Portugal: 2007 Endurance European Championship "Open"

What is the Endurance European Championship "OPEN“

The International Equestrian Federation (F.E.I) has the guardianship of the Championship; The Endurance European Championship, of the Senior, happens every two years, intercalated with
the World Championships; Such as the name suggests, it’s meant for the European nations
and, therefore, it is with World Championships; Due to the huge attendance of the discipline, F.E.I. decided to include in these Championships the assignment "Open"; At the end, it is the equivalent to a World Championship once most of the countries of all the continents mark presence in this European Championship "Open".

Any national championship, of the Europe or the World, as well as the so called 4 stars (****) competitions, must be competed in a 160 km ride, in one same day, in varied lands, in order to test the resistance of the horse. The departures are given in line, i.e. in set, and with free speed. It is, at the end, a true race of horses in long distances.

It will have, however, two classifications - the final classification of the European Championship (individual heading and team heading), attributed only to the European nations and the final classification of the "Open" competition, also attributed by individual and teams, but having in account all the participant nations of the event.



8th September
2007 Portugal Endurance European Championship “OPEN”:
30 nations, 200 riders and horses, 325km2 of protected nature

A first time event in Portugal in what concerns equestrian sport but also in what concerns any other sport:

It will allow to bind the image of Portugal and link it to the development of other sides not yet explored such as the equestrian tourism and all the natural resources in the area that surrounds Lisbon;

It will impel in an active way the discipline of Endurance;

It will provide the national riders, participating in the event, with a bigger knowledge and more experience in the plan of international competition;

It will shake the national investment in what concerns the acquisition of new mountings, of believing in future projects, new knowledge of training and preparation of horses and riders.

It will allow that all the FEP officials, technicians and organisers, have direct contact with the international’s competition panorama, which, in any other way, is almost impossible to deal with;

It will allow the agents who have the guardianship of the national sports to realise, undoubtedly, that the equestrian development in Portugal is being implemented and successfully implemented, not only in what can be seen in the results but also in what relates infrastructures and the participants:

It will bring a new vision of the equestrian sport to the institutions related with the various intervenient sectors such as:

The tourism, hotels, gastronomy, trips, the several routs created in the meanwhile such as the Wine Rout or the Bull or Ribatejo Rout;

Developing the agriculture by presenting outdoors other agents such as our cattle, rice-paddies, marshes, pastures or the Tejo’s estuary, amongst many others;

That national economy starts to look to the equestrian sport as a partner in Portugal name’s divulgation, inside and outside of the county;

That the top equestrian events become credible and of national impact.

Contacts Organizing Committee of the Event Paulo Branco - Vice President of FEP (Portuguese Equestrian Federation) for the discipline of Endurance and Technical Director of the Competition e-m@il:paulobranco@fep.pt Engº Francisco Barradas Drª Antónia Mota Portuguese Equestrian Federation: Av Manuel da Maia, 26 – 4º Dto 1000-201 Lisboa Tel: 21 847 87 74/5/6 Fax: 21 847 45 82 www.fep.pt General Secretary of FEP Manuel Bandeira de Mello e-m@il: mbmello@fep.pt Secretary Filipa Rebelo de Andrade e-m@il: frandrade@fep.pt Julita Santos e-m@il: paulobranco@fep.pt

Australia: Cowra's new national champion

photo: National champion Erika Lindsay riding Kintimani Charisma and Allix Jones riding Bo at Tingha in October.

Cowra has a new state champion with Erika Lindsay being crowned 2006 national junior rider of the year for the Australian Endurance Riding Association (AERA).

Lindsay took out the award after a long hard year of competition that saw her ride not only all over NSW but also in Victoria and Queensland.

She finished on a total of 108 points ahead of fellow New South Wales rider Allix Jones.

Points are awarded on the basis of where the competitor finishes on each ride. Extra points are awarded for competing longer rides over the 100 kilometres mark.

Lindsay also finished runner-up in the NSW point score on distance covering a staggering 1,750 kilometres over the course of the year. She was also runner-up in the one horse/one rider category with her mainstay gelding Kintimani Silver Motif. The duo covered a combined 1,270 kilometres together.

Kintimani Silver Motif also finished in second place for junior horse of the year.

Lindsay's other horse - Kintimani Charisma - was also in the NSW top ten in ninth place.

In the middleweight division, Lindsay's father Alan, came in runner-up for the New South Wales distance rider of the year covering 1,305 kilometres.

Woodstock's Karen Rhodes placed tenth on points for the year and her gelding Shadow came in fourth and seventh respectively for distance and points on the NSW point score.

In the heavyweight division, Andrew Bailey - also from Woodstock - came in seventh overall for the year in NSW.

The NSW ERA Annual General Meeting will feature the presentation of awards in Bathurst on February 10.

The AGM will no doubt have a strong contingent from the Lachlan Club supporting several important motions brought by the club in the running of the zone.

The 2007 riding calendar put out by NSWERA features and all encompassing schedule with a huge variety in courses and locations.

Anyone interested in competing locally can contact a committee member for details at Helen Brown 6345 0107, Karen Rhodes 6345 0257 or Annette Bailey 6345 0083.

Bahrain: Riders gear up for endurance challenge

TWO riders from Saudi Arabia have confirmed their participation in the Prime Minister Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Mohammed Al Saba'a and Abdulrahman Al Musallamani submitted their entries and more are expected to register before the start of the event.

Both riders will be taking part in the seniors event which will be over 120 kms with Al Saba'a riding Housani, which is owned by Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, while Al Musallamani will ride Faraj, owned by Abdulla Al Musallamani.

The race is divided into five stages, starting with 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 for the third, 20 for the fourth and 15 for the fifth.

The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) received entries from four new riders for the senior event. They are Hossam Al Faraj, Jaffer Al Alawi, Ibrahim Abdali and Yousef Yaqoub.

In the juniors race, which is also over 120 kms, four riders from Hawar Stable - Tawfeeq Jaber, Jassim Isa, Salman Isa and Mohammed Jassim - have confirmed their entries.

Meanwhile, the federation continued preparations for this event being organised with the full support of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The federation printed special t-shirts carrying a picture of the Prime Minister for all riders taking part.

Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi said the veterinary tests will take place at the village on Saturday before the start of the race.

Al Alawi said the commissioner for the championship will be Mahmood Abdulsaheb who is being assisted by Mohammed Dadulla and Fahad Al Rumaihi. The veterinary committee is headed by Dr Mohammed Al Hammad of Saudi Arabia and includes 12 members from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Brazil.
Gulf Daily News article

Al Shaqab to sponsor Endurance European Championship Open

Web posted at: 1/31/2007 2:15:18

(photo: Paulo Branco (left), organiser of the Qatar Challenge European Endurance Open Championship 2007 receiving the sponsorship agreement from Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Shaqab Endurance Manager, at the Shaqab Endurance premises in Doha, yesterday.)

DOHA • The Qatar Foundation (Al Shaqab) will be the main sponsor of the Qatar Challenge Endurance European Championship Open 2007 to be held in Portugal on September 8 this year.

The sponsorship agreement was signed at the Shaqab Endurance premises, Rayyan, yesterday.

This is the first time Qatar is sponsoring an international endurance championship which will be participated by more than 60 countries.

Paulo Branco, European Championship President and Portugal Equestrian Federation President received the sponsorship agreement from Ibrahim Saeed Al Malki, Shaqab Endurance Manager.

Khalid Sulaitin, Head of Material and Contract Directorate of Qatar Foundation was also present during the signing ceremony.

Qatar Endurance Team will participate with 6 riders and horses.

The Endurance, also known as Raid, are competitions of endurance for horses.

full article

Bahrain: Prime Ministers Cup Endurance race set

PREPARATIONS are underway for the first Endurance Race for the Prime Minister's Cup scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.

