By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter, Gulfnews.com
Published: June 19, 2007, 23:36
Abu Dhabi: The 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship will be held in November at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Setiu Terengganu, Malaysia.
The event, which is held once every fours years, was last held in Dubai in 2005 (2004 event). This is the first time that a tropical country will host the event.
The Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan (YDSM) and the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) will jointly stage the event which is being held for the third time in Asia. The UAE had hosted it in 1998 and 2005.
The UAE, gold medallists at the Doha Asian Games last year, will be starting as one of the favourites.
According to the organisers, the Terengganu International Endurance Park, situated a few kilometres from the South China Sea, will offer the best of Malaysia's natural beauty. and hospitality, as well as:
"The course is designed to provide a safe yet challenging competition, taking riders along the stunning coastline, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests," according to the championship's website.
"A long and wide grassy stretch of track provides ample space for the start of the competition and egress from the venue, and for a safe finish line and entry back into the Endurance Park," the organisers said.
Meanwhile, a pre-ride will be held in November to give veterinarians and officials a chance to experience the venue and the course, with the goal of experiencing and understanding the unique challenges of Endurance competition in tropical climate.
Apart from the UAE and Bahrain, Malaysia have made a mark in the sport ever since the UAE invited them to take part in the 1998 World Championship.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
New Zealand: Endurance duo riding high
By DAVID DAWKINS - The Marlborough Express | Thursday, 21 June 2007
Marlborough's young endurance riders have continued to excel on the international endurance riding scene with Kimberley Ryan and Kylie Avery both recently returned from major overseas rides.
Ryan was part of the New Zealand junior team that competed in the Trans-Tasman Challenge in Nanango, Australia, last weekend while Avery was chosen to compete at a privately-funded ride in South Africa at the start of June.
Avery was selected for the team to travel to South Africa after winning the 100km CEI two star at the Horse of the Year in May.
She continued her good form in South Africa, placing fifth in the 122km CEI two star ride and helping the Horse of the Year endurance team to gold in the eight nation tournament.
While Avery is becoming an old hand on the international riding scene Ryan's trip across the ditch was her first opportunity to ride internationally.
While the New Zealand team failed to come away with the Trans-Tasman Trophy honours for the first time in the competition's four-year history Ryan had an excellent day on a personal level.
She was the only New Zealand rider to complete the FEI three star 160km ride and placed sixth in the youth division, missing fifth by a single minute.
Making the feat all the more impressive was the fact it was the first-ever 160km completion for the 17 year old student at Telford Rural Polytechnic, on just her second attempt at the distance.
"It was awesome. We rode as a team the whole way with all the horses pulling each other and helping each other along," Ryan said.
However, as the ride wore on the three New Zealand open riders faltered and as each lap passed another was vetted out until Ryan was left alone to ride the sixth and final loop in the dark, not finishing until 9.30pm, another new experience.
"I'd rode in the dark before, but it has always been starting not finishing," Ryan said.
The ride was made all the more challenging by stormy local weather conditions that forced a remarking of the first three loops of the track and meant for a bitterly cold race day.
Ironically the wet weather made the course a lot more like home for Ryan as it took away a lot of the hardness the Australian tracks are renowned for.
While Ryan praised the efforts of the open riders who helped her through the first five laps she was also thrilled about the performance of her leased mount Splendercrest Dryad. The duo only met two days prior to race day but hit it off immediately.
"She was very tough, very goey. She was still pulling after the 160km. It was the second 160km complete for her and she just kept going and going and going."
Ryan made such an impact on the Australian stables that she has been invited back to ride in Australia later in the year by Jay Randell, the owner of Splendercrest Endurance Stud.
However, Ryan is going to have to put the offer on hold. The end of year date's are likely to clash with exams for her Certificate in Agriculture and even for international endurance riders school has to come first - at least for now.
Marlborough's young endurance riders have continued to excel on the international endurance riding scene with Kimberley Ryan and Kylie Avery both recently returned from major overseas rides.
Ryan was part of the New Zealand junior team that competed in the Trans-Tasman Challenge in Nanango, Australia, last weekend while Avery was chosen to compete at a privately-funded ride in South Africa at the start of June.
Avery was selected for the team to travel to South Africa after winning the 100km CEI two star at the Horse of the Year in May.
She continued her good form in South Africa, placing fifth in the 122km CEI two star ride and helping the Horse of the Year endurance team to gold in the eight nation tournament.
While Avery is becoming an old hand on the international riding scene Ryan's trip across the ditch was her first opportunity to ride internationally.
While the New Zealand team failed to come away with the Trans-Tasman Trophy honours for the first time in the competition's four-year history Ryan had an excellent day on a personal level.
She was the only New Zealand rider to complete the FEI three star 160km ride and placed sixth in the youth division, missing fifth by a single minute.
Making the feat all the more impressive was the fact it was the first-ever 160km completion for the 17 year old student at Telford Rural Polytechnic, on just her second attempt at the distance.
"It was awesome. We rode as a team the whole way with all the horses pulling each other and helping each other along," Ryan said.
However, as the ride wore on the three New Zealand open riders faltered and as each lap passed another was vetted out until Ryan was left alone to ride the sixth and final loop in the dark, not finishing until 9.30pm, another new experience.
"I'd rode in the dark before, but it has always been starting not finishing," Ryan said.
The ride was made all the more challenging by stormy local weather conditions that forced a remarking of the first three loops of the track and meant for a bitterly cold race day.
Ironically the wet weather made the course a lot more like home for Ryan as it took away a lot of the hardness the Australian tracks are renowned for.
While Ryan praised the efforts of the open riders who helped her through the first five laps she was also thrilled about the performance of her leased mount Splendercrest Dryad. The duo only met two days prior to race day but hit it off immediately.
"She was very tough, very goey. She was still pulling after the 160km. It was the second 160km complete for her and she just kept going and going and going."
Ryan made such an impact on the Australian stables that she has been invited back to ride in Australia later in the year by Jay Randell, the owner of Splendercrest Endurance Stud.
However, Ryan is going to have to put the offer on hold. The end of year date's are likely to clash with exams for her Certificate in Agriculture and even for international endurance riders school has to come first - at least for now.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
USA: Wabash man enters race along Santa Fe Trail
Wabash Plain Dealer
By SHEILA RHOADES
Tuesday, June 19, 2007 10:44 AM EDT
It extends nearly 1,200 miles, crosses five states, and was the nation's first international commercial highway. But in September, tens of thousands will converge on the Santa Fe Trail to witness an 515-mile, 13-day adventure known as the Great Santa Fe Trail Horse Race.
Among the nearly 100 participants will be rural Wabash resident Mike Urschel. He and his 11-year-old purebred Arabian, Josh, will make their ninth endurance ride when the race begins in Sante Fe, N.M., on Sept. 3. Their journey will end in Missouri on Sept. 15.
Urschel is no stranger to horses or riding. At 55, he currently holds four spots in the World Championship Barrel Racing competition set for Oct. 29, in Augusta, Ga.
He owns four other purebred Arabians and also boards an American Paint. The home he shares with his "companion, partner and best friend," Bev Staats, is nestled back a mile lane amid hay fields and forest.
Urschel considers himself a simple man. He's been employed by 1st Ayd Corporation for the past 20 years, selling industrial maintenance supplies. He has a grown son and twin daughters and leads a relatively quiet life.
For the last five or six years Urschel has had some physical problems to deal with. He had several serious shoulder injuries from a fall he took and shattered his heel from a 15-foot fall. Just when it looked like he was on the road to recovery, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Urschel's reaction to the news, however, was not what one might expect.
"I was diagnosed last March," he told the Plain Dealer. "But it's a relief finally knowing. I'm just thankful to be alive. Parkinson's doesn't really bother me because I like to stay active and that seems to be helping it."
He then added, "I get a little shaky at times, but the horses don't mind."
Kokomo neurologist Dr. Nancy Frappier has been caring for Urschel and encourages him to ride, he said, noting, "She told me it would be beneficial."
But optimistic or not, some things have gotten more difficult for Urschel. He's noticed he is not as steady as he used to be. There is some muscle stiffness at times, the memory tends to fade, and there are also those occasions when he is unable to speak.
"Sometimes it's a hard road to travel," he said.
"I guess that probably bothers me the most," he explained. "With my work I have to be able to talk to the customer."
But Urschel's optimism seems to never wane. Even at 55, he constantly looks ahead. He has ridden competitively in 43 rides, logging close to 2,000 miles. In 2001, he received recognition for having the best conditioned horse in 13 states. In the upcoming Santa Fe Trail race, he is the only Hoosier of the 78 that have qualified thus far.
"To finish is to win," he advocates.
He hopes to promote the sport of endurance riding and doesn't focus on his Parkinson's. "I'd rather be on the trail every day than sitting around doing nothing," he said.
Staats, who will travel with him to Santa Fe, will do his vet checks, when Urschel and Josh arrive at designated checkpoints.
"She's my pit crew," Urschel said.
Staats also remains encouraged by Urschel's attitude and likes the fact that Josh, who has suffered injuries in the past, will be on the long trail with him.
"His horse takes care of him," she said. "They take care of each other."
Urschel is seeking help to offset the cost of his $3,500 entry fee or other road expenses. Anyone interested in helping may send checks made out to "The Great Race" in care of First Farmers Bank & Trust, 1004 N. Cass St., Wabash, IN 46992.
By SHEILA RHOADES
Tuesday, June 19, 2007 10:44 AM EDT
It extends nearly 1,200 miles, crosses five states, and was the nation's first international commercial highway. But in September, tens of thousands will converge on the Santa Fe Trail to witness an 515-mile, 13-day adventure known as the Great Santa Fe Trail Horse Race.
Among the nearly 100 participants will be rural Wabash resident Mike Urschel. He and his 11-year-old purebred Arabian, Josh, will make their ninth endurance ride when the race begins in Sante Fe, N.M., on Sept. 3. Their journey will end in Missouri on Sept. 15.
Urschel is no stranger to horses or riding. At 55, he currently holds four spots in the World Championship Barrel Racing competition set for Oct. 29, in Augusta, Ga.
He owns four other purebred Arabians and also boards an American Paint. The home he shares with his "companion, partner and best friend," Bev Staats, is nestled back a mile lane amid hay fields and forest.
Urschel considers himself a simple man. He's been employed by 1st Ayd Corporation for the past 20 years, selling industrial maintenance supplies. He has a grown son and twin daughters and leads a relatively quiet life.
For the last five or six years Urschel has had some physical problems to deal with. He had several serious shoulder injuries from a fall he took and shattered his heel from a 15-foot fall. Just when it looked like he was on the road to recovery, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Urschel's reaction to the news, however, was not what one might expect.
"I was diagnosed last March," he told the Plain Dealer. "But it's a relief finally knowing. I'm just thankful to be alive. Parkinson's doesn't really bother me because I like to stay active and that seems to be helping it."
He then added, "I get a little shaky at times, but the horses don't mind."
Kokomo neurologist Dr. Nancy Frappier has been caring for Urschel and encourages him to ride, he said, noting, "She told me it would be beneficial."
But optimistic or not, some things have gotten more difficult for Urschel. He's noticed he is not as steady as he used to be. There is some muscle stiffness at times, the memory tends to fade, and there are also those occasions when he is unable to speak.
"Sometimes it's a hard road to travel," he said.
"I guess that probably bothers me the most," he explained. "With my work I have to be able to talk to the customer."
But Urschel's optimism seems to never wane. Even at 55, he constantly looks ahead. He has ridden competitively in 43 rides, logging close to 2,000 miles. In 2001, he received recognition for having the best conditioned horse in 13 states. In the upcoming Santa Fe Trail race, he is the only Hoosier of the 78 that have qualified thus far.
"To finish is to win," he advocates.
He hopes to promote the sport of endurance riding and doesn't focus on his Parkinson's. "I'd rather be on the trail every day than sitting around doing nothing," he said.
Staats, who will travel with him to Santa Fe, will do his vet checks, when Urschel and Josh arrive at designated checkpoints.
"She's my pit crew," Urschel said.
Staats also remains encouraged by Urschel's attitude and likes the fact that Josh, who has suffered injuries in the past, will be on the long trail with him.
"His horse takes care of him," she said. "They take care of each other."
Urschel is seeking help to offset the cost of his $3,500 entry fee or other road expenses. Anyone interested in helping may send checks made out to "The Great Race" in care of First Farmers Bank & Trust, 1004 N. Cass St., Wabash, IN 46992.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Malaysia: Sultan's Cup 2007 (WEC Test Event) Schedule Online
Malaysia: The Sultan's Cup 2007 scheduled for November 9-11 will be a pre-ride test event for the 2008 World Endurance Championship. Riders from around the world will ship their horses to Terengganu International Endurance Park for this prestigious event.
The FEI (draft) Competition Schedule and Ride Info can be found on the 2008 World Endurance Championship website .
Montana: Ovando woman rides her horses to glory
by Betsy Cohen of The Missoulian
Imagine a few hours in the saddle, riding a horse nonstop at a steady trot up and down mountain trails.
Think of the pounding and jarring over uneven, sometimes unforgiving and rocky ground.
For most of us, it's not too hard to imagine the soreness and aches that would follow.
Over two days recently, Ovando rancher Suzanne Hayes racked up two national championship endurance titles - logging 15 hours in the saddle and 150 miles - at the Arabian Horse Association's National Endurance Ride Championships in Montana's Custer National Forest near Ashland.
On June 9, Hayes rode her 7-year-old Arabian-thoroughbred cross named Chevy in the 50-mile competition, finishing the ride in about five hours and earning the national championship title in the half-Arabian division. The following day, Hayes climbed aboard her World Endurance contender, a 12-year-old Arabian-quarter horse cross named Quincy for the 100-mile competition, finishing the ride in 10 hours and earning the reserve championship title.
Hayes didn't need any aspirin to recover from her whirlwind 150-mile weekend in the saddle. The achievement of finishing and the giant silver trophies she received at trail's end fully numbed any soreness and stiffness.
Adding to the sweetness of it all, both horses received “best conditioned” honors by the competition's team of veterinarians, and out of 180 competitors, Quincy was chosen to receive the veterinarian's highest score for fitness and soundness.
“I'm really excited,” Hayes said. “It feels really good to have done so well.”
With two major championships under her belt, Hayes is now eyeing in earnest the American Endurance Ride Conference National Championships in Boise, Idaho, at the end of August, the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia in 2008 and the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010.
Ambitious as her goals may sound, Hayes, 53, has been competing in endurance rides since she was 11 years old. She earned a bronze medal in the Pan American Championship in 1991, was selected to be on the U.S. Equestrian Team for international competition, and was a member of the U.S. silver-medal squad in the 1992 World Championship in Barcelona, Spain.
Hayes made the U.S. team again for the 2005 World Endurance Championship in Dubai, but just weeks before the competition Quincy came up lame and couldn't compete.
Emotional days, weeks and months followed the let down, Hayes said. It had taken the duo years to achieve the level of fitness and mental edge needed for international competition, riding alone nearly every day through rain, heat and snow, some 15 to 25 miles at a stretch in the mountains behind her Ovando ranch.
Quincy's soundness issue, which arrived unexpectedly and with vengeance was a bit of a mystery. Hayes' response was to give him a full year off and turn him out to pasture to heal and rest. When he began to step out soundly and all traces of lameness were gone, Hayes slowly started him on a reconditioning program last year.
This spring, her old friend showed Hayes he was fully recovered.
Hayes' goals at the Arabian national championships was to ride conservatively and if any hint of lameness showed up, she would pull him out of the competition.
But the 100 miles didn't faze the horse.
When she crossed the finish line, Quincy's eyes were bright and his stride even and strong and she knew they had left the dark days of recovery and broken dreams in the dust.
The honors given to Hayes and Quincy by the competition vets was perhaps the most rewarding part of the weekend, Hayes said.
“To me, the horse's welfare is much more important than winning or even finishing a ride,” Hayes said. “My game plan all along was to finish with a sound and happy horse.”
As for Chevy, Hayes couldn't be more pleased.
The youngster is showing he as the grit for competition and a cheerful attitude that makes it fun.
“He's still in the building process and I still don't allow him to go fast as he is capable of,” Hayes said. “I want this horse to last a long time.
“He's a candidate for the World Games in Kentucky. They both are.”
Imagine a few hours in the saddle, riding a horse nonstop at a steady trot up and down mountain trails.
Think of the pounding and jarring over uneven, sometimes unforgiving and rocky ground.
For most of us, it's not too hard to imagine the soreness and aches that would follow.
Over two days recently, Ovando rancher Suzanne Hayes racked up two national championship endurance titles - logging 15 hours in the saddle and 150 miles - at the Arabian Horse Association's National Endurance Ride Championships in Montana's Custer National Forest near Ashland.
On June 9, Hayes rode her 7-year-old Arabian-thoroughbred cross named Chevy in the 50-mile competition, finishing the ride in about five hours and earning the national championship title in the half-Arabian division. The following day, Hayes climbed aboard her World Endurance contender, a 12-year-old Arabian-quarter horse cross named Quincy for the 100-mile competition, finishing the ride in 10 hours and earning the reserve championship title.
Hayes didn't need any aspirin to recover from her whirlwind 150-mile weekend in the saddle. The achievement of finishing and the giant silver trophies she received at trail's end fully numbed any soreness and stiffness.
Adding to the sweetness of it all, both horses received “best conditioned” honors by the competition's team of veterinarians, and out of 180 competitors, Quincy was chosen to receive the veterinarian's highest score for fitness and soundness.
“I'm really excited,” Hayes said. “It feels really good to have done so well.”
With two major championships under her belt, Hayes is now eyeing in earnest the American Endurance Ride Conference National Championships in Boise, Idaho, at the end of August, the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia in 2008 and the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010.
Ambitious as her goals may sound, Hayes, 53, has been competing in endurance rides since she was 11 years old. She earned a bronze medal in the Pan American Championship in 1991, was selected to be on the U.S. Equestrian Team for international competition, and was a member of the U.S. silver-medal squad in the 1992 World Championship in Barcelona, Spain.
Hayes made the U.S. team again for the 2005 World Endurance Championship in Dubai, but just weeks before the competition Quincy came up lame and couldn't compete.
Emotional days, weeks and months followed the let down, Hayes said. It had taken the duo years to achieve the level of fitness and mental edge needed for international competition, riding alone nearly every day through rain, heat and snow, some 15 to 25 miles at a stretch in the mountains behind her Ovando ranch.
Quincy's soundness issue, which arrived unexpectedly and with vengeance was a bit of a mystery. Hayes' response was to give him a full year off and turn him out to pasture to heal and rest. When he began to step out soundly and all traces of lameness were gone, Hayes slowly started him on a reconditioning program last year.
This spring, her old friend showed Hayes he was fully recovered.
Hayes' goals at the Arabian national championships was to ride conservatively and if any hint of lameness showed up, she would pull him out of the competition.
But the 100 miles didn't faze the horse.
When she crossed the finish line, Quincy's eyes were bright and his stride even and strong and she knew they had left the dark days of recovery and broken dreams in the dust.
The honors given to Hayes and Quincy by the competition vets was perhaps the most rewarding part of the weekend, Hayes said.
“To me, the horse's welfare is much more important than winning or even finishing a ride,” Hayes said. “My game plan all along was to finish with a sound and happy horse.”
As for Chevy, Hayes couldn't be more pleased.
The youngster is showing he as the grit for competition and a cheerful attitude that makes it fun.
“He's still in the building process and I still don't allow him to go fast as he is capable of,” Hayes said. “I want this horse to last a long time.
“He's a candidate for the World Games in Kentucky. They both are.”
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Shining Moon 100: Tamotsu Sasaki and Dameon PJ First to Finish
June 17, 2007
Shining Moon 100 Mile Ride, an FEI CEI*** event was won by Tamotsu Sasaki riding Dameon PJ, a 10 yr Arabian gelding owned by Seiichi Hasumi. A ride time of 13:12 earned Sasaki and Dameon an FEI Certificate of Capability, and the honor of being the first team to complete a 100 mile endurance ride in Japan.
The ride was the dream of Seiichi and Harumi Hasumi and brought riders and officials from around the world to the small resort town of Karuizawa, nestled at the foot of the live volcano, Mt. Asama. Japan Equestrian Federation and the sponsorship of National 'Joba Ride' helped make the event a success. A huge crowd numbering close to 500 people turned out to observe and help work the ride. National, local and International press covered this premier event. Entry fees were waived and the event offered full amenities to competitors and spectators alike.
Coverage, results and photos of the event can be found at http://www.endurance.net/international/japan/2007ShiningMoon/
UAE: Ruling body keen on new measures
Photo: Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi played a stellar role in Al Reef Stable's domination as he finished as the top trainer as well as the top rider. (Gulf News)
Gulf News
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
The Secretary General of the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, Hussain Mohammad Hussain, termed the recently-concluded endurance season a highly successful and memorable one for the sport in the UAE.
"The 2006-07 UAE endurance season has been featured with quite a few achievements both at the national level as well as the international level," Hussain Mohammad said.
"The UAE team of Shaikh Rashid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum created history by winning the team gold medal when endurance made its debut at the Doha Asian Games. Shaikh Rashid also won the individual gold while Sultan Bin Sulayem won the bronze," the official said.
"In April this year, Shaikh Ahmad and Shaikh Mayed, along with Mansoor Ahmad Al Subose and Mohammad Ahmad Ali Al Subose, won the team silver in the World Junior Championship held in Buenos Aires while Shaikh Abdullah Bin Faisal Al Qasimi won the individual bronze and Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Faisal Al Qassimi finished fourth."
"Both these achievements once again reasserted the UAE's supremacy in the sport of endurance and the top riders will now begin to focus on the future challenges," said Hussain Mohammad.
"Regarding the UAE season, the officials and veterinarians - both from the UAE as well as those invited from abroad according to FEI rules, together ensured that a high standard of competition was held. The number of international riders using the UAE to prepare themselves and qualify for international events again saw an increase this season," he added.
High quality
"Quite a few officials from the UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation, as well as other equestrian bodies in the UAE, have been invited to officiate in international rides and this once again reflected the high quality of cadres present in the country," the Secretary General said.
"We are keen to build on this success and hope to bring in more changes in the next season," said Hussain Mohammad Hussain.
JPN: 2007 Shining Moon
5:45pm Local Time - Tamotsu Sasaki riding Dameon PJ have opened a 45 minute lead over the field with 51Km remaining! All are riding into the evening with the approach of darkness at the Shining Moon[More ...]
Friday, June 15, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
NZL: Why this Sample Horse is Fit For A King
WHO does the King of Malaysia trust to pick out the best horse in the country for him to ride in a marathon 160km event?It's simple - the Kenilworth's Sample family.
And Brook Sample - who is also a national endurance horse-riding champion - chose a seven-year-old Arabian-Appalachian cross gelding called Pharoah for the king to ride in the weekends endurance event near Nanango.
Brook's father Bob said his son picked out the gelding from the family's 200 hoses on their Kenilworth farm and even decided not to compete against Sultan Mizan in the gruelling race held on Saturday.
[More ...]
Australia wins team events at Nanango endurance ride
Horsetalk.co.nz June 12, 2007
H.M. Tuanku Mizan Zaind Abidin and Taljarri Moonlight Pharoah.Picture: Franz Venhaus, EFA
Australia won both team events at the Nanango Forest Endurance ride at the weekend. The event was host to an international FEI 3* 160km ride, along with the Trans Tasman FEI 3* 160km and FEI 2* 110km.
Matthew Sample won the ride in 9:46:17, riding Brookleigh Ricardo. Best Conditioned went to fourth place-getter, Kristie McGaffen riding Ryton Remy.
The King of Malaysia, H.M. Tuanku Mizan Zaind Abidin, riding a loan horse from Brook Sample, the arab-appaloosa cross Taljarri Moonlight Pharoah, finished in 12th place.
Riding as an individual, New Zealand's Sandie MacLean, on Macedonian Rakkali, placed 7th in the time of 11:51:11.
New Zealand CEI** 107km team members Jordyn Piripi, Selwyn Boler, Alison Higgins and Kimberley Ryan all completed the ride on Saturday.
Fellow New Zealander David Marshall made his return to competitive endurance riding after a two-year absence, finishing in eighth place in the 107km ride. He rode Dakila Renoasette, in the time of 6:02:37. Also placed in this event was Mark Tylee riding Brookleigh Maestro, finishing 12th in a time of 6:10:00.
Kiwi endurance team wins gold in South Africa
Kiwi endurance team wins gold in South AfricaJune 12, 2007
New Zealand's Horse of the Year team won gold at the Christiana CEI** 122km ride in South Africa on June 2.
The New Zealand placings were: Teresa Birkett 3rd, Kylie Avery 5th, Linda Pullar 7th and Lois Hosking 9th.
Struan Duncan qualified in the 80km ride and has since gone on to compete at a 92km ride in Cape Town, where he also qualified.
In Christiana, eight nations were represented at the ride.
Competitors report that the ride was a surreal experience, riding amongst galloping herds of zebra, waterbuck, wildebeast, inpala and springbok as well as rhino, giraffe, ostrich, monkeys, mongoose and more. "It has certainly been a trip of a lifetime for all involved. The South African Endurance community hosted us all very well and we have all made some special friendships along the way," a spokesman said.
Earlier, New Zealander Sandie MacLean placed second on Sanniesgun Sadan in the Open 80km ride at the South African Freestate Championships on May 25. She also completed on Sadan the day before in a stepladder ride over 80km.
[More ...]
Nanango: Sample and Partners CEI*** Results
Ride Name: Sample and Partners CEI 3 Star, held on 9/06/2007
Location: Nanango
Distance: 160km 3 Star 1 Day
Open Division
------------------------------
1, Matthew Sample - Brookleigh Ricardo 9:46:17
2, Penny Toft - Don 9:53:22
3, Jeremy Robertson - El Sufwahn 10:32:10
4, Kristie McGaffin - Ryton Remy 10:43:15 Best Conditioned Horse
5, Meg Wade - Castlebar Balik 11:18:06
6, Wendy Chambers - Rokewood Shasada 11:39:09
7, Sandie Maclean - Macedonian Rakkali 11:51:11
8, Derek Armitage - Moorah Park Mickerby 11:53:58
9, Derryn Nix - Rowallan Rufous 11:54:20
10, Susan Sutcliffe - Saayid's Simply Red 11:55:06
11, Margaret Boland - Alandell Karlinta 11:57:03
12, H.M. Tuanku Mizan Zaind Abidin - Taljarri Moonlight Pharoah 12:12:50
13, Paul Brown - Brookleigh Scarlett 12:12:51
14, Mr Sopyan - Brookleigh Kentara 12:12:52
15, Renee Saxby - Cherox Assassin 12:33:38
16, Patricia Waddell - Box Hill Tonderburine : 12:33:39
17, Mohd Shuarb Ishak - Blue Bronco 12:33:48
18, Nadiah Tan Sri Tajudin - Bramall Jazzmin 12:34:14
19, Louis Botha - Sunhaven Brooklyn 12:34:34
20, Amir Ghani Ahmad - Miss Matawhero 12:34:35
21, Mal Caldwell - Celandra Ramazar 12:36:40
22, Anne Criner - Zara Farm Ayesha 12:39:01
23, Debbie Bugden - Conderosa Rassim 13:15:13
24, Raewyn Carter - Mt Eerwah Siridion 13:30:00
25, Mark Nimon - Abbeywood Solitare 14:32:12
26, Alwyn Torenbeek - Mary-Anne 14:50:00
27, Yukinobu Horiuchi - Pardon 14:50:02
- Tom Bouzianis - Conderosa Salima WDN (Leg 0)
- Sonya Ryan - Abrock Ned V/O Lame (Leg 6)
- Elisabeth Paton - Rafyke V/O Lame (Leg 5)
- Ursula Keenan - Sundown Park Eastwind V/O Lame (Leg 5)
- Bryan Priddle - Genet Zac V/O Lame (Leg 4)
- Garry Bennett - Freelance Gaytu Boysey V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Amily Daw - Magic Glen Hi Di V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Marion Lengronne - Dardanga Fingal V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Sarah Hamer - Boxhill Zac V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Yuko Kimoto - Bullarto Fiorelli V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Albert Knight - Abbeywood Rumor V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Clare Fleming - Mangueira Moksha V/O Lame (Leg 2)
- Tony Standfield - Sha'Almalih V/O Lame (Leg 2)
- Lesley Nancarrow - Zenith Park Quill V/O Lame (Leg 2)
Youth Division
------------------------------
1, Sasha Laws-King - Tubbarubba Cheval 10:37:03 Best Conditioned Horse
2, Chloe Lyons - Stanpark Strike 10:39:58
3, Saasha Turrell - Mingara Sampson 12:04:38
4, Kaylea Grogan - Hillbrae Zoro 12:04:39
5, Sharna Harvey - Binks 12:33:40
6, Kimberley Ryan - Splendacrest Dryad Time: 12:33:41
7, Vanessa Tiffen - Hirstglen Texas Rose 12:43:25
- Katherine Ryan - Meltharina Mars WDN (Leg 0)
- Brooke Warner - Zalman V/O Lame (Leg 6)
- Lisa Stoffel - Esau V/O Lame (Leg 6)
- Shelley-Ann Kimber - Gift V/O Lame (Leg 5)
- Terri Anderson - Ashwind V/O Lame (Leg 4)
- Aime Newton - Stanpark Simone V/O Metabolics (Leg 3)
Ride Name: SAMPLE AND PARTNERS FEI 2 STAR, held on 9/07/2007
Location: Nanango
Distance: 107km FEI 2 Star
Open Division
------------------------------
1, Jason Kirk - Magic Glen Coul Me 5:18:00 Best Conditioned Horse
2, Joyce Corbett - Reeflex 5:42:00
3, Dean Chamberlain - Zara Farm Shadasj 5:47:00
4, Emma Holland - Shardell Azrark 5:51:02
5, Stephen Gray - Raaward Samaya 5:51:32
6, Corey Nix - Dunbar Mahadik 6:02:35
7, Jonnie White - Die Kinder Spyder 6:02:36
8, David Marshall - Dakila Renoasette 6:02:37
9, Gayle Holmes - Capptain's Creek Rupert 6:07:00
10, Michelle Morrison - Summit Park Raz 6:07:01
11, Heather Ellis - Agape Genesis 6:07:15
12, Mark Tylee - Brookleigh Maestro 6:10:00
13, John Davidson - Rose Lane El Rayo 6:13:00
14, Chelsea Miller - Tierview Maverick 6:35:00
15, John Dugan - Quick and Easy 6:39:00
16, Linda Tanian - Magic Glenn Lashele 6:41:00
17, Asher Batty - Castlebar Oslo 6:41:05
18, Selwyn Boler - Argents Fire 6:55:00
19, Akhmed Pshunov - Aloha Spartacus 7:00:00
20, Sarah Pembroke - Mario 7:24:35
21, Sue Crockett - Alamo Kipling 7:24:42
22, Julie Kemp - Al Baraq 7:27:00
23, Alison Higgins - Danbar Silk N' Satinn 7:31:03
24, Ken Moir - Drumlin Moonshine 7:38:22
25, Karen Hamelink - Belgari Bentley 7:45:01
26, Dale Hargreaves - Sundust Frisco 7:50:51
27, Sarah Love - Koorong Elijah 7:51:55
28, Fiona Fenech - Pilgrim 8:04:10
29, Jane Davidson - Malcolm 8:25:03
30, Caroline Gillam - Dunwingeri Saahma 8:41:12
31, Paul Fitzgerald - Merton Amadeus 8:44:11
32, Fiona Green - Elfar Jonjaq 9:09:27
33, Warwick Toft - Bremervale Felicity 9:24:08
34, Helen Toft - Bremervale Bay Malibu 9:24:09
35, Stephen Harris - Kasban Pierre 9:26:17
- Noriko Hasegawa - Splendacrest Perfection WDN (Leg 4)
- David Horton - Ambira Bansim V/O Lame (Leg 4)
- Yvonne Knight - Abbeywood Romeo V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Scott Barker - Hadji of Damascus V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- James Sheahan - Manana Gaylord V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Gemma Haywood - Castlebar Calipo V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Arch Felton - Magic Glenn Charlie Brown Lame (Leg 3)
- Claudia Reid - Ningadoo Taban V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Stuart Cottle - Magic Glenn Aaron V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Simone Krahnen - Kyuna Cherakee V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Paul Lengronne - Deep Forest Contest Lame (Leg 0)
Youth Division
------------------------------
1, Angela Hawks - Crysari 5:40:00 Best Conditioned Horse
2, Tarnia Kittel - Raaward Chanelle 5:42:00
3, Ian Davidson - Tristram Nicholas 6:13:00
4, Amanda Powell - Shonavale Kamilla 6:18:00
5, Nick Fry - Rivalyn Shianne 6:29:00
6, Brittnee D'Hondt - Timbertop Adonis 6:32:22
7, Danielle Van Eck - Veloce Mamma Mia 6:32:26
8, Carmel Trevorrow - Niarob Ngym-El-Sadat 6:45:00
9, Terrence Weier - Crystabarbara 7:00:03
10, Tami Parnell - Churinga Desire 7:00:05
11, Corey Lunt - Shardell Sharana Golden 7:06:00
12, Jordyn Piripi - Murland Park Mikahla 7:31:09
13, Aanja Hamelink - Kilkivan Msalute 7:45:00
14, Amaya Fenech - Cedar Springs The Full Monty 8:04:11
- Rebecca Miller - Midu Ariel V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Hayley-Jean Steuer - Sasam V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Ingrid Ambrosiussen - Tarwarri Sharhim V/O Lame (Leg 3)
- Bridget Nottle - Kadeen V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Rochelle Knihinicki - Castlebar Demon V/O Lame (Leg 1)
- Sarrah Lee Fenech - Monty V/O Lame (Leg 0)
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Namibia hosts World Riders at Walvis Bay
Namibia Endurance news
Namibia Endurance Ride Association
News
31/05/2007 Team from Brazil also at Walvis bay ride.
Brazil has announced their "Young Rider Team" to ride at the Walvis bay Championships. Guilherme Santos was nominated as Coach and the team, Aline Hnório, Ana Carla Maciel, Karina Arroyo, Mariana Salles, Naira Dias and Patrícia Taliberti to ride in Namibia, representing Brazil. It looks like the Walvis bay Africa Championships will be an interesting event with riders from all over the word. Here at home, our local riders and the NERA Committee are all preparing for the biggest Equestrian event of the year in Namibia.
31/05/2007 NHF APPALOOSA 2nd Annual Fun Day
30/05/2007 Australia rides with us at Walvisbay 2007
An Australian team will be taking part in the Walvisbay 2007 Championships. The final Australian team will be announced on the 07 June. (We will keep you posted) The Chef D'Equipe, Australian Endurance Team, Dr Trish Annetts and her team are sure to give our Namibian riders good competition, and more international exposure. They are well experienced riders and compete regularly on international rides. Check out the Australian website http://www.aera.asn.au/ .
NERA will announce the Namibian Team in a few days to come. Keep a look out for updates and info about the ride on the Walvisbay Africa Championships 2007 webpage, it will soon be updated almost daily, during and after the event.
28/05/2007 Walvisbay 2007
The NERA organizing team is getting ready for the Walvisbay 2007 Africa Championships. The BIGGEST event for endurance horse riding in Africa for 2007, is coming closer. Visitors and riders from around the world has shown interest in the Walvis Africa Championships and we are sure to see many of them at the ride.
As we have so many top performing horses and riders, it will most certainly be a huge task selecting the Namibian team. Competition will be even stronger this year than last year, with more international teams participating. We foresee an exciting and fun filled ride. In conjunction with www.namibianhorse.com we hope to bring you up to date reporting and pictures of the event, as it happens.
Start practicing, get your horses ready!!!
For more info contact us at: e-mail: secretary@namibiaendurance.org
Friday, June 08, 2007
NZL: Charolette Wadsworth - New Endurance Rider
Marlborough's equine enthusiasts continue to produce outstanding results, with nine year old competitive trail rider Charlotte Wadsworth the latest to achieve national accolades.Competing against riders aged up to 18 the youngster and her mount, BTR Windy Spirit, claimed the national junior distance horse and rider of the year title and the season-long New Zealand points title.
In her first year of the sport, Wadsworth made an immediate impact competing in Marlborough, Nelson, Christchurch and Ruahine. Riding out on her own for the first time, Wadsworth wasn't fazed competing in rides from 20 to 40km which often required her to spend up to four hours on the course.
[More ...]
Assisi Endurance Lifestlye: Endurance sport forges Italy-UAE partnership
Assisi Endurance Lifestyle presented today in Rome at the Hotel Bernini Bristol
Assis Endurance Lifestyle
This morning, at the Hotel Bernini Bristol of Rome, a press conference was held to introduce the economic-institutional aspects of the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle.
The main topic of the conference was the development of commercial relations between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, a country where Endurance is the national sport par excellence.
His Eminence Abdulhamid A. Kazim (Ambassador in Italy of the United Arab Emirates), Giuseppe Lomurno (Chairman of sistemaventi.it), Gianfranco Caprioli (Permanent Under-Secretary for the Promotion of Exchange of the Ministry of International Trade), Paolo Angelini (Executive of the Department for International Promotion and Co-operation ICE), Aurelio Forcignanò (Director of the General Confederation of Italian Industry of Perugia), Stefano Cimicchi (Sole director of APT Umbria); Claudio Ricci (mayor of the Municipality of Assisi); Rocco Girlanda (Chief Executive Officer of Edicor/Lifestyle Magazine) and Gianluca Laliscia (Chief Executive Officer of Umbria Endurance Equestrian Team) took part in the event.
Abdulhamid A. Kazim (Ambassador in Italy of the UAE) highlighted the fact that the event planned to be held in Assisi from 21st to 24th June represents an occasion of enrichment in the bilateral relations between Italy and the UAE, as well as dialogue among people of different cultures. Horsemanship is highly regarded in the United Arab Emirates and, thanks to this sport, we have managed to cross boundaries and spread our values of loyalty, friendship and co-operation.
The Permanent Under-Secretary for the Promotion of Exchange of the Ministry of International Trade Gianfranco Caprioli explained how In the last few years the region of the Persian Gulf has been one of the main targets for the Ministry of International Trade, which aims at creating an on-going co-operation with the United Arab Emirates for the growth of Italian small- and medium-sized companies.
The market of the UAE is a major reality, not only for large companies but also for small- and medium-sized firms, stated Paolo Angelini (Department for International Promotion and Co-operation ICE). For the next two years ICE is going to invest in this geographical region and will support Italian companies in setting up activities, relations and trade exchange.
Thanks to sistemaeventi and to ICE we are in the process of developing significant relations with the United Arab Emirates, confirmed Aurelio Forcignanò (Director of the General Confederation of Italian Industry of Perugia) during the press conference. Umbria will not be the only region involved in this project. We have in fact widened the area of interest also to the General Confederation of Italian Industry of Lazio, Tuscany, the Marches and Abruzzo.
In the course of the Assisiendurancelifestyle event there will be the opportunity for women entrepreneurs to meet, and to create an economic bridge between the West and the United Arab Emirates.
The one in Assisi is just one of a series of important events organised by the Umbrian territory explained Stefano Cimicchi (Sole director of APT Umbria). The Assisi Endurance Lifestyle is a means of communicating strong and brave values in that it combines a specific discipline with other aspects of life such as cultural and economic exchange.
We are working to modernize the area and to host high-profile events of this type stated Assisi’s mayor Claudio Ricci. The Assisi Endurance Lifestyle is becoming an all-encompassing project of integrated communication which enhance the whole territory around Assisi and the region of Umbria.
Rocco Girlanda, Chief Executive Officer of Edicor introduced the new publishing project Lifestyle, launched with Il Corriere dell’Umbria, which aims at following each phase of the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle. Girlanda highlighted the success met by the first issue of the Lifestyle Magazine: more than 50 thousand copies have been sold and in 26 outlets it was sold out. Increasingly sport is linked to tourism and to the economy of a territory concluded Gianluca Laliscia, a.d. sistemaeventi.it. By now this link is also being recognised by this sector’s analysts, according to which sports tourism is no longer a niche phenomenon. While being an international sports event, the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle also represents an occasion for doing business for Umbria, a region which is spreading on European and world scale. We believe that this event can become a regular rendezvous for all Endurance enthusiasts as well as for those Italian entrepreneurs who are interested in the new opportunities of development offered by the United Arab Emirates. In terms of excitement, the entrance of the riders (the participants to the Endurance race) in the city of Assisi will undoubtedly be an unforgettable moment for all participants and for the whole Umbrian community.
On 22nd June the theatre Lyrick of Assisi will host the International forum Italy-United Arab Emirates– Development guidelines for common growth - Economy, Tourism, Sport and Culture. At the end of this conference a group of Italian entrepreneurs will meet a group of entrepreneurs from the Emirates with the aim of developing B2B relations.
Finally, by way of confirmation of the international flavour of these Umbrian events, a video-message by Princess Haya bint Al Hussein (Chairperson of FEI) will be broadcast during the press conference in Rome. This is how Her Royal Highness wanted to be close to the organisers of the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
FEI rebukes 2005 World Endurance Championship hosts
Horse&Hound.co.uk
Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor
7 June, 2007
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has officially reprimanded the organising committee of the 2005 World Endurance Championships, putting an end to a two-year doping saga.
In January 2005, the World Endurance Championships ended in controversy when the results were overturned at the medal ceremony by the organising committee (Emirates International Endurance Racing) — without the FEI's permission. France's Barbara Lissarague was crowned World Champion instead of Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Al Nayan.
Afterwards, organisers said Hachim — the horse ridden to victory by Sheikh Hazza — had failed a doping test (see panel, right). But the FEI refused to acknowledge this at the time, although its laboratories later confirmed the horse had tested positive for methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory drug.
An extrapolated legal process ensued before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ultimate arbitrators in sporting disputes, upheld Sheikh Hazza's disqualification and the FEI turned its attentions to the organising committee.
"Whether or not Sheikh Hazza was ultimately found to have committed a doping offence had a bearing on certain issues raised in the protest filed with the FEI against the organising committee," said FEI legal director Alexander Mc Lin. "It was only after that was assessed that all the issues relating to the organising committee's actions could be looked at."
He said: "A reprimand will go on the record," adding that this would be "taken into consideration" if the organising committee applied to host another event.
But what actually happened in Dubai is still not clear. The plot reads more like a Dick Francis novel than a judicial process.
In the CAS judgement it is stated that Hachim was "allegedly the subject of persistent doping rumours".
Giving evidence to CAS, organising committee vice-chairman Saeed H Al Tayer said a "reliable source" told him Hachim was doped, but refused to name that source.
He testified that, based on those rumours, the organising committee declared second-placed Ms Lissarague the winner. Sheikh Hazza was mounted at the medal ceremony but left halfway through.
Mr Mc Lin told H&H last week: "What exactly occurred is still not entirely clear. Clearly, the organising committee acted on information it obtained from a laboratory."
Mr Mc Lin further explained that, unlike police, the FEI does not have the powers to force parties to reveal their evidence.
He added: "If the perception is that the FEI didn't investigate this enough, I can assure you that is not the case.
"The FEI has to make a decision based on what evidence it has, and unfortunately the evidence in this case was not conclusive."
H&H was unable to contact the organising committee, Emirates International Endurance Racing, for comment, nor the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation, to comment on behalf of Sheikh Hazza.
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (7 June, '07)
Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor
7 June, 2007
The International Equestrian Federation (FEI) has officially reprimanded the organising committee of the 2005 World Endurance Championships, putting an end to a two-year doping saga.
In January 2005, the World Endurance Championships ended in controversy when the results were overturned at the medal ceremony by the organising committee (Emirates International Endurance Racing) — without the FEI's permission. France's Barbara Lissarague was crowned World Champion instead of Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Al Nayan.
Afterwards, organisers said Hachim — the horse ridden to victory by Sheikh Hazza — had failed a doping test (see panel, right). But the FEI refused to acknowledge this at the time, although its laboratories later confirmed the horse had tested positive for methylprednisolone, an anti-inflammatory drug.
An extrapolated legal process ensued before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the ultimate arbitrators in sporting disputes, upheld Sheikh Hazza's disqualification and the FEI turned its attentions to the organising committee.
"Whether or not Sheikh Hazza was ultimately found to have committed a doping offence had a bearing on certain issues raised in the protest filed with the FEI against the organising committee," said FEI legal director Alexander Mc Lin. "It was only after that was assessed that all the issues relating to the organising committee's actions could be looked at."
He said: "A reprimand will go on the record," adding that this would be "taken into consideration" if the organising committee applied to host another event.
But what actually happened in Dubai is still not clear. The plot reads more like a Dick Francis novel than a judicial process.
In the CAS judgement it is stated that Hachim was "allegedly the subject of persistent doping rumours".
Giving evidence to CAS, organising committee vice-chairman Saeed H Al Tayer said a "reliable source" told him Hachim was doped, but refused to name that source.
He testified that, based on those rumours, the organising committee declared second-placed Ms Lissarague the winner. Sheikh Hazza was mounted at the medal ceremony but left halfway through.
Mr Mc Lin told H&H last week: "What exactly occurred is still not entirely clear. Clearly, the organising committee acted on information it obtained from a laboratory."
Mr Mc Lin further explained that, unlike police, the FEI does not have the powers to force parties to reveal their evidence.
He added: "If the perception is that the FEI didn't investigate this enough, I can assure you that is not the case.
"The FEI has to make a decision based on what evidence it has, and unfortunately the evidence in this case was not conclusive."
H&H was unable to contact the organising committee, Emirates International Endurance Racing, for comment, nor the United Arab Emirates Equestrian and Racing Federation, to comment on behalf of Sheikh Hazza.
This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (7 June, '07)
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Andes horseback challenge
Photo Credit: © Pablo Betancourt5 June, 2007
A HORSE riding opportunity of a lifetime following Charles Darwin’s route through the remote Andes Mountains has been launched by youth charity The Prince’s Trust.
The Trans-Andes Horseback Challenge provides riders with the opportunity to take on a unique equestrian experience and raise money for disadvantaged young people across the UK.
The six-day challenge takes place from February 1-10 2008 and will see riders trek more than 150km on horseback across the stunning landscape of the snow-capped Andes mountain range, from Mendoza in Argentina and to the Chilean capital of Santiago.
Accompanied by a team of local “gauchos” (horsemen), participants will experience “cabalgata” or traditional horseback trekking. They will ride with western-style saddles and bridles and negotiate steep climbs, rugged terrain and remote mountain passes, crossing rivers and camping out under the stars each night along the route. The itinerary follows one of Charles Darwin’s expedition trails and passes breathtaking ravines, ancient volcanoes and hot springs, as well as taking in the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
With up to eight hours a day in the saddle at high altitude (up to 4,500m), participants need to be confident riders and have a high level of fitness - committing to follow a comprehensive training schedule in the months leading up to departure in order to prepare for the intense physical demands of the journey.
Endurance GB rider Fiona Fairhurst took part in the first Andes Challenge earlier this year. She said: “Although for me the horse riding itself wasn’t most difficult part of the challenge, this is certainly no trek up the Brecon Beacons – the Andes are the second highest mountain range in the world – the scenery is jaw-dropping and the route is tough.
But the challenge is far more than just an amazing riding experience. Being away from everyday life in an environment like this allowed everyone to learn something about themselves and their lives. On a mountain, miles from anywhere, you are just concentrating on surviving, but everyone pulls together and the team spirit created is remarkable.”
The Trust’s Challenges aim to raise £500,000 over the next year to help thousands more young people across the UK to realise their potential and turn their lives around.
For more information or to sign up on the Trans-Andes Horseback Challenge call 020 7543 1370 or visit www.princes-trust.org.uk/andes.
Monday, June 04, 2007
FRA: France Victorious at CEIO Nation's Cup
By Endurance.Net
The French endurance team was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2007 CEIO Nation's Cup held June 2 at the endurance venue at Compiegne France.
Detailed results of the race are on www.endurance.net
[More ...]
The French endurance team was awarded the Gold Medal at the 2007 CEIO Nation's Cup held June 2 at the endurance venue at Compiegne France.Detailed results of the race are on www.endurance.net
[More ...]
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Bahrain Third at France Challenge
Bahrain: Gulf Daily News
BAHRAIN'S Royal Endurance Team bagged third place overall in the Compiegne International Endurance Horseride Championship at the Compiegne racecourse near Paris.The team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, completed the six-stage, 160-km race in 11 hours, 25 minutes and 20 seconds.
They were behind champions France who crossed the finish line first in 9:31.08, followed by Belgium (10:08:36) in second place.
The four-member Bahraini squad consisted of Mohammed Abdulaziz, Yousif Taher and Ghazi Al Dossary apart from Shaikh Nasser.
The race was dominated by French riders who took the top four positions in the individual event with Thomas Philippe finishing first in 1:12.30, followed by compatriot Begaud Jacque (1:01:12) in second place, Dietsch Pascal (1:06:55) third and Lemoine Maryli (1:08:10) fourth.
Bahrain's Abdulaziz finished ninth overall in 1:19.57, Taher was 13th in 1:30.30, while Al Dossary withdrew from the race following an injury to its horse.
Apart from Bahrain, 11 other nations - Algeria, Belgium, France, Germany, Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE - took part in the championship but only 17 riders completed the race.
Top officials from Compiegne Province attended the event and presented trophies to the top three teams and the first 15 riders in the individual event at a prize-giving ceremony.
Shaikh Nasser expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team both in the team event and the individual category.
"We took this race very seriously and were keen to complete it without any injuries as we have a number of other races to take part in Europe in the next two months," said Shaikh Nasser.
It is Bahrain's second appearance at the Compiegne racecourse having taken part in the 2005 Europen Championship which was held at the same venue and attended by His Majesty King Hamad.
"This race was a qualifier for the 2007 Europe Endurance Horseride Championship to be staged in Portugal in September and those who complete three races over 160 kms will qualify for this prestigious event," added Shaikh Nasser.
"It's a privilege to be taking part in such a prestigious event. The result is also very good despite the fact that we took part in this event without our main horses. The horses we took part are in are the ones based in Europe," said Shaikh Nasser.
"The environment here is amazing and the Equestrian Stadium has a top quality circuit with excellent sand tracks," he said.
The team will return today from Paris and continue preparations for future races to be held in the UK and France next month.
Results (in order of country, horse, total time):
Individual event: 1 Thomas Philippe (France, Joel Gabirat, 1:12:30 hrs), 2 Begaud Jacque (France, Koum Des Jamets, 1:01:12), 3 Dietsch Pascal (France, Hifrane Dui Barth, 1:06:55), 4 Lemoine Maryli (France, Sherahki, 1:08:10), 5 Van Den Abeele (Belgium, Epson Dela Brus, 1:09:13) 6 Mosti Laurent (France, Xalene Dela Dro, 1:13:13).
Saturday, June 02, 2007
FEI: 2008 WEC Qualification Criteria - 10:40 requirement dropped
World Senior Endurance Championship 2008 qualification criteria for approval by the FEI Bureau
The FEI Technical Committee, together with the FEI Endurance Department have now submitted the final wording of the World Senior Endurance Championship 2008 qualification criteria for approval by the FEI Bureau.
The original Criteria which was posted on the FEI Web site and circulated to all FEI National Federations for comment has been amended with regard to the maximum ride time allowed at the additional qualification ride - to be achieved within twelve months of the nominated entry date of the 2008 Championship.This is now the same as the other qualification ride to be achieved within twenty four months of the nominated entry date.
The original thinking behind the suggestion of a shorter maximum ride time for the additional qualifier was to ensure that horses competing in Malaysia had proven levels of increased fitness. However, some Federations felt that the differing conditions found at FEI 160 km events around the world made this increased requirement unfair on certain nations. Further, there was concern that the need for additional speed was contrary to the desire for increased levels of horsemanship that are not directly linked to the ability to increase speed.
The FEI Technical Committee will therefore address these fitness issues by applying stricter criteria on the day of competition as provided for under art 807 and 808 of the FEI Rules for Endurance Events.
Final Qualification Criteria: Horsesport.org
The FEI Technical Committee, together with the FEI Endurance Department have now submitted the final wording of the World Senior Endurance Championship 2008 qualification criteria for approval by the FEI Bureau.
The original Criteria which was posted on the FEI Web site and circulated to all FEI National Federations for comment has been amended with regard to the maximum ride time allowed at the additional qualification ride - to be achieved within twelve months of the nominated entry date of the 2008 Championship.This is now the same as the other qualification ride to be achieved within twenty four months of the nominated entry date.
The original thinking behind the suggestion of a shorter maximum ride time for the additional qualifier was to ensure that horses competing in Malaysia had proven levels of increased fitness. However, some Federations felt that the differing conditions found at FEI 160 km events around the world made this increased requirement unfair on certain nations. Further, there was concern that the need for additional speed was contrary to the desire for increased levels of horsemanship that are not directly linked to the ability to increase speed.
The FEI Technical Committee will therefore address these fitness issues by applying stricter criteria on the day of competition as provided for under art 807 and 808 of the FEI Rules for Endurance Events.
Final Qualification Criteria: Horsesport.org
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
The Patriot's Day 100 Endurance Ride
California - Plumas County News
5/30/07
By Centella Tucker
Special to Feather Publishing
The Patriot's Day 100 Endurance Ride was held May 19 in Greenville and attracted riders from California and beyond.
The event, co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Greenville and the Indian Valley Riding and Roping Club, brought 33 entrants to Coppercreek Camp for the first 100-mile endurance ride in Greenville.
This ride was held with the hope of attracting the AERC National Championship Ride to this site in 2008 or 2009.
Riders followed the trail over the Keddie Ridge saddle to Walker Lake and back.
They later traveled through Haun's Meadow and along the ridge overlooking Lake Almanor.
The first to finish completed the ride in just over 13 hours, including 2 hours 45 minutes of mandatory rest times at five veterinary checks where the well-being of the horses was evaluated.
Anderson resident Betsy Adamson on Wriana's Destiny and Redding resident Deanna Guinasso on RGR Flash Fire rode across the finish line in a photo finish at 6:34 p.m., after a 5:30 a.m. start.
First-place horse Wriana's Destiny also earned the Best Condition Award.
Other special recognition goes to First Junior Rider Katie Lydon and Rusty of Manton.
First Featherweight was Betsy Adamson of Anderson on Wriana's Destiny.
First Lightweight was Deanna Guinasso of Redding on RGR Flash Fire.
First Middleweight was Ron Belknap of Coarsegold on Sussman.
First Heavyweight was Gina Hall of Carson City, Nev., on Fire Mountain Destiny.
The Turtle Award went to Cynthia LeDoux-Bloom of Fort Bragg, riding SJ Kerensky to the finish at 12:46 a.m. Sunday, May 20, after an early afternoon fall slowed her pace.
The toughest rider was Renie Burnett of Anderson on Czentinel, who finished 25th with a possible broken collarbone.
5/30/07
By Centella Tucker
Special to Feather Publishing
The Patriot's Day 100 Endurance Ride was held May 19 in Greenville and attracted riders from California and beyond.
The event, co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Greenville and the Indian Valley Riding and Roping Club, brought 33 entrants to Coppercreek Camp for the first 100-mile endurance ride in Greenville.
This ride was held with the hope of attracting the AERC National Championship Ride to this site in 2008 or 2009.
Riders followed the trail over the Keddie Ridge saddle to Walker Lake and back.
They later traveled through Haun's Meadow and along the ridge overlooking Lake Almanor.
The first to finish completed the ride in just over 13 hours, including 2 hours 45 minutes of mandatory rest times at five veterinary checks where the well-being of the horses was evaluated.
Anderson resident Betsy Adamson on Wriana's Destiny and Redding resident Deanna Guinasso on RGR Flash Fire rode across the finish line in a photo finish at 6:34 p.m., after a 5:30 a.m. start.
First-place horse Wriana's Destiny also earned the Best Condition Award.
Other special recognition goes to First Junior Rider Katie Lydon and Rusty of Manton.
First Featherweight was Betsy Adamson of Anderson on Wriana's Destiny.
First Lightweight was Deanna Guinasso of Redding on RGR Flash Fire.
First Middleweight was Ron Belknap of Coarsegold on Sussman.
First Heavyweight was Gina Hall of Carson City, Nev., on Fire Mountain Destiny.
The Turtle Award went to Cynthia LeDoux-Bloom of Fort Bragg, riding SJ Kerensky to the finish at 12:46 a.m. Sunday, May 20, after an early afternoon fall slowed her pace.
The toughest rider was Renie Burnett of Anderson on Czentinel, who finished 25th with a possible broken collarbone.
Malaysian King to visit rural Qld horse event
ABC News Online
The King of Malaysia and some of the world's best horse riders are heading to Queensland's south Burnett for an international endurance event.
Nanango residents are preparing the small rural town for its first royal visit.
Atop the Blackbutt Range, Nanango has been battling drought and the loss of coal mining jobs.
A royal visit, and the influx of 1,000 people for an international endurance ride on the Queen's Birthday long weekend is a welcome distraction.
Barbara Timms from the Nanango Heritage Endurance Riders Association concedes a royal competitor has been something of a challenge.
"We've had all the embassies sending out their demands for what's required and that sort of thing," she said.
Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin has booked an entire motel, one of only four in the township.
Horse buyers are expected from the United Arab Emirates and there have been rumours of offers of $1 million for one noted Queensland-bred champion.
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The King of Malaysia and some of the world's best horse riders are heading to Queensland's south Burnett for an international endurance event.
Nanango residents are preparing the small rural town for its first royal visit.
Atop the Blackbutt Range, Nanango has been battling drought and the loss of coal mining jobs.
A royal visit, and the influx of 1,000 people for an international endurance ride on the Queen's Birthday long weekend is a welcome distraction.
Barbara Timms from the Nanango Heritage Endurance Riders Association concedes a royal competitor has been something of a challenge.
"We've had all the embassies sending out their demands for what's required and that sort of thing," she said.
Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin has booked an entire motel, one of only four in the township.
Horse buyers are expected from the United Arab Emirates and there have been rumours of offers of $1 million for one noted Queensland-bred champion.
Print-friendy versionPrint Send to a friendEmail
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser bags second place
Bahrain Gulf Daily News
ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa came second in the 120-km Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy held yesterday in UK.
Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, headed the five-member Bahraini team which included Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.
Shaikh Nasser settled for second position after gruelling competition with Great Britain's Liz Taylor, who won the race.
As for the other Bahraini riders, Shaikh Talal took fourth-place ahead of Abdulla who came fifth, Mahmood sixth and Abdulsamad seventh. The event, which was the first for the Bahraini team this year and took place near Tottenham, consisted of three races over 80 kms, 120 kms and 160 kms.
The Royal Endurance Team took part in the 120-km race which was divided into four stages.
The first stage was over 40 kms, 30 kms for the second and third stages while the fourth stage was over 20 kms. After the race, Shaikh Nasser and other team riders were congratulated by His Majesty King Hamad. This event was part of the team's training programme in Europe which also includes participation in other races in the UK, France and Portugal.
ROYAL Endurance Team captain Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa came second in the 120-km Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy held yesterday in UK.
Shaikh Nasser, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president, headed the five-member Bahraini team which included Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.
Shaikh Nasser settled for second position after gruelling competition with Great Britain's Liz Taylor, who won the race.
As for the other Bahraini riders, Shaikh Talal took fourth-place ahead of Abdulla who came fifth, Mahmood sixth and Abdulsamad seventh. The event, which was the first for the Bahraini team this year and took place near Tottenham, consisted of three races over 80 kms, 120 kms and 160 kms.
The Royal Endurance Team took part in the 120-km race which was divided into four stages.
The first stage was over 40 kms, 30 kms for the second and third stages while the fourth stage was over 20 kms. After the race, Shaikh Nasser and other team riders were congratulated by His Majesty King Hamad. This event was part of the team's training programme in Europe which also includes participation in other races in the UK, France and Portugal.
The King of Malaysia to compete in Endurance ride in Australia
Equestrian Federation of Australia
Sultan of Terengganu, HRH Tuanku Mizan
EFA National Office, Friday, 25 May 2007
The Nanango CEI 3-Star 160 km International Endurance ride near Kingaroy in Queensland will have a royal competitor. The current King of Malaysia hopes to gain the necessary qualification to compete in the FEI World Endurance Championships, which will be held in his country next year.
As the Sultan of Terengganu, HRH Tuanku Mizan* was elected King of Malaysia at the Conference of Rulers in on 3 November 2006. He will serve as the Paramount Ruler of Malaysia for the next five years.
The 45-year-old King is a keen Endurance rider and will join an international field of riders and officials from New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Poland Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates and Australia in this ride.
The event is conducted by the Nanango Heritage Endurance Riders Association, a club of the Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA), which is affiliated with the Equestrian Federation of Australia and governs the sport of Endurance on its behalf.
The ride itself will start at 5:00 AM on Saturday, 09 June 2007, at the Nanango Showgrounds. Most riders are expected to complete the distance of 160 km by late afternoon. A number of veterinary examinations at five so-called “vet gates” will ensure the horses’ welfare and assess their fitness to continue the ride.
*Note: The full name of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia is Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Al-Haj.
Sultan of Terengganu, HRH Tuanku Mizan
EFA National Office, Friday, 25 May 2007
The Nanango CEI 3-Star 160 km International Endurance ride near Kingaroy in Queensland will have a royal competitor. The current King of Malaysia hopes to gain the necessary qualification to compete in the FEI World Endurance Championships, which will be held in his country next year.
As the Sultan of Terengganu, HRH Tuanku Mizan* was elected King of Malaysia at the Conference of Rulers in on 3 November 2006. He will serve as the Paramount Ruler of Malaysia for the next five years.
The 45-year-old King is a keen Endurance rider and will join an international field of riders and officials from New Zealand, Malaysia, Japan, Poland Great Britain, the United Arab Emirates and Australia in this ride.
The event is conducted by the Nanango Heritage Endurance Riders Association, a club of the Australian Endurance Riders Association (AERA), which is affiliated with the Equestrian Federation of Australia and governs the sport of Endurance on its behalf.
The ride itself will start at 5:00 AM on Saturday, 09 June 2007, at the Nanango Showgrounds. Most riders are expected to complete the distance of 160 km by late afternoon. A number of veterinary examinations at five so-called “vet gates” will ensure the horses’ welfare and assess their fitness to continue the ride.
*Note: The full name of the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia is Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin Ibni Almarhum Al-Sultan Mahmud Al-Muktafi Billah Shah Al-Haj.
Royal team gear up for France event
Bahrain Gulf Daily News
ROYAL Endurance Team delegation arrived in France for the Compiegne International Endurance Horseride Championship to be held on Saturday at Compiegne racecourse of the Equestrian Stadium, near Paris.
The race, which is over 160km, is regarded as a qualifier for Europe Endurance Horseride Championship to be staged in Portugal in September.
The team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, had taken part in the Europe 2005 edition championship which was held at the same venue and attended by His Majesty King Hamad.
Other team members include Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.
Apart from Bahrain, 11 other nations have so far confirmed their entry for the championship. They are Algeria, Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE.
Shaikh Nasser said the team have been always keen at taking part in these races to gain more experience despite the tough and inconvenient environment surrounding these venues.
The Breef chief said only four riders will compete in this race and will be chosen according to their fitness and physical conditions.
The five-member team have taken part in the 120-km Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy which was held yesterday in the UK, near Tottenham, where Shaikh Nasser came second.
The Equestrian Stadium has a top quality circuit with excellent sandy tracks in the imperial forest of Compiegne and holds the 2004 record of participating nations - 19 nations and 87 competitors, half of them were foreigners.
ROYAL Endurance Team delegation arrived in France for the Compiegne International Endurance Horseride Championship to be held on Saturday at Compiegne racecourse of the Equestrian Stadium, near Paris.
The race, which is over 160km, is regarded as a qualifier for Europe Endurance Horseride Championship to be staged in Portugal in September.
The team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, had taken part in the Europe 2005 edition championship which was held at the same venue and attended by His Majesty King Hamad.
Other team members include Shaikh Talal bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.
Apart from Bahrain, 11 other nations have so far confirmed their entry for the championship. They are Algeria, Belgium, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Oman, Pakistan, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UAE.
Shaikh Nasser said the team have been always keen at taking part in these races to gain more experience despite the tough and inconvenient environment surrounding these venues.
The Breef chief said only four riders will compete in this race and will be chosen according to their fitness and physical conditions.
The five-member team have taken part in the 120-km Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy which was held yesterday in the UK, near Tottenham, where Shaikh Nasser came second.
The Equestrian Stadium has a top quality circuit with excellent sandy tracks in the imperial forest of Compiegne and holds the 2004 record of participating nations - 19 nations and 87 competitors, half of them were foreigners.
Shaikh Abdullah in top form
Khaleej Times
28 May 2007
DUBAI - Shaikh Abdullah bin Faisal Al Qasimi produced top class form to win the hotly contested Dukeries 160km FEI in England. It was a splendid accomplishment for the winner of the individual bronze medal at the 2007 JYR World Championship. He was riding Castlebar Sobea on whom his brother finished 4th in JYR WC. This eight-year-old mare was bred in Australia by Meg Wade and Chris Cates
The ride location was in Nottinghamshire where lie the present day remains of Sherwood Forest, once the playground of kings and dukes. It originally comprised huge private estates, established by nobility in a 200-year shopping spree that used the profits from the industrial revolution. Clumber Park, Thoresby and Welbeck were the country seats of powerful dukes. Today, they are still known as 'The Dukeries'
From the start Shaikh Abdullah alongside his endurance trainer Anzag Mahmood Chaudhry rode at a smart pace averaging the fastest, 17.37kph, over the opening loop of 40km but a trio of British riders, including the third place finisher Susan Hawes, were determined to overcome the UAE challenge.
The foremost was Fiona Hamilton who held a fifteen minute lead over the UAE duo at the end of the fourth stage. But at the vet gate, the UAE horses made smart presentations that sent them out just three minutes behind.
It was a jubilant Shaikh Abdullah who crossed the finish holding the UAE flag just ahead of Chaudhry. This was the first time that both their horses Castlebar Sobea and Sergai had competed in a 160km ride. Shaikh Abdullah has now set his sights on being selected to represent the UAE at the 2007 Open European Championship due to be held in Portugal in September.
Friday, May 25, 2007
Six-member Royal Team for UK ride
Gulf Daily News - Bahrain
SIX-member Royal Endurance Team is in the UK to participate in the Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy scheduled for today at 7.30am (Bahrain time).
The Bahraini team will be captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and includes Khalid Al Ruwaie, Jaffer Mirza, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.
The event, which will be the first for the Bahraini team this year, will take place near Tottenham and consist of three races over 80 kms, 120 kms and 160 kms.
The Royal Endurance Team will take part in the 120-km race which will be divided into four stages. The first stage will be over 40 kms, 30 kms for the second and third stages while the fourth stage will be over 20 kms.
Shaikh Nasser, accompanied by team rider Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, reached the race venue yesterday and was briefed about the race.
The Breef chief also watched the veterinary tests of the team horses ahead of the championship.
Shaikh Nasser later met with members of the team and team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan and stressed on the importance of this race which is named after Bahrain. Dr Hassan said the Bahraini team is expected to impress in this competition.
SIX-member Royal Endurance Team is in the UK to participate in the Endurance Horserace Championship for the Kingdom of Bahrain Trophy scheduled for today at 7.30am (Bahrain time).
The Bahraini team will be captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and includes Khalid Al Ruwaie, Jaffer Mirza, Ahmed Abdulla, Raed Mahmood and Ahmed Abdulsamad.
The event, which will be the first for the Bahraini team this year, will take place near Tottenham and consist of three races over 80 kms, 120 kms and 160 kms.
The Royal Endurance Team will take part in the 120-km race which will be divided into four stages. The first stage will be over 40 kms, 30 kms for the second and third stages while the fourth stage will be over 20 kms.
Shaikh Nasser, accompanied by team rider Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, reached the race venue yesterday and was briefed about the race.
The Breef chief also watched the veterinary tests of the team horses ahead of the championship.
Shaikh Nasser later met with members of the team and team manager Dr Khalid Ahmed Hassan and stressed on the importance of this race which is named after Bahrain. Dr Hassan said the Bahraini team is expected to impress in this competition.
Monday, May 21, 2007
Australia: Clare completes hat-trick
Invernell Times
LOCAL endurance rider, Clare Fleming and her purebred Arabian gelding Mangueira Moksha have continued on their winning way following the recent Eden Creek Endurance Ride.
The pair (pictured below) won the Best Conditioned Horse Award for the third time this season.
The two vets that presided over the weekends' activities, examined Moksha an hour after he had finished the 80km ride.
He was deemed to be the winner, based upon his ability to be able to go on, his fitness, freshness and soundness.
It was a big weekend, with close to 100 horses completing in either the 40km training ride or the 80km Endurance Ride.
Earlier Clare rode her Anglo mare Birramalee Queen of Hearts in the 40km ride.
They completed successfully, with a ride time of just over three hours. They were presented with a thermos as a completion prize.
On Sunday morning, the 80km ride started in the cold and wet track following an inch of rain on the Friday evening.
Clare decided to take it easy for this ride, as she is planning to ride Moksha in the 110km International Trans Tasman Endurance Ride on the June long-weekend in Nanango, Queensland.
Clare and Moksha did the ride in just under six hours.
They took it steady, so as to avoid any leg injuries or muscle soreness, which might arise from riding and sliding about in the muddy conditions. Moksha passed all the vet checks and successfully completed the ride. Much to her surprise, Clare finished second in the Lightweight division, and was third rider across the finish line.
At presentation, Clare was given two bags of horse feed and a feed bin for her prizes.
LOCAL endurance rider, Clare Fleming and her purebred Arabian gelding Mangueira Moksha have continued on their winning way following the recent Eden Creek Endurance Ride.
The pair (pictured below) won the Best Conditioned Horse Award for the third time this season.
The two vets that presided over the weekends' activities, examined Moksha an hour after he had finished the 80km ride.
He was deemed to be the winner, based upon his ability to be able to go on, his fitness, freshness and soundness.
It was a big weekend, with close to 100 horses completing in either the 40km training ride or the 80km Endurance Ride.
Earlier Clare rode her Anglo mare Birramalee Queen of Hearts in the 40km ride.
They completed successfully, with a ride time of just over three hours. They were presented with a thermos as a completion prize.
On Sunday morning, the 80km ride started in the cold and wet track following an inch of rain on the Friday evening.
Clare decided to take it easy for this ride, as she is planning to ride Moksha in the 110km International Trans Tasman Endurance Ride on the June long-weekend in Nanango, Queensland.
Clare and Moksha did the ride in just under six hours.
They took it steady, so as to avoid any leg injuries or muscle soreness, which might arise from riding and sliding about in the muddy conditions. Moksha passed all the vet checks and successfully completed the ride. Much to her surprise, Clare finished second in the Lightweight division, and was third rider across the finish line.
At presentation, Clare was given two bags of horse feed and a feed bin for her prizes.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
FRA: National CEI** Championship Festival - Ribiers France
Alice Proust
Endurance.Net
Buchel Benoit riding Miette Coco raced to finish first in the qualification race for the upcoming World Endurance Championship for Young Horses.
(Detailed results: Complete Result(PDF).
The race was the first event of the 3 day Endurance Festival which will culminate in the race for the 2007 CEI** Championship of France which will be held Saturday on the same course.
[More ...]
Endurance.Net
Buchel Benoit riding Miette Coco raced to finish first in the qualification race for the upcoming World Endurance Championship for Young Horses. (Detailed results: Complete Result(PDF).
The race was the first event of the 3 day Endurance Festival which will culminate in the race for the 2007 CEI** Championship of France which will be held Saturday on the same course.
[More ...]
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Portugal : Race Trial of European Championship and National Championship of Portugal
Alice Proust
On Saturday 28th of April was held on Barroca D'alva, a CEI*** 160 Km ride, which both serves as trial of the European Championship and National Portuguese Championship.
There were many riders from the international endurance riding field :
Jack Begaud (FRA), Joao Raposo (POR), Ana Margarida Costa (POR), Juan Paulo Branco (POR), Maria Alvarez (ESP), Jaume Punti Dachs (ESP), Leatitia Goncalves (FRA), Carlotta Dupas (FRA), Marilyn Lemoine (FRA), Grégoire Tilquin (FRA), Rui monteiro (POR).
The ride was divided in 5 loops of 38, 32, 29, 32 and 29 Kilometres and respective hold time of 30, 40, 50 and 50 minutes.
...full report
On Saturday 28th of April was held on Barroca D'alva, a CEI*** 160 Km ride, which both serves as trial of the European Championship and National Portuguese Championship.
There were many riders from the international endurance riding field :
Jack Begaud (FRA), Joao Raposo (POR), Ana Margarida Costa (POR), Juan Paulo Branco (POR), Maria Alvarez (ESP), Jaume Punti Dachs (ESP), Leatitia Goncalves (FRA), Carlotta Dupas (FRA), Marilyn Lemoine (FRA), Grégoire Tilquin (FRA), Rui monteiro (POR).
The ride was divided in 5 loops of 38, 32, 29, 32 and 29 Kilometres and respective hold time of 30, 40, 50 and 50 minutes.
...full report
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Malaysia: King Among Contestants For YDSM-PENN Endurance
King Among Contestants For YDSM-PENN EnduranceSETIU, May 5 (Bernama) -- Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin is leading the Malaysian challenge at the YDSM-PENN equestrian endurance championship participated by 79 contestants at the Terengganu Equestrian Park at Lembah Bidong here today.
Tuanku Mizan who will be riding a horse named "Bartavia" will be up against 14 other contestants including one each from Brunei and Indonesia in the 160km race that ends at 3 pm tomorrow.
Other categories being contested for the championship organised by the Sultan Mizan Royal Foundation (YDSM) and PENN Endurance Equestrian Club are the 80km, 40km, and 26km.
The endurance race was flagged-off by the Terengganu Regent Advisory Council president Tengku Baderul Zaman Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud.
The two-day championship is in preparation for the World Equestrian Endurance Championship 2008 to be hosted by Terengganu next year.
Tuanku Mizan will attend a banquet and present prizes to contestants at Kelab Teluk Warisan in Pulau Duyong tomorrow night.
-- BERNAMA
[More ...]
Bahrain: Royal Victory!
ROYAL Endurance Team riders - Mohammed Abdulaziz, Ghazi Al Dossary and Jaffer Mirza - bagged the top three positions in the Endurance Horseride Championship held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.The championship, organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation, was the last event of the season and the second held at night.
The event was dominated by the Royal Endurance Team whose captain and Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa decided not to take part in the event.
Riders from Bahrain and other GCC countries participated in this race which was over 100 kms and divided into four stages with 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 kms for the third and 15 kms for the fourth and final stage.
Riding Farhooz, Abdulaziz came on top in four hours, 22.35 minutes. Al Dossary was second in 4:34:53 with Mirza third in 4:36:53.
[More ...]
Friday, May 04, 2007
FEI: Minutes of FEI Endurance Technical Committee Meeting on April 2, 2007
Among the interesting Item:* - Consider a "star" rating system for riders and horses
* - Maintain a focus on training and courses (Vet, TD, Judges)
* - 2008WEC, test events and special qualifications
and more.
FEI Minutes (PDF)
2008 WEC Qualification Requirements
FEI Article 825 (WEC Qualifications) (PDF)
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Qatar: BD13,000 cash awards for endurance challenge
A total prize-money of BD13,000 is up for grabs when the Bahrain Open Endurance Horseride Championship begins tomorrow at 6pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.
The season's final event, which is being held under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, covering a distance of 100 kms, will be divided into four stages with 30 kms for the first two stages, 25 kms for the third while the fourth and final stage is over 15 kms.
The top 10 riders in the race will be awarded cash prizes with the winner getting BD3,000, BD2,200 for second place and BD1,800 third place.
Riders from Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Stable as well as top riders from Qatar have arrived on the island for the challenge.
The Kingdom Stable team include three women riders - Alya'a Al Huwaiti, Latifa Al Shaikh and Noora Al Yousif, as well as Mohammed Al Mahlasi and Abdulrahman Al Hawas.
Five other individual riders from Saudi Arabia - Hamad Al Shimmiri, Nawaf Al Otaibi, Humood Al Shimmiri, Abdulla Al Nabhan and Bader Al Misfir - are also in the fray.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
POR: Championship of Portugal
| GOLD MEDAL | Ana Margarida Costa /GOZLANE DU SOMAIL |
| SILVER MEDAL | João Raposo /QUINZA |
| BRONZE MEDAL | Pedro Godinho / OLIMPICO DA AMEIRA |
The results of last Saturday's National Championship of Portugal
(160km) race are posted at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/portugal/
Of interest, beyond our congratulations Ana Margarida Costa and
Gozlane du Somail taking the Gold medal, are the completion times.
All finishers earned their 13:20 CoCs and the top 10 (would have)
achieved the proposed 10:40 CoC* for 2008WEC.
This is the same venue that will host the 2007 European Championship
- so - championship course; championship field; and the proposed CoC
seemed well matched to both on the perfect weather of last Saturday.
This coming week-end, we have events occuring in Australia (Merri
will be at Imbil); Malaysia (Steph is at Terengganu); and Biltmore
(Angie is at Ashville); It will be interesting to see how things
stack up at these 160km FEI events as well.)
jt
(also of note: the automated timing system used collected all the
"Vet Card" information as well:
http://www.orion-timing.com/
[More ...]
RSA: Saudi women for endurance race
THREE women riders from Saudi Arabia's Kingdom Stable will take part in the Bahrain Open Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Friday at 6pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village premises in Sakhir.
Alya'a Al Huwaiti, Latifa Al Shaikh and Noora Al Yousif have confirmed their participation in this 100-km race which is the last championship of the season and the second consecutive to be held at night.
Other riders from the Kingdom Stable are Mohammed Al Mahlasi and Abdulrahman Al Hawas. The team have already arrived in Bahrain and started their preparations for the championship.
Besides the Kingdom Stable, five individual riders from Saudi Arabia are in the fray. They are Hamad Al Shimmiri, Nawaf Al Otaibi, Humood Al Shimmiri, Abdulla Al Nabhan and Bader Al Misfir.
Top riders from Qatar - Ahmed Al Malki, Faleh Al Ajmi, Khalid Al Nuaimi, Khalid Al Malki, Sa'ad Al Kuwari and Haider Al Kuwari - are also taking part in the race. From Bahrain, riders from stables such as Al Shuwamekh, Bahrain Riding School, Awal and Al Reem are taking part.
The veterinary tests will be held on Friday from 3pm to 5.30pm, 30 minutes before the start of the race.
[More ...]
Friday, April 27, 2007
FEI: Proposed Qualifications for Malaysia WEC 2008
24/04/2007 FEI News:
Endurance World Championship 2008 - Qualification Criteria
Following upon the recent FEI Endurance Committee Meeting, The Endurance Technical Committee has proposed additional qualification criteria in respect of the CH-M-E - Malaysia 2008. These additional criteria have now been circulated to all National Federations for comment. The document (http://www.horsesport.org/e/PDFS/2008QualificationCriteria.pdf) states:
MALAYSIA 2008 WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS – SENIORS
Articles which will apply following the decision of the FEI Endurance Technical Committee to require qualification to be undertaken only as a combination:
Minimum Qualification Criteria Art 825:
825.3
3.1
To be qualified to participate in any Championship or any other CEI 4* ride, a rider/horse as a combination has to have successfully completed a CEI 3* (or above) ride, the combination, in doing so, meeting the parameters and conditions as defined in art.825.4. This minimum qualification must be achieved within 24 months prior to the closing date of nominated entry.
825.4
The rider/horse must:
1. Successfully complete the ride equal to, or greater than, the published Championship or CEI 4* distance (5kms tolerance allowed).
2. Successfully complete the ride (as defined in art.825.3) in a ride time equal to, or less than, 13 hours 20 mins. per 160 kms distance.
3. Successfully complete the ride in the same time frame as the published Championship or CEI 4*.
Time Frame:
• One Day: A ride which has no single hold time in excess of 120 minutes and has a total of all hold times not exceeding 300 minutes.
• Multiple Day: A ride which has one or more single hold times in excess of 480 minutes.
SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION AS DETAILED HEREUNDER
Additional Qualification Criteria applicable only to Malaysia 2008.
To be qualified to participate in WEC Malaysia 2008 a rider/horse as a combination has to have successfully completed an additional FEI CEI 3* (or above) ride, the combination, in doing so, meeting the parameters and conditions as defined below. This additional qualification must be achieved within 12 months prior to the closing date of nominated entry.
825.4
The rider/horse must:
4. Successfully complete such additional ride equal to, or greater than, the published Championship or CEI 4* distance (5kms tolerance allowed).
5. Successfully complete such additional ride in a ride time equal to, or less than, 10 hours 40 mins. per 160 kms distance.
6. Successfully complete the ride in the same time frame as the published Championship or CEI 4*.
Time Frame:
• One Day: A ride which has no single hold time in excess of 120 minutes and has a total of all hold times not exceeding 300 minutes.
• Multiple Day: A ride which has one or more single hold times in excess of 480 minutes.
Any horse qualified as per the articles above that, within 6 months of the closing date for nominated entries, is eliminated from any FEI or National competition for Metabolic reasons requiring immediate invasive treatment, will forfeit such qualification.
Any Rider qualified as per the articles above who, within 12 months of the closing date for nominated entries, is eliminated from any two consecutive events (FEI or National) for Metabolic reasons will forfeit such qualification.
Endurance World Championship 2008 - Qualification Criteria
Following upon the recent FEI Endurance Committee Meeting, The Endurance Technical Committee has proposed additional qualification criteria in respect of the CH-M-E - Malaysia 2008. These additional criteria have now been circulated to all National Federations for comment. The document (http://www.horsesport.org/e/PDFS/2008QualificationCriteria.pdf) states:
MALAYSIA 2008 WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS – SENIORS
Articles which will apply following the decision of the FEI Endurance Technical Committee to require qualification to be undertaken only as a combination:
Minimum Qualification Criteria Art 825:
825.3
3.1
To be qualified to participate in any Championship or any other CEI 4* ride, a rider/horse as a combination has to have successfully completed a CEI 3* (or above) ride, the combination, in doing so, meeting the parameters and conditions as defined in art.825.4. This minimum qualification must be achieved within 24 months prior to the closing date of nominated entry.
825.4
The rider/horse must:
1. Successfully complete the ride equal to, or greater than, the published Championship or CEI 4* distance (5kms tolerance allowed).
2. Successfully complete the ride (as defined in art.825.3) in a ride time equal to, or less than, 13 hours 20 mins. per 160 kms distance.
3. Successfully complete the ride in the same time frame as the published Championship or CEI 4*.
Time Frame:
• One Day: A ride which has no single hold time in excess of 120 minutes and has a total of all hold times not exceeding 300 minutes.
• Multiple Day: A ride which has one or more single hold times in excess of 480 minutes.
SUBJECT TO SPECIFIC ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION AS DETAILED HEREUNDER
Additional Qualification Criteria applicable only to Malaysia 2008.
To be qualified to participate in WEC Malaysia 2008 a rider/horse as a combination has to have successfully completed an additional FEI CEI 3* (or above) ride, the combination, in doing so, meeting the parameters and conditions as defined below. This additional qualification must be achieved within 12 months prior to the closing date of nominated entry.
825.4
The rider/horse must:
4. Successfully complete such additional ride equal to, or greater than, the published Championship or CEI 4* distance (5kms tolerance allowed).
5. Successfully complete such additional ride in a ride time equal to, or less than, 10 hours 40 mins. per 160 kms distance.
6. Successfully complete the ride in the same time frame as the published Championship or CEI 4*.
Time Frame:
• One Day: A ride which has no single hold time in excess of 120 minutes and has a total of all hold times not exceeding 300 minutes.
• Multiple Day: A ride which has one or more single hold times in excess of 480 minutes.
Any horse qualified as per the articles above that, within 6 months of the closing date for nominated entries, is eliminated from any FEI or National competition for Metabolic reasons requiring immediate invasive treatment, will forfeit such qualification.
Any Rider qualified as per the articles above who, within 12 months of the closing date for nominated entries, is eliminated from any two consecutive events (FEI or National) for Metabolic reasons will forfeit such qualification.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Tuanku Mizan A King Who Loves Sports, Has People At Heart
By Haslinda Zainal
KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama)
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will be installed as the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Thursday, is a ruler who has the people at heart and is highly active in sports, especially equine events, and has emerged as the best polo player of Terengganu.
His dedication to equine sports is reflected in his getting the prestigious World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008 to be held in Malaysia, the first tropical country to host the championship since it was introduced in 1983.
Tuanku Mizan himself will participate in the WEC qualifying race -- the Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan (YDSM)-PENN Endurance Challenge -- at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong from May 4 to 6.
The competition will see participation by top riders from 10 countries, including New Zealand, Holland, Britain, several West Asian countries, Brunei and Indonesia.
[More ...]
KUALA LUMPUR, April 25 (Bernama)
Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who will be installed as the 13th Yang di-Pertuan Agong on Thursday, is a ruler who has the people at heart and is highly active in sports, especially equine events, and has emerged as the best polo player of Terengganu.His dedication to equine sports is reflected in his getting the prestigious World Endurance Championship (WEC) 2008 to be held in Malaysia, the first tropical country to host the championship since it was introduced in 1983.
Tuanku Mizan himself will participate in the WEC qualifying race -- the Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan (YDSM)-PENN Endurance Challenge -- at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong from May 4 to 6.
The competition will see participation by top riders from 10 countries, including New Zealand, Holland, Britain, several West Asian countries, Brunei and Indonesia.
[More ...]
Thursday, April 19, 2007
ITALY-DUBAI: VISITING MINISTER LAUNCHES ASSISI ENDURANCE EVENT
AKI
Rome, 19 April (AKI) - Italy's undersecretary for international trade Mauro Agostini was visiting Dubai on Thursday for a meeting with the deputy economy minister Abdallah Saleh, and a president of the Chamber of Commerce Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair. Agostini will take part in the presentation of the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2007, a high profile equestrian event to be held in the UNESCO heritage site Assisi in central Italy in June.
Among the activities scheduled as part of ‘Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2007’ is the traditional Endurance competition - Bab Al Shams Endurance Cup 2007 - in which each rider (by invitation only) acts as the ambassador of his own country to Assisi. The 120 kilometre endurance race attracts some of the world's leading riders from 40 nations.
Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2007 is not a purely sporting event, however, but boasts a rich four-day programme of other events related to the ties between Italy and Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates.
Italy's foreign trade minister Emma Bonino will host a convention "Voices of Arab Women" and there will be a related economic forum.
"This will bring together the best enterpreneurs and business figures of the two nations, with a specific session dedicated to business-to-business encounters" added Agostini.
In the past decade trade between Italy and the UAE has passed from 1.3 billion euros to 3.5 billion euros in 2006. The main Italian exports to the Emirates are gold, jewellery and machinery, while the main imports from there are base metals, oil products and electronic and radio devices.
Rome, 19 April (AKI) - Italy's undersecretary for international trade Mauro Agostini was visiting Dubai on Thursday for a meeting with the deputy economy minister Abdallah Saleh, and a president of the Chamber of Commerce Abdul Rahman Saif Al Ghurair. Agostini will take part in the presentation of the Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2007, a high profile equestrian event to be held in the UNESCO heritage site Assisi in central Italy in June.
Among the activities scheduled as part of ‘Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2007’ is the traditional Endurance competition - Bab Al Shams Endurance Cup 2007 - in which each rider (by invitation only) acts as the ambassador of his own country to Assisi. The 120 kilometre endurance race attracts some of the world's leading riders from 40 nations.
Assisi Endurance Lifestyle 2007 is not a purely sporting event, however, but boasts a rich four-day programme of other events related to the ties between Italy and Dubai, and the United Arab Emirates.
Italy's foreign trade minister Emma Bonino will host a convention "Voices of Arab Women" and there will be a related economic forum.
"This will bring together the best enterpreneurs and business figures of the two nations, with a specific session dedicated to business-to-business encounters" added Agostini.
In the past decade trade between Italy and the UAE has passed from 1.3 billion euros to 3.5 billion euros in 2006. The main Italian exports to the Emirates are gold, jewellery and machinery, while the main imports from there are base metals, oil products and electronic and radio devices.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
FEI General Assembly adopts new statutes
Gulf News, Dubai
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Abu Dhabi: The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) adopted some new statutes at the General Assembly held in Estoril, Portugal, under the presidency of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Statutes adopted at Sunday's FEI Extraordinary General Assembly highlight the FEI's purposes and objectives and reflect its core values and fundamental principles, according to an FEI press release.
These statutes comprise the FEI's constitution and put forward the organisation's attribution of powers, rights and responsibilities among its bodies and stakeholders - including the national federations, athletes, organising committees and the International Olympic Committee.
"Through the passing of the new Statutes and Internal Regulations, you have a framework for transparency and a road on which to move forward. You have approved the shedding of some of the archaic phraseology that limited our ability to be proactive ... and you have heralded a new era of better working practices that will make us more cost effective and more efficient," Princess Haya told the General Assembly on Monday.
More than 350 participants took part in the 2007 FEI General Assembly, hosted by the Portuguese Equestrian Federation with representation from 97 National Federations (NF). Three new NFs were affiliated - Albania (Group I), Cambodia (Group VIII) and Yemen (Group VII).
The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation delegation was headed by Hussain Mohammad Hussain, Secretary General. The UAE belongs to Group VII in the FEI. Bahrain's Shaikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa was named the Group VII representative.
Agrentine rider Mercedes Tapia was named representative for Endurance in the newly-formed FEI Athletes Committee.
Swelling numbers
"Over the last nine years, the number of our member NF's has swelled to an impressive 140, compared to the number of National Olympic Committee's under the IOC - 203. Our events have grown from 446 in 1994 to 2,000 in 2006," Princess Haya said.
"We have begun addressing and answering the IOC's call for universality in all our disciplines. But more importantly, we are now able to respond to the National Federations who wish to become more active through the initiation of our Development Department. Our commercial department came to life in 2003 and has taken great strides towards making the FEI a self sufficient body in its own right," she said.
By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter
Abu Dhabi: The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) adopted some new statutes at the General Assembly held in Estoril, Portugal, under the presidency of Princess Haya Bint Al Hussain, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The Statutes adopted at Sunday's FEI Extraordinary General Assembly highlight the FEI's purposes and objectives and reflect its core values and fundamental principles, according to an FEI press release.
These statutes comprise the FEI's constitution and put forward the organisation's attribution of powers, rights and responsibilities among its bodies and stakeholders - including the national federations, athletes, organising committees and the International Olympic Committee.
"Through the passing of the new Statutes and Internal Regulations, you have a framework for transparency and a road on which to move forward. You have approved the shedding of some of the archaic phraseology that limited our ability to be proactive ... and you have heralded a new era of better working practices that will make us more cost effective and more efficient," Princess Haya told the General Assembly on Monday.
More than 350 participants took part in the 2007 FEI General Assembly, hosted by the Portuguese Equestrian Federation with representation from 97 National Federations (NF). Three new NFs were affiliated - Albania (Group I), Cambodia (Group VIII) and Yemen (Group VII).
The UAE Equestrian and Racing Federation delegation was headed by Hussain Mohammad Hussain, Secretary General. The UAE belongs to Group VII in the FEI. Bahrain's Shaikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa was named the Group VII representative.
Agrentine rider Mercedes Tapia was named representative for Endurance in the newly-formed FEI Athletes Committee.
Swelling numbers
"Over the last nine years, the number of our member NF's has swelled to an impressive 140, compared to the number of National Olympic Committee's under the IOC - 203. Our events have grown from 446 in 1994 to 2,000 in 2006," Princess Haya said.
"We have begun addressing and answering the IOC's call for universality in all our disciplines. But more importantly, we are now able to respond to the National Federations who wish to become more active through the initiation of our Development Department. Our commercial department came to life in 2003 and has taken great strides towards making the FEI a self sufficient body in its own right," she said.
FEI Athletes Committee Formed
The 2007 FEI General Assembly marked a new era for athletes and their representation at the FEI. The first FEI Athletes Committee, nominated by the FEI President and elected at the General Assembly, is composed of eight members, all active athletes, each representing one of the FEI disciplines. The Athletes Committee will act as a consultative body and as a link between the active Athletes and the FEI. It ensures that the Athletes’ points of view are taken into account in FEI decisions and furthermore that the rights of the athletes are respected.
The first FEI Athletes is composed of:
PARA EQUESTRIAN – LEE PEARSON (GBR) – CHAIRMAN
Six-times Paralympic Games Equestrian gold medallist Lee Pearson was also the first Paralympian to be inducted to the British Horse Society’s Hall of Fame. Pearson won three gold medals at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and repeated the achievement with another hat-trick of golds in Athens in 2006. Lee Pearson was also the first ever recipient of the FEI Fair Play Certificate. Lee Pearson was elected the first chairman of the FEI Athletes Committee.
DRESSAGE – ISABEL WERTH (GER)
Isabel Werth is a well known figure in the world of Dressage and, as most international athletes, has experienced the glory and the hardships which characterise a sporting career. 2006 was a remarkable year for Isabel Werth having been crowned Dressage Grand Prix World Champion at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, she is also currently placed at the top of the leader board for the FEI World Cup™ Western European League and is more than ready for the final to be held in Las Vegas in April.
JUMPING – CAYETANO MARTINEZ DE IRUJO (ESP)
President of the International Jumping Riders Club, Cayetano Martinez de Irujo is no stranger to representing his fellow athletes and their interests. He has been riding since he was 16 and competing internationally for at least 25 years with an appearance at the 1992 Olympic Games and a fourth place for Spain. His interests in the political and administrative aspects of the sport have always been forthcoming and his motivation to represent his fellow athletes always very prominent.
EVENTING – ANDREW HOY (AUS)
A six-time Olympic veteran having competed at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, Andrew Hoy won his first Olympic gold in 1992 in Barcelona. In Atlanta in 1996, after carrying the Australian flag in the Opening Ceremony, Hoy was a member of the team that won the back-to-back gold followed by another victory on home turf at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The more recent past has also been rather glorious as far as sporting achievements, ranked first in the 2006 FEI World Eventing Riders Ranking List and a member of the bronze medal Australian Team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen. A natural choice for the athletes committee, Andrew Hoy is also married to fellow Eventing athlete, Bettina Hoy from Germany.
DRIVING – BARRY CAPSTICK (IRL)
Born in Great Britain, Barry Capstick changed his nationality to Irish in 2003. He began Driving in 1989, and started competing in Horse Pairs in 1990. He was National Champion Horse Pairs in 1993 and 1994 and reserve in 1995. He switched to Four-in-Hand Driving in 1996. More recently, he was part of the Irish team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen.
VAULTING: MEGAN BENJAMIN (USA)
At the height of her 18 years, Megan Benjamin took the world by storm in 2006 at the FEI World Equestrian Games, becoming the first female American vaulter ever to take a world championship. She is the United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF)/American Vaulting Association (AVA) three-time Women's Gold National Champion, three times a member of the USEF/AVA National Championship "A" Team, and the AVA National Gold High Point Women's Champion for the last three years. An incoming freshman at Santa Clara University (SCU) in Santa Clara, California, Benjamin says she will continue to vault throughout college in preparation for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010.
ENDURANCE – MERCEDES TAPIA (ARG)
Mercedes Tapia is one of Argentina's top Endurance Riders, having represented Argentina in two World Championships and recently earning the silver medal in the 2005 Pan American Championship. Mercedes Tapia is closely tied to many of the top breeders and competitors in Argentina as she is also an equine veterinarian.
REINING – JEANNATTE KRÄHENBÜHL (SUI)
Placed first in the FEI World Reining Riders Rankings for 2006, Jeanette Krähenbühl is one of the big profiles in the world of Reining and one of very few European riders that in the early days earned her respect in the US, where Reining finds its roots. She lives in Switzerland and has made a name for herself after her big wins the FEI World Reining Masters, a contest considered as one of the biggest around the globe in Reining. She was present at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, helping Switzerland place fifth.
The first FEI Athletes is composed of:
PARA EQUESTRIAN – LEE PEARSON (GBR) – CHAIRMAN
Six-times Paralympic Games Equestrian gold medallist Lee Pearson was also the first Paralympian to be inducted to the British Horse Society’s Hall of Fame. Pearson won three gold medals at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games and repeated the achievement with another hat-trick of golds in Athens in 2006. Lee Pearson was also the first ever recipient of the FEI Fair Play Certificate. Lee Pearson was elected the first chairman of the FEI Athletes Committee.
DRESSAGE – ISABEL WERTH (GER)
Isabel Werth is a well known figure in the world of Dressage and, as most international athletes, has experienced the glory and the hardships which characterise a sporting career. 2006 was a remarkable year for Isabel Werth having been crowned Dressage Grand Prix World Champion at the FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen, she is also currently placed at the top of the leader board for the FEI World Cup™ Western European League and is more than ready for the final to be held in Las Vegas in April.
JUMPING – CAYETANO MARTINEZ DE IRUJO (ESP)
President of the International Jumping Riders Club, Cayetano Martinez de Irujo is no stranger to representing his fellow athletes and their interests. He has been riding since he was 16 and competing internationally for at least 25 years with an appearance at the 1992 Olympic Games and a fourth place for Spain. His interests in the political and administrative aspects of the sport have always been forthcoming and his motivation to represent his fellow athletes always very prominent.
EVENTING – ANDREW HOY (AUS)
A six-time Olympic veteran having competed at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games, Andrew Hoy won his first Olympic gold in 1992 in Barcelona. In Atlanta in 1996, after carrying the Australian flag in the Opening Ceremony, Hoy was a member of the team that won the back-to-back gold followed by another victory on home turf at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. The more recent past has also been rather glorious as far as sporting achievements, ranked first in the 2006 FEI World Eventing Riders Ranking List and a member of the bronze medal Australian Team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen. A natural choice for the athletes committee, Andrew Hoy is also married to fellow Eventing athlete, Bettina Hoy from Germany.
DRIVING – BARRY CAPSTICK (IRL)
Born in Great Britain, Barry Capstick changed his nationality to Irish in 2003. He began Driving in 1989, and started competing in Horse Pairs in 1990. He was National Champion Horse Pairs in 1993 and 1994 and reserve in 1995. He switched to Four-in-Hand Driving in 1996. More recently, he was part of the Irish team at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games in Aachen.
VAULTING: MEGAN BENJAMIN (USA)
At the height of her 18 years, Megan Benjamin took the world by storm in 2006 at the FEI World Equestrian Games, becoming the first female American vaulter ever to take a world championship. She is the United States Equestrian Federation® (USEF)/American Vaulting Association (AVA) three-time Women's Gold National Champion, three times a member of the USEF/AVA National Championship "A" Team, and the AVA National Gold High Point Women's Champion for the last three years. An incoming freshman at Santa Clara University (SCU) in Santa Clara, California, Benjamin says she will continue to vault throughout college in preparation for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010.
ENDURANCE – MERCEDES TAPIA (ARG)
Mercedes Tapia is one of Argentina's top Endurance Riders, having represented Argentina in two World Championships and recently earning the silver medal in the 2005 Pan American Championship. Mercedes Tapia is closely tied to many of the top breeders and competitors in Argentina as she is also an equine veterinarian.
REINING – JEANNATTE KRÄHENBÜHL (SUI)
Placed first in the FEI World Reining Riders Rankings for 2006, Jeanette Krähenbühl is one of the big profiles in the world of Reining and one of very few European riders that in the early days earned her respect in the US, where Reining finds its roots. She lives in Switzerland and has made a name for herself after her big wins the FEI World Reining Masters, a contest considered as one of the biggest around the globe in Reining. She was present at the 2006 FEI World Equestrian Games, helping Switzerland place fifth.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Bahrain: Royal squad duo lift titles
Bahrain Gulf Daily News
ROYAL Endurance Team riders Mohammed Abdulaziz and Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa took the senior and junior titles respectively in the 120-km Endurance Horseride Championship at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
The championaship was the sixth event of the season and the first to be held at night with more than 60 riders representing various Bahraini stables in the fray.
The races were divided into five stages with 30 kms for the first two, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 kms for the fifth and final stage.
The event was dominated by the Royal Endurance Team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid did not take part in the event to give other riders a chance to test their skills.
In the senior race, the Royal Endurance Team clinched the first three positions with Abdulaziz steering Hirouste Outlaw to victory in five hours and 46.19 minutes with an average speed of 21.19 kmph.
Riding
Abdulaziz was followed by teammate Ghazi Al Dossary (5:54.51) in second place and Yousif Taher (6:02.15) in third.
Shaikh Saqer won the junior race in 6:10.53 riding Torry Burn Rashid with an average speed of 21.16 kmph.
Behind him was Al Asayel Stable rider Abdulziz Khalifa (6:31.55) in second place and Abdulla Al Zo'bi (6:57:22) was third.
Shaikh Nasser congratulated the members of the Royal Endurance Team and praised their performance in the championship.
The End of Season Championship, the final event of the season, will be held on May 4 at the same venue under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Results:
Seniors: 1 Mohammed Abdulaziz (Hirouste Outlaw, 5:46:19), 2 Ghazi Al Dossary (Mexico, 5:54:51), 3 Yousif Taher (Moolanshoe K Pula, 6:02:15), 4 Jabur Al Dossary (Shalum, 6:02:29), 5 Abdulla Al Moudhe (Samurai, 6:1:06), 6 Abdulla Al Dossary (Tabriz El Marrakesj, 6:12:40), 7 Ahmed Al Ruwaiei (Presco, 6:24:14), 8 Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa (Sumara, 6:30:42), 9 Ahmed Abdulla (Maraka, 6:48:23), 10 Said Saeed (Aaz Al Shaqab, 6:53:53), 11 Ibruahim Bubshait (Jalabi Yasser, 7:23:45).
Juniors: 1 Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa (Torry Burn Rashid, 6:10:53), 2 Abdulaziz Khalifa (Kayasand Karimore, 6:31:55), 3 Abdulla Al Zoubi (Bahrain, 6:57:22), 4 Tawfiq Jabur (Aqaba St. Nicholas, 7:06:20), 5 Ahmed Al Gaoud (Lilonda Aquda, 7:06:27).
ROYAL Endurance Team riders Mohammed Abdulaziz and Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa took the senior and junior titles respectively in the 120-km Endurance Horseride Championship at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.The championaship was the sixth event of the season and the first to be held at night with more than 60 riders representing various Bahraini stables in the fray.
The races were divided into five stages with 30 kms for the first two, 25 kms for the third, 20 kms for the fourth and 15 kms for the fifth and final stage.
The event was dominated by the Royal Endurance Team, captained by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Breef first vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa. Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid did not take part in the event to give other riders a chance to test their skills.
In the senior race, the Royal Endurance Team clinched the first three positions with Abdulaziz steering Hirouste Outlaw to victory in five hours and 46.19 minutes with an average speed of 21.19 kmph.
Riding
Abdulaziz was followed by teammate Ghazi Al Dossary (5:54.51) in second place and Yousif Taher (6:02.15) in third.
Shaikh Saqer won the junior race in 6:10.53 riding Torry Burn Rashid with an average speed of 21.16 kmph.
Behind him was Al Asayel Stable rider Abdulziz Khalifa (6:31.55) in second place and Abdulla Al Zo'bi (6:57:22) was third.
Shaikh Nasser congratulated the members of the Royal Endurance Team and praised their performance in the championship.
The End of Season Championship, the final event of the season, will be held on May 4 at the same venue under the patronage of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Results:
Seniors: 1 Mohammed Abdulaziz (Hirouste Outlaw, 5:46:19), 2 Ghazi Al Dossary (Mexico, 5:54:51), 3 Yousif Taher (Moolanshoe K Pula, 6:02:15), 4 Jabur Al Dossary (Shalum, 6:02:29), 5 Abdulla Al Moudhe (Samurai, 6:1:06), 6 Abdulla Al Dossary (Tabriz El Marrakesj, 6:12:40), 7 Ahmed Al Ruwaiei (Presco, 6:24:14), 8 Shaikh Salman bin Saqer Al Khalifa (Sumara, 6:30:42), 9 Ahmed Abdulla (Maraka, 6:48:23), 10 Said Saeed (Aaz Al Shaqab, 6:53:53), 11 Ibruahim Bubshait (Jalabi Yasser, 7:23:45).
Juniors: 1 Shaikh Saqer bin Khalid Al Khalifa (Torry Burn Rashid, 6:10:53), 2 Abdulaziz Khalifa (Kayasand Karimore, 6:31:55), 3 Abdulla Al Zoubi (Bahrain, 6:57:22), 4 Tawfiq Jabur (Aqaba St. Nicholas, 7:06:20), 5 Ahmed Al Gaoud (Lilonda Aquda, 7:06:27).
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Bahrain: Stage set for night endurance race
Bahrain Gulf Daily News
BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) completed their preparations for the 120-km Endurance Championship to be held on Friday starting at 5pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
The championship, which is open to senior and junior riders, will be the sixth event of the season and the first to be held night following directives from Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa due to the rising temperature at this time of the year.
Registration is open until the day of the event while the veterinary tests will start on Friday at 2pm.
Shaikh Nasser approved the working committees of the race with Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi chairing the judges committee.
The stewards committee includes Mahmood Abdulsaheb, Fahad Al Rumaihi and Mohammed Dadulla.
Dr Ibrahim Yousef was named head of the veterinary committee while Surender Babu of India was confirmed as commissioner for this committee.
The final event of the season will follow this race in the first week of May. The season kicked off with the Season Opening Championship in January, followed by the Kingdom Holding Championship in the same month, the Bahrain International Open Championship and the Prime Minister's Campionship, both held last month and His Majesty King Hamad's Cup earlier this month.
BAHRAIN Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) completed their preparations for the 120-km Endurance Championship to be held on Friday starting at 5pm at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
The championship, which is open to senior and junior riders, will be the sixth event of the season and the first to be held night following directives from Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa due to the rising temperature at this time of the year.
Registration is open until the day of the event while the veterinary tests will start on Friday at 2pm.
Shaikh Nasser approved the working committees of the race with Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi chairing the judges committee.
The stewards committee includes Mahmood Abdulsaheb, Fahad Al Rumaihi and Mohammed Dadulla.
Dr Ibrahim Yousef was named head of the veterinary committee while Surender Babu of India was confirmed as commissioner for this committee.
The final event of the season will follow this race in the first week of May. The season kicked off with the Season Opening Championship in January, followed by the Kingdom Holding Championship in the same month, the Bahrain International Open Championship and the Prime Minister's Campionship, both held last month and His Majesty King Hamad's Cup earlier this month.
Monday, April 02, 2007
FEI World Endurance Forum identifies areas for further action
FEI Website
The proceedings of the FEI World Endurance Forum held in Paris (FRA) continued today in an exemplary spirit of cooperation and constructive work.
The chairmen of the three working groups –
Fred Barrelet (SUI), Veterinary;
Maurizio Stecco (ITA),
Judges; and John Robertson (GBR), Technical Delegates –
presented summaries of the workshops which took place in the afternoon on the first day of the Forum. Thanks to these summaries, the following specific areas, where change and improvement were necessary, were identified:
1. qualification system; 2. equitation training;
3. public perception of the sport in terms of the dress and terminology used;
4. horse log book; rest periods;
5. suspension of riders and horses; 6. protocol for abandonment;
6. ride finish system;
7. hold/presentation times; course design;
8. star system for ride distances;
9. availability of qualified officials;
10. monitoring of the officials’ performances;
11. re-evaluation of the low-level distances and the potential dangers linked to them;
12. number of vetgates and their link to the going; weights;
13. progressive closing of vetgates;
14. establishment of regional championships and CEIOs;
15. development of a comprehensive database;
16. adequate technology;
17. examination of a handicap system;
18. progression through star-rating of rides on national and international level; 19. education of officials;
20. re-examination of the best condition award rules.
Almost half of these areas where reassessment was required were identified in all three presentations.
On the basis of these recommendations and with the further contribution of the National Federations, a task force will be created, the goal of which will be to assist the FEI in producing new Rules of Endurance better suited to the changing circumstances and the massive growth the sport is experiencing.
It is important to emphasise that there is a great sense of unity and agreement in the discipline of Endurance and a strong feeling of belonging to the world equestrian family.
The proceedings of the FEI World Endurance Forum held in Paris (FRA) continued today in an exemplary spirit of cooperation and constructive work.
The chairmen of the three working groups –
Fred Barrelet (SUI), Veterinary;
Maurizio Stecco (ITA),
Judges; and John Robertson (GBR), Technical Delegates –
presented summaries of the workshops which took place in the afternoon on the first day of the Forum. Thanks to these summaries, the following specific areas, where change and improvement were necessary, were identified:
1. qualification system; 2. equitation training;
3. public perception of the sport in terms of the dress and terminology used;
4. horse log book; rest periods;
5. suspension of riders and horses; 6. protocol for abandonment;
6. ride finish system;
7. hold/presentation times; course design;
8. star system for ride distances;
9. availability of qualified officials;
10. monitoring of the officials’ performances;
11. re-evaluation of the low-level distances and the potential dangers linked to them;
12. number of vetgates and their link to the going; weights;
13. progressive closing of vetgates;
14. establishment of regional championships and CEIOs;
15. development of a comprehensive database;
16. adequate technology;
17. examination of a handicap system;
18. progression through star-rating of rides on national and international level; 19. education of officials;
20. re-examination of the best condition award rules.
Almost half of these areas where reassessment was required were identified in all three presentations.
On the basis of these recommendations and with the further contribution of the National Federations, a task force will be created, the goal of which will be to assist the FEI in producing new Rules of Endurance better suited to the changing circumstances and the massive growth the sport is experiencing.
It is important to emphasise that there is a great sense of unity and agreement in the discipline of Endurance and a strong feeling of belonging to the world equestrian family.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
It's Official, Malaysia To Host FEI-WEC 2008
Bernama.com
April 02, 2007 00:10 AM
From Rozaini Ahmad
PARIS, April 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will host the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Endurance Championship (WEC) next year, the first tropical country to do so.
The right to organise the 2008 edition of the championship was awarded to Malaysia here today with the signing of a tripartite agreement between FEI, the Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan (YDSM) and the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM).
YDSM was represented by its deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor, FEI by its vice president, Sven Holmberg, and EAM by its secretary-general Lau Choo Seng. The event was witnessed by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, who is also EAM president.
As a symbolic gesture of the award, a flag handing-over ceremony was held soon after the signing.
Speaking to Bernama after the ceremony, Salleh said YDSM was very proud to have been given the responsibility to spearhead Malaysia's effort in organising the championship.
"We are very proud to organise the championship and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin himself, as the patron of this championship, will ensure that the event will be organised successfully," he said.
He said that prior to the championship, which is to be held in November 2008, a trial championship would be held in November this year, at which riders would get the chance to collect points to qualify for the FEI-WEC 2008.
Jamaluddin said the federal government would give its full support to YDSM in its effort to organise the championship.
"The event, which will be treated as a major event, is expected to draw a number of world class endurance riders to the country. The federal government will support this event and we will help the state government of Terengganu and YDSM to organise it," he said.
The FEI-WEC is to be held from Nov 8 to 10 next year at Terengganu's International Equestrian Park in Lembah Bidong, Merang, Setiu. The championship is held once in four years, the last one having been held in Germany.
-- BERNAMA
April 02, 2007 00:10 AM
From Rozaini Ahmad
PARIS, April 1 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will host the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) World Endurance Championship (WEC) next year, the first tropical country to do so.
The right to organise the 2008 edition of the championship was awarded to Malaysia here today with the signing of a tripartite agreement between FEI, the Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan (YDSM) and the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM).
YDSM was represented by its deputy chairman, Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor, FEI by its vice president, Sven Holmberg, and EAM by its secretary-general Lau Choo Seng. The event was witnessed by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jamaluddin Jarjis, who is also EAM president.
As a symbolic gesture of the award, a flag handing-over ceremony was held soon after the signing.
Speaking to Bernama after the ceremony, Salleh said YDSM was very proud to have been given the responsibility to spearhead Malaysia's effort in organising the championship.
"We are very proud to organise the championship and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin himself, as the patron of this championship, will ensure that the event will be organised successfully," he said.
He said that prior to the championship, which is to be held in November 2008, a trial championship would be held in November this year, at which riders would get the chance to collect points to qualify for the FEI-WEC 2008.
Jamaluddin said the federal government would give its full support to YDSM in its effort to organise the championship.
"The event, which will be treated as a major event, is expected to draw a number of world class endurance riders to the country. The federal government will support this event and we will help the state government of Terengganu and YDSM to organise it," he said.
The FEI-WEC is to be held from Nov 8 to 10 next year at Terengganu's International Equestrian Park in Lembah Bidong, Merang, Setiu. The championship is held once in four years, the last one having been held in Germany.
-- BERNAMA
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