Kuala Lumpur, 18 April 2006- Edaran Endurance Classice

Kuala Lumpur, 18 April 2006-

Edaran Endurance Classic 2006
RIDE THE CLASSIC AGAIN!

Malaysia's premier and most anticipated endurance event is back! The Edaran Endurance Classic is back for its fourth year running after succeeding to catch the interest and attention of international riders in its 2005 event.

The event organized by Edaran Digital Systems Berhad has continued to gain recognition among endurance circles worldwide ever since it was inaugurated in 2003. In 2005, the Event was graced by World Endurance Championship's Gold Medalist HH Sheikh Hazza bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and his brother HH Sheikh Khaled Sultan who were here with the endurance riders of W'rsan Stables of Dubai.

Edaran Endurance Classic 2006 will be held at the grounds of ar-Raudhah Equine Centre, 40 minutes drive from Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, from 5-7 May.

The Event this year will feature three competition rides and one non-competitive 15KM guided ride. The main competition ride will be the FEI-CEI 3 Star 120Km Ride, a distance in keeping with the standards of the World Endurance Championship.

A second ride category in the Edaran Endurance Classic 2006 is the 80km Ride, a ride category for endurance riders training for longer distances; while a third category yet, is the 40km Ride, a shorter training ride for newly initiated endurance riders.

A total of RM45,000 in prize money stands to be won.

Endurance Riding - Focus on Malaysia

The sport of endurance riding has taken on greater significance in light of Malaysia being given the prestigious honour by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world governing body for equestrian sports, to host the next World Cup of Endurance Riding - the World Endurance Championship 2008 [WEC 2008]. Over the next three years, right up till WEC 2008 in August 2008 endurance riding and Malaysia will become the focus.

"We are tremendously excited by the fact that the WEC 2008 will be held in Malaysia. It is a milestone happening for our country and a major boost for the sport of endurance riding. Endurance riding in Malaysia is different from riding in Europe or the Middle East region; and it presents riders a unique set of challenges in terms of the terrain and weather. We believe that endurance riders, both local and international, aiming to participate in the prestigious WEC 2008 will seek out opportunities in Malaysia to train and build up their endurance skills for the 2008 Event. The Edaran Endurance Classic which has come to be recognized as one of the country's better organized endurance events is one such opportunity," said Dato' Abdul Hamid Mustapha, the Organising Chairman of Edaran Endurance Classic 2006.

"We hope that with the Edaran Endurance Classics, we shall be able to assist in the building up to WEC 2008 by providing the opportunities for Malaysian and international endurance riders to train and familiarize themselves and their horses with the riding conditions in Malaysia," added Dato' Hamid.

Sports Tourism

The Edaran Endurance Classic has raised some degree of international interest and awareness of endurance riding in Malaysia through the publicity of the event since the inaugural event in 2003.

"We believe that like most international sports, endurance riding has the potential to contribute to our country's tourism industry. It is a sport enjoyed by adventurous individuals who are inclined to travel to various ride venues to experience riding in different settings. Malaysia's successful bid to host the WEC 2008 speaks volumes for our country as a recognized venue for world sports events. We have to our country's credit, successfully hosted world sports events as Formula 1, Tour de Langkawi and the Commonwealth Games. This year alone, we have two major world equestrian events scheduled in Malaysia, namely the World Cup Show Jumping Final and the FEI General Assembly, both of which will be taking place over the next week. Such momentum is good for our tourism industry and we hope to be able to play our part in contributing to building up Malaysia as a preferred world sports events venue," said Dato' Hamid Mustapha.

Young Riders

In its continuing efforts to promote the sport of endurance riding among the younger generation, the Edaran Endurance Classic 2006 will feature a Young Riders Category - a non-competitive guided ride over a distance of 15km, within the grounds of ar-Raudhah Equine Centre.

"The sport of endurance riding is ideal as a sport to promote appreciation of the environment as well as the disciplines of respect and perseverance among our young people. We hope that many more young enthusiasts will join us this year to try out this healthy and noble sport," said Dato' Hamid.

Edaran Digital Systems Berhad and Endurance Riding

The Edaran Endurance Classic is an event organized and sponsored by Edaran Digital Systems Berhad, a company involved in the provision of systems integration services and smart technology solutions. The Company has chosen to champion the promotion and development of the sport of endurance riding in Malaysia because Edaran Digital Systems Berhad identifies and shares the core values and qualities of the sport, namely discipline, respect and perseverance. As a Company that believes in the corporate duty of contributing and giving back to the society, Edaran Digital System has chosen to do so through bringing this healthy and enjoyable sport to more Malaysians through the Edaran Endurance Classic events.

Pivotal Support of The Equestrian Fraternity

As in the previous years. the support and assistance of Malaysia's equestrian fraternity especially the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM), the Malaysian Endurance Riders Society (MERS) Malaysian Equine Council (MEM) as well as the encouragement and support of the Ministry of Sports have been pivotal to the organization of the Edaran Endurance Classic.

"We want to especially thank the EAM, MERS and the MEM for providing us with the assistance and support without which we would not have been able to organize the event with a good degree of success over the last three years of its running. The support of the fraternity is crucial in a sport that requires us to follow the strict statutes and regulations of the FEI.. Indeed it is our hope that we will continue to receive the commitment of all these bodies so that together we can successfully and effectively build up the sport of endurance riding in Malaysia. We believe Malaysia's hosting of the WEC 2008 will give the sport the much needed push and impetus to bring it to a higher level of participation and sporting excellence in Malaysia," said Dato' Hamid Mustapha.

Edaran Endurance Classic 2006 - Programme

The Edaran Endurance Classic 2006 will begin with final registration of participants and veterinary check of the horses on Friday, 5 May.

The main competition ride, the 120KM will be flagged off the following day, Saturday, 6 May at 10.30 pm followed by the flag -off of the 80KM ride at 12 midnight. The participants of the 120KM ride category are expected to complete the ride by 10.00 am on Sunday, 7 May.

On 7 May, the 40KM will be flagged-off at 7.00am followed by the flag-off of the 15KM Young Riders' Category. The Prize Giving Ceremony will be at 4.30pm, after the vet gate closes.

Interested participants for all Ride Categories can contact :

The Secretariat,
Edaran Endurance Classic 2006.
Tel: 603-9206 7200 Fax: 603- 92843531
Contact: Jefri Taharin
You may also log onto our website at www.edaranendurance.com for more information.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Issued by:
Publicity and Promotions Desk
Edaran Endurance Classic 2006
Tel: 603 9206 7200 Fax: 603 9200 4629
Contact: Barbara Boey or Rohana Laksamana


Return to Edaran Classic 2006

http://english.bna.bh/?ID=43956

date: 20 04, 2006

MANAMA, APRIL. 20, (BNA) UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HIS MAJESTY KING HAMAD BIN ISA AL KHALIFA, HIS MAJESTY THE KING'S ENDURANCE RACING CHAMPIONSHIP WAS FLAGGED OFF.
A TOTAL OF 135 RIDERS FROM VARIOUS COUNTRIES ARE TAKING PART IN THE 130 KILOMETERS SENIOR RACE AND 120 KILOMETERS JUNIOR RACE. SOME OF THE COUNTRIES TAKING PART IN THE RACE ARE BAHRAIN, UAE, SAUDI ARABIA, KUWAIT AND QATAR. UPON THE ARRIVAL OF HM THE KING TO THE ENDURANCE VILLAGE HE WAS WELCOMED BY PRESIDENT OF THE BAHRAIN ROYAL EQUESTRIAN AND ENDURANCE FEDERATION (BREEF), SHAIKH NASSER BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA, FIRST DEPUTY PRESIDENT, SHAIKH KHALID BIN HAMAD AL KHALIFA, HEAD OF THE ENDURANCE COMMITTEE, SHAIKH FAISAL BIN RASHID AL KHALIFA AND A NUMBER OF OFFICIALS FROM THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE. THEN HM THE KING WATCHED PART OF THE RACE AFTER WHICH HE CONGRATULATED UAE'S SHAIKH HAZA'A BIN SULTAN BIN ZAYED AL NAHYAN ON CLINCHING HM THE KING'S ENDURANCE CUP AND CONGRATULATED THE REST OF THE RIDERS WISHING THEM FUTURE SUCCESS IN OTHER CHAMPIONSHIPS. HE ALSO AFFIRMED THAT THE PARTICIPATION OF GCC RIDERS WITH THEIR FELLOW RIDERS IN BAHRAIN CREATES AN APPROPRIATE OPPORTUNITY TOWARDS FURTHER STRENGTHENING COOPERATION AMONG GCC YOUTH, WHICH IN ITS TURN HELPS ELEVATE THE STANDARDS OF THE SPORT. HM THE KING ALSO STRESSED ON THE EFFORTS EXERTED BY BREEF TO ORGANIZE THIS CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY AND IN PROVIDING ALL THE SUPPORT AND ASSISTANCE TO THE PARTICIPATING RIDERS. HE ALSO WISHED THEM CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ACHIEVING THEIR ASPIRED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES. MEANWHILE, AL AREEN RESORT CHAIRMAN, SHAIKH AHMED BIN ALI AL KHALIFA, HAD EARLIER FLAGGED OFF THE START OF THE RACE. SHAIKH HAZA'A TOOK FIRST PLACE CLINCHING THE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP, WHILE HIS COUNTRYMAN, YOUSIF AL BALUCHI CAME IN SECOND AND SHAIKH KHALID BIN SULTAN AL NAHYAN CAME IN THIRD. THE JUNIORS CATEGORY WAS WON BY UAE RIDER, AMEER HUSSAIN AL BALUCHI, SECOND CAME BAHRAIN RIDER, SHAIKHA NAJLA BINT SALMAN BINT SAQER AL KHALIFA AND THIRD WAS SHAIKH SAQER BIN KHALID AL KHALIFA.

AERC Reports Record Numbers for Multi-Day Events

Equestrian News Release
AUBURN, Ca. ? Faced with the high price of fuel, more endurance riders are participating in multi-day events as a way to get more miles for their money, the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the governing body for endurance riding in the United States, reports.

