Malaysia: Malacca Grand Invitational Endurance Ride 2009

Pearls and Gems blog
Anatomy of an Endurance Ride
[ from the perspective of a chronic endurance addict]

Malacca never fail to amaze me. Dynamic and forever changing thanks to the solid ground work and vision by former CM Rahim Thamby Chik [say whatever you like about his other 'interests'], and Ali Rustam's people friendly pragmatism. Of course being midway between KL and Singapore does help in the tourist industry and the significance of being the region's entreport in the 15th and 16th century under the Portugese, Dutch and finally the British, does add up to its sense of history.

Saturday 11th April saw the flag-off of the 2nd Malacca Grand Invitational Endurance Ride in the novice 40 km, 80km and 120 km events. I was in the 80km along with 28 other contestants. KDYMM was also in the 80. For most of us, we were reserving our 'peak' for next month Edaran Ride in Bidong, Terengganu. MGIER is a good warm-up.

80 km event was flagged off at 630 pm with heavily laden rain clouds threatening to fall any second. We riders do not mind the rain, but thunder and lightning would be a different cattle of fish. The start went off without any incident and it rained cats and dog soon after. KDYMM, as always now were among the front runners and I lost sight of the front group as darkness fell and rain started pouring . Myself along with Peter Lim, probably the only Chinese in this sport in this 'whole wide world' and a couple of his Australian guests were 'sweeping the floor' at the back. Midway through the 1st phase of 30 kilometres even Peter and his group left me. My Mr Gedebe is still new to the game and did not have the pace yet. This was not his race yet, this ride was supposed to be his LSD [ long, slow, distance ]training ride. I am bringing him up for the WEG2010 in Kentucky, USA, next year. For now we have to be used to sweeping the floor at the back. Despite the rain and darkness, the tract was superbly prepared. Weaving through lonely undulating paths in oil palm estates and amongst rubber smallholding in the main with occasional criss crossing on road tarmac, I must concede that by Malaysian standard MGIER trails was highly' techinical' and superbly done. I seek the company of one young rider from PENN Endurance Stable who was busy listening to some music on his i-phone. I was as usual on 'cloud nine' with my usual 'tahmid and tasbih'. I guess all endurance riders have to do something with their minds to help overcome fatigue, bodily pain, the occasional primal fear of being alone in the dark etc etc and to remain focused.

When I came in for the vet check at the 1st phase at 15 kph average [quite fast time by normal standard 3 years back],the front runners , including KDYMM were already about to leave for the 2nd phase of 25 km. Malaysian endurance has progressed. Even 'slow coach' Peter, a shipping man from Singapore, who based his arabians in Gelang Patah, has changed. The vets usually had to wait for Peter long after everyone of us have finished, before they could 'close shop'. Now in this ride Peter has graduated 'forward'.

Mr Gedebe get all A's for his check and both rider and horse were given a 30 minute holding time [rest] to replenish and refresh before starting on phase 2.

I left for phase 2 at 930 pm again alone. In the dark, riding alone, your horse give a 100% trust on you the 'leader'. He tend to get less spooky, the only disadvantage is that your own mind tend to play tricks on you. You tend to be more 'spooky'. People prefer to wait for the next rider but as in my case when you are the last rider to leave, you just 'bite the bullet' and ride on. It was a full moon and cool at night with the breeze. Man and horse remained focused on the job. Horse thinking when 'this stipid human' going to end his madness, man enjoying his 'tasbih and tahmid' oblivious of his mate and the surrounding, just focusing enough on the arrows so as not to get lost.

When I completed phase 2, KDYMM, Burn, Penn and group had already left for the final 25 km. Mr Gedebe failed the vet check due an abnormal gait arising from muscular cramp in the right hind quarter. So much for a 2010 WEG material! I made a mental note to start him on Arcoxia[I give expensive human NSAID to my horses, Arcoxia costs more than the traditional phenylbutazone but it works faster and is more softer on the stomach lining] for a week, to review in 2, and probably concentrate on hill intervals subsequent 2 weeks before Edaran's, to improve his endurance capacity and heart rate recovery.

That is the plan. A lot of time still for WEG but probably at the rate he is going, Gedebe is B material, unlike my previous Jogho [horses like Jogho will never come my way again in my present lifetime] and Miss Gedebe. Certainly looks like he is not going to be ready for Sultan's Cup this November!

