid book to the Evaluation Commission also included the Mayor of Bromont Pauline Quinlan, President of Equine Canada Mike Gallagher, President of Bromont International Roger DesLauriers, technical advisor Leopoldo Palacios, and President of the Bromont Olympic Park Marcel Bundock. The presentations were led by the Bromont Bid Director Benoit Girardin.

The presentation included details on the delivery of the sport, including horse welfare and anti-doping, the competition venue in Bromont, the financial plan and revenue generation strategy for the 2018 Games, the public and private partners, the local organising committee, risk management and security, and the legacies to Canadian equestrian sport if the Games are awarded to Bromont.

The Bromont bid committee plans to use the Montreal 1976 Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony, and the Bromont Equestrian Park, which staged the equestrian events in the 1976 Olympic Games, is the proposed venue for all seven disciplines at the FEI World Equestrian Games™ in 2018.

“We’ve had an extremely constructive and positive meeting with the FEI today and it’s provided a good opportunity for us to present and explain our bid to the FEI team”, Bid Committee President Paul Côté said. “The Committee now better understands the expectations and requirements for the FEI World Equestrian Games and we feel confident that we can organise and manage the Games in 2018. We are looking forward to presenting to the FEI Bureau in July and hearing the final decision. Getting the 2018 Games could change the sport forever in our country.”

The FEI Evaluation Commission will now produce a full report for the FEI Bureau. Once that has been reviewed by the Bureau, the Bromont bid team will return to Lausanne for the in-person Bureau meeting at FEI Headquarters. Originally scheduled for 10-11 June, the meeting has been moved to 1-2 July. Appropriately, the Bromont team will present to the Bureau on Canada Day, 1 July, prior to a Bureau vote to decide on the allocation of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018.

“The World Equestrian Games is the FEI’s flagship event, so the bid process is extremely important to us and we were very happy to welcome the Bromont bid committee to FEI Headquarters today”, FEI Secretary General Ingmar De Vos said. “They gave us an excellent presentation and the members of the Evaluation Commission were very impressed with the attention to detail outlined in the Bromont bid. The team here in HQ is now looking forward to evaluating all the elements and putting together a detailed report that will form part of the final decision making process, but ultimately of course the allocation of the 2018 Games rests with the Bureau.”

The FEI Evaluation Commission is made up of Secretary General Ingmar De Vos; Commercial Executive Director Carsten Couchouron; Jumping Director John Roche; Dressage Director Trond Asmyr; Eventing & Olympic Director Catrin Norinder; Endurance Director Ian Williams; Non-Olympic Sports Director Bettina de Rham; General Counsel Lisa Lazarus; Veterinary Director Graeme Cooke, Director Governance and Executive Affairs Sabrina Zeender, and Press Relations Director Grania Willis.

France: Grand Parquet Endurance



The « Grand Parquet Endurance » association is happy to present you with a new event happening in France : an International Endurance Ride Competition (CEI ***, CEIY ** ** IEC, IEC *) taking place in Fontainebleau on march 30-31 2012.
The event is hosted on the « Grand Parquet » spot, one of the most beautiful equestrian site in France, very comfortable, as well for the horses as for the riders.

The courses are displayed in daisy shape around the site, in the magnificent Fontainebleau Forest, on excellent quality grounds (almost no asphalt).

Electronic timing will be applied to the riders.
Stage Equestrian Grand Parquet
Fontainebleau is a city deeply attached to its equestrian heritage. Since François I to Napoleon III, the kings of France favored Fontainebleau and its surroundings for exceptional hunting.

Built in 1920 on a former site of "hunting shooting" Royal Hippodrome Grand Parquet quickly became a prestigious race. It is called the "Parquet of the Emperor" and the high society of the time were found there. It was around 1950 that this site was redesigned to become a place of equestrian competitions, suitable for all disciplines.

Since then, every year, the Grand Parquet hosts high level equestrian competitions, as well as many sporting events and events.

Message from the President

2011: the first!
2012: Confirmation!
2013: a new step ...