?In today?s age of increased fuel and other costs, the multi-day ride is the best value going for endurance riders,? says past AERC President Randy Eiland. ?Instead of competing just one day, the multi-day ride allows the rider to participate in three or more endurance rides for the cost of only one trip.?

Participation in multi-day events has increased almost 13 percent per year from 1996 to 2005, according to AERC Vice President Michael Maul. ?The growth rate for multi-day rides is more than four times our annual membership growth of 3.1 percent,? says Maul.

In 2005, AERC recorded 4,341 entries in 34 different multi-day events representing 115 days of competition.

The multi-day event, or Pioneer Ride, is typically three to five days in length, and competitors ride 50 to 55 miles each day. The total minimum distance for a Pioneer Ride is 155 miles. While some opt to ride a different horse each day, many strive to complete the entire event?sometimes up to 250 miles total?on the same horse. Because of this, the atmosphere of the multi-day event is relaxed, and riders place more emphasis on finishing the day?s ride, rather than winning, thus providing testament to AERC?s motto, ?To Finish is to Win.?

Karen Chaton of Gardnerville, Nevada, says she enjoys multi-day rides because it gives her the chance to learn a lot about her horse and herself.

?I find multi-days to be the greatest challenge, and the most rewarding experience for me is to complete a five-day ride on the same horse,? says Chaton, who has twice won the XP Gold Medal Award for completing all five AERC-sanctioned XP multi-day rides (http://www.xprides.com) in one year?two three-day events and three five-day events totaling 1,060 miles?with her Arabian gelding, Granite Chief+/. ?The riders are more relaxed, and everybody tends to focus on experiencing the trail, their horse and their friends, which is more like family. It gets you away from the real world and puts you in an atmosphere that allows you to succeed or fail, while at the same time allowing you to learn so much,? says Chaton.

Eiland, who has been managing multi-day rides since 1988 and currently manages several three-day, 165-mile rides each year, says that his events in southern New Mexico attract riders from as far as Indiana and Canada. ?Pioneer Rides have proven both their worth and their ability to excite the membership,? he says.

The Pioneer Ride was born in 1982, when Tom Bowling was granted sanctioning by AERC for a four-day ride to help preserve historic trails. The following year, Dave Nicholson, D.V.M., who currently manages five multi-day rides each year, hosted the first of the five-day, point-to-point Pony Express Rides.

?Dave Nicholson?s ride captured the imagination of a few AERC members and proved to be a successful event,? says Eiland. ?From those early beginnings, more and more AERC members began to catch the multi-day ride excitement. The original Pioneer Rides were point-to-point rides over four or more days. In the mid-1990s, the AERC Board of Directors approved three-day events as Pioneer Rides to encourage more participation and opportunity for awards.

?This made the event available to a wider range of riders,? says Eiland. ?When multi-day rides began utilizing one base camp, the floodgate was opened. Today, the Pioneer Ride is one of the most popular and well-attended events that AERC sanctions.?

Says Chaton, ?I like how many of the multi-day rides are laid out, with one large loop out of camp. ?You get out there in some of the most beautiful country imaginable.?

Endure for the Cure and Ride for your Life!

Equestrian News Release
AUBURN, Ca.?The Arabian Horse Distance Riding Association (AHDRA) is sponsoring a charity event to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Scheduled for July 14-16, this is the sixth year for this multiple distance ride competition, to be held at the 800-acre Farmdale Park in East Peoria, Illinois. The three-day event is sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and will thrill riders with many levels of competition in endurance and competitive trail riding. Friday and Saturday will feature a two-day, 100-mile endurance ride, as well as 50-mile rides both days. Each of the three days will also feature a 25-mile Limited Distance (LD) ride, as well as a 25-mile competitive trail ride. There will be novice trail rides of 12.5 miles on both Friday and Saturday, and Sunday?s events will include a driving competition.

?This is a great event for a good cause,? said April Hammer, who manages the event. An oncology nurse, Hammer has been proud to hand over a check each year to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, and has been instrumental in raising more than $80,000 for breast cancer research. A global foundation, money received by the Komen Foundation is used for research, support and education.

Riders at the event will bring in donations from their personal networks and receive prizes donated by corporate and local sponsors. This year, Mortack, Inc. will donate a Kanavy Endurance Saddle to the rider who collects the most donations.

?Two years ago the saddle went to a rider that had just gone through chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer,? said Hammer.

The 2005 ride had more than 110 entries, and more are expected for this year?s event. Farmdale Park features single-track wooded trails, as well as open prairies with creek crossings. The large but primitive campground will have catered food available as well as a rider BBQ.

For more information about the event, contact event managers April Hammer or Bonnie Iten at (309) 698-1773, email april@endureforthecure.org, or visit http://www.endureforthecure.org. For more information about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, visit http://www.komen.org.

Rider killed at equestrian event

An investigation is underway after a rider died after a fall from her horse during an equestrian endurance event in south Wales.

Jane Jones, 45, a mother-of-two from St Athan, Vale of Glamorgan, fell heavily as her horse appeared to bolt after it was spooked, say organisers.

She was flown to Morriston Hospital by air ambulance but died en route.

Event organisers Endurance GB are investigating the circumstances of the accident at Margam Park on Saturday.

They said Ms Jones died from internal injuries.

The Endura endurance event, held on forestry land adjoining the park near Port Talbot, attracted around 100 entries.

Endurance GB chairwoman Wendy Dunham said Ms Jones was one of a number of pleasure riders taking part.

"We are absolutely devastated by this and our thoughts and prayers are with her family" Wendy Dunham

Endurance riding involves competitors following a marked out cross-country course of up to 20 miles, although for pleasure riders the distance is shorter.

Riders are timed rather than race each other.

Mrs Dunham said the sport prided itself on being the safest of the equestrian events.

'Reacted quickly'

"It does not involve jumping or three-day-eventing," she said.

"I've been involved in the sport for almost 30 years and it is the first fatality I'm aware of.

"We are absolutely devastated by this and our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

"It would appear that Jane's horse was spooked and bolted. She fell heavily and despite swift response from other riders, the ride paramedic and the emergency services, she died on her way to hospital in the air ambulance."

Event health and safety manager Richard Tymons said: "Initially there were no physical signs of injury.

"The rider was helped into the event Land Rover and she remained conscious and lucid. She was complaining of chest and shoulder pains and we realised she was seriously injured.

"It was extremely unlucky that she fell onto a log and we believe she probably died from internal injuries."

She was an experienced horse woman who had taken part in similar rides

Her partner and seven-year-old daughter were at the event.

She also has a 14-year-old son.

There were two separate events held at Margam Park on the weekend - the Endura equestrian competition and the inaugural Festival of Horses.

Russell Ward of Neath Port Talbot Council said: "The accident took place in the forestry area surrounding the park and the event organisers reacted quickly."

He said the council immediately informed the Health and Safety Executive.

130 riders set for King's Cup

TODAY is the last day to submit entries for His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Championship scheduled to start tomorrow at 11pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village premises in Sakhir. A total of 130 riders, including 55 from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia have so far confirmed their participation in this prestigious event to be held under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser, who is the captain of the Royal Endurance Team, will lead the Bahraini riders in this event which is sponsored by Al Areen Resort and Gulf Energy for the second consecutive year and consists of 120-km race for the juniors and a 130-km race for the seniors.

The junior race will be divided into five stages with 32 kms for the first and second stages, 20 kms each for the third and fourth stages, and 16 kms for the fifth.

In the senior race, 30 kms were approved for the first two stages, 30 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 16 kms for the fifth.

Meanwhile, Al Areen Resort and Gulf Energy signed a BD50,000 sponsorship agreements yesterday at the Al Areen Resort premises, near the endurance village.

Shaikh Nasser attended the agreement ceremony as well as Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa, chairman of both Al Areen Resort and Gulf Energy.

Breef's Endurance Committee chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa said this year's event is expected to feature one of the most exciting races in the season with top riders from Bahrain and other GCC countries taking part.

Shaikh Faisal, who will lead the Al Talia Stable team in the championship, confirmed that FEI (International Equestrian Federation) rules will be applied in the championship. Riders taking part in the junior race must be aged between 14 and 21, and all horses should have an international passport issued by FEI.

Shaikh Faisal tipped the Bahrainis to dominate this event with top riders such as Abdulhaq Qadoori, Yousef Taher and Khalid Al Khatiri of the Royal Endurance Team taking part.

He asserted that all riders are eligible to bring safety helmets with them for the races and only one person is allowed inside the veterinary area. Veterinary tests will be made just before the start of the race.

Shaikh Faisal said the Breef assigned a team of highly qualified judges for the championship. A judges committee is headed by Britain's Carol Bonton and includes three Bahrainis - Ghalib Al Alawi, Ali Ghuloom and Al Zo'bi.

India's Abdulaziz Al Shaikh was approved as the event commissioner while Bahrain's Mohammed Dadulla, Mahmood Abdulsaheb, Fahad Al Rumaihi were approved as supervisors.

A veterinary team was also selected for the event and includes officials from Saudi Arabia, India, Belgium, Italy, Jordan, Pakistan, Iraq and Bahrain.

BELLA TREKS ENTERS CLIENTS IN A HORSEBACK ENDURANCE RACE IN CHILEAN PATAGONIA, SOUTH AMERICA

April 22, 2006 ? Livingston, Montana adventure company owner Felicia Ennis has partnered with the president of the Chilean Enduro Association to offer her clients an experience that blows the boundaries off a traditional ?dude? ride. Riders are encouraged to test their mettle and skill in the exotic Patagonia landscape of glaciers, granite mountains and turquoise colored lakes while competing in the unique one day Patagonia Enduro competition.

Experienced riders who participate will navigate through challenging and remote terrain including steep slopes, forests, prairies and rivers. Riders have a choice to ride 75km, 60km, 45km, or 25km. You will not want to miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Patagonia traditions. ?There are many endurance championships, but such as the one in Patagonia there are not. You have to experience it.? Elizabeth Huygue ? Chilean national champion

In addition to the Patagonia Enduro, Bella Treks offers hiking and birding adventures in the Torres del Paine National Park and has recently added vineyard tours in northern Chile. Felicia Ennis is personally involved in each trip, from the dream stages to the actual adventure.

Bella Treks owner Felicia Ennis, besides being fluent in Spanish, is an accomplished outdoors-woman with spark and spunk who is at ease in the southern hemisphere. She lived and worked at the exclusive Explora Hotel in the Torres del Paine National Park where she honed her Spanish fluency and gained intimate knowledge of native plants and animals. Among Felicia?s many accomplishments is her ascent of the South Tower, the first recorded female ascent of this route. Other mountaineering adventures have put her on summits in Bolivia, Canada, the U.S. and in Europe. Due to her love for exploration a glacier is even named in her honor.

Anyone interested in this event should consider spending the week prior or after the race riding with Bella Treks. It?s guaranteed to be an adventure of a lifetime!

If you have any questions or would like more information about Bella Treks, please contact Bella Treks at (406)223-2595.

Top UAE riders for King's Cup

SHAIKH Hazza'a bin Sultan Al Nahyan will lead the UAE team in His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Championship scheduled for Wednesday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Hazza'a, who notched an amazing victory in the World Championship last year in Dubai, will be among 25 top riders from the UAE in this prestigious event which consists of races for junior and senior categories.

Having won this event held in 2002, Shaikh Hazza'a is one of the major contenders. Other UAE riders taking part include defending champion Dr Jaber Baitar, Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, Mubarak Al Khalili, Mohammed Al Shamsi and Khamis Al Rumaihi.

Sixteen riders from Saudi Arabia have confirmed their participation in the championship, including Prince Abdulla bin Fahad Al Saud, Prince Saud bin Khalid Al Kabir, Taher Al Turkmani and Nawad Al Otaibi.

From Kuwait, seven riders will be taking part. The team is led by Sulaiman Al Shatti who took part in the previous race. Other Kuwaiti entrants are Abdulla Al Sedairawi, Fahad Al Kandari, Yaqoub Al Nassrulla, Ali Al Khurafi and Bader Khalid.

Sponsored by Al Areen for the second consecutive year, the junior race will be over 120 kms and the senior race 130 kms.

The junior race will be divided into five stages with 32 kms for the first and second stages, 20 kms each for the third and fourth stages, and 16 kms for the fifth.

In the senior race, the 30 kms were set for the first two stages, 30 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 16 kms for the fifth.

The event will be held under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who will lead the Bahraini riders.

Meanwhile, routes committee head Fahad Al Rumaihi said the committee is giving its final touches on the race routes for both categories.

Appaloosa Horse Club Announces Inaugural National Championship Endurance Ride

Equestrian News Release
Moscow, Idaho - The Appaloosa Horse Club (ApHC) is proud to announce its inaugural 50-mile National Championship Endurance Ride scheduled for June 3, 2006, in Palmyra, Wisconsin. The event is being hosted by and held in conjunction with an Appaloosa Distance Riding Association (ApDRA) ride, and will follow the guidelines and rules set forth by the American Endurance Ride Conference.

Horses and riders have until May 30, 2006, to qualify. Youth riders 16 and under as of January 1, 2006, do not need to qualify for the ride, but they are required to ride with a sponsor.

In order to qualify for the ride, an Appaloosa must be regular- or CPO-registered with the ApHC, and the owner must be a current ApHC member in good standing. Both the horse and rider must have completed 100 lifetime distance miles, although mileage accrued does not have to be from the rider/horse combination that is registering for the ride. The 100 distance miles can be accumulated from endurance and/or competitive trail rides of 25 miles distance or greater. However, 50 of the 100 miles must be from a successfully completed 50-mile endurance ride.

Qualified riders must dual-register both with the ApHC and with the ApDRA to enter the ride. The ApHC registration fee is $35 if registered by April 30, 2006, and a late registration fee of $75 will apply if registering from May 1 -through June 2. Applications for the ride can be downloaded at http://www.appaloosa.com. Contact Dawn Joy Haas with the ApDRA at (262) 495-8105 for ApDRA registration requirements.

The first Appaloosa to successfully complete the ride will be titled an ApHC National Champion and will receive a National Endurance Ride Championship trophy. The champion will also receive a buckle sponsored by JB Tack of Jefferson, Wisconsin.

The George Hatley Best Condition trophy will be awarded to the horse judged by the vet to be in the best condition at the end of the race. Only the first 10 Appaloosas to successfully complete the ride within two hours of the winning Appaloosa's time will be considered for this award. The name of the horse earning the award will be added to the trophy, which the award winner will keep for a one-year period. The remaining top 10 finishers will each receive an award ribbon. Western Cattle Company of Peru, Illinois, is also sponsoring a buckle for the best-condition award.

The Heart of Illinois Spring Get Out Show is sponsoring a belt buckle in memory of Louis Busch, to be awarded to the first youth finishing successfully.

All riders will enjoy a dinner on Friday evening, June 2, provided by several generous individuals, and will receive a bag of feed and a T-shirt provided by Nutrena. The ApHC would like to express appreciation to the sponsors of the ride and all the individuals who have put forth time and money to ensure the ride will be successful and enjoyable.

For additional information on the ride, please contact the ApHC Trail Department at (208) 882-5578 ext. 221 or trailrides@appaloosa.com.

Fugitivo recieves WAHO (World Arabian Horse Association) Trophy

photo by Favio Lorenz


Haras San Andrés del Moro


FUGITIVO received on April 8 of 2006 the WAHO TROPHY as the most outstanding Arab Horse bred and living in Argentina.

This very special Trophy was created by the WAHO (World Arabian Horse Organization) Executive Committee and aims to distinguish an exceptional horse in each Country who has an Arab Horse Registry recognized by WAHO.

Is the National Arab Horse Society in each Country who selects the distinguish horse for this award.

The Argentina Arab Horse Breeders Society took the decision after evaluating all candidates who's CV were submitted by owners and breeders to nominate FUGITIVO the recipient of this award.

The Award was presented with the presence of FUGITIVO and his breeders and owners, Celina & Miguel Pavlovsky from Haras San Andres del Moro. It took place during the Argentina National Horse Show this April at Palermo Show Grounds and the Trophy was presented by the President of WAHO Dr. Hans J. Nagel (Germany) and members of the Board, Mrs. Claudia Caraballo de Quentin (Argentina), Mrs. Izabella Pawelec-Zawadzka (Poland) and Mr. Peter J. Pond (Australia).

FUGITIVO is an Arab stallion born in April 1.980, his mother Fuga came from old Argentine lines and his father was imported from the U.K. of Crabbet origins. During his long 12 years of active competitions he won National Championships in Dressage, Jumping, Driving, Barrel Racing, Pole Racing and in Ridden Classes with English saddle and Gaucho Saddle. He won the Senior Championship in Halter.

In Open Championship (for all breeds) he won National Titles in Barrel & Pole Racing. He competed in Flat Races and won in Endurance Competitions. He is the most versatile winner of performance competition in Argentina and had passed to his sons and grand sons his successful competitive spirit. His sons had been winners in the Race Track with Horse of the Year Awards, and were very successful in Endurance Competition with more than 20 sons exported as successful endurance horses. Fugitivo also as a Maternal Grand Father continue transmitting his athletic conditions. In the last 3 years The Endurance Argentine National Championship were won by his grandsons. In the 2.004 National Championship the four first have FUGITIVO as a Father or Maternal Grand Father. FUGITIVO in good shape despite his 26 y.o. left his pasture as a recent retired stallion did a long travel to Buenos Aires to receive with honors this unique WAHO Trophy.

Coupe de France d'Endurance Equestre

COUPE DE FRANCE 2006 D?ENDURANCE ÉQUESTRE
(English Translation below)

Pour la deuxième année consécutive, la Coupe de France des Départements par Équipes sera organisée à l?Etrier des Monédières, au Lonzac (19), les 24 et 25 juin 2006.

Avant-programme:

Samedi 24 juin :
- à partir de 12h, accueil des chevaux et des cavaliers avec contrôle vétérinaire au box.
- 14h30-16h : présentation de chevaux à la vente.
- 17h : contrôle des allures par équipe.
- 19h : pot de bienvenue suivi d?un barbecue.

Dimanche 25 juin :
- 7h : départ de la course. Départs, arrivées et contrôles vétérinaires auront lieu à l?étrier des Monédières.
- 17h : remise des prix.

A l?issue de la course, le Trophée Virbac des Vétérinaires Cavaliers sera également décerné.

Nous attendons de nombreux cavaliers de la France entière pour la remise en jeu du trophée remporté l?année dernière par la valeureuse équipe de la Haute-Loire.

Le Comité Régional d?Equitation et Limousin Endurance Equestre seront heureux de vous accueillir à l?occasion de cet évènement.
Un dossier de presse sera bientôt en ligne sur le site : limousinacheval.com.
Vous pouvez également prendre contact avec nous pour toute information supplémentaire.

Contact: CRE Limousin
Fax : 05 55 06 93 81
Site internet : limousinacheval.com
Service de Presse : Emmanuelle Boucher
Tel : 06 24 48 42 37
Mail : emmanuelle.boucher4@wanadoo.fr

----
English Translation:
For the second consecutive year, the Coupe de France des Départements par
Équipes will be put on by the Etrier des Monédières, of Lonzac (19), on
June 24 and 25, 2006.

Schedule:

Saturday, June 24:
- Starting at 12 Noon, horses and riders may vet in.
- 2:30pm-4:00pm: horses for sale will be available for viewing
- 5pm: team parade
- 7pm: welcoming speech followed by a barbeque

Sunday, June 25:
- 7am: race starts under the control of the veterinary staff
- 5pm: official end of race

Directly after the race, the Trophée Virbac des Vétérinaires Cavaliers will
be presented.

We expect riders from all over France to compete for the trophy which was
won last year by the team from Haute-Loire.

The Comité Régional d?Equitation and Limousin Endurance Equestre will be
pleased to have you attend this event.

A press release will be available on our website : limousinacheval.com.
You are free to contact us for more information.