Top riders from Bahrain and overseas are expecting to take part in this event to be organised with the support of the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

This race, which covers a total distance of 120km, will be held for the first time following directives from Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser said he is honoured to have got the green light from the Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to organise this event, which underlines his support for equestrian sports.

The Breef chief said the race will be open to senior and junior riders from Bahrain and overseas. The federation has already started receiving entries from Bahrain and other GCC countries for this prestigious event.

This race will be the fourth of the season, which kicked off with the Season Opening Championship, the Kingdom Holding Championship and Bahrain International Open Championship.

"After the Prime Minister's Cup, we will host a series of events over the course of five months, including His Majesty the King's Cup on March 7, a 120-km race on April 7 and a 100km Open Endurance Championship on May 5," said Shaikh Nasser.

The Breef chief extended his gratitude and appreciation to Euro Motors, the exclusive importers for Land Rover in Bahrain, who are sponsoring the federation championships this season.

"As the sole authority for organising all equestrian activities, games and events in the kingdom, the federation works to actively promote professional show jumping and endurance racing in Bahrain," added Shaikh Nasser.

"We are expecting a large number of entries for the championship," said Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

"The Prime Minister is one of the top figures in Bahrain who has shown his love to equestrian sports and especially endurance races. Hosting this event was to show the Bahraini riders' appreciation to the Prime Minister who has been always supportive to this sport," he said.

"The Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation is always keen to provide all facilities to ensure the success of these events and create a competitiveness environment throughout the season," said Shaikh Khalid.

Gulf Daily News article

Great Britain to field four riders at USA 20MT CEI***

Four British riders will meet in Ridgecrest CA USA to represent Great Britain at the Twenty Mule Team AERC/FEI sanctioned endurance race February 3rd 2007 in Ridgecrest CA, USA. The course has been the site for several USA team selection endeavors in the past and is one of the demonstration rides for the US team. Stiff competition is expected over scenic desert terrain.

Three riders (Pauline Beech, Emily Matthews and Dom Freeman) will represent GB in the FEI*** 160 km event. EGB member Suzanne Malden will participate in the 104 Km (65 mile) event.

Riders and team vet Paulo Fasano will be arriving from afar – Pauline will be traveling from the UK to be paired up with Dom Freeman’s seasoned 100 mile horse ‘Paris’.

Emily Matthews, who is flying in from Princeton New Jersey will be paired again with ‘Marquis de Fad’, and Dom Freeman will be traveling from California with the three horses and riding Proud Legacy+. Suzanne Malden will be arriving from San Diego with her mare Oleandra to make up the British Team.

Paulo Fasano has shepherded the UK off-continent team efforts as head vet since 1999 and will be making the trip from Sao Paulo, Brasil. The British contingent will be further complemented with FEI technical delegates Stevie Martin and Rosemary Attfield, and foreign veterinary delegate Dr Len Beech who will officiate at the FEI*** 160 and YR** classes.

The team is fortunate to have experienced sports photographer Daniel Murphy attending the event to photograph the British riders, vet and officials in action.

Ride details can be found on AERC Website

International FEI Medication Control Forum

19/01/2007

The FEI is pleased to announce details of an International Forum on Medication Control, hosted by the UAE Equestrian Federation.

The Forum will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Wednesday 14th February 2007. Location of the Forum is at the Police Headquarters on the outskirts of the City.

It will commence at 12.00 noon and finish at 18.30pm. FEI National Federations are invited to send representatives to the Forum which is open to Riders, Trainers, Owners, Veterinarians and FEI Officials.

Presentations will be given by senior personnel from the FEI Headquarters in Switzerland and the FEI Medication Advisory Group together with a representative from the FEI Central Laboratory in Paris, France.

All expenses/costs in respect of travel, accommodation etc is to the charge of the delegate and is not covered by the organizer. There is no charge for the Forum itself.

Applications must be made by the National Federation of the Delegate direct to:
The UAE Equestrian and Racing FederationP.O.Box 3234Khalidya StreetAbu Dhabi, UAE

Email: uaefed@emirates.net.ae

UAE: Al Bloushi keeps good work going for Al Reef

(photo:
Megan Hirons/Gulf News
Winner Omair Hussain Al Bloushi rejoices as he starts the last lap of the Nakheel-sponsored 120km endurance race. )

Abu Dhabi: Young rider Omeir Hussain Al Bloushi won his second ride of the season and kept the Al Reef Stable's flag flying high at the Dubai International Endurance City here yesterday.

Omeir partnered Al Barak to win the Nakheel-sponsored 120km Endurance Ride here yesterday from a field of 72 who started at 6.15am yesterday.

Completing the 5-stage ride in 4 hours 43 minutes and 14 seconds, at an average speed of 25.22kmph, the pair gave the all-conquering Al Reef Stables their seventh win in nine rides of the current UAE endurance season.

"It is great to win as all the top riders were in the running for a win today. Al Barak is a great endurance horse and I was always confident.

"I thank Shaikh Tahnoun Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and all those at Al Reef Stables who have been supporting me ever since I took up this sport," said Omeir, who has also notched up quite a few wins as a junior rider.

"After the very first stage, when we were placed fourth, I knew we had a good chance. Al Barak just kept going throughout the ride," said the winner.

It was Dubai's Mansour Ahmad Al Sabousi who prevented a clean sweep of the top three places by Al Reef riders when he finished second on Dunwingeri Maakhal, around 11 minutes behind the winner.

Al Reef's Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi and Spaniard Jesus Manuel Al Berna finished third and fourth, respectively, as the Abu Dhabi stable extended their total domination.


[More ...]

UAE: Al Reef Champs

By Amith Passela

28 January 2007

DUBAI — The Al Reef Stables won their seventh endurance silverware from nine races when Omair Husain Al Baloushi claimed yesterday’s 120-kilometre Nakheel Challenge here at the Dubai International Endurance City.

Omair won with more than 10 minutes to spare on 15-year-old Crossbred gelding Al Barak for his second endurance silverware of the season for the Abu Dhabi Stables of Shaikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Mansoor Ahmed Al Sabousi onboard 14-year-old grey gelding Dunwingeri Maakhal crossed the finish line in second ahead of the Al Reef pair Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi on Algalahn and Jesus Manuel Berna astride Estaban.

“It has already been a remarkable season and today’s win was another wonderful result for the stable,” said Omair, who was claiming his second endurance silverware of the season. “The race was tough as usual and my horse gave me a great ride. He was travelling well throughout the race and when it came to a push he found an extra gear to pick up again,” added Omair, who also won a junior ride at the start of the season to follow up his two victories in open class.

His more experienced stable companions, cousin Yousef and Spaniard Berna, occupied third and fourth spots. Both Yousef and Berna have won two races each and with Omair’s success yesterday, have won six of the seven rides between them for the Al Reef.

“It really don’t matter who crosses the finish line first as long as Al Reef is winning,” said Yousef, who broke the course record last week at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

“It’s a fantastic result for the stables. The horses are in great shape thanks to the excellent team we have spread between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. I think everyone has contributed in the stables success,” added Yousef, an assistant trainer in the stables Al Ain wing.

Results of the top 5 finishers: 1. Omair Husain Al Baloushi in 4hrs 43min 14 sec on Al Barak for the Al Reef Stables. 2. Mansoor Ahmed Al Sabousi, 4.54-12, Dunwingeri Maarkhal (His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai). 3. Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi, 4.56.23, Algalahn (Al Reef). 4. Jesus Manuel Berna (Esp), 4.58.11, Estaban (Al Reef). 5. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, 5.18.36, Iknour de la Biro (Al Asafa Limited).

Khaleej Times Article

Qatar: Bahraini rider in third place

SHAIKH Mohammed bin Khalid bin Saqer Al Khalifa of Al Fateh Stable made a superb international debut by taking third place overall in the junior category of the 12-km GCC Endurance Horseride Championship held in Doha yesterday.
Riding Valentino, the young Bahraini crossed the finish line in six hours, 16 minutes 39 seconds among 30 riders from across the Gulf region who took part in the event which was won by Qatar's Mohammed Al Mirri of Al Shaqab Stable riding Bentley.
Second was Abdulrahman Mohammed, another Qatari rider who steered Jawab who is owned by Shaikh Mohammed bin Nawaf Al Thani.
The race was divided into five stages, starting with 30km for the first two stages, 25km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 15km for the fifth.
Shaikh Mohammed was one of three Bahrainis who participated in the junior race. The remaining two were Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa and Mohammed Abdulsamad.
In the senior section, five Bahraini riders were in the fray. They were Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saqer Al Khalifa, Abdulrahman Al Saad, Jaffer Mirza and Ali Bosafar.
Shaikh Mohammed said he was delighted over this result on his maiden international appearance.
Shaikh Mohammed dedicated the victory to Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who supported him at the race.
Shaikh Mohammed confirmed that the level of competition at the race was high and he did not expect to take a podium finish. But he was proud to make up for the disappointing results of the other Bahraini riders in this category.
In the senior race, all five Bahraini entrants were unable to complete the race which was also over 120km and split into five stages of similar distances.
Meanwhile, Shaikh Nasser congratulated Shaikh Mohammed on taking third place in the race, saying that it was a well-earned result for Shaikh Mohammed who performed well throughout the race.
Gulf Daily News article

French Juniors to miss Argentina WEC

The favourites to win the Junior World Championships will be following the race from the comfort of their own homes this year.

France's chef d'equipe Jean-Louis Leclerc has announced that his talented team, winners in the Czech Republic last year, will not be participating."It is a very long way and expensive to travel without sponsorship and the ride comes at a difficult time of year for french schools".

The 2007 World Endurance Championship for Juniors and Young Riders will be held on March 16 at the Campo de Mayo “Escuela Militar de Equitación” one of the most well known equestrian venues in the region where several major equestrian international competitions in several disciplines have already taken place. The new venue is only 35 km. away from Buenos Aires downtown.

More information can be found at the 2007 J/YR Web website: http://www.mundialyr.com.ar/ingles.html

UAE: Strong field likely for Nakheel endurance ride

26/01/2007


Dubai: Nakheel will be once again lending their valued support to Dubai's fourth ride of the season, to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City tomorrow.

The Nakheel Endurance Ride is an FEI CEI 120-km event and is expected to attract a strong field as the UAE endurance season gets into top gear.

The Nakheel Ride starts at 6.15am at the Dubai International Endurance City, which is one of the world's top endurance venues with state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities.

Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi, the winner of the Dubai World-sponsored opening ride of the season here, Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi, who took the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge Ride, and Omega Cup winner Yousuf Abdullah Al Hammadi are all expected to be part of a strong field of riders. The ride will be run in five stages of 32, 32, 27, 18 and 11kms.

Tomorrow's Nakheel ride also assumes importance as points won here will count for the Dubai Endurance Challenge - a new competition unveiled by the Dubai Equestrian Club this season.

Collect points

Worth a total sum of Dh700,000, the Dubai Endurance Challenge will take into account all FEI rides staged at the Dubai International Endurance City for the 2006-2007 season.

Riders, trainers, horses and stables will earn points depending on their finishing position in these rides, and, at the end of the season, the table toppers will be crowned the Dubai Endurance Challenge Champion Rider, Trainer, Horse and Stable respectively.

Manal Shaheen, Director - Sales, Marketing & Customer Service, said: "Endurance racing has a rich heritage within the UAE, and Nakheel has a long history of support for the sport.

"Nakheel is building the vision of Dubai, but in looking towards the future, we must not forget our past. We are therefore very proud of our association with the Dubai Endurance Challenge."



Gulf News article

Bahrain: Prime Minister's Cup endurance race is set

Thursday 25 January 2007

BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) is organising an Endurance Race for Prime Minister's Cup on February 3 at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

This race over 120 kms will be held for the first time following directives from Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Nasser said he is honoured to get the green signal from Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa to organise this event. The Breef chief said the race will be open to seniors and junior from Bahrain and overseas. The federation has already started preparations for this prestigious event by sending out invitations to all leading riders in the GCC.

This race will be the fourth of the season which kicked off with the Season Opening Championship. The Kingdom Holding Championship and the Bahrain International Open Championship were the other two events.

Meanwhile, Euro Motors have come forward to sponsor Breef activities for the rest of the season. The exclusive importers for Land Rover Bahrain presented Breef with five 2005 model Land Rovers for use during its events to be held till May 5 this year.
Other major events due this season are His Majesty the King's Cup on March 7, a 120-km race on April 7 and an 100-km Open Endurance Championship on May 5. Euro Motors will also have a BMW displayed at the village to showcase some of BMW's latest premium luxury vehicles.

Gulf News article

Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan attends ride

Sheikha Maryam wins Al Masaood Jewellery Endurance Cup
- 22 Jan 2007
Sheikha Maryam bint Omer Al Qassimi rode to a thumping victory in the 80-km FEI CEI Two-star Al Masaood Jewellery Endurance Cup held on Friday, January 19, 2007 at the Al Asayel Endurance Centre, Sweihan, Abu Dhabi. She finished the ride in a timing of 3 hours 28 minutes and 45 seconds riding on an average speed of 22.99 kmph. The ride was part of the three-round Asayl Ladies Championship.

Sheikha Maryam partnered 10-year-old Anglo Arab Grey Gelding Kalkadoon Kampala, owned by Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qassimi.

hough Sheikha Madiya Hasher Manan Al Maktoum crossed the finish line first, her horse Huzie D Ax was eliminated after the final vet check. As many as 31 ladies had a mass start at 6. 30 am and 13 of them completed the ride.

Second place went to Spanish rider Maria Alvarez Ponton who rode 11-year-old Grey Gelding Agecroft Jos on an average speed of 22.90 kmph to complete the distance in three hours, 29 minutes and 35 seconds. Third place went to Layla Abdul Aziz Al Radha who rode Darling Du Couderc and took a time of 3 hours, 56 minutes and 31 seconds and rode on an average speed of 20.29 kmph.

The ride was attended by Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan, mother of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Sheikha bint Saif Al Nahyan, wife of His Excellency Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, who gave away the prizes and the trophies to the winning ladies said: "I am very pleased to see all the young girls coming together and participating in the endurance ride in one arena. We like to encourage young ladies to train themselves in endurance and expect larger participation in the future." She thanked Dr. Sheikh Sultan for his continuous guidance and support for the young ladies.

Sheikha Alyazia bint Sultan al Nahyan, Manager of the Al Asayl Endurance Centre, which organized the ride in cooperation with the UAE Equestrian Federation, said: "This is good beginning for the Emirati lady riders who sometimes find it difficult to ride along with men. There were lot of requests from young lady riders for a separate ride just for women and Al Asayl decided to organize this three round championship. We hope to get more participants for the future rides."

Sheikha Alyazia who also rode in the championship decided to retire at Gate 2 keeping "the health of the horse in mind." However she was quite happy that her sister Sheikh Hissa bint Sultan al Nahyan finished in the fourth place. She said they are looking forward to organize rides in bigger scale and are open to suggestions.

A beaming and excited Sheikha Maryam who finished in the first place said that though she had been riding for the last seven years she had never taken part in a championship ride. "When I started off today, I was confident of finishing in the first place but had doubts." Her happiness was double fold as her sister Sheikha Hissa bint Omer Al Qassimi had also successfully completed the ride in the eighth place. She said the course was very rough and challenging and posed a real endurance test for the riders and the horses. Sheikha Maryam has taken a temporary break from studies at HCT to manage Dahaisa Stables in Ras Al Khaimah.

Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha is not new to endurance riding. She has participated in several international championships with good success rate. She said she took part in the Al Asayl Championship for the 'beautiful experience it provided."

Other ladies who complete the 80-km ride are:

4. Sheikha Hissa bint Sultan Al Nahyan, Salashil, 4 hours, six minutes, 19 seconds
5. Brenda Cooke, Sazeldean Falaan, 4 hours, six minutes, 25 seconds 6. Mari Gallicu, Mutafawq, 4 hours, 7 minutes, 20 seconds
7. Muna Alhai Abdul Aziz Alhai, Highland View Mckilfop, 4 hours, 12 minutes, 20 seconds
8. Sheikha Hissa bint Omar Al Qassimi, Bartimaeis, 4 hours, 12 minutes, 21 seconds
9. Sue Sidebottom, Saphire de Sinuhe, 4 hours, 14 minutes, 20 seconds
10. Martha Mary Misheff, Zad Al Khyr, 4 hours, 17 minutes 40 seconds
11. Dac Deruy, Tasia, 4hours, 21 minutes and 10 seconds
12. Daniele Winker, Eurales Joice, 4 hours, 50 minutes, 29 seconds

The day also witnessed 40-km Federation Qualifier in which six riders out of ten participants qualified. Those qualified include:

Cristina Calin, (Cindy), Reema Shaban Ibrahim Al Hasan (Rivendell Sharman), Amna Jumaa Al Alawi (Soughan/Shakira), Madiyah Massaod Al Mehairi (Sulia), Azza Mohd. Helal Al Kaabi (Sahl), Humyan bint Khalid Al Meraikhi (Randa).

The Al Asayl Ladies Endurance Championship Round 2 and Round 3 are scheduled to be held on February 9 and March 9, 2007 respectively, at the end of which the Ladies Champion will be selected based on a point system.

New Zealand: Sportsman takes on fresh legs

photo: WINNING COMBINATION: Geraldine endurance horse rider Nigel Kerr (standing) with partner June Whuang aboard his horse Saparah.

When knee troubles put a stop to his multisport passion Geraldine man Nigel Kerr found a way to continue with endurance events – a pair of fresh legs.

Swapping running shoes for a set of metal ones Mr Kerr acquired an Arab horse by the name of Saparah and continued training in a different fashion.

While he is modest about his multisport achievements, taking claim to "some minor successes in veteran sections" his training knowledge has taken him to significant success in the equestrian scene.

"I think the multisport has helped with the horses, it's the same training and feeding," he said.

Mr Kerr has now clocked up over 1000 competition kilometres on Saparah and ridden his way into top placings.

In just his second season he finished fourth in the South Island and third in the National endurance horse riding championships, both 100km events.

He was also placed fourth in accumulation of points out of all endurance horses in New Zealand.

And he is already on his way to success this season, finishing second in the recent South Island Championships and set compete in the nationals at Foxton at easter.

Mr Kerr is a member of the Mt Nimrod endurance club and is at present also training a second horse.

While he said it is an expensive sport, the enjoyment he gets outweighs the cost.

"I'm quite competitive, I like to finish on the podium," he laughed.

But it's not without the help of his partner June Whuang who takes on the role of chief groom when he is competing.

During the intervals at the endurance events Miss Whuang takes complete care of Saparah while Mr Kerr gears up to get back out on the course.

Mr Kerr said while the credit always went to the horse and rider, a lot of the success was due to the efficiency of the groom.

While Miss Whuang had not had much previous experience with horses Mr Kerr said she had picked everything up quickly and was a great support.

But Miss Whuang has held her own and Mr Kerr has not got away without a bargain for her hard work.

While she is his right hand woman when it comes to endurance competitions he has to put his foot forward for her on the dance floor each week at rock n roll dance lessons.

Golden Horseshoe to follow new route

Horse and Hound.co.uk

Golden Horseshoe to follow new route

Anna Tyzack

22 January, 2007

Endurance riders are compiling vigorous training schedules in preparation for this year’s 100-mile Golden Horseshoe Ride, which is to follow an all-new route
Enquiries from as far away as Scotland have already been received for this year's Golden Horseshoe Ride (13 – 15 May).

This year the 47-year-old ride, known as one of the most demanding challenges of the endurance calendar, will start and finish at a new venue and follow a different course. Competitors can enter a two-day 100 mile, 75 mile, 50 mile ride or a one-day 80 mile ride and there will also be a sponsored charity ride.

"The Golden Horseshoe ride has been a part of moorland life and a cornerstone of endurance riding in this country for more than 30 years," said organiser Mrs Wigley. The 100-mile ride is the centrepiece of the event and draws entries from all over Britain. "A gold award in the 100 mile class is a cherished ambition for many riders, but something which goes only to the very best," Mrs Wigley added.

The new venue at Church Hill, Exford gives spectators the chance to watch riders negotiate the first and last mile of the course. Competitors will have easier access to the new course, which tracks across the moor to North Hill and then down into the half-way point in front of Dunster Castle. Phase two (day two) takes in forestry tracks over the Brendon Hills.

For riders who are not yet ready to take on the 100-mile challenge, the two-day 75 miles Exmoor Stag offers a more manageable task. The Exmoor Experience, a 2-day 50 mile ride has been added into the schedule, giving combinations the experience of a two day ride on Exmoor without having to be at the peak of fitness. "We have introduced the new class, the Exmoor Experience, to give riders a chance to introduce themselves and their horses to a two-day competition over this very demanding terrain before progressing to the longer classes in subsequent years," Mrs Wigley said.

A 15 mile (25km) sponsored pleasure ride on Sunday, 13 May, in aid of the Moorland Mousie Trust will give local riders the chance to join in the fun.

Horses' welfare will be paramount throughout the competition. Horses will undergo examinations by veterinary surgeons before and after competing and at the halfway stage, and officials and vets will survey competitors throughout the competition.

"There is always a lot of interest in the Golden Horseshoe. The closing date for entries is not until 1 May, but already there have been inquiries from as far afield as Scotland. The sponsored ride is also going to be well supported by local riders," Mrs Wigley added.

19/01/2007 - FEI World Endurance Forum Update

The FEI confirms the final details of the FEI World Endurance Forum to be held in Paris on 31 March and 1 April 2007.

FEI Endurance National Federations will be invited to send a delegation of up to three representatives to take part in the Forum which is organized at the start of a full review of the discipline of Endurance.

The Forum is part of a process, supported by the FEI President, H.R.H. Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, to plan the development of the sport over the next five years following its dramatic growth in recent times.

The Forum will have three main phases:

· 31 AM - An initial presentation by each of the nine FEI Regional Groups on their own visions of the future

· 31 PM - A working session for Delegates from the National Federations separated into Judges, Technical Delegates and Veterinarians

· 1 AM - A final session for all delegates who will receive presentations from each of the above three groups on matters raised during their individual sessions

The FEI Regional Groups will also be requested to submit names as candidates for an FEI working group to be established post forum that will, in consultation with National Federations, produce a 5 year plan for Endurance.

Detailed information on Hotels, timings, bookings and reservations can be found on the FEI web site – Endurance. Enquiries can be directed to Ms Emilie Leyvraz at the FEI Endurance Department – e.leyvraz@horsesport.org

UAE: Al Beloushi creates new record for 120-km three star ride

Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi with the trophy after winning the 120 KM Endurance ride at the Emirate International Endurance Village, at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter



Abu Dhabi: Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi and his horse Jibbah Enog created a new record for a FEI CEI three-star ride here while winning the Damas Championship ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Al Beloushi, while rewriting the record books, also notched up his second win of the current season while for his all-conquering Al Reef Stables it was their 6th in eight rides.

Al Beloushi and Enog bettered another Al Reef star, Jesus Manuel Berna's effort of 4 hrs 40 mins and 34 seconds in the recent National Day Cup ride.

They clocked 4hrs 39 mins 10 secs as they recorded an average speed of 25.79 kmph yesterday.

"I was very confident as my horse has a good record.

"In fact after the first two loops I knew I was going to win," said Al Beloushi, who is a rider-trainer with the Al Reef Stables at their Al Ain yard.

"However I was determined to break the record once I knew Jibbah Enog was in good condition.

"I am glad I could do it," said the ace rider, who finished third in last year's overall ranking after the 2005-06 season.

In fact Al Beloushi and Berna were locked in a battle for supremacy until the third stage, with Berna leading after the second.

But Al Beloushi moved up after that to take the lead and then break away from Spain's Maria Alvarez Ponton, who finished second on Gelinote 11. Maria has also been having a very good season and has emerged as the top lady rider so far with some superb finishes in the top five.

Salem Rashed Bin Ghadayer on Dalton Du Capimont finished third in the ride in which over 100 riders took part.

The ride, with Dh400,000 on offer was sponsored by Damas Group.

Mohammad Tamjid of Damas Group, Hussain Mohammad Hussain of UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation and Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club gave away the trophies.





Full Gulf News article

UAE: Maryam rides to convincing victory

Abu Dhabi: Shaikha Maryam Bint Omer Al Qasimi rode to a thumping victory in the 80-km FEI CEI Two-star Al Masaood Jewellery Endurance Cup at the Al Asayel Endurance Centre, Sweihan, Abu Dhabi.

She finished the race in a timing of 3 hours 28 minutes and 45 seconds riding on an average speed of 22.99 kmph. The ride was part of the three-round Asayl Ladies Championship.

Shaikha Maryam partnered 10-year-old Anglo Arab Grey Gelding Kalkadoon Kampala, owned by Shaikh Faisal Bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

Though Shaikha Madiya Hasher Manan Al Maktoum crossed the finish line first, her horse Huzie D Ax was eliminated after the final vet check.

As many as 31 ladies had a mass start at 6.30am and 13 of them completed the ride. Second place went to Spanish rider Maria Alvarez Ponton who rode 11-year-old Grey Gelding Agecroft Jos on an average speed of 22.90 kmph to complete the distance in three hours, 29 minutes and 35 seconds.

Third place went to Layla Abdul Aziz Al Radha who rode Darling Du Couderc and took a time of 3 hours, 56 minutes and 31 seconds and rode on an average speed of 20.29 kmph.

The ride was attended by Shaikha Hessa Bint Mohammad Al Nahyan, mother of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Shaikha Bint Saif Al Nahyan, wife of Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, who gave away the prizes and the trophies to the winning ladies said: "I am very pleased to see all the young girls coming together and participating in the endurance ride in one arena."

Full gulfnews article

France: CEI** in Camargue

INTERNATIONALE 2 ETOILES EN CAMARGUE
119 Km le 31 mars 2007
Website

UAE: Endurance for ladies

18 January 2007
The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, in cooperation with the Al Asayl Endurance Centre, is organising Al Asayl Ladies Championship Endurance Series, for the first time in the country.
The FEI, CEI Two-star series will comprise three 80-km rides, the first of which will be held tomorrow. Round Two and Three are scheduled to be held on February 9 and March 9. The venue for all the rides will be Al Asayl Endurance Centre which is situated in Sweihan, Abu Dhabi. Round One will be run in three phases of 30km, 30 km, and 20 km respectively and will be flagged off at 6.30 am. The ride is being sponsored by Al Masaood Jewellers. The same day will also feature a 40-km Federation Qualifier which will be run in two loops of 30 km and 10 km and will start at 7 am. The UAE Equestrian Federation organises federation Qualifiers at regular intervals to enable some riders to participate in rides of higher category.

Khaleej Times article

UAE: Damas Championship on Saturday

Mohammad Tamjid Abdullah (centre) with Lara Sawaya and Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi display the riders' vest at the press conference in Abu Dhabi

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter



Abu Dhabi: Around 100 riders are expected to take part in the FEI CEI three-star 120km Damas Championship endurance ride, to be held here on Saturday.

Announcing details of the ride, Adnan Sultan Saif Al Nuaimi, the general manager of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said the ride would be held at Al Wathba's Emirates International Endurance Village.

"Most of the top riders will be taking part in the ride which will be run in five stages of 32km, 30kms, 24km, 18km and 16km," he said. "The total prize money for top riders will be Dh400,000 along with special trophies," he added.

Mohammad Tamjid Abdullah, the deputy managing director of Damas, thanked Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, for making the ride the Damas Championship.

"In the past we were support sponsors for endurance but we are glad that this is a Damas Championship," said Abdullah.

"Apart from this event we are connected with the ADEC in many other areas and we are proud of our partnership," he said.

Abdullah also said the Damas Group had been steadily increasing its budget for sponsorship of sports. "In 2005 we had a sizeable budget which was increased by 25 per cent in 2006. This year, we have further increased our support for sports by another 10 per cent," he said.

"We have also decided to promote and support individual sport. To start with we will be sponsoring a junior chess player. Like this we have identified many such disciplines which we hope will ultimately help in boosting the sport and the image of the UAE," Abdullah said.

Lara Sawaya, marketing and sponsors' liaison at ADEC, said more and more companies were coming forward to support horse sports.

"Damas have also agreed to give away 10 prizes for the spectators in a free raffle. Every event now sees a new sponsor and some of the traditional sponsors increasing their sponsorships. All this augurs well for sport in the UAE," she said.

Gulf news article

Bahrain: Abdulaziz and Al Mahlasi win

MOHAMMED Abdulaziz of Royal Endurance Team raced to victory in the 160-km event and Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Stable Mohammed Al Mahlasi finished first in the 120-km race of the Endurance Horseride Championship organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.The race was witnessed by His Majesty King Hamad who welcomed the Saudi team in Bahrain and thanked team sponsor Prince Al Waleed bin Talal, chairman of Kingdom Holding Company, for his support.

There were 25 riders in the fray in each of the two events.

In the 160-km race, which was divided into six stages, Abdulaziz crossed the finish line first after a tough challenge from Al Fateh Stable rider Shaikh Salman bin Fares Al Khalifa who came second.

Shaikh Salman was followed by Breef first vice-president and Al Khaldiya Stable captain Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa in third position in this race which consisted of 30 kms for the first three stages, 25 kms for the fourth and fifth stages and 20 kms for the sixth and final stage.

Al Mahlasi proved too good in the 120-km event which was split into five stages, starting with 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 kms for the fifth.

The Saudi rider was followed by Abdulla Al Thawadi of Al Asayel Stable in second place while Noor Al Yousef, one of three women Saudi riders representing the Kingdom Stable, was third.

Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who attended the event, presented the trophies to the winners at an awarding ceremony.

The race was also attended by UK Ambassador to Bahrain Jamie Bowden, Interior Minister Lieutenant General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and other officials.

Earlier, His Majesty was welcomed on arrival by National Guard commander Major General Shaikh Mohammed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid.

Gulf News Article

UAE: Al Hammadi shines for Al Reef Stables

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter


Abu Dhabi: Al Reef Stables continued their winning spree with another triumph, this time Yousuf Abdullah Al Hammadi registering his first career win on Whyneemah Jaspar in the Omega Cup 120km endurance ride yesterday.

Al Hammadi was involved in a close tussle with Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim, riding Spendacrest Kamouflage, on the final loop before prevailing by about 30 seconds in the FEI CEI three-star event at the Dubai International Endurance City (DEC) at Seih Assalam.

A total of 99 riders started off in this ride organised by Dubai Equestrian Club and with the top riders average speeds of over 24 kmph throughout the event, it was a well contested ride.

Jesus Manuel Berna was the early leader before he made an exit, half way through. Abdullah Thani took over and going out on to the final loop, he led with Al Hammadi in a close second.

However, the two were involved in a close contest and the Al Reef rider managed to pip the Dubai rider to make up for Berna's loss. Al Hammadi and Whyneemah Jaspar completed the 120km ride in 4 hours 43 mins and 57 seconds at an average speed of 25.36kmph.

"I am very excited as this is my first ever win. It is so difficult to win as most of the UAE riders are of a high calibre," said Al Hammadi. "The final loop was difficult and I had to also watch out not to overrun my horse. I thank Shaikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his support."

Al Wathba Stables' Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri finished third on Cupid, while Spain's Maria Mercedes Alvarez Ponton came up with another top-five finish.

Two other riders who finished in the top 10 were Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi and Ali Mohammad Al Muhairi. Al Bloushi, the Al Reef star, finished fifth, while Al Muhairi finished eighth. Both garnered crucial points in the riders' championship for the DEC riders.

Yesterday's ride was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance and Industry. "It was a great gesture by Shaikh Hamdan whose presence, along with his sons, gave encouragement to the riders. With a large field of quality riders, it was another successful event at the Dubai International Endurance City," said Ali Mousa, the DEC endurance chief.


Gulf News article

New Zealand: Canterbury Premier and South Island CTR Ch.

Equestrian Sports NZ

Please find attached information about the Canterbury Premier Endurance ride and the South Island CTR Championships to be held at Mt Torlesse on 10 - 11 February 2007.

An entry form for the Endurance is also attached, as are the nominated and definite entry forms for the CTR Championships.

A map of the ride base is available on the website.

Mt Torlesse Entry Form http://www.endurance.net/international/newzealand/NZ Mt Torlesse Entry Form Endurance1.pdf

Mt Torlesse Info Sheet http://www.endurance.net/international/newzealand/NZ Mt Torlesse Info sheet11.pdf

South Island CTR Championship definite entry http://www.endurance.net/international/newzealand/NZ Sth Island Trail Champs 2007 definite Entry Form1.pdf

South Island CTR Championsihp Nomination form http://www.endurance.net/international/newzealand/NZ Sth Island Trail Champs 2007 Nomination Entry Form1.pdf

--------------------------
Nicole Munro-Johnson I High Performance Administrator & Endurance Sport Manager I Equestrian Sports NZ I Phone +64 4 499 8994 I Fax +64 4 499 2899

Equestrian Sports NZ is the trading name of the New Zealand Equestrian Federation Inc.

Omega support for tomorrow's ride in Dubai

Published: 12/01/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)

Omega support for tomorrow's ride in Dubai
Staff Report

Dubai: Omega, the official timekeeper, is supporting the first endurance ride in the new year to be staged in Dubai tomorrow, an FEI CEI 120km ride at the Dubai International Endurance City. Endurance racing is the ultimate test of strength and stamina of both horse and rider and is a thrilling spectator sport.

The race begins at 6.15am from the purpose built state of the art Dubai International Endurance City and is held over five stages. Both horse and rider return to the Endurance City after each stage for stringent checks by the official veterinary surgeons.

The winner of the race is the horse and rider combination who not only cross the line first; but also pass the final vet check. The horse must be presented to the vets within the 30 minutes time limit, this time limit also applies to each stage.

"Omega and Endurance share the same values: precision, perseverance, and a lot of determination. Our involvement as timekeeper of the FEI Endurance Ride is a natural outcome of our global involvement in key high profile sporting events," said Nayla Hayek, Member of the Swatch Group Board of Directors.

Saeed Al Tayer, Vice President of the Dubai Equestrian Club, said, "Omega has been a long standing partner of Dubai Endurance and we are pleased to have their support once again for the 2006-2007 season. The Omega Cup will see 110 riders competing over five stages of 32 km, 32km, 27 km, 18km and 11km."

Endurance races form part of Omega's strong focus on the world's most prestigious sports.

Gulf News article

Kelt Capital Horse of the Year 2007 CEI2* 100km Endurance

Press Release:

Kelt Capital Horse of the Year 2007 CEI2* 100km Endurance event is fast approaching. The course is set and the South African and European teams are packing their bags. If you are even remotely interested please contact the secretary on this email (guest.ron.beth@xtra.co.nz) to be penciled in, no money required till definite entries date.

Programme for the event is:
Thursday 15th March 2007
1200 Riders, horses and officials to be on site at Hastings A & P Showgrounds
1330 Preride Vet
1500 Safety Brief and Preride brief by GJ Pres, Vet Com Pres, Course Marker, TD.
This brief will travel to Havelock north to view Finish line safety and vetting requirements

Friday 16th March
0615 Riders assemble
630 Start from main stadium

For conduct of the event GJx3, TD, Chief Steward x 1and vets panel of 3 plus the treatment vet will be at Haupiri station Ocean beach.

At start of 3rd loop GJ (2), Vets (2), along with timekeeper and vet gate stewards will move to Havelock North

Last horse to leave will be followed by remainder of officials direct to Havelock North. When riding time for first loop is known closing time of last vet gate will be advised to all competitors. This time control is to ensure the horse travel safely into Havelock north finishing line

1530-1700 Finish line open in Havelock North

1630 And on transport starts to move horses from Havelock north to KCHOY base at hasting A & P grounds

Saturday 17th March 2007
1415 All Entrants assemble mounted
1430 Enter arena, Vets x 3 judge trot out first unmounted then ridden for all of the Best Conditioned Horse qualifiers only. Scores are added to total from previous day then results announced, draw for spot prizes made then all prizes presented, team prizes awarded.

Prizes include:

Air ticket and attendance at South African event for 1 First across the line, 2 first fittest horse, 3 first NZ team member and 4 spot prize drawn from all entries crossing the start line. Only one ticket per winner in order shown. In addition Junior prize plus Teams prize.

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Website: http://www.hoy.co.nz/home.php

Nicole Munro-Johnson I High Performance Administrator & Endurance Sport Manager I Equestrian Sports NZ I Phone +64 4 499 8994 I Fax +64 4 499 2899

Equestrian Sports NZ is the trading name of the New Zealand Equestrian Federation Inc.

FEI Challenge: Drugs and Drug Testing in Endurance

by Nicola Freud


One of the French endurance community's better known secrets came out of the closet last month with the news that Cecile Miletto's horse, Baja de Piboul, had tested positive for an anti inflammatory drug. Miletto had won the 160k 3* ride at Rambouillet in April 2006 which was the race that the selectors used to choose their short list for the WEG. She was dropped from the team two weeks before Aachen and has now been banned for a year.

Sadly, to an outsider, it must seem that the sport at its top levels is riddled with people happy to risk everything for the sake of winning. The drawn out fiasco over Hachim's drug testing in Dubai, which resulted in France's Barbara Lissarague being awarded the World Championship, is still being talked about.

The most common attempts at performance enhancing doping are direct medication of joints or systemic use of drugs to target multiple joints which then act as anti-inflammatories and/or improve the quality of the joint fluid. Direct medication of joints with corticosteroids is commonplace, but in the competition horse the timing is crucial, it has to be done so that by the time of competition the steroid is undetectable in tests, while still having a positive effect. It must be remembered that corticosteroids, especially administered systemically, have multiple other effects that may affect or temporarily improve a horse’s performance or measured parameters such as heart rate. Methylprednisolone, the drug used on Hachim in Dubai's 2005 World Endurance Championship, falls into this category.

In more recent years drugs such as hyaluronic acid, polysulphated
glycosaminoglycan, and pentosan polysulphate have all been used both systemically and directly into the joints because they are all found naturally in the body and are hence unsusceptible to testing. The morality of their use is debatable; the reality is that they are intended to increase the long-term efficacy of the horse's joints and cannot boost performance levels as such. They are widespread across all the disciplines and their use is certain to continue unless a whole new legislation comes into play. In the UK during the 'seventies a horse called Hill House who'd returned a positive test was, after three appeals, found to create his own adrenalin, resulting in the conviction being overturned.

The anti-inflammatory drugs such as bute/flunixin/meclofenamic acid etc are all theoretically open to abuse but no-one really knows how much effect they will actually have in a horse at the end of a 120/160km ride. They may help a horse trot up sound at the pre- ride vetting but it's unlikely, at the normal dose, that they would actually improve a lame horse's chances at the end of a race. A higher-than-standard dose might well result in an elevated heart rate. However, they may significantly improve the chances of winning a best condition award the following day by limiting swelling and reducing stiffness.

Anti-inflammatory drugs have been picked up in 3 recent cases of endurance horses. One, in a junior ride in Qatar, was bute in a borrowed horse; it was presumed that the horse was given the drug to get it started as it then was spun part-way for metabolic reasons. The other 2 involved multiple drugs and were not explained by the persons responsible so we have to assume (as did the FEI) they were deliberate attempts to enhance performance.

Of increasing use in other disciplines like dressage and show jumping, whose governing bodies are far more tolerant of drug use and abuse, are the mood-enhancing drugs that stop some animals "blowing their brains" in big arenas. These are widely used to calm horses for the dressage section of a 3 day event and to keep the lid on an ultra-fit cross-country horse. Such drugs include gabapentin and reserpine as well as ACP and are seriously frowned on by the authorities. As they should be, because (apart from ACP) these drugs are unlicensed and untested in horses. I am not aware of them being used for endurance horses as they would be totally counterproductive and extremely dangerous due to their side effects, which, in an exhausted/dehydrated horse, could be fatal.

There are currently rumours are about low dose EPO - i.e. less than has been used in racehorses. If the endurance horse has a higher haemoglobin level then this might accelerate the speed at which it would start to produce lactic acid. If EPO increased blood volume then that would be advantageous; however, thicker blood may also have a negative effect! This is a very risky game if you don't know what you are doing ... As an indicator of the potential dangers, consider the story circulating some years back that you could always tell the cyclists in the Tour de France who were taking EPO because they had to get up every couple of hours through the night to run the hotel corridors otherwise they risked dying in their sleep as their blood was too thick for the heart to move it around.

Of more significance is the drug found in "Orkara", trained by Ismail Mohammed and ridden by the young Sh Majid bin Mohammed al Maktoum at Compiegne’s European championships in 2005. The drug used was Guanabenz, normally prescribed to treat high blood pressure in humans. It acts to relax the blood vessel walls and hence reduce blood pressure but will also often profoundly lower the heart rate. One can see how this might be open to abuse especially at the final vet gate where you have long enough to administer it before needing to present..... The trainer was given a 12 month suspension which was reduced to eight months on appeal. As always in cases where there is a minor, it is very difficult to know where to apportion blame.

Hypothetically, if somebody really wants to win at any cost, thought that cheating was the way and had the money, it would theoretically be possible to create a drug cocktail which lowered the heart rate, disguised lameness and would include a masking agent to avoid detection.

In reality a significant number of the positives picked up by FEI testing are due to either competitors' carelessness or assuming they won't be tested or caught. Drugs which are used routinely for medical conditions, when used too close to a competition, will test positive and bring shame on you and your country e.g sedatives for clipping, bute or other anti-inflammatories for wounds, local anaesthetics for stitching minor wounds or procaine when procaine penicillin is used as an antibiotic.

The chances of accidental positive testing are also increasing as drug testing becomes ever more sensitive and accurate. A smoking or coffee drinking or asthmatic groom who has neglected to wash his hands after having indulged in nicotine, caffeine or ventalin, and then proceeds to mix electrolytes and fill a syringe is unwittingly putting his horse at risk of elimination!

In ignorant or accidental incidents when there is no deliberate attempt at "doping" with the intention of performance enhancement, the FEI still has to punish accordingly because the intention cannot be accurately determined; although they are often more lenient if it can be proved the medication was given legitimately.

In France the job of the "wee man" is not an enviable one. He can stand in the door of the stable for up to two hours before the horse obliges with a sample. The day will surely come when testing can be carried out cheaply and easily (maybe just with a hair from the mane) and with equipment in situ on the day, until then we have the FEI to thank for their vigilance.

Saudi team arrive for Bahrain endurance challenge

TOP three women riders from Saudi Arabia arrived yesterday to take part in the 160-km Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Alya Alhuwaiti, Latifa Al Shaikh and Noora Al Yousuf are the three riders from the Kingdom Stables in Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, the best endurance pictures from the 2005-06 season will be awarded as per a directive from the president of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who is also the captain of the Royal Team.

Other members of the Royal Team includes Yousef Taher, Fahad Ismail, Raed Mahmood Ghazi Al Dossary and Abdulhaq Qadoori.

Team veteran Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, who was part of the Bahrain team at the Asian Games endurance event in Doha where he came seventh overall, will not take part in this championship.

Gulf News article

Bahrain: Royal Team six set for 160km race

SIX riders will represent the Royal Endurance Team at the 160-km Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

The team will be captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and includes Yousef Taher, Fahad Ismail, Raed Mahmood Ghazi Al Dossary and Abdulhaq Qadoori.

Team veteran Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, who was part of the Bahrain team at the Asian Games endurance event in Doha where he came seventh overall, will not take part in this championship.

Team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan said the team have been training daily near the venue and the riders are excited to take part in this race which will be the season's longest event.

The race will be divided into six stages with 30 kms for the first three stages, 25 kms for the fourth and fifth stages while the last stage is over 20 kms.

Dr Hassan said the team will not participate in the other race which will be over 120 kms to give the opportunity to other stables to take part in this race.

The 120-km event will be split into five stages, including 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 kms for the fifth.
Gulf New

Hazza receives winner's trophy

King Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Al Marhum Sultan Mahmud of Malaysia (left) presented the trophies during a cermony of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance festival.

[More ...]

Bahrain: Two Endurance Races are Schedule

THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation is organising two endurance races on Saturday starting at 6am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

It is the third event of the season and will be over 120kms and 160kms. The 160 kms event is the longest race in the Breef calendar and will be held under the patronage of federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Breef second vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa said the 160-km race will be over six stages with 30 kms for the first three stages, 25 kms for the fourth and fifth stages while the last stage will be over 20 kms.

In the 120-km event, the riders will compete over five stages with 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 kms for the fifth.

Shaikh Khalid said the federation has already started receiving entries from Bahrain and other GCC countries for both the races and an organising committee as well as other committees are being set up.

Appointed

Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi has been appointed head of the judges committee which also includes members Abdulsamad Al Busta, Haider Al Zo'bi and Ali Ghuloom.

The official commissioners of the race are Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and Mahmood Abdulsaheb who will be assisted by Mohammed Dadulla and Fahad Al Rumaihi.

The veterinary committee comprises 16 members, including Saudi Arabia's Veterinary Committee chairman Dr Mohammed Al Hammad, Dr Mohammed Saifuddin of Saudi Arabia, Iran's Dr Ahmed Jaraghi, Dr Ebrahim Al Hassan of Jordan, Dr Hussain Abbara of Qatar, Mohammed Shafi of India and eight doctors from Bahrain.
Full article

Malaysia's King presents trophy in Abu Dhabi

Three-day Endurance Cup a success: Sultan

Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the 240km Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup in Boud Thib endurance village yesterday.

Staff Report


Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Emirates Heritage Club, hailed the success of the three-day International Endurance Festival which concluded yesterday at the Boud Thib Endurance Village and said it would be an annual affair.

"The three days of endurance rides held here have been highly successful. There is no doubt that such festivals will give rise to a new generation of endurance riders," said Shaikh Sultan, who attended the event on all three days.

Speaking to the media after his son Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Al Nahyan won the 240-km three-day ride, Shaikh Sultan said, "I am satisfied with the display of the riders here.

"This three-day event is very good for both riders and horses. It will bring out the relationship between rider and horse and for us this is what horse riding is all about. It has been the sport of our forefathers and I am happy to see so many young riders taking to the sport," he added.

The Boud Thib Endurance Village was created in 2004 under the Emirates Heritage Club and has since organised many rides with a special focus on junior rides.

"Such rides held regularly will be a great support and boost for youngsters and juniors," said Shaikh Sultan, who also initiated a special ride for novices and riders from smaller stables during the festival.

Apart from two Qualifier Rides, the three-day festival staged a 100-km ride for juniors, the three-day 240-km ride and a 120-km ride for novice riders.

Riders from many countries took part in the festival. "Such rides will give a chance to those riders who come from smaller stables. It will encourage them to graduate to rides in the open competitions.

This festival will be an annual affair," added Shaikh Sultan.

Full Gulf News article

UAE: Al Bloushi emerges winner in 100km ride

Abdul Rahman, Gulf News Maktoum Nawab Nouh Al Bloushi won the 100km endurance ride of the Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup for juniors.

By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter

Abu Dhabi: A gleaming new car awaits 17-year-old Maktoum Nawab Nouh Al Bloushi, who won the Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup for juniors yesterday at the Boud Thib Endurance Village.
Nawab and his 9-year-old grey gelding Chupacabra outclassed their rivals to win the 100km ride which was held alongside the three-day 240km event as part of the endurance festival being organised by the Emirates Heritage Club.
Though Nawab may not be able to drive his car, the Abu Dhabi schoolboy will receive the prize at a grand awards function scheduled for tonight to reward winners of all the events.
Nawab, who had previously had only a 10th place finish to boast of did very well to keep Chupacabra in front in the final two loops under conditions favourable to both rider and horse.
"It was good out there today. My horse just wanted to keep going and my trainer Abdulla Saeed Bin Huzaim kept advising me to watch the pace," said the youngster.
Munthar Ahmad Al Baloushi, on Z Califa, finished second to stake claim for the Dh30,000 prize after Ahmad Salem Ali Sultan Al Subosi on Woodlaus Sparkle was eliminated. The latter finished ahead of Munthar but his horse failed the final vet check.
The Boudthib Endurance Village is set for an explosive finish today as the final leg of the 240-km ride will see two cars being won while in the added attraction a 120km ride will also bring together riders from smaller stables to win another two cars on offer.
However, it is the three-day, 240km, event which has brought out the best from a handful of top highly skilled riders. National Day Cup winner Jesus Manuel Berna of Spain and Yousuf Ahmad Al Bloushi, both from the Al Reef Stables, are leading the pack, but the remaining four riders in the leaders' pack are so close that today's 80km final leg is expected to see a fascinating tussle.
Berna and Al Bloushi are followed by Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Majid Mohammad Salman Al Sabri, Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Abdulla Thani Bin Huzaim, with a little under two minutes separating the top six.

Gulf News Article

UAE: Al Sabousi surges into lead

Published: 06/01/2007 12:00 AM (UAE), Abdul Rahman/Gulf News Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (2nd left) and Shaikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed (left), in action along with other participants at the three-day 240-km endurance ride.

Al Sabousi surges into lead

Staff Report


Abu Dhabi: Mohammad Rashid Al Sabousi riding 7-year-old Kishon Meleisha led after the first day's 80-km distance in the three-day 240-km Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup Endurance ride here yesterday.

Al Sabousi topped the first leg of this Three-star ride which is part of an action-packed three-day endurance festival being held under the patronage Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Emirates Heritage Club.

While Al Sabousi was part of a closely-bunched group which will resume this morning for the second 80-km distance on the same horses, two Qualifier rides were also held yesterday.

The Endurance Festival, which has cars and large cash awards as prizes for winners, will also stage a 100-km two-star junior ride today while a 120-km ride will also be held tomorrow for Novice riders from smaller stables.

A total of 38 riders started off early yesterday morning in the 240-km event and Al Sabousi took a little over 3 hours 35 minutes to finish just ahead of the two sons of Shaikh Sultan.

Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on ZT Faraventure and his younger brother Shaikh Khalid on Roxborough Zepher were in second and third place.

However, bunched behind the leading trio are some of the top contenders from the in-form Al Reef Stables.

Trainer-rider Yousuf Ahmad Al Baloushi (Charlendre Al Sharif), Majid Mohammad Al Sabri (Zalyella Winder), Jesus Manuel Berna (Risco Moreno) and Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Mobasher) finished in that order.

Yousuf Ahmad, who is one of the top riders and Spain's Berna are from Al Reef and will be making a determined effort on day two. Berna, who recently won the National Day Cup to register back-to-back wins, said he would decide on his tactics today.

"It is too early and we have two days to go. So far my horse has been doing well but tomorrow is another day," said the Spaniard, who is a trainer-rider with Al Reef.

Yousuf, who is one of the most consistent riders in the UAE said he will be going all out for a good result.

"This is a prestigious event and to keep the horse if fit condition for three days is a challenge. It is a small field but there are some good riders," said the Al Reef star.

"The key to the ride will depend on how the leader board is after the 160-km mark," he added.

The rides are being held at the Boudthib Endurance Village in Al Khatem in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Gulf News Article

Malaysian king arrives in Abu Dhabi

Malaysian king arrives in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi: Malaysia's king Tuanku Mizan Zain Al Abidin arrived in Abu Dhabi yesterday on a visit to the UAE. He was received by Shaikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of Emirates Heritage Club (HCT), Ambassador of Malaysia Dato' Abdul Mubin Razali and other officials. The visit is at an invitation from Shaikh Sultan to attend the three-day international endurance races from tomorrow under Shaikh Sultan's patronage.


Gulf News

Graham, Harmon help NZ team overcome Australian challenge

by DAVID DAWKINS - The Marlborough Express | Thursday, 4 January 2007

Marlborough riders led the charge as New Zealand continued their dominance of Australia in the Trans-Tasman Endurance Riding Challenge held at Twynham near St Arnaud on Tuesday.

Helen Graham and her mount, affectionately known as Ricky, were a class above the competition winning the 120km junior ride which doubled as the South Island junior title ride. Fellow Marlburian Linda Harmon, riding Landon V-erah, completed the 120km senior event in Landon V-erah's first attempt at the distance.

The win saw New Zealand retain the title they defended in Australia in 2005. New Zealand also won the inaugural Trans-Tasman Challenge in 2004.

A 100 percent completion rate by the New Zealand team highlighted the Kiwi performance as the Aussies struggled to adapt to their borrowed mounts and the hard, stoney conditions. Only one senior and two junior Australian riders completed the event. Most were vetted out after the 100km mark with stone bruises and what New Zealand endurance team manager Del Bissell described as "minor lameness".

"They pushed a bit harder than we would have, but then we know the country a bit better," Bissell said. "We certainly rode more conservatively than they did."

Bissell put the Kiwis' success and remarkable completion rate down to good team management and good coaching.

"Everybody listened to what they had to do, especially the juniors, they were brilliant," she said.

The event doubled as the South Island championship where Kylie Avery continued her impressive run, riding Silands Jasark to victory in the senior 100km event on Monday.

Marlexpress.co.nz - article