While our association will celebrate its Grand Parquet Stamina third year of existence next summer, the appointment given to all endurance enthusiasts on the site of Grand Parquet Fontainebleau became a fixture of the season starts! After a successful first edition in 2011 (* and ** level), our association was entrusted in 2012 to organize a round selective for Team France at the World Championships (160 km - ***) a guarantee of confidence Federation to our knowledge.
No time to rest for 2013 is looming as a step further: a double selective. It is with great pride that we have accepted the challenge of organizing a round selective Seniors Team France in the upcoming European Championships to be held at Most in the Czech Republic, as well as handle selective for Youth Team of France in the upcoming World Championships, to be held in Tarbes!

Be assured that here each member of the association will give the best of himself to make this new edition a success.

I want to thank our many supporters, without whom this adventure would not have the same flavor. They know and recognize.

I can not continue without a special thought to our friend, gone too soon. Faithful from the beginning, he was a major player in first editions. We will never forget ...

I conclude by wishing you, on behalf of the association Grand Parquet Stamina and all its members, an excellent year of endurance and a good preparation for the 29 and 30 March 2013.

French Championship at Castelsagrat



The French Championship will be held at Castelsagrat from 17 to 19 May 2013.

Races run during this weekend will go from 110 to 160 km and will be part of the selection for the France team.

The courses are as Daisy, with 5 different loops from 18 to 33 km.
For more information see

http://www.castelsagrat-endurance.org/

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

New Zealand: Wolfie wobbles, Apollo gets it by nose

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

26/02/13

Endurance horse riders from all over New Zealand and overseas descended on Marlborough to take part in the two-day CopRice and South Island endurance and competitive trail riding champs (CTR).

The event was based up the Waihopai Valley on the old Bankhouse Station, leased by Big Bale Contracting and belonging to Ara Vineyards, and took in several farm properties and vineyards.

There were 15 entries from the North Island, among them overseas riders based in Wellington for the season.

But the February 16-17 weekend belonged to Nelson Lakes rider Alison Higgins, riding the Canterbury-bred, owned and trained Arabian gelding, Northwinds Apollo.

Riding in the CopRice and CRT CEI 3* 160km event on the Saturday, Higgins guided Apollo over the six-loop track, in what was the horse's first start at this level, to finish by a nose in a gallop finish with Cheviot rider Philip Graham and Wolfgang Amadeus...

Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/sport/8351373/Wolfie-wobbles-Apollo-gets-it-by-nose

Australia: Tom Quilty Gold Cup Endurance Ride - to Complete is to Win!

Localhorsemagazine.com.au - Full Article

Australia’s iconic endurance horse ride, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, will be held at Kilkivan in south-east Queensland from 7 – 9 June 2013. Riders, horses and strapping crews will travel from across Australia and overseas to compete in this ultimate test of endurance, where participants aim to complete the 160km course within 24 hours.

The first heavyweight or middleweight division competitor across the finish line will win the 2013 Tom Quilty Gold Cup award. (The original perpetual cup is a permanent exhibit at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame in Longreach, Queensland.)

For most competitors, the overall aim is to complete the five-leg course and receive an esteemed Quilty Buckle award.

In the spirit of the ride’s motto – To Complete is to Win – a specially crafted belt buckle goes to every successful competitor in recognition of the high standard of horsemanship required to complete the rigorous course.

This means many long hours in the saddle and the careful tending of tiring horses. At the end of the race, each mount is vetted and must be deemed in sound condition and fit to continue...

Read more here:
http://www.localhorsemagazine.com.au/307-tom-quilty-gold-cup-endurance-ride-to-complete-is-to-win

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Great Britain: Royal Windsor Horse Show will include Endurance competition

February 23 2013

Endurance GB is pleased to confirm the news that broke yesterday. The Royal Windsor Horse Show, which takes place in Windsor Great Park from the 8th to 12th May, will for the first time include an Endurance competition. Discussions have been taking place for some time and Endurance GB board member and FEI 4* judge, John Robertson, has been involved in advising the organisers. The organisers of the show have secured sponsorship for the competition from Bahrain.

There will be just one class: FEI 2* 120km, which is scheduled for the 12th May.

It is such a beautiful venue but the ride will obviously have to share space with the other disciplines at the Show. However, it's a great opportunity for Endurance to be seen by more people.

With the Royal Windsor Horse Show celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, it promises to be an event to remember!

http://www.rwhs.co.uk/

Great Britain: West Sandford rider wins iconic endurance challenge on debut appearance

Julian Johansen and his Arab gelding CF Samuel won the two-day 80km class at the Golden Horseshoe Ride. (Julian Johansen) CreditonCourier....