Contact: CRE Limousin
Fax : 05 55 06 93 81
Site internet : limousinacheval.com

Service de Presse : Emmanuelle Boucher
Tel : 06 24 48 42 37
Mail : emmanuelle.boucher4@wanadoo.fr

Ste Maries Endurance Results - France

Stes Maries 01/04/06

TOMAS Philippe KEVIN DE NARTHOUX 1
MILETTO MOSTI Cecile IDEAL DES VIALETTES 2
BENOIT Philippe AKIM DU BOULVE 3

[More ...]

US: Endurance riders to boogie at Buck Meadows

Published: March 31, 2006

ENDURANCE RIDER Holly Foiles of Groveland and mule Sarge will act as Buck Meadows Boogie hosts along with family dog Bart.

It's just you, your thoughts and your mount. It's a day filled with the sights and sounds of nature. It's rattlesnakes, bobcats and hours of riding. It's an Endurance Ride."

[More ...]

Endurance riders to boogie at Buck Meadows

Published: March 31, 2006




Endurance riders to boogie at Buck Meadows

Published: March 31, 2006

ENDURANCE RIDER Holly Foiles of Groveland and mule Sarge will act as Buck Meadows Boogie hosts along with family dog Bart.
Benjamin Hicks/Copyright 2006, The Union Democrat

By CAMERON PARKINSON

Photo: ENDURANCE RIDER Holly Foiles of Groveland and mule Sarge will act as Buck Meadows Boogie hosts along with family dog Bart.
Benjamin Hicks/Copyright 2006, The Union DemocratIt's just you, your thoughts and your mount. It's a day filled with the sights and sounds of nature. It's rattlesnakes, bobcats and hours of riding. It's an Endurance Ride.

"It's not for every horseback rider. But for those of us who like to get out and go it's a really neat thing," said Holly Foiles, a rider for the past 34 years. "It's a lot of personal satisfaction. You see things you would never see while driving around in a car."

Endurance rides can span 25, 50 and 100 miles with rides ranging from six to 24 hours.

"Most of the time you're trotting along," Foiles said. "It's not a race like you see on TV ... you have to know how fast your horse can go."

A major role in the strategy of the race involves routine veterinary checks to make sure the horses are healthy. According to Foiles, the horses must drop to a certain heart rate before being checked.

"You can pass people in the vet check. If they come in fast then it takes longer for their heart rate to come down to get checked."

Foiles and Anita Siondella are hosting a ride April 8 called the Buck Meadows Boogie with a 25- and a 50-mile races. The 50-mile riders leave at 6:30 a.m. and the 25-mile riders leave an hour later.

The 50-mile race generally takes 12 hours and the 25-mile race usually is under six hours. The races include veterinarian checks to make sure the horses are healthy, with three checks along a 50-mile route and one in a 25-mile race.

"Ultimately the riders are responsible for the horse," Foiles said. "You should be able to know your horse and know if something is rong."

Siondella rides Sam, a 16-year old horse who has more than 3,000 miles of competition experience. Sam has been on nine 100-mile rides, which usually last 24 hours.

"They have been riding together for 11 years," Foiles said. "Sam is a good horse. He's really an amazing guy."

Foiles rides 16-year old Sarge, a mule who is the last son of Frosty, Foiles' first horse.

"You try to find the most talented horse you can afford," Foiles said. "You want a horse that wants to go do this, that is happy after doing 50 miles and would be happy to go out and do another 50. Sam is that kind of horse and Sarge is pretty good at it."

Foiles said 35 riders have signed up from all over California and that a maximum of 100 can take part.

"We get people that show up in big fancy rigs and motorhomes, and then you get someone with a pickup and a tent," Foiles said. "It's not just for rich people that have money. It's for anyone who can get their horse into shape."
Click this picture to view a larger image.

ENDURANCE RIDER Holly Foiles of Groveland and mule Sarge will act as Buck Meadows Boogie hosts along with family dog Bart.
Benjamin Hicks/Copyright 2006, The Union Democrat

By CAMERON PARKINSON

It's just you, your thoughts and your mount. It's a day filled with the sights and sounds of nature. It's rattlesnakes, bobcats and hours of riding. It's an Endurance Ride.

"It's not for every horseback rider. But for those of us who like to get out and go it's a really neat thing," said Holly Foiles, a rider for the past 34 years. "It's a lot of personal satisfaction. You see things you would never see while driving around in a car."

Endurance rides can span 25, 50 and 100 miles with rides ranging from six to 24 hours.

"Most of the time you're trotting along," Foiles said. "It's not a race like you see on TV ... you have to know how fast your horse can go."

A major role in the strategy of the race involves routine veterinary checks to make sure the horses are healthy. According to Foiles, the horses must drop to a certain heart rate before being checked.

"You can pass people in the vet check. If they come in fast then it takes longer for their heart rate to come down to get checked."

Foiles and Anita Siondella are hosting a ride April 8 called the Buck Meadows Boogie with a 25- and a 50-mile races. The 50-mile riders leave at 6:30 a.m. and the 25-mile riders leave an hour later.

The 50-mile race generally takes 12 hours and the 25-mile race usually is under six hours. The races include veterinarian checks to make sure the horses are healthy, with three checks along a 50-mile route and one in a 25-mile race.

"Ultimately the riders are responsible for the horse," Foiles said. "You should be able to know your horse and know if something is rong."

Siondella rides Sam, a 16-year old horse who has more than 3,000 miles of competition experience. Sam has been on nine 100-mile rides, which usually last 24 hours.

"They have been riding together for 11 years," Foiles said. "Sam is a good horse. He's really an amazing guy."

Foiles rides 16-year old Sarge, a mule who is the last son of Frosty, Foiles' first horse.

"You try to find the most talented horse you can afford," Foiles said. "You want a horse that wants to go do this, that is happy after doing 50 miles and would be happy to go out and do another 50. Sam is that kind of horse and Sarge is pretty good at it."

Foiles said 35 riders have signed up from all over California and that a maximum of 100 can take part.

"We get people that show up in big fancy rigs and motorhomes, and then you get someone with a pickup and a tent," Foiles said. "It's not just for rich people that have money. It's for anyone who can get their horse into shape."

Al Reef Challenge endurance ride today

By A Correspondent

30 March 2006


ABU DHABI ? The 120-km Al Reef Challenge, to be held today, is the first evening endurance ride of the season and will also end the endurance season. The ride is scheduled to start at 4.30pm.

Over 115 riders have confirmed their participation for the Al Reef Challenge endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi. The ride, organised by the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, is being sponsored by the Al Reef Stables. The CEI 3-star, 120-km ride will be run in five stages. Pre-ride inspection will be held on the same day at the Village premises between 2.30 and 3.30pm.

Some of the riders contending in the Challenge include: Shaikh Hazza bin Sultan Al Nahyan who will be riding 10-year-old grey gelding Ramalea Captain Srarlight, Shaikh Khaled bin Sultan Al Nahyan who will be riding nine-year-old grey mare Ainhoa Hadliz, Shaikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Khalifa Al Maktoum who will be aboard 11-year-old bay mare Henham Fahrida, Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qasimi (Coolahlee Park Charlene), Sultan Ahmed Al Baloushi ( EO Jabari), Jasim Ali Abdullah Yousif Al Hammadi (Roxborough Zepher), Abdullah Khamis Ali Saeed (Estaban), Jesus Manuel Berna (Risco Moreno), Yousef Ahmed Bloushi (Carallio), Khalid Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi ( Mindari Aenzac), Yousef Abdullah Al Hammadi (Maramanup Surnrise), Mohammed Ibrahim Al Hammadi (Kurandea), Federico Zubaiurre (Yimood), Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri (Knight MA), Ali Yousef Hussain Al Hammadi (Sandine Velencia Boy), Yousif Mohammed Hasan Al Hammadi (Caverna), Mohammed Yousuf Al Hammadi (Gato), Hassan bin Ali (Shalzara Park Shaitayn) and several others.

There is a Best Conditioned Horse competition also.

UAE: Marzouqi clinches Abu Dhabi Cup

Khaleej Times Online: "?I think my patience to ride the horse to his ability was rewarded at the end. My horse was in good shape but I didn?t want to ride at a crazy pace and pay the penalty of what the other rider did,? said Marzouqi, who had won the President?s Cup junior ride in 2003 and runner up the following year.

?I follow instructions from my crew but decide on the pace and other matters instinctively. In endurance, riding a winner is as important as the welfare of the horse. I think I achieved both today,? he added."

[More ... ]

Fahad, Faleh Swaid claim top honours in Endurance Ride

Published: Sunday, 19 March, 2006, 08:43 AM Doha Time

Qtel chairman Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Thani (centre) presents the winners trophy to Fahad Hamad al-Athba while Sultan of Terengganu HRH Sultan Mizan Zian Alabdin looks on
Fahad Hamad al-Athba claimed the top honours in the senior category of the Endurance Ride held at Messaid on Friday. Fahd finished the gruellin 120km race in 11hrs 02min 43secs, ahead of Abdullah Nader Abdulrahman Feteas and Ali Khurbash who took the second and third spots.
Fahad riding Tequila, a 11-year old chestnut horse, was placed first at the end of the first vet gate, but faltered to be third in the second stage. However, Fahad dazzled later to maintain the first place in the remaining four stages.
The second placed Abdulla astride Nader, a Anglo-Arab 12-year-old grey horse, gradually improved from the fifth place in the first stage to keep abreast with Fahad, while finishing the race in a timing of 12hrs45min.15secs.
Faleh Swaid al-Ajmi, riding Elate, a pure Arabian, nine-year old grey horse, won the junior category in 5hrs51min.56secs. Megan Gwenhol Jones finished second ahead of Abdulla Salem al-Marri.

Shaikh Khalid races to victory

SHAIKH Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa steered Farhoz De Paute to victory in the senior section while Amur Al Muammry notched the junior title in the 120-km Bahrain Open Endurance Championship yesterday at the Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.

Shaikh Khalid, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef)acting president and Al Khaldia stable captain, showed great stamina and control to win this race in five hours, 45 minutes and three seconds for an average of 26.64 kms per hour.

The Breef chief was followed by Jaber Al Dosseri of Al Talia Stable who completed the race on Omsura Nasrohn in 5:48:02 in second place and Fahad Ismail was third on Aloha Shiralee in 5:59:21. 20.

Amur of Al Asayel Stable followed suit to win the junior race, which was also over 120 kms, clocking 6:17:48 on Princess. He was ahead of Royal Endurance Team riders Jaffar Mirza who steered Jamil to second place in 6:20:00 and Ebrahim Al Rumeihi who came third on Hard in 6:35:30.

A number of GCC riders from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia also took part in the race but were unable to complete the event which was the third on the federation's calendar this season.

The General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa flagged off the race at the Endurance Village gate.

The event was also attended by Breef endurance committee chairman Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa, who honoured the top three riders in the seniors race, while Shaikh Khalid honoured the winners in the junior section.

Hinkle to lead World Equestrian Games planning

Business First of Louisville - 12:44 PM EST Monday

The Kentucky Horse Park's director of operations has been selected to lead the planning of the 2010 World Equestrian Games.

Rob Hinkle has been hired as chief administrative officer by the World Games 2010 Foundation Inc., the organization in charge of the Fédération Equestre Internationale World Equestrian Games, according to a news release.

Hinkle has served as director of operations for the Kentucky Horse Park since 1999. He joined the park as senior special events coordinator in 1991.

Hinkle was director of equine operations for Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., before joining the Kentucky Horse Park.

He also was a member of the team that wrote and presented Kentucky's bid to the Fédération Equestre Internationale last year.

The 2010 World Equestrian Games is expected to draw more than 300,000 attendees and have a potential economic impact of about $100 million.

This will be the first time that the games will be held outside of Europe, and it will be the first time that the games are staged at a single venue.

The two-week event, which takes place every four years, includes the world championships of seven equestrian sports: show jumping, dressage, eventing, driving, reining, vaulting and endurance riding.

The competitions are expected to draw about 800 equestrians and 1,000 horses from 50 countries and to attract more than 1,000 journalists. The event will be televised in 180 countries.

The World Games 2010 Foundation Inc. will hire a CEO at a later date to oversee all aspects of the games, the release said.

CEI ? Süddeutschland International

June 4- 6, 2006
Hechingen, Germany

www.sueddeutschland-international.de
www.p-s-e.de


Dear Endurance-Riders,

We are happy to announce a new endurance event in southern Germany. We want to continue the tradition off the well organized rides in Donaueschingen and Tanneck in former times.

The CEI in Hechingen will be a good start in the international season of 2006. The conditions of our rides are comparable with the profile in Aachen. So our rides are a good possibility to test your horses and prepare them to this most important event in 2006.

We try to present you a very good organizition and also a very pleasant and friendly atmosphere.

with best regards
your organizing commitee
André Schaudt
Klaus Kimmich

FEI Schedule

2004 World Endurance Championship Press Release

A final decision on the determination of the gold/silver/bronze medals!

"The FEI has received the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport in the matter of the appeal concerning the winner of the 2005 FEI Endurance World Championship, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed al Nahyan (UAE). The outcome of the decision is that Sheikh Hazza is disqualified after his horse Hachim tested positive to the prohibited substance Methylprednisolone. "

EnduranceNet Coverage

FEI Press Release

Huge field for Emirates Endurance Ride tod

By A Correspondent

9 March 2006


DUBAI ? Over 80 riders have confirmed their participation for the Emirates Challenge endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, March 9, 2006.

The CEI 3-star, 120-km Emirates Challenge ride will be run in five stages of 32 km, 30 km, 24 km, 18 km and 16 km respectively. It will feature horses aged six and above and the ride is scheduled to start at 6am.

Some of the contenders taking part in the ride include Shaikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qassimi, Jaber Bittar, Jesus Manuel Berna, Yousef Ahmed Al Bloushi, Omair Hussain Abdullah Al Bloushi, Ahmed Hassan Ahmed Al Hammadi, Khalid Abdul Rahim Al Hammadi, Khalifa Ahmed Atiq Al Marri, Khalifa Matar Mohammed Al Neyadi, Abdullah Saeed bin Huzaim, Abdullah Thani Ahmed Al Dalali, Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha, Salem Rasahid bin Ghadeyar, Mubarak Khalifa bin Shafya, Ali Mohammed Al Muhairi, Thani Mohammed Al Muhairi, Hassan bin Ali and Sultan Ahmed Al Bloushi.

As is the case during all the endurance rides in the UAE, whips, spurs and long reins are not permitted during the ride.

The riders have been requested that they make sure that their horses are sufficiently warmed-up before being taken inside the vet gate. No more than two persons and the rider will be permitted to accompany a horse inside the vet gate at any time.

The riders have also been instructed that they must wear hard type riding helmets and shoes with heels.

It is also forbidden to give water or any other kind of assistance from inside a car. Any horse that is retired after the start must be shown to an official Ride Veterinarian before it leaves and venue. Furthermore, crewing of horses is not permitted in the entrances or inside the vet gate. All the participants have been requested by the Federation to follow these rules to make the rides smooth and trouble-free.

In the Emirates Challenge ride, The Best Condition Competition is restricted to the first ten horses that cross the finish line.

Asian equestrian panel meet in Abu Dhabi

By A Correspondent

7 March 2006


ABU DHABI ? A three-member committee from the Asia Equestrian Federation held a meeting in Abu Dhabi on Sunday with the officials of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and discussed equestrian activities during the forthcoming 15th Asia Games, scheduled to be held in Doha, from December 1 to 15. Hussein Mohammed Hussein, secretary-general of the UAE Federation, chaired the meeting.

The members of the Asian Federation included II-Hong Kim, secretary-general of the Asian Equestrian Federation, Won-Oh Park, secretary-general of the Korean Federation and Mehdi Nikooee, chairman of the R&R Committee and also council member.

The meeting discussed at length the problems faced by some of the Asian Federations willing to participate in the Doha competitions due to the exorbitant costs of transportation of horses from the Asian countries via Europe and then to Doha. In lieu of this, the Asian Federation members suggested Dubai could be considered as the intermediary place from where the horses could be sent to Doha.

Hussein Mohammed Hussein expressed UAE?s readiness to provide all possible facilities to make this event a success. Hussein requested that the suggestion should be put forward in the meeting of the Organising Committee in Doha. A joint technical meeting attended by both the parties could follow this to discuss the other procedures. He also requested for a list of the participating countries to be submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in the UAE to make sure that those countries maintained the quarantine procedures in accordance with the UAE regulations. Hong Kim explained that they were working on appointing endurance technical committees. He said since endurance was not very popular in the East Asian countries and that the Asian Federation did not have sufficient experience in selecting the ride officials, the FEI had prepared a list of officials. The FEI recommended that the list be presented to Hussein Mohammed Hussein, who is also the chairman of the Asian Endurance Committee, who on his behalf offered all the support from the UAE technical committee to make the event successful.

Hong Kim also sought advice and help from the UAE Equestrian Federation keeping in mind the humble standard of endurance rides in Asian countries. He suggested that a seminar should be organised on endurance on the sidelines of the General Assembly meeting of the Asian Equestrian Federation to be held in Malaysia from April 27 to May 2.

Endurance ride at Boudthib today

By A Correspondent

2 March 2006


DUBAI ? The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, in cooperation with the Boudthib Endurance Village, is organising Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Nahyan Challenge Cup for Juniors and Young Riders at Boudthib Endurance Village, Al Khatem, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday, March 2, 2006.

The CEI, Two-star, 100-km ride, which will be run in four phases of 30 km, 30 km, 24 km and 16 km respectively, has so far attracted over 30 riders. The ride is scheduled to have a mass start at 6.30 am.

The Federation is also organising two Federation Qualifiers on the same day at the same venue. The 84 ?km Qualifier, which will be run in three phases of 30 km, 30 km and 24 km respectively, will feature around 50 riders and will start at 6.45 am. As many as another 50 riders will vie for qualification in the 46-km ride which will be run in two phases of 30 km and 16 km respectively and will be flagged off at 7 a.m.

The UAE Equestrian Federation organizes Federation Qualifiers at regular intervals to help riders and horses to qualify themselves to ride in higher category rides.

The rides are held under the patronage of Shaikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Heritage Club. The Boudthib Endurance Village is part of the Emirates Heritage Club.

The Emirates Heritage Club is closely involved in the development of several traditional and cultural activities and sports in the country, including endurance riding. The club also provides vital training facilities for children in the UAE and its modern and excellently planned endurance village has become a training ground for several aspiring young endurance riders.

Boudthib is located past Al Wathba on the left side of the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highway. One can also reach the Boudthib endurance Village from different emirates by following these directions: From Abu Dhabi ? On Al Ain Road at exit for Zayed Military City, turn left and follow signs.

From Dubai- On Abu Dhabi Road at Al Mafraq bridge take exit to Al Ain Road and continue up to exit for Zayed Military City, turn left and follow signs.

From Al Ain ? On Abu Dhabi Road at Al Khatem Bridge exit right and follow signs.

The sheik behind the port deal

Economists, international experts say the backlash is rooted in anxiety that the U.S. is losing its top spot in the global economy, not in fear of terrorism

By Susan Chandler and Stephen Franklin, Tribune staff reporters. Tribune reporters Ameet Sachdev, Thomas A. Corfman, Becky Yerak, James P. Miller and Mike Hughlett, and The Associated Press contribute
Published February 26, 2006


He is an acclaimed poet. He is a world-class equestrian who favors endurance racing. He is an ardent believer in economic development from a country with close U.S. ties, a man who has built amazing hotels, shopping centers and office towers, transforming his tiny city-state into an international finance center and playground for jet-setters.

With his existing investments in U.S. hotels, Sun Belt apartments and health-care facilities, Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum doesn't seem like the kind of foreign investor who would create a political uproar on Capitol Hill. But a proposed $6.8 billion deal by a state-owned Dubai company to take over operations at six U.S. ports has done exactly that.

[More ...]

12-member team for Qatar Open

"12-member team for Qatar Open Championship

A TWELVE-MEMBER Bahrain national endurance team will head for Doha today to take part in the 120-km Qatar Open Endurance Championship schedule for tomorrow at the Seleen Racecourse.

The Bahraini riders represent three stables - Royal Endurance Team, Ahmed Al Fateh and Al Asayel. The Royal Endurance Team riders are veteran Khalid Al Ruwaie, Mohammed Abdulaziz, Abdulsamad brothers Mohammed and Ahmed, Jaffer Mirza and Raed Mahmood.

[More ...]

USA: Granite Chief Distance Horse of the Year

TBR Granite Chief+/ Earns Distance Horse of the Year Award
Arabian horse TBR Granite Chief+/ (CF Sorcerer x MI Princessa), owned by Karen Chaton of Gardnerville, NV, has earned the 2005 Arabian Horse Association (AHA) Distance Horse of the Year Award.

The 10-year-old gelding was the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) National Mileage Champion in 2004 with 2,135 miles and has captured that title again in 2005 with 2,245 miles. He has accumulated 4,835 lifetime miles to date and is the only Arabian horse in this century to cover more than 2,000 miles in a single ride season, which he did in both 2004 and 2005.
[More ...]

US: AERC Anual Conference Coming

The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), the national governing body for endurance riding in the United States, will hold its annual convention in Texas for the first time in 2006. The two-day program of seminars, informational meetings and a free trade show is set for February 24-25 at the Crowne Plaza Riverwalk in San Antonio.

Leading experts in equine health care and endurance-related fields will be featured at several seminar sessions. Other highlights of the AERC's convention will include a trade show featuring vendors from across the country. Regional awards will be presented at an evening reception on February 23, and the convention will culminate with AERC's national awards on the evening of February 25.

[More ...]

UAE: Nasser wins President?s Cup Endurance Ride

By Amith Passela
17 February 2006

ABU DHABI ? Twentyfour-year-old Dubai policeman Nasser Abdulla Mohammed Al Marzouqi claimed the President?s Cup on Kaysand Farrazah from defending champion Marzooq Salem Al Marri on Ro-Fabiola here at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba yesterday.

Nasser?s first ever victory in seven years was also the first President?s Cup in seven attempts for owner His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The 2001 winner of the coveted title Hassan bin Ali, on Moonlight Princess, finished third ahead of Majed Mohammed Salman Al Sabri, Salem Rashed bin Ghadayer and Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

[More ...]

EnduranceNet Coverage

UAE: President's Cup Victory

Abu Dhabi: Dubai policeman Naser Abdulla Mohammad Al Marzouqi came up with a live replay of a dream he had the night before to score a superb win in the 160-km endurance ride yesterday and lift the HH The President Cup yesterday.

Riding Kaysand Farrazah, a 10-year-old grey gelding owned by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Al Marzouqi completed the 160-km ride on a dry and dusty afternoon to realise his dream and also register his first career win in seven years.

Yesterday's prestigious President Cup ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba had attracted a strong field and was attended by Shaikh Mohammad, Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, and Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry.

Al Marzouqi, who completed the ride in 7 hrs 16 mins and 29secs, was followed home by the defending champion Marzooq Salem Al Merri on RoFabiola and the 2001 winner Hassan Bin Ali on Moonlight Prince.

"The night before the ride I had a dream that I had a good chance of winning," said the 24-year old who had finished fourth, third and fourth in his last three starts.

"The field was very strong but I had a good start. Then as the ride progressed, my horse looked in top condition. Just before the final two loops of the six-stage race I knew I could win the Cup," said Al Marzouqi, who has been riding since 1999.

He and Kaysand Farrazah, a horse trained by former UAE champion Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, were always in the lead pack starting off in fourth place after the first 34kms and the next 32 kms. The pair then made a move to move into the second position after the third stage of 30 kms.

Al Marzouqi then took the lead after the fourth loop and after that, just kept building on that to finally win well.

His speed on the final loop touched 27.32 kmph but that effort could not better last year's President's Cup best of 7:02.21 set by Al Merri and Ro-Fabiola, the pair who finished second.

"I tried my best but the winning horse was very good," said Al Merri, who however managed to overtake the second-placed Hassan Bin Ali and finish behind the winner. The nine-year-old Ro-Fabiola, however, earned the Best Conditioned Horse award to make Al Wathba Stables proud.

Among the favourites, only Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, the reigning European Open champion, managed to do well with a sixth place finish on Nashmi as the former world champions, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum, Valerie Kanavy and Danielle McGuinus, failed to make an impact.

While Shaikh Ahmad made an exit after the third stage, the mother and daughter pair of Valerie and Danielle were out after the fourth stage as both their horses went lame.

Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on Hachim was also unfortunate when the rider withdrew after the fifth stage just before the final 16km loop.

Yesterday's ride was sponsored by Dubai Waterfront, National Bank of Dubai and Omega.

Results

1. Naser Abdulla Mohammad Al Marzouqi (Kaysand Farrazah) 7hrs 16mins 29 secs

2. Marzooq Salem Al Merri (Ro-Fabiola) 7:22.40

3. Hassan Bin Ali (Moonlight Prince) 7:28.27

4. Majid Mohammad Salman Al Sabri (Zakah Zahara) 7:31.37

5. Salem Rashid Bin Ghadayer (Dalton Du Capimont) 7:33.07

6. Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum (Nashmi) (7:33.08)

7. Jaume Punti Dachs-Spain- (Elvis Hab) 8:13.46

8. Khalifa Bin Ghailata (El Estande) 8:24.35

9. Udo von Schauroth-Namibia- (Barges) 8:27.36

10. Monica Comas Molist-Spain- (Janik An Triskell) 8:43:27

http://www.endurance.net/international/2006PresidentsCup/

Three former world champions set for President?s Cup race

By Our Sports Reporter

14 February 2006



ABU DHABI ? The President?s Cup endurance race on Thursday has drawn three former world champions and the cream of the local talent here at the Emirates International Endurance Village at Al Wathba.


Lining up for a slice of a whopping one-and-a-half-million-dirham are two times former world champion Valerie Kanavy and her world champion daughter Daniela from the US, and UAE?s own Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the 2002 world champion.

?The President?s Cup is Abu Dhabi flagship endurance ride and we have a field that befits the occasion,? said Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, member of the organising committee, in a Press conference here at the Armed Forces Officers Club yesterday.

?Besides the strong local entries are some of the distinguished foreign riders from the US, Australia and Europe, to make this race truly international. The President?s Cup is always a fiercely contested race and we are looking forward for another absorbing contest,? he added.

The FEI-CEI 160-kilometre race jointly sponsored by Omega, National Bank of Dubai and Dubai Waterfront for a combined purse of Dh 2 million has already drawn nearly 100 entries from the leading stables around the Emirates and from abroad.

Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum spearheads the Dubai challenge with his younger brother and 2002 world champion Shaikh Ahmed, alongside Hassan bin Ali, winner in 2001.

Shaikh Hamdan was sixth in the inaugural race in 2000 and was runner up two years later behind Shareef Mohammed Abdulla Al Bloushi, who won the President?s Cup twice on the trot.

Abdulla Khamis Ali Saeed won the inaugural race for the Al Reef Stables won in 2000 and since then Al Wathba Stables has retained the trophy, won twice by Bloushi, and then Abdul Rahim Al Jenaibi and Marzooq Salem Al Marri. Colonel Hussain Mohammed Hussain, secretary general of the UAE Equestrian Federation, said event has grown in stature internationally.

?The President?s Cup is not only the most prestigious race in Abu Dhabi but the premier endurance event in the country. The competition obviously brings out the best of both, the rider and horse,? he said.

The sponsors? representatives Yousef Khoury of Omega, Ali Al Kaitoub of National Bank of Dubai and Ammar Sinan of Dubai Waterfront, endorsed their continued support for the sport.

The President?s Cup for Junior and Young riders run over 80 kilometres will be held in the following day at Boudthib Endurance Village

Prince Rides in Junior Young Rider Presidents Cup - UAE

Prince Abdul Hamid Mohammed Al Saleh, the son of Princess Alia Bint Hussein of Jordan, rode in the Sh Saeed bin Hamdan Qualifier. He now plans to ride in the Junior Young Riders Presidents Cup to be held at Boudthib on February 17th.

Prince Abdul received his pre ride training at Wrsan Farm by the invitation of HH Sh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister. The five day course conducted by Dr Marcello Grilo encompassed all aspects of endurance training. The essential factor of the course was the hands on experience that the young Prince under took.

The resident head farrier at Wrsan Lauret Deury assisted by Ferran Llagostera and Herve Gilles, demonstrated how the horse shoes were made and explained the different types of shoes. Prince Abdul guided by Lauret made a horse shoe which he proudly showed to Sh Sultan who kept a close eye on his progress. Another task he performed was rasping teeth assisted by Dr Marcello who gave a very detailed lectured on this subject. . Dr Navaldo explained the work of the veterinary clinic and introduced him to the equipment and explained the diagnostic x-rays.

Well before sunrise Prince Abdul joined race horse trainer Jaci Wickham to watch the horses exercise on the track. He was particularly impressed with Tronasonic who had just won two races within a week. Armed with a packet of polos they were soon best friends.

Wrsan's premier Arabian Stallion Monarch AH was the star of the swimming pool as he leapt in with great enthusiasm before the Prince helped swim one of the endurance horses. The Prince enjoyed an in depth conversation with the stud Manager Deidre Hyde ,one area in which the young Prince had abundant knowledge, as his mother Princess Alia is a leading breeder and top international judge of Arabian horses. Other aspects of the course covered feeding, stable management, and quarantine procedures .

Tevis rider's rhymes reflect joy of the trail

An equestrian for 75 years and part of the Tevis Cup since 1961, Dick Barsaleau has his poems on endurance riding, cowboys and horses in print, with proceeds benefiting the Robie Foundation. Photo by Ben Furtado/Auburn Journal


Proceeds from recently published book to benefit Robie Foundation

By: Gus Thomson, Journal Staff Writer
Sunday, February 5, 2006 11:12 PM PST

LOOMIS - Long known for his humorous poems about endurance riding, cowboys and other aspects of the equestrian experience, Tevis Cup 100-mile endurance ride veteran Dick Barsaleau had collected the best of what he calls his "rhymes and jingles" into book form.

Barsaleau, who turned 80 in August, is pleasantly surprised with the reception his book has received since it was published by Auburn Printers two weeks ago. More than 200 copies have been sold, mostly to equestrians. Orders are coming in from across the United States and Canada.

Barsaleau's poems range from odes to Auburn as endurance capital to several done in the French-Canadian patois.

"I call them rhymes and jingles instead of poems," Barsaleau said. "Poems formalize words and that can scare people."

"View From Riders Rest" pulls together 85 of Barsaleau's poems. Written over a 40-year period, many were kept in a dog-eared binder that the well-respected veterinarian and longtime Loomis resident would break out for readings when cowboy poets or horse lovers would get together.

Auburn Printers co-owner Merrill Kagan-Weston said she heard Barsaleau read at a Tevis Cup event and called him later to suggest that he put his poems together in book form.

Working with Barbara Jacinto of BJ Design, Kagan-Weston and Barsaleau published 1,000 copies of "View From Riders Rest," with the goal of donating all proceeds to the Wendell and Inez Robie Foundation. The foundation preserves trails and endurance riding history.

"I liked listening to Dick read and I enjoyed the book as well," Kagan-Weston said. "He's pretty entertaining."

On a recent visit to Barsaleau's rural Loomis home, with five endurance horses running free over his spacious "back 40," the author recounted his early experiences with Tevis Cup pioneer Wendell Robie and his own rich life around horses and riding.

Born in Massachusetts, Barsaleau was schooled in horsemanship by his father, a trick rider who taught his son to ride astride two horses at once, with separate reins.

"We put a lot of rosin on our sneakers," Barsaleau said.

His father was also a member of the U.S. Cavalry during the 1910s.

"I grew up hearing tales of chasing Pancho Villa on the American border," Barsaleau said. "They never caught up with him but they wore out a lot of horses trying."

A Marine in World War II, Barsaleau set out for Colorado after peace was declared, breaking horses, pitching hay and picking up a veterinary degree. While Parkinson's Disease has kept him from riding this past year, he can still touch a horse and that's good enough for riders to continue to ask advice from a horse doctor they fondly refer to as Doctor B.

Barsaleau was practicing in Visalia when he first got an invitation to judge the fitness of horses and riders at the Tevis Cup ride in 1961. Over the years, he's judged rides in 33 states, as well as Canada and Australia. The Tevis ride had been founded in 1955, with equestrians taking their horses along a mountain course from Squaw Valley to Auburn once used by settlers and gold seekers. Wendell Robie, a lumber company owner from Auburn, spurred the success of the ride in its early days and soon knew the straight-shooting ride judge well.

"I pulled him the first year - it made me infamous," Barsaleau said. "But he came up late and shook my hand - said 'You're right, he's lame.'"

In the 1960s, Barsaleau played a key role in establishing the standards that continue to be in place that protect the horse from overzealous riders.

"I have the dubious distinction of making the rules to eliminate the risks," Barsaleau said. "A lot of riders lost their cool, lost their sense of judgment and became competitive."

The Tevis Cup marked its 50th anniversary last year. Barsaleau continues to stay involved as governor emeritus of the Western States Trail Foundation. Beginning in 1964, Barsaleau was a rider in 16 Tevis Cup events, finishing 14 times on nine horses. His best finish was seventh in 1967. By 1978, he was able to join his friend, Wendell Robie, in the elite of endurance riding, having finished his 10th Tevis. At the time, he was the 10th rider to reach the 1,000-mile club. Now there are more than 50.

Barsaleau's poetry attests to his lifetime as horse owner, breeder, trainer and judge.

"I've been a student of horses for 75 years and I'm still learning," Barsaleau said.

Quilty to be world's biggest endurance ride

february 6, 2006

It's the toughest horse race in Australia and this year it will be the biggest event of its kind in the world. The punishing 160km-long classic, the Tom Quilty Gold Cup, to be held in Boonah, South East Queensland in June, is expected to attract a field of more than 350 riders from around the world. Together with their entourages, they're expected to swell the local population by 5000.

Competitors will fly in from the Middle East, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, the USA and Europe to test themselves alongside the Aussies, who are ranked world-first with more international medals to their name than any other country.

More...

Home Away From Home

Hello! johnt@endurance.net has sent you the following article from http://www.TheHorse.com, with this message:

ARTICLE: Home Away From Home

You've decided to hit the road with your horse for a competition, overnight trail ride, or a pack trip. You'll spend the night snug in your trailer's berth, but where will your horse stay? Regardless of the event or destination, successfully and safely ...

* This article can be accessed by copying and pasting the entire address below into your web browser. This link will expire after 3 views.

http://www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?cID=jD794ZvLSB1cNJOuW0m65A%3d%3d

Get full access to this and all other 5,000+ horse health articles on TheHorse.com! Subscribe to The Horse today at https://www.thehorse.com/Subscriptions/THSubscribe.aspx?SC=CQ05Z232TH!

Sponsored by The Horse Source: Equine product information, web sites, e-mail addresses, phone and fax numbers at your fingertips. Featuring more than 10,000 listings! http://source.bloodhorse.com/thehorse

Copyright (c) 2004 BLOOD-HORSE PUBLICATIONS. All rights reserved.

Mohammed lifts junior Doha title

BAHRAINI rider Mohammed Abdulsamad notched the juniors title while Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa finished second in the seniors at the second GCC Endurance Championship held yesterday in Doha.

More than 80 riders from the GCC took part in this one-day event which was over 120 kms and divided into five stages.

Mohammed, the Royal Endurance Team member, steered Callan Stardancer to win the race in six hours 13 minutes 15 seconds ahead of Qatari favourite Abdulla Al Marri (6:16:35) who settled for second position on Pasha.

The Bahraini team riders dominated the juniors section winning the third, fourth and sixth positions through Mohammed Abdulaziz, Jaffer Mirza and Salem Al Otaibi respectively.

In the seniors race, Shaikh Salman was runner up on Bedouin De Piboul, three seconds behind Qatari winner Ata Mohammed who was riding Dou Park Brolga. Shaikh Salman's mount also won the best 'health status' award.

Fahad Al Athba of Qatar finished third, Misfir Al Hajri of Qatar fourth and Bahrain's Yousef Taher fifth on Majhool Al Shaqab.

The event was held under the patronage of Endurance Committee head at the Qatari Equestrian and Endurance Association Shaikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani who honoured the winners at the prize-distribution ceremony.

Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who headed the delegation to Doha, congratulated the winners and praised their performance at the race.

"The Bahraini team members proved how much they have gained through their participation at many championships at regional and international levels such as last year's GCC Championship in Doha and the Shaikh Fahad Al Ahmed Race in Kuwait," said Shaikh Khalid.

He also said the Bahraini delegation had a comfortable stay in Doha and that the championship was a great success. Shaikh Khalid also lauded the abilities of the Qatari Equestrian and Endurance Association in providing the facilities and services for the participants.

Results (in order of country, horse, total time):

Juniors: 1 Mohammed Abdulsamad (Bahrain, Callan Stardancer, 6:13:15), 2 Abdulla Al Marri (Qatar, Pasha, 6:16:35), 3 Abdulla Al Khateri (Bahrain, Nekir Des Vernes, 6:30:46), 4 Mohammed Abdulaziz (Bahrain, Dirham El Oumzil, 6:43:13), 5 Jaffer Mirza (Bahrain, Muniki, 6:48:07), 6 Salem Al Otaibi (Bahrain, Al Fahd, 6:54:56).

Seniors: 1 Ata Mohammed (Qatar, Dou Park Brolga, 6:04:41), 2 Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa (Bahrain, Bedouin De Piboul, 6:04:44), 3 Fahad Al Athba (Qatar, Tequila, 6:09:55), 4 Mesfer Al Hajri (Qatar, Redah, 6:12:03), 5 Yousif Taher (Bahrain, Majhool Al Shaqab, 6:26:34), 6 Abdulhaq Qadouri (Bahrain, Farhoze De Paute, 6:26:36).

GCC: Endurance victory is hailed

Endurance victory is hailed

The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday made a phone call to Breef vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and congratulated him on the Royal Endurance Team's excellent performance in the GCC Championship held in Doha, Qatar.

Shaikh Nasser added that this achievement consolidated the abilities of Bahraini riders in future regional and international contests.

Qatar: Gulfcoast GCC: Beer edges out Saqer for title

Beer edges out Saqer for titlePublished: Monday, 30 January, 2006, 09:06 AM Doha Time

Ata Mohammed Beer edged out Sheikh Salman bin Saqer al-Khalifa by a whisker while claiming the top honours in the senior category of the Qatar GCC Open Endurance Ride held at the Endurance Village at Mesaieed, Sealine on Saturday.
Ata Mohammed astride Dou Park Brolga, a pure Arabian 11 year old chestnut horse, finished the gruelling 120 km race in 6hrs04min41 secs while Sheikh Saqer riding Bedouin De Pibpul was just a shade behind completing the race in 6hrs 04min 44secs. Fahad Hamad al-Athba atop the 11-year-old Anglo-Arab chestnut horse Tequila took the third place ahead of Mesfer Fahad al-Hajri astride Redah. The former finished with a timing of 6hrs09min.55secs, while the latter took a time of 6hrs12min.03secs.
In the junior category, Royal Endurance Team of Bahrain?s Mohammed Abdulsamad astride Callan Stardancer was a clear winner with a smart timing of 6hrs13min.15secs. Abdullah Towaim al-Marri riding Pasha was 3min.20secs behind in second, while Abdulla al-Khatri took the third place clocking a time of 6hrs 30min.46secs.
Abdulsamad riding the 10-year-old chestnut horse was lying 15th and then ninth at the end of the first and second vet gates, but improved to fourth in the third and made up enough time to finish first after the fourth and fifith stages to emerge champion.

Bahrain endurance team for Doha race

BAHRAIN's national endurance team will head for Doha today to compete in the 120-km GCC Endurance Championship scheduled for tomorrow.

The team comprise of 12 riders selected by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) based on their performances this season.

Six riders will be taking part in the seniors race and six in the junior section.

Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa will be leading the Bahraini team in the seniors race while Yousef Taher, Fahad Ismail, Jaber Al Dossary, Ahmed Al Ruwaie and Abdulhaq Qadoori are the other riders in this section.

Abdulaziz Adam, Salem Al Otaibi, Fahad Abdulaziz, Mohammed Abdulsamad, Abdulla Al Khatery and Jaffer Mirza will be taking part in the junior event.

Bahrain, who hosted the Gulf Energy World Junior Endurance Championship in December, are one of the favourites to win this event which carries a cash prize fund of BD50,000.

The championship is divided into five stages with the first two stages to be held over 30 kms each. The third stage will be over 25 kms, the fourth over 20 kms and the fifth will consist of 15 kms.

Dr Khalid Ahmed will accompany the team as manager.

Aachen: UK - Skye's the limit for Kirsty

25 January 2006
KIRSTY WISCOMBe and her nine-year-old horse Crimson Skye have been longlisted for the World Equestrian Games Endurance team.

The games will be held in Aachen, Germany in August and Kirsty is also hoping to get another of her horses, Jake V, qualified via a ride abroad in the spring.

Kirsty competes her team of Yawl Hill Endurance Horses from her Lyme Regis base, helped this year by 14-year-old Jodie Jenkins, a pupil at Axe Valley School. There are eight horses, Kirsty concentrating on international rides on the three advanced horses, three intermediates and two novices which Jodie will ride."
[More...]

US: Leesburg Endurance

Riders gather in Cravens for two-day competition

By WILL TUBBS/Staff Writer


CRAVENS - More than 40 avid horse riders took to the trail Saturday and Sunday for an American Endurance Ride Conference two-day, endurance-riding competition. Inclement weather and frigid conditions were just some of the problems these riders faced.

The riders took to the trail in early morning hours Saturday in the biting cold and with the threat of rain.

>[More...]

US: Leesburg Endurance

Riders gather in Cravens for two-day competition

By WILL TUBBS/Staff Writer


CRAVENS - More than 40 avid horse riders took to the trail Saturday and Sunday for an American Endurance Ride Conference two-day, endurance-riding competition. Inclement weather and frigid conditions were just some of the problems these riders faced.

The riders took to the trail in early morning hours Saturday in the biting cold and with the threat of rain.

No comments:

Stirrup Memories: Los Gatos horse riders travel the happy trails

Photograph by George Sakkestad
Los Gatos resident Barry Waitte has come a long way since his days as a vice president at Apple Computer. These days, Waitte spends most of his time preparing for and competing in endurance horse races.

By Kaustuv Basu

Barry Waitte was about as far away from the wide open spaces as anyone could be when he went to work for a brand-new computer company back in the 1980s.

Silicon Valley was just being born when Waitte was among Apple Computer's first 1,000 employees more than two decades ago. He was a member of the sales and marketing team and rose through the ranks to become a corporate vice president.

His saddle was a desk chair, and as he rode it each day he would look out on cubicles and computers with Interstate 280 looming on the horizon.

These days, though, it's a very different ride for Waitte. The Los Gatos resident has given up his desk for a horse, and the corporate world for those wide open spaces. Waitte is a champion in endurance horse racing.

The horse bug

Barry Waitte first got acquainted with horses at the Cooper-Garrod farms in Saratoga. It helped, of course, that his wife Carol had grown up with horses.

Around the same time that Waitte was getting to know horses, he befriended Godfrey and Suzanne Sullivan. The Sullivans, who live in Saratoga, are crazy about horses. The Waitte family was about to join that club. And it was no ordinary club.

The Sullivans and the Waittes are part of a select group that competes in endurance horse racing. What that means is that they take part in a race where horse and rider have to cover anywhere from 25 to 100 miles, usually under grueling conditions and a very strict set of rules.

The toughest race in this category is called the Tevis Cup, a 100-mile race from near Lake Tahoe to Auburn.

As a way of introducing Waitte to the sport, the Sullivans asked him to be part of the crew during that race. Waitte was instantly smitten. "It hit me like a rock. I knew at that point that this is what I wanted to do," he says.

As friends of Waitte will tell you, he does not like to do things halfway. He loves wine, so he bought a winery in Napa. He has worked in the technology industry; now he is a venture capitalist who finances start-ups. So it followed logically that if he wanted to be part of the endurance racing world, he would have to buy a ranch--a real ranch with horses in it.

That's just what he did.

"I was driving by Hicks Road one day, and I see this place up in the Los Gatos mountains for sale," Waitte says. The moment he laid his eyes on the huge expanse of property, he knew he wanted to own it.

But there was a problem. The place was a dump. It had been neglected for years. "This place is kind of hidden. It was like a slum before. We had to remove 40 Dumpsters of trash," Waitte says.

The ranch

The trash has long disappeared from the Hicks Road property. Waitte now calls the place Hicks Creek Ranch. And like any true ranch, it smells of horses. In fact, Waitte owns 12 horses.

Here, on a few acres carved out in the hills, he has brought together a small community of horse lovers.

There is Heather Reynolds, a champion endurance rider who trains all of the horses at the ranch. Her husband, Jeremy Reynolds, is a farrier, who ensures that the thoroughbreds at the stable have been outfitted with the correct horseshoes. "It's one of the most important jobs in the business," Waitte says.

But there's more.

Waitte also has a veterinarian living on the property. As he explains, that is one of the most important jobs in the business, too. "Many a time, we've knocked on the vet's door in the middle of the night when one of our horses is not doing so well," Waitte says.

Hicks Creek Ranch is one of the best facilities for horses in the area, according to Waitte.

On a typical day, the horses can be seen in their stalls, munching on food. Some have blankets wrapped around them, others are wearing masks to keep off the flies. By all accounts, this is an expensive sport.

The horses are on a very strict diet of yeast, corn, safflower oil, magnesium and different kinds of vitamins, among other things.

In a nearby shed, where the food for the horses are kept, there are all kinds of feed charts with the names of the horses on them. "We also feed them beet pulp and rice bran," Waitte says.

The ranch has a contraption called the Euro Sizer, a fenced-off chute used to exercise the horses. A maximum of five horses are allowed inside at one time, and they are made to canter around at a desired pace with the help of a computer program.

"For endurance racing, we don't start training the horses until they are 5 because their bodies haven't stopped developing," he says. "When they're about a 7 1/2, we unleash them."

Training for endurance racing is a bit like training for a marathon, according to Waitte. "They are worked every day but ridden three times a week. We hike in the hills and also take them to the beach," he says.

For Waitte, this is a far cry from his life in the high-tech industry.

"I was one of the first thousand employees at Apple Computers," says Waitte. By the time he left Apple Inc. in 1994, he had become one of its vice presidents.

Waitte then went on to work for a digital design company. He finally retired in 1999. "I haven't worked for a company since, though I'm a venture capitalist now," he says. Soon after he retired, he was bitten by the endurance racing bug.

The endurance race

Carol Waitte grew up with horses when she lived in central Washington state. "I was part of the Bay Area's tech industry," she says. But like her husband, she too decided to opt for a less frenetic lifestyle. Because of their friendship with the Sullivans, both of them soon started spending a lot of time with horses.

Endurance racing started in the United States in 1955 with a race called the Tevis Cup that is widely recognized as one of the most difficult in the business.

Waitte says that there are more than 7,000 active riders in the country right now. Most of the horses that take part in these races are Arabians.

Typically, a 100-mile race is expected to be completed by a horse within a deadline of 24 hours. "During the ride, the horses and riders are subject to strict rules concerning the safety of the horse," Waitte says.

A veterinary exam, known as a vet check, takes place every 20 miles or so. "Horses that do not pass the test are pulled from the ride," says Waitte. "Typically the winners in a 100-mile race take about 10 hours to finish the race. For some competitions, it can go up to 15."

The last major competition that the Hicks Creek Ranch team participated in was in Elkton, Md., last October. The North American Endurance Championship is one of the biggest races in the world. The Pacific South Team--comprised of three members from Los Gatos and three from other areas of California--won the gold medal in the team event.

Heather Reynolds, who was part of the Pacific South team, is one of the biggest names in the business. She has more than 30 wins, including a first place in the Tevis Cup.

"I spend a lot of hours riding on the trail. The trick is to remember that each horse is different. There is no perfect horse," says Reynolds. Endurance racing has taken her to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as well as the Mojave Desert.

"It can be a lonely sport. You can go for hours without seeing anyone," says Waitte.

"It's not an easy sport. But once you do it, it can be very addictive," adds Carol.

As for the horses, they get a four-week break after taking part in a 100-mile race. Waitte, of course, is always preparing for the next big race. His sights are now firmly set on the World Cup, which will be held in Germany later this year.

It's a far cry from those days when he was riding off into the sunset each day--stuck in commuter traffic on his drive home from Apple Computer.

Terengganu To Host 2008 World Endurance Championship

January 16, 2006 19:26 PM

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 16 (Bernama) -- Thirty-five countries are expected to take part in the Federation of Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Endurance Championship at the International Endurance Centre at Lembah Bidong, Merang, Terengganu in August 2008.

Sultan Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin in announcing this here Monday said this prestigious championship would be participated by riders from Europe, West Asia, United States, Asia, South America, Australia and Malaysia.

The Sultan, who would also be participating, said Malaysia would be sending 12 riders who would be selected by the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM).

"I will personally make my own preparation by participating in several championships within and outside the country over the next two years," His Highness told a press conference after a handing over ceremony of the FEI recognition letter to Yayasan DiRaja Sultan Mizan as the championship organiser.

The letter was handed over by FEI Endurance Committee President Dr Hallvard Sommtersiuh.

Sultan Mizan said the national riders selected would undergo training and exposures in several domestic competitions as well as abroad.

"We have a lot of experienced and potential riders who could carve their name in this endurance event. For example, Datuk Awang Kamaruddin was once the world number one rider in 2001 and last year in Dubai, some of our riders managed to finish the race eventhough they were in the 30th group," the Sultan said.

Terengganu was selected as the host since Sultan Mizan had been personally active in the sport.

The Endurance Sports Centre which cost RM20 million featured a 160-km endurance circuit besides a stable of international standard and an equestrian hospital.

-- BERNAMA