At ride like this I get to meet many riders from all walks of life. Mus, the migrant worker from Lombok, riding for his boss Che Din of De Dengkil Stable and Stud Farm,on Dayang in the 40 km event. Grinning from ear to ear after coming home 3rd [A mental note for my good friend Dan,principal organiser of MGIER: Have some small token prize even for 40 km because even though for us 40km represent the entry point for begining horses, for many people like Mus and the young boys from Kelantan, by virtue of their dimunituve pony size, 40km is the race of their lives !]. I get to meet Hj Otto of Indonesian Equestrian Association who is always here for most endurance ride but this time not riding because he got too excited riding his 'leased horse' the day prior to the pre ride vet check, on the actual day itself ,the horse was proclaimed lame.

Abe Din of Paka who owns Duke, a tall and gangly ex-race thorougbred, and was introduced to the madness of endurance only in 2007 at Royal Kedah Ride. All very excited because his son came 2nd on Duke in my event! When I asked him how he did it in 2009 in the face of all the 'ferraris' of the 'pure arab' world. He told me he was inspired by my earlier writings on ex-race thorougbred and my insistence on hill work,hill work and more hill work. I was just 'theorising' then when I wrote. That make sense now. Thorougbred already got the height and speed, they just need the stamina build up. Beyond 80 , I do not think they can perform but I also thought in the past only 'horses from heaven cango beyond 16 kph at Bidong and Maria Mercedes debunk that belief. it is back to conditioning , conditioning and conditioning and 'hill work' cut short the LSD and conditioning process to some extent.

Abang Sop of Pekan,Tumpat who came all the way from Kelantan on his own to see his dimunutive Kelantan A champion pony ridden by his son challenging all the big boys in the 80's event. Abang Sop is a retiree, does not belong to any club, I do not think he has high income job to support his love for endurance but there he is : always around at any endurance event. I think his son did well at this ride.

I also get to meet KDYMM himself but because my Gedebe is not yet 'turbo-charged' at present, we only met at the start, did not manage to exchange pleasantries when passing each other each other on the trail as happened during previous rides when I was riding a more competitive mount.

There you are : this world is certainly not a level playing field, but for Abe Din , Abang Sop, Mus the migrant worker from Lombok, KDYMM and this lowly scribe from Subang, we share something in common. We represent a microcosym of Malaysia and we 'play accordingly within our 'designated' fields and levels' and find contentment and shared pleasure in one of the most beautiful creature accorded to man : The Horse.

Dr. Nik

[More ...]

Guatemala: Results of The Mayan Adventure Ride 2009

The Guatemala Times
Sunday, 12 April 2009 15:48 Barbara Schieber

Guatemala - The Mayan Adventure Ride 2009 - Ingenio Magdalena Challenge 2nd Edition, ended successfully on Sunday the 8th of March.

The Mayan Ride 2009 proved once again that Guatemala can stage an event that is up to the highest international standards, classifying riders for their participation in world wide events of Endurance. This event places Guatemala at the vanguard of the whole region with the capacity to develop this equestrian discipline with the participation of excellent riders, FEI approved judges, veterinarians and officials.

Several months ago, Jinetes de Aventura Endurance - Endurance Adventure Riders, decided to organize The Mayan Adventure Ride 2009 - Ingenio Magdalena Challenge 2nd Edition, a qualifying event for national ranking, obtaining FEI starts for qualifying for the Central American and Caribbean Games, The Pan-American Games and for the World Endurance Championship 2010 USA. The decision to hold the event was based on several factors. The Guatemalan Endurance Riders had performed very well at many international events and they had a good chance to qualify, some riders have already qualified.

The location selected for the event, because of optimum conditions was again "Tierra Dulce" of Sugar Mill Magdalena, in La Gomera, Esquintla. The Sugar Mill Magdalena with their generous support made this big and logistically highly complicated event possible. They where the Platinum Sponsors of the event for the second consecutive year.

Other important Sponsors where: The National Federation of Equestrian Sport Guatemala (ANEG), The Olympic Committee of Guatemala, Supermarket of Woods Rio Blanco, Travel Agency Máxima Travel, VetCentro, NutriFert, Genética, Purina, Lama S.A , Ecoleños and The Guatemala Times with special news coverage.

Because of the climate, the race was scheduled to proceed during the night time. This added more logistical challenges to the organization of the race in order to be able to comply with the unusual requirements.

Results of the Race
International Category 120 km, Junior & Young Riders:
1st place: Maria Paiz, horse: Faraon

International Category Adults, 80 kms*:
1st place: Dr. Janio Johnston, horse: Ali Yassir
2nd place: Jaime Mansilla, horse: FKD Santiago
3rth place: Laura Paiz, horse: Lambrusco
4th place: Silvia Aldana de Wit, horse: Paisano
5th place: Dayan Serovic, horse Aladino

International Category 80 km, Junior & Young Riders:
1st place: Luis Miguel de la Roca, horse: Candelita

National Category 60 kms:
1st place: Andrea Herschel, horse: Goldie

National Category 40 kms:
1st place: Scarlet de Gonzales, horse: Shabah
2nd place: Sandra Mansilla de Gonzales, horse: TZ Santiago
3rth place: Juan Timeus, horse: Pringo

Like in any sport, it is a heartbreaking situation to be disqualified, for the rider, his fans and family, after having endured a race of many kilometers or any distance in between start and finish. Tears are shed; utter exhaustion, frustration and disappointment take their toll. Some riders and their families get very upset at the judges decisions. It is not easy to be a judge at these events where the stakes are very high.

A few participants did not manage to finish the race for different reasons. Some of the horses went lame -the conditions at night are very difficult for both rider and horse- and others could not reach the levels of physical conditions required for these FEI events.

The Mayan Adventure Ride 2009 proved that Guatemala can stage an event that is up to the highest international standards, classifying international riders for their participation in world wide events of Endurance. This event places Guatemala at the vanguard of the whole region with the capacity to develop this equestrian discipline with the participation of excellent riders, FEI approved judges, veterinarians and officials.
[More ...]

Beijing to London: The Long Horse Ride

The Long Horseride
THE SINO-BRITISH INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP RIDE.

Supported by EnduranceGB
www.endurancegb.co.uk

Partnered by the Chinese Equestrian Association
www.horse.org.cn

photo: With members of the Chinese Equestrian Association
at Cha Dao village, Badaling Great Wall the end of the first stage, and start of the second stage..
The Long Horse Ride is a journey on horseback from Beijing to London. It is scheduled to start out shortly after the closing ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, and to arrive in London in time for the 2012 London Olympics.

The ride will bring a message of goodwill from Beijing in the Beijing Olympic year to London in the London Olympic year. It also aims to raise money for disadvantaged children through its chosen charity Schoolchildren For Children.

photo: Megan and Rowena
with Bei Bei & Jing Jing
at the China Children Charity Monument
Badaling Great Wall
October 2008
Starting from the China Children Charity Monument on the Great Wall at Badaling, it will cross the steppes, deserts and mountains of China and Central Asia, following the Great Wall and the ancient Silk Routes. In the path of the Mongols and Huns, it will skirt the northern shores of the Caspian and Black Seas, before the final leg through the fields and forests of Europe.

The second stage of the ride started on April 18th 2009
with the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd Guangting Endurance Competition. Starting from near Badaling, they will continue to follow along the Ming Great Wall of China to the other end at Jiayuguan. They expect to arrive by the beginning of August 2009

from Megan Lewis, TheLongHorseRide.blogspot:

We are now staying at a hotel and riding centre somewhere south of Beijing, and here are the horses (really ponies) we have been generously been provided with by the Shandan stud in Gansu - they travelled for 2 days on this truck to get here - this is how most horses travel in the East! The lorries don't have ramps - they are just backed up to a bank to load and unload as you see here.

This excting event coincided with a big endurance event at which about 80 horses from all over China participated. The race was run along a very sandy twisting dry river bed. Having spent the whole day being waylaid for media interviews, this was followed in the evening by a press conference for the Long Horse Ride (Sino- British Friendship Ride!) with a roomful of reporters and TV crews. Wutzala was also able to display the official certification we have now recieved from the Chinese Association for Friendship with Foreign Cities. Then a dinner and prizegiving at which I was roped in to present the prize for the champion horse!

And I almost forgot to mention our plush new trailer provided by the Chengzhan trailer company - it has two fold down beds in the stalls, a sink and cooker, an outside point to attach a shower, and an awning for us to drink our Pimms in the evenings - and I thought we would be roughing it!

[More ...]

FEI: Princess vows to solve horse doping issues

GMAnews.tv
04/12/2009

VEVEY, Switzerland — When Princess Haya of Jordan took over as president of equestrian's world governing body, she was tasked with fighting the sport's increasingly public doping problems.

Now that her own husband is at the center of the most recent doping case, her task has become a lot more difficult.

The princess is finding herself under increased scrutiny after Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, announced this week that a horse he owns and rides twice failed doping tests after endurance races that were sanctioned by his wife's organization — the International Equestrian Federation.

Addressing the situation to The Associated Press, Princess Haya said she fears that a "few individuals" who oppose "the increase in democracy and the fight against corruption in the FEI" will use the doping revelation to undermine her position.

"I have no doubt ... that they will use this case in any way they can to injure and damage the reputations of myself and my family," the princess said in an e-mail reply to the AP.

She did not specify which individuals she was referring to, but said she hoped the disciplinary case pending against Sheik Mohammed may end up strengthening the FEI's drive toward drug-free competitions.

"(The FEI's) own image is only in jeopardy if it does not act in a clear, transparent and timely fashion," she said.

The princess will take no part in deciding her husband's penalty, with a senior colleague assuming her presidential powers when the case is considered. She also informed the ethics panel at the International Olympic Committee, having been an IOC member since 2007.

It is a bitter twist for the former show jumping Olympian who was picked, in large part, to combat doping.

At an election three years ago, most of the 134 national members felt it needed change after three gold medalists at the 2004 Athens Games were stripped of their titles in doping cases.

"They were very specific in saying they didn't want a princess, they wanted a working president," Princess Haya told the AP in a recent interview.

She said equestrian had become "mediocre" within the Olympic movement, where it made its debut in 1912.

"They hadn't reinvented themselves as other sports had," she said. "I understand what the IOC wants from us — content, transparency, good governance, a clear stand on doping."

The Beijing Games magnified the problems, despite exciting medal contests. The IOC criticized judging standards in dressage, and six horses failed drug tests, resulting in their riders being suspended. One case, involving Norway's bronze medal in team jumping, is under appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

"That has left an enormously bad taste among the general public but it's certainly not reflective of our family," Princess Haya said. "We have paid a very, very high price for actually trying to do the right thing."

At the FEI's assembly in Buenos Aires last November, she invited all members to contribute to a review of medication use and doping standards led by Arne Ljungqvist, the chairman of the IOC's medical commission. The Swedish doping expert will publish his report in the summer.

She also persuaded the FEI's dressage committee to resign. She said her leadership became "much stronger and more forceful than I would have liked."

In the interview, she said her resolve can be traced to her father — the late King Hussein of Jordan — who struck a deal with her during her 17-year show jumping career.

"My father made me promise him that it (her jumping) would amount to something," she said. "He said 'You can't just drop all the obligations you have to the country and follow a dream.'"

Princess Haya said she studied how equestrian was organized, and remembered her father's teaching that even in sport, peace is first achieved by politics.

Like King Hussein, Sheik Mohammed has put sport at the heart of Dubai's business model.

The 59-year-old sheik rode his own horse, Tahhan, in 120-kilometer (74.5-mile) endurance races at Bahrain in January and Dubai in February when it failed doping tests performed by his own staff. Both times the hypertension drug guanabenz was present. After the Bahrain race, a metabolite of the anabolic steroid stanozolol was found.

In a statement issued on his behalf Monday, Sheik Mohammed — also one of the world's foremost breeders and owners of thoroughbred race horses — accepted that he was legally responsible for the doping. He ordered an investigation of his stables and the findings shared with the FEI.

Princess Haya acknowledged that endurance race doping is a problem in the Middle East.

"The FEI has been struggling to deal with the number of doping cases," she said in her e-mail, adding that her husband could help change attitudes. "The effect will be felt more surely and more quickly than the FEI has been able to achieve to date."

King Hussein died in 1999, just 18 months before his daughter rode for Jordan at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and carried the country's flag at the opening ceremony.

Princess Haya says she felt "robbed" of his wisdom, though still determined to "amount to something."

"I can keep a promise to the person who was my whole world," she said. "That is why I am so earnest about it. I so want to do a good job." -AP
[More ...]

Bahrain: Crown Prince Endurance championship flagged off

Gulf Daily News
April 11, 2009


CROWN Prince and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday evening flagged off the second Crown Prince Endurance Horseride Championship. The event took place throughout the night at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, and will conclude early this morning.

More than 40 riders, headlined by Royal Endurance Team captain and Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, began the endurance season's first night race, which has been sponsored by Durrat Al Bahrain.

Also among the participants are Breef first vice-president and Al Khaldiya Stable captain Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, and top riders Layla Al Reda, Rachel Lula, Jaffer Mirza, Noor Alddin, Shereen Fayez, Nezar Hassan, Mohammed Al Thawadi, Raed Mahmood, Abdul Samad, Ahmed Al Qaud, Fahad Ismail and Mohammed Nasser.

Stages

The 120-km championship features races for senior and junior riders, held over five stages.

The first two stages are over 30km each, followed by 25km and 20km legs. The final stage will be over 15km.

Two qualifying races also took place yesterday prior to the main event start after the mandatory veterinary examinations took place conducted by Breef officials.

The warm-up events were over 85km and 60km, with the first featuring three stages of 30km, 30km, and 25km distances; and the second comprising two 30km legs.

Also prior to the race flagging off, Shaikh Nasser and the Crown Prince held brief discussions, during which the Breef chief thanked the Crown Prince for patronising the event and backing Bahraini riders in different competitions. The Breef chief also