La Baule 2004

La Baule CEIO*** Event Coverage
Pamela Burton



Premier riders from 12 nations including Australia, Britain, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, and the UAE are expected to arrive for the May 8 Super League endurance ride at La Baule, France.

The endurance venue, which begins at 8:30 AM beach-side in this lovely Atlantic Coastal town, will travel inland through 6 stages and several small villages before returning to the beach for the before-dark expected finale. Sixty riders are expected at this years ride, twice the amount of entrants in 2003, the 1st CEIO at La Baule.

I will be covering the La Baule ride for EnduranceWorld.Net....tough assignment, but someone had to do it. France is very organized in it's Equestrian competitions, more-so than many countries, as it is totally underwritten (read morally and financially) by its National Federation.

EnduranceWorld.Net will explore this lovely coastal area of France and take you along on the competition trails that will travel some of the medieval backroads of Brittany.

This event is the CEIO for France for 2004. The designation is given to one country for one competition per year. In order to obtain this label, the event must be of the highest quality. This top quality event will give endurance riders a venue to further hone their skills, looking forward to the World Endurance Championship in January 2005.

The UAE will surely maintain the challenge to duplicate the individual first place last year of Shk. Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktom, while the French team, who won the first CEIO at La Baule in 2003, will be looking to repeat their Gold Medal win.

The International teams will look forward to two other CEIO events, Newmarket in Great Britain on June 27, and Gubbio, in Italy on September 17-19 in this Competition series .

In France, Endurance is the second largest equestrian discipline by number of licensed participants, after jumping.

In 2003, a crowd estimated at 3,000-4,000 people watched the finish of the competitors, who had begun their ride at 7 am. The 2004 ride will still start at the beach site at low tide at 8:30 am, and will travel through many of small and medieval cities in the area. Some ride modifications have been made to reduce road travel, and the trail is slightly more difficult in technicality as a result.

A la prochaine, Pamela

Event Coverage Site

Intercontinental newsletter: 07/04

Intercontinental Newsletter
NEWS & MESSAGES
07/04

In this letter you’ll find:

• Important Message from Manoj Jalan, India
  
• Canter into Europe”: Central European Endurance Cup 2004
  
• Message from Suzanne Dollinger: Answer to Ian William’s letter (15th April 2004) concerning the message of Sergio Tommasi published in newsletter 06/ 04
  
• Gulf News: Several riders qualified for Senior World Championship 2005
  

[More...]

FEI General Assembly. Paris, 16-22 April 2004

FEDERATION EQUESTRE INTERNATIONALE
FEI PRESS NEWS
FEI GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Paris, 16-22 April 2004

A record number of National Federations took part in the 2004 FEI General
Assembly hosted by the French Equestrian Federation. The six days of
meetings (16 through 21 April) were held in a cooperative and friendly
atmosphere.

In connection with the General Assembly, both the Bureau and the Executive
Board met twice. A total of 26 different meetings took place throughout the
week, which represents the highest number of meetings ever organised in the
framework of an FEI General Assembly.

[More ...]

FEI Endurance: US Federation and FEI Debate

US National Federation and FEI Correspondence
FEI Certificate of Capability, Qualifications, World Rankings, Welfare of the Horse

To National Federations: "As you will be aware, a recent review of the Endurance 4* qualification criteria has shown that the existing wording is not as clear as first thought and may be in need of further consideration and review... "

and [More...]

Egypt: Riding the dunes

Riding the dunes
by AL-AHRAM

The fourth Al-Ahram Al-Arabi Endurance Ride took place in the desert overlooking the Pyramids. Nashwa Abdel-Tawab followed the pack with photographer Mahmoud Moussa

From top: Sheikh Hazza, centre, and celeberating with teammates by waving the UAE flag; Ragab and Mahmoud; Hazza and the Saqqara Pyramid in the background

Once again this year I found myself in the desert, surrounded by a sea of dunes, of shifting sands, and of the rhythmic pounding of hooves. From dawn until dusk, 52 horses and their riders explored the Sahara sands.

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USEF: An Open Letter to the FEI.

An Open Letter to the FEI.

Arthur W. Priesz, Jr., Esq.
USEF Vice President of Endurance

It is with a deep sadness and regret that this letter is drafted. However, too often issues within the Endurance Discipline are dealt with out of simple expediency or, worse, in the self-interest of those involved. This has been especially true Internationally, and occurs too much at home as well. Unfortunately, when it happens Internationally, it is displayed on a much broader and more visible stage. This must stop. We need debate, not to determine a “majority” position, but to determine what is “right” in keeping the Horse first.



Representatives of the United States Equestrian Federation attending the FEI General Assembly in Paris in April will be prepared to publicly debate these issues, and others. However, this open letter to you will also be distributed to other Endurance Nations to encourage debate and consensus regarding these issues. This is another unfortunate moment for this discipline, especially following the Paris Endurance Forum of only 13 months ago and the preceding disasters at Jerez.

[More ...]

USEF Comments on proposed FEI Rules Changes:

http://www.enduranceworld.net/countries/us/FEIIssues/sid0001.htm

Brazil: 2004 Haras Endurance International Coverage

8 Apr 2004
Steph Teeter


It was truly an adventure. I had to keep the concentration up constantly, as the course had a lot of different trail, changing and turning frequently, through the woods, around fields, along lakes, through villages. A challenge even under normal circumstances. No daydreaming. I really enjoyed it though, Luis is a wonderful man and told me many stories, and many things about his native country.

We got to the first vet check fine, were met at the ingate by Henrique and crew, fast efficient, horses pulsed down quickly and vetted through fine. The second loop was more difficult - much hillier, and a lot of hardpack clay road. And the horses were less than enthusiastic about going back out after the 40 min hold (neither horse had done more than 40km before... what´s the deal?) We squeezed and pushed them out the gate, past the stable area (Luis´s horse tried more than once to turn back into his pen) and through the feed barn past bags of grain, dogs, tractors and men. We finally got them out and going well again, but it was tough going, and IMO too much hardpack and rock and hill to keep the same pace as before... ´Luis.... slow down... come back!..´

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Ride & Tie Association Sponsors International Teams

April 5, 2004 - El Cajon, California


The Ride and Tie Association today announced a program to extend the reach of the sport internationally. The association is inviting each national distance riding organization outside the USA to identify a team to represent their country at the 34th Ride & Tie World Championship. Each national team receives a free entry to the Championship event, a mentor to answer questions about preparing for the race, advice on gear, travel, camping and leasing a capable horse locally.

"We don?t have any doubt foreign teams can come here and do well," stated Curt Riffle, president of the Ride and Tie Association. He cited the man/woman team from Barcelona Spain who finished the 2003 World Championship race in 13th place overall, on a horse leased in California. One of the team members had no prior experience in the sport; he trained under the advice of American competitors who coached him by e-mail. "Because the sport is seldom seen outside the USA, there will be no qualifying criteria for international teams this year," Riffle stated.

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Brazil: Haras Endurance International Results

Bragança Paulista - SP Brazil
Cidinha Franzão
http://www.endurancebrasil.com.br/


The 2004 Haras Endurance International CEI***/**/* competition was run under beautiful conditions on Apr 3-4 in Bragança Paulista Brazil. The 80x2 CEI*** competition was won by Silvia Eguchi riding Poderosa. Best condition in the event was awarded to Afrodite, ridden by Marcio Jose Cardoso Honorio

The CEI** 119km Young Rider event was won by Renata Batah Taliberti on Garciela. BC in the event was awarded to WN KUMPARSITA ridden by Monica Pinto Lima Graziano.

At left, Stephanie Teeter on Fire Bird and Luis Alberto Carvalho Silva on Zefir - Photo by Cidinha Franzão

Complete results and further coverage by EnuranceWorld.net and EnduranceBrazil

[More ...]

Intercontenental Endurance Newsletter: 05/05/2004

Desiree Hanen, The Netherlands


In this letter you’ll find statistics from 2003 FEI competitions. Also historical team efforts for the past 4 years are summarized.

World Wide Rankings 2003

Team Performances: Senior World Championships 1998 - 2002

Team Performances: European Championships 1999 – 2003

Message from Desirre Hansen concerning Endurance World Magazine

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Brazil: Haras Endurance International

Bragança Paulista, State of São Paulo
by Cidinha Franzão





The first FEI ride of this year in Brazil will be held next Saturday and Sunday, April 3 and 4, on the Haras Endurance, in the city of Bragança Paulista, State of São Paulo.

The events includ a 160 km CEI***Adults (2 x 80km), a 120 km CEI** Young Rider, a 80 km CEI*Adult and a 53 km ride with Adult, Young Rider and Junior divisions.

The course offers opportunities to develop good speed, plus mountains and beatiful landscape.

The winner of 160 km will have his name recorded on the Elizabeth van Schelle trophy - a person that has battled for growth of endurance not only in Brazil but in Latin America -, which was instituted in 2001 and adds a plate with the winner's nme each year. The trophy remains at its home in the Federação Paulista de Hipismo and the Best Condition Horse will have his name engraved on the Roberto Fernandes Trophy - known in Brazil as "Our Dear Guru" -, which pays homage to the best equine example of Brazilian endurance.

The trophy, that was instituted in 2001, will be part of Haras Endurance each year and will reeive a plate with the name of the horse who takes the Best Condition Award in the free-speed division.


EnduranceWorld.net coverage
EnduranceBrazil coverage

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Brazil: Bragança Paulista CEI***/**/* SP Brazil

EnduranceWorld.net
Event Coverage





Sao Paulo Bragança is one of the earliest endurance rides in Brasil. The ride is located at the ranch of Leo Steinbrunch - Haras Endurance. This event will count for points ranking of: FPH (Federação native of são paulo of Hipismo), CBH (Confederation Brazilian of Hipismo) and from the FEI (Federação Eqüestre International). It will be the seventh running of this ride, and the organizers expect some of the most important riders and horses of the country.

The event will have three categories: A one-day 80 kilometer (50 mile) ride, a two day 160 km (100 miles) ride, 80 kms each day, and a one-day 120 km ride.

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US HORSE WINS DUBAI WORLD CUP

In the highly anticipated re-match of two of racings stars, the Richard Mandella-trained Pleasantly Perfect, in the hands of jockey Alex Solis, raced past the Bobby Frankel-trained Medaglia d'Oro with Jerry Bailey up to win the richest race in the world, the US$6,000,000 Dubai World Cup, sponsored by Emirates Airline March 27. The two horse met in 2003 at the Breeders' Cup Classic, with the same outcome.

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Seabiscuit Equine Actor 'Rich in Dallas' Retires

Lexington, KY -- March 26, 2004 - Rich in Dallas, one of the seven horses who played the stakes winner Seabiscuit in the movie of the same name, arrived in Lexington, KY at the Blue Grass Airport on March 25 in response to a grassroots effort to retire this movie star racehorse. The 9-year-old gelded son of Hurricane Ed was claimed and retired by three Thoroughbred retirement groups -- The Exceller Fund, ReRun, and Old Friends -- on March 20, with the help of an anonymous California donor.

[More ...]

Windeyer Australia ride attracts large field

mudgee.yourguide
Friday, 26 March 2004


A large contingent of local riders filled the 62 strong field that turned out for the Windeyer Progress Association's first endurance ride last Sunday.

There were a total of 26 riders from the local region that took on the course, a number competing in the 80-kilometre ride with resounding results.

Thirty-two took on the longer 80-kilometre course, among them Rylstone's Alan Watts and Mudgee's Garry Bennett who took line honours on the day with Richmond competitor Nicole Wilson.

Watts also took out the heavy-weight division, Bennett the middle-weight and Wilson the light-weight. It took Watts around six-and-a-half-hours to complete the course and arrived back at base at 10.55am, after they had started 30-minutes earlier than expected because of perceived hot conditions."

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Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya wins Omega sponsored Triple Crown

Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya rode Comes The Dawn to win the 140-km third and final leg of the Omega-sponsored Triple Crown Endurance ride at Dubai Endurance City on March 25. A total of 32 riders started off at 6 in the morning in the last ride of the season for Dubai.

The temperature soared to the mid-80’s (29C), which advised constraint for many of the riders. Bin Shafya, a former National Champion, still finished exactly 10 minutes ahead of Majed Khalfan Al Jahouri, himself a top contender. Jaber Bittar, of Al Reef Stables, finished in third place. Bin Shafya, who was the top UAE rider in the domestic circuit two years ago, finished the first loop in fifth place, and rode cautiously before taking over the lead after the third stage.
"It was very hot out there from the first stage itself”, said Bin Shafya. “However towards the latter part of the ride there was a lot of wind which provided a lot of relief to the horses. Comes The Dawn is one of the best horses and I am thankful to Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum for all his support," said the winner.

Leader after the first two rounds, young Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum finished seventh.

Before the last stage, General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Minister of Defense, was riding in fourth place, but withdrew from the ride before the final loop, keeping in mind the welfare of his horse as he felt that the heat was a bit harsh over the 140km distance.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry, along with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum also attended the ride.

Anna Kournikova, celebrity tennis star, was flown down by Omega, who sponsored this final leg of the Triple Crown. She said she was overawed after watching the horses and riders in action. "This is the first time I have watched an endurance ride and it was unbelievable. The horses and riders were really working hard out there in the sun and it seems to be a wonderful sport," said the Russian.


Results

Triple Crown final leg (provisional)
1. Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya (Comes The Dawn) 6:44.58;
2. Majid Khalfan Al Jahouri (Almanda Special Edition) 6:54.58;
3. Jaber Bittar (Beniarich Rezek Al Arab) 7:13.59;
4. Hassan Ahmed Al Bloushi (Rowallan Shanty) 7:14.00;
5. Ahmed Ali bin Harmash (Walstroom Hammam) 7:25.10;
6. Jesus Manuel Berna (Jamile) 7:54.12
7. Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum (Damas El Ainhoa) 8:02.46
8. Rashed Hamad Al Suwaidi (Zeyn Sha Zam) 8:02.56

Pinamar - Pan American Pre-ride wrap-up

03.24.2004
Steph Teeter



...The completion rate for the 160km was pretty good, most riders were simply trying to get a solid completion or qualify for the WEC. Some of the horses looked great at the end, some looked tired. I´m still trying to get full results, with gate times, recovery times, etc, it will be interesting. I think most of the eliminations were lameness, a lot of the horses don't train in the sand, and there was a lot of muscle fatigue from pushing off of the deep footing, and strain from pulling the feet out of the deep sand. Many people are realizing that they will need to train in the sand for next year´s Pan American.

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CEI *** ends Dubai's endurance season

Dubai 3/25/04: General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, leads a strong field of riders in the March 25 CEI-Three Star ride, which will also end Dubai's endurance season for 2003-04 with the end of a 3 ride series. The ride will be 140-km and will have six stages of 32, 29, 26, 19, 19 and 15km.

Sheikh Mohammed, the reigning European Open champion, is scheduled to ride the eight-year-old part-Arab chestnut gelding, Maldiyo, in the race held at Dubai Endurance City in Seih Assalem.

More than 30 riders are expected to get off to a mass start at 6am. Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum, who is currently leading the Triple Crown, will be looking for a good finish in the 140-km event.

Sheikh Rashid will again ride Shikira, the horse that he rode to a third place in both the first and second rounds of the Triple Crown races.

In addition to Sheikh Mohammed some of the other top contenders are Abdul Rahim Al Juneibi, Majed Khalfan Al Jahouri, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya Hassan bin Ali, Jaber Bittar and Saeed Al Tayer. Among some of the top riders from outside the UAE, Italy's Gianluca Laliscia on Shock, France's Marc le Bervet on Al Rumani and Spain's Jesus Manuel Berna are among the frontrunners.

Extreme temperatures might be a problem, and the riders and horses may have to contend with some tough conditions. Because of this, the average speed is expected to be much lower than the usually fast speeds for which the UAE riders are known.

Top tennis star Anna Kournikova, spokesperson for Omega, is scheduled to attend today's ride, sponsored by Omega. Many world visitors, in the city for the Dubai World Cup on Saturday, are also expected to view the ride.

Pinamar Ride Results

23Mar 2004
Steph Teeter and www.solocaballos.com


We have received preliminary results for the CEI***/** events which occured at Pinamar Argentina on 20Mar. The 160km *** event was won by Joesfina Chas from Argentina riding JC Farid in a time of 9:53. This is an average speed of 16:19.

Best Condition for the 160km event was awarded to ZC Hyshah riden by Andrea Pajudas also of Argentina. There were 27 starters in the 160km with 18 finishers.

The 147km event was won by Beatriz Muriel riding Cal Flaming Mar in a ride time of 06:47:00 (18.72 km/hr ave). Best Condition was not awarded in the 147 km event. There were 17 starters and 8 finishers in the event.

Further results, including we hope, statistics for the gates will be availabel in the near future.

[More ...]

AERC Research Grants Awarded

AERC Research Grants Committee
Report for March 2004 - bob morris Chair

The American Endurance Ride Conference Research Grants
Committee now has in place two studies that will take place
this summer. One is to be done by the University of
Pennsylvania, New Bolton Center with Mary M Durando, DVM,
PhD, Dip ACVIM (internal medicine) Research Assistant
Professor, Section of Sports Medicine as principal
investigator.

This study is entitled; Can successful endurance performance
be predicted by physiology? Relationship between a
heart-specific regulatory protein (cardiac troponin I),
electrocardiograms, and competitive performance in endurance
horses."

The second grant that is in place will be done by, Michigan
State University, with Harold Schott, DVM, PhD, Department
of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, as principal
investigator.

Dr. Schott will: ....


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TYX Passes

On Saturday March 20th, the Arabian race world was sad to lose another star, when Tyx (SAMTYR x DIMFIXA), owner by Flight Leader Farm in Texas, died of a massive heart attack. TYX was standing at the farm owned by David Kaden and Tracy Webb. TYX (1986) has sired some notable endurance horses, among them, Shahdon, winner of the 2003 AHA 100 mile National Championship and BC; Maqina, winner of the 2003 Japan Cup and BC; Celebracion, winner of the FEI 80km race in Norway 2/04 & BC; Tycker Tape won BC in his first race in Japan; Dunedust, winner of Renegade III and Cow Tanks III ridden by Alyx Luck; and Proud Legacy, winner of the 2003 Kings Forest FEI ride in England. Flight Leader Farm has a supply of frozen semen at Colorado State University so the Tyx progeny will continue.

Riders endure much for the love of horses

The Oregonian
03/21/04
WALLY BENSON

It's a vacation most of us probably have never imagined taking.
An hour south of Nampa, Idaho, in late October. Far from warm beaches -- or warm anything, for that matter. Milling about in a small city of pickups, horse trailers, horses and dogs, with water hoses that freeze overnight and outhouses that don't have roofs.

Really.

This was a gathering of people who love horses -- and of people who love those people. This was a world where riding a horse 25 or even 30 miles is considered 'limited distance.' "

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Argentina: Relaxed Anticipation

2004 Pinamar CEI***/2005 PanAm Pre-Ride

By Steph Teeter



Beatiful morning! Coffee and toast at the hotel then off to the stable which will be full of activity today.

Lots of rain yesterday, poured and poured for a couple hours, then cleared up, the course should be perfect, the rain will settle the sand and make it easer for the horses.

Yesterday we moved the horses to the official stable at the Hipocampo. Did registration stuff, looked around, checked horses, visited the other barns, then it began really really raining - like the downpours in Virginia - warm rain though.

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Pinamar Argentina 2004: Life on the Pampas

We returned to Miguel and Celina's estancia Sunday last afternoon. I had spent the morning working on photos and checking my email at one of the Internet Cafes in Pinamar. Miguel picked me up at the hotel and we took a small tour of Pinamar, a very charming beach resort town, and he showed me the various hotels and villas that were available so I could report back to the USET folks in case they sent staff and riders to the Pan Americans next year.
We coincidentally met a friend of Miguel's - Alina (Lola) Gonzales Vidal (a trainer and rider who has been working in the Emirates) and Jason Kirk, the Australian trainer at the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Jason was in Argentina looking at endurance horses, and after talking with Alina and Miguel he decided to come the next day to Miguel's to look at his horses. Argentinean horses are becoming well known now in the Emirates, horses bred and sold by Los Estribos (Elena Romero Onata) recently placed 1st and 5th at the Presidents Cup, and 1st at another recent Emirates race - so Argentina is the new 'hot spot' for endurance horses. There are many buyers coming to look for both younger horses (5, 6 yrs) and horses that have competed well,"

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Bahrain: 18Mar Endurance Championship

Gulf News: Bahrain Endurance race set


Shaikh Nasser during a practice session TEAMS resumed practice yesterday for their participation in His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship which will be held on Thursday at the endurance village premises.

The Royal Team, which is captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, underwent extensive training sessions at the venue in preparation for the prestigious event.

Members of Al Khaldiya team, under the umbrella of the Royal Team, also had their practice session under their leader Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is the federation's first vice-president.
The event, which is the final round of the first Bahrain Endurance Challenge, will be run over a distance of 120km and divided into five stages. "

[More...]

Argentina: PanAm Pre-Ride

Argentina Arabian Horse Society Endurance Ride
Steph Teeter - 13 March 2004
Pinamar, B.A. Argentina


Today I rode a 45 km Endurance ride in Argentina!!
For this week and next, I am the guest of Miguel Pavlovksy. Miguel is a medical doctor, a hematologist, in Buenos Aires. He and his wife Celina own and operate a large estancia in the pampas, south of Buenos Aires. The estancia produces agricultural products (corn, soy, sunflower), cattle and sheep, and is most famous for its Arabian horse breeding program.

Haras San Andres del Moro is the home of truly exceptional performance (track, driving and endurance) Arabian and Arabian cross horses. With over 30 mares and several foundation stallions, the Haras is very productive. The ‘Moro’ horses are beautiful, with size and substance. One of the foundation stallions ‘Fugativo’ who has sired most of the ‘Moro’ endurance horses has also performed well in dressage, jumping and driving. His strength and versatility are typical of his offspring as well, with good minds and a very willing work ethic.

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Al Wathba takes Emirates Endurance Championship

Hammadi takes tally to seven
By Amith Passela

12 March 2004

ABU DHABI - The Al Wathba juggernaut took their Emirates endurance championship tally to seven by claiming yesterday's Emirates Challenge trophy at the Emirates International Endurance Village.

Hassan Yousef Abdulla Al Hammadi won the truncated CEI Two-Star ride on Ro-Fabiola from stable-mate Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri riding Parlour Mountain Anzac after Al Reef Stables Matar Ali Al Hammadi's 13-year-old Arabian gelding, Mylex Cherokee, was eliminated for lameness after crossing the finish line first.
The 130km race was reduced to 110km in the middle of the second loop because of the rising hot weather condition."

[More ...]

La Baule

Un nouveau tracé pour la course d'endurance
Pour la 2e année, La Baule fait se côtoyer les
champions de deux disciplines équestres : le
saut d'obstacles et l'endurance - la version
équestre du marathon - :163 kilomètres en
une seule journée, à une vitesse moyenne
estimée de 18 km/heure pour les meilleurs, en
six étapes et cinq contrôles vétérinaires et
haltes de repos obligatoires, tel est le menu du
2e Concours d'Endurance International Officiel
de France, disputé le samedi 8 mai.
Le départ des 160 kilomètres se fera dès 8h30
sur la plage de La Baule, à marée
descendante, à la hauteur de l'hôtel Hermitage
Barrière. Soixante concurrents, soit le double
de la 1ère édition, sont attendus pour le premier
CEIO de la saison 2004. Une préparation
incontournable en vue des championnats du
monde de janvier prochain à Dubaï.
Les 1er et 3e "vet-gate", à Herbignac, se feront
comme l'an passé, au pied des somptueuses
ruines du château médiéval de Ranrouët.
Penestin accueillera concurrents et suiveurs à
l'heure de la halte déjeuner en bord de mer,
non loin des Falaises de la Mine d'or. La fin de
journée se déplacera vers Guérande où le PC
course sera installé au pied des remparts de
cette vieille ville pleine de charme. Enfin,
retour pour l'arrivée sur la plage de La Baule
aux alentours de 20 heures, à peine la marée
redescendue pour les plus rapides. Les plus
lents passeront la ligne d'arrivée à la lueur des
lampes de mineur fixées sur leur casque,
jusqu'à minuit...
L'équipe de France championne d'Europe en
titre (2003), et gagnante par équipe l'an
dernier, devrait retrouver ses concurrents les
plus coriaces, les cavaliers des Emirats
Arabes Unis, qui avaient trusté les places de
premier et troisième en individuel.


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2005: AERC National Championship - FEI Division

Bill and Jan Stevens
Fort Howes Endurance Rides, Inc.
Home of the 2005 AERC National Championship


The AERC Board of Directors has approved that the 2005 AERC National Championship be held at the Fort Howes Ranch in Montana. In addition, the board approved sanctioning an FEI division to be held along with the AERC National Championship.

The Fort Howes site has hosted FEI/CEI*** events for the last 4 years. Additionally, it has hosted IAHA National Championship events.

The event is planed for June 2005. "We found in looking back through the past 2
years of endurance rides that there are more 100 mile rides with more
riders in May, June, and July." according to Ride Manager Jan Stevens. "Last year the winner of our ride was
from Canada, 2nd from Virginia, and third from northern Illinois. One
more item; there are only so many 100 mile horses in the US and if FEI
and AERC rides are separated then each will impact the other
negatively but if they can be combined there is a synergistic effect."

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2004 Emirates Challenge CEI**

Huge participation for Endurance ride

Khaleej Times: By A Correspondent

11 March Results - The race was shortened to 110km because of adverse weather conditions. There were 73 starters and 30 finishers in the event. The event was won by Hassan Abdulla Youssef Al Hammadi and Ro-Fabiola of the U.A.E. in 4:35:26

10 March Story 2004 DUBAI - Over 100 riders have confirmed their participation for the forthcoming Emirates Challenge endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, tomorrow.

The day will also hold a Federation Qualifier for ladies. The CEI 2-star, 130-km Emirates Challenge ride will be run in five stages of 34 km, 32 km, 28 km, 20 km and 16 km respectively. It will feature horses aged six and above and the ride is scheduled to start at 6 am.

The pre-ride inspection will be held on March 10, 2004. The 48-km Qualifier for ladies will be run in two stages of 32 km and 16 km and will begin at 7 am. The pre-ride inspection for the qualifier will be held on the same day in the morning"

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2004 AERC Convention

Februay 27-29, Silver Legacy Hotel Convention Center, Reno, Nevada.
By Pamela Burton

Over 1000 attendees braved a California/Nevada Winter snowstorm to assemble at the annual American Endurance Ride Conference Convention at the Silver Legacy Hotel in Reno, Nevada, February 27-29. The two-day, Trade Show and Seminar Schedule was augmented by extra days at either end for working meetings.

The combined Convention with the National American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC) was an experiment in expediency which bolstered the attendance at many events, some combined, and some totally independent. The NATRC home office felt that the combination turned out "exceptionally well", and members who have joined both organizations were thrilled to go to one Convention that covered both subjects so well.


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EnduranceNet: 2004 Ride & Tie World Championship

2004 Ride & Tie World Championship

Have you always wanted to attend the Championships.... or do it again after a few years away? Well, this year is the perfect time! The WCRT will return to Mendocino Country on June 26, 2004, based on a 300 acre ranch called Simcha, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Ten Mile River just north of Fort Bragg, California. The trail meanders past virgin Redwoods, with 360 degree ridge top views over the ocean to the west and to neighboring mountain forest ranges in the other three directions.
Building on the excitement and camaraderie of past Championships, the focus will be on a family reunion atmosphere for endurance enthusiasts, with newcomers enthusiastically welcomed! Plus, the famous Mendocino Coast is a grand destination vacation area in and of itself, offering everything from ocean caves and river kayaking, salmon fishing and abalone diving, to world class wining, dining and art galleries in town. Bring your friends, kids, and partner, and enjoy an escape to this secluded yet cosmopolitan paradise.

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North Ireland - Lorraine Sloan has her sights fixed firmly on Gold

Together, they have enjoyed five consecutive FEI wins.
FarmingLive -

ONE of Ireland's top-ranking endurance riders, Lorraine Sloan, from Raffrey, County Down, has her sights fixed firmly on Gold after winning a £7,000 award from the Northern Ireland Sports Council to finance her preparation for the European Championships in 2005.

Lorraine, number 66 in the world, was thrilled with the grant - the first for an endurance rider in Northern Ireland.

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2004 Presidents Cup: Dry run a winner for Penny [29feb04]

The Sunday Mail QLD: : "Dry run a winner for Penny
29feb04

ENDURANCE horse racer Penny Toft has returned triumphant from a gruelling 160km race across a desert in the United Arab Emirates.

Riding her favourite steed Phantasm DJ, Toft, 40, was the first woman to finish the President Cup endurance race.
'He is a very special horse,' Toft said at her home in Marburg, near Ipswich, yesterday. "

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Cairo Times: Egyptian Endurance: Riding it out

First Egyptian Endurance Race: May 2000
Madeleine Stein



...By the time Al Beckreya arrived, the elaborate tents were being dismantled and only a few time keepers and vets remained, but both Janie and her horse, who had slowly walked some of the last loop and then trotted with new energy in the last stretch before home, were warmly greeted by enthusiastic friends. The catchphrase of endurance racing is 'To finish is to win,' and within 30 minutes of crossing the finish line, Al Beckreya was deemed fit by the judges and became a happy winner.
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Equisearch: An Endurance Ride in Egypt

A Desert Ride: A rider tackles her first endurance ride -- in the sands of Egypt -- with a little help from her friends.

By Denise Hearst



When an Egyptian friend of mine, Gamal Breesh, dropped the idea in front of me, I said, 'No way.' But then, after walking around with it for a couple of days, I began to warm to the idea: to compete in an 80km endurance race. In four weeks. In Egypt. On a strange horse.
Never mind that I'd never ridden in an endurance race before, or that I'd hardly been riding my own horse lately because a rainy December had made California's central coast trails too muddy. No, these details were not going to stand in my way. The ride appealed to me as a way to take a measure of myself as much as to sample a new life experience. At the very least, I figured there'd be stories to tell ... and I'll take any excuse to spend "

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New Zealand Horse of the Year Show

Endurance Competition at New Zealand Horse of the Year Show

For the first time in the history of the Horse of the Year Show, 20 of New Zealand's best endurance riders will be joining the competitors of the other 12 equestrian sports in this year's Horse of the Year Show.
The race will begin at 3pm with all riders departing on horseback from the Premier Arena of the Showgrounds, to return five hours later. "

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Al Fahad Endurance Championship - 22 Feb in Kuwait

Endurance riders set for challenge

THE Bahrain national endurance horseride team is set to take part in the Al Fahad Endurance Championship which takes place today from 7am at Al Wafra area in Kuwait.
The team, which is led by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, is gearing up for a winning performance in this race which will cover a distance of 120km.
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ILPH: Brazil 2004 Challenge

Brazil 2004

The ILPH Brazilian Challenge will provide you with the opportunity to explore the largest country in South America. Since its colonisation by the Portugese in the 16th century, the country has held a constant fascination for foreigners. Brazilian culture has been shaped not only by the Portugese, who gave the country it religion and language, but also the country's native Indians, the large African population and other settlers from Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The state of Rio is one of the smallest in Brazil, but probably has the greatest diversity with its mountain ranges, coastline and forests.

Using Mangalarga Marchador horses (an orginal Brazilian breed), this Challenge follows the Imperial route from Penedo to Petropolis. The itinerary is truly exciting and challenging, incorporating the stunning mountainous region north west of Rio de Janeiro. It is a unique itinenary and one that we are sure will appeal to those with an adventurous spirit who want to "do their bit" for the ILPH, and be rewarded with the experience of a lifetime.
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ILPH Online - Mongolian Camel Challenge 2004

ILPH: Mongolian Camel Challenge 2004


Itenerary

Mongolia has always had a ring of unreachable mystery about it - one of those places so far away that it's hard to imagine that it really does exist!

The Mongolia Camel Challenge offers the participant the chance to sample one of the oldest cultures in the world at first hand, by spending 5 days crossing the Gobi Desert riding the 2-humped Bactrain camels.

You will experience the nomadic lifestyle of the Mongolians and will see the Gobi Desert in all its glory; the canyons, dunes, plains and "

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2004 HH Presidents Cup: Al Juneibi shines for Al Wathba

Al Juneibi shines for Al Wathba

By Amith Passela



20 February 2004



ABU DHABI - Abdul Rahim Hilal Al Juneibi clinched the President's Cup for Shaikh Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan's Al Wathba Stables to complete a hat-trick of the coveted title here at the Emirates International Endurance Village yesterday.
Juneibi was also recording his third win of the season after claiming the first round of the Triple Crown Series in Dubai and the AGCC championship a fortnight back at Abu Dhabi.

Juneibi completed the Dh1 million Al Jaber sponsored 160km CEI three-star race in seven hours and 20 minutes on 10-year-old gelding Super to win from Mubarak Khalifa bin Shaya on Comes The Dawn and Al Reef Stables' Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi onboard 10-year-old Arabian stallion El Hadzin Deleyre, a former consistent performer on the flat."

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The Star : Equestrian Centre to be built in Terengganu

Equestrian Centre to be built in Terengganu Indonesia

KUALA TERENGGANU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the RM54mil Equestrian, Sport and Recreational Centre at the Kuala Ibai Lagoon here which is expected to be ready in 2006.
The ceremony was performed by the Sultan of Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is an avid equestrian and endurance rider, on Saturday.

Also present at the function were Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and leaders from Umno and PAS.
In his speech, Sultan Mizan thanked the Federal Government for sanctioning the funds and the state government for approving the 19ha site. "

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GN Online: Marzouqi rides Misty Reyn to President's Cup triumph

Marzouqi rides Misty Reyn to President's Cup triumph

Abu Dhabi | 21-02-2004

Marzouqi, finishing first during the HH The President's Cup for Juniors at Al Wathba. Young Hussain Ali Mohammed Yusuf Marzouqi's passion for horses was fully evident in his superb win on Misty Reyn in the His Highness The President's Cup for Children & Junior Riders here yesterday.


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Gulf Daily News

Gulf Daily News: "Shaikh Nasser congratulated


HIS Majesty King Hamad sent a cable congratulating honorary president of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for winning the rights to host the 2005 World Juniors and Youth Endurance Championship."

Bahrain International Open Endurance Championship

Gulf Daily News: SHAIKH FAISAL WINS IN STYLE



SHAIKH Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa claimed the title yesterday in the Bahrain International Open Endurance Championship sponsored by Batelco and held at the Endurance Village.

The championship was attended by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) honorary president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and honorary vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Faisal, riding Abouxer Aheer from the Al Talia Stables, completed the 120 kilometres course spread over five stages in five hours, 50 minutes and 14 seconds. to claim the top prize BD3,500.

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World endurance race in Bahrain

BAHRAIN will host the Juniors and Young Riders World Endruance Championship in 2005. Bahrain singed a contract in this connection with the world endurance governing body FEI yesterday at the Sheraton Hotel. Honorary president of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Ian Williams of FEI signed the contract. Growing "Endurance sport in Bahrain is growing rapidly and by hosting the world championship next year we will cross another milestone," said Shaikh Nasser. "Bahraini riders are putting in a lot of effort at training and that is being reflected in the encouraging results we have had recently. "We train on different horses, spend a lot of time improving in every aspect of the game. But we still have a lot of hard work to do," added Shaikh Nasser who is also the captain of the Royal Team which includes Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Faisal bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Italy, Britain and France were also in the running to host the 2005 championship but Bahrain was awarded the rights because of the keen interest shown by them, added Williams. "We look into the popularity and maturity of the sport in a particular region before awarding the rights to host a major event," said Williams. General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa and BREEF committee head Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa were also present on the occasion.

Copyright © 2004, Gulf Daily News

GN Online: Strong UAE line-up in President's Cup

Strong UAE line-up in President's Cup
Abu Dhabi |By M. Satyanarayan, Staff Reporter | 19-02-2004
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Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Mindari Aenzac and Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Shah together lead a strong team of UAE riders in today's prestigious His Highness The President's Cup 160-km endurance ride.

Also joining these two top riders, who will be on two of the best horses from the Al Reef barn, are reigning world champion Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum on Grafiti du Vermont and a hat-trick seeking Shareef Mohammed Abdullah Al Baloushi on Joost.

Leading the foreign challenge is two-time world champion Valerie Kanavy who is partnering In The Cards, a half-brother to one of the world's best Purebred Arabian race horse, Al Anudd."

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Message from John Teeter: Bahrain Endurance Championship same day as UAE Presidents Cup

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Endurance riders set for challenge

Local stables are getting ready for the Bahrain International Open Endurance Championship which starts on Thursday at 5.45am at the endurance village. The championship is being organised by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) and sponsored by Batelco. Registration is open for the event which covers a distance of 120 kilometres divided into five phases. The event is open to all categories of horses that includes juniors, adults and qualifiers. Veterinary tests for the horses must be completed before the races begin with the first three phases covering 20 kilometres each and the fourth and fifth 30 kilometres each.

Copyright © 2004, Gulf Daily News

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Cash bonanza for top 10 riders

Cash prizes will be given away to the top 10 finishers of the Bahrain International Open Endurance Championship, according to directives of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa. The championship, which begins tomorrow at 5.45am at the endurance village, is being organised by Breef and sponsored by Batelco and will be held for three categories - a 120km race for seniors, an 80km qualifying race and a 60km qualifying race. The winner of the 120km race, which will be divided into five stages, will be richer by BD3,500, with BD2,500 going to the second placed rider, and third-place finisher getting BD2,000. The prize money for the other seven places are as follows: BD1,500 (4th), BD1,300 (5th), BD1,100 (6th), BD1,000 (7th), BD800 (8th), BD700 (9th) and BD600 (10th). BREEF committee head Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa added that other cash prizes have also been allocated to riders who complete the following distances - BD300 for 120km, BD200 (85km) and BD150 (60km). The event is open to all categories of horses that included juniors, adults and qualifiers. Veterinary tests for the horses must be completed before the race begins with the first two stages covering 30km each, the third 25km, fourth 20km and the final stage 15km. Stables in the kingdom have made their preparations for the event with 40 riders representing 20 stables taking part in the 120km event for adults including Royal Endurance Team, Al Khalidiyah stable, Al Talia stable, Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid AL Khalifa, Ahmed Al Fateh stable, Al Asayel Stable, Bahrain Riding School, Ministry of Interior and many others. Ten riders will be taking part in the 80km qualifying race and 21 taking the start in the 60km race.

Copyright © 2004, Gulf Daily News

Wired News: Cool New Ideas to Save Brains

"From 'cool helmets' that chill the brain to miniature roto-rooters that retrieve blood clots, medical devices are finally making waves in the world of stroke treatment, long a technological backwater. " More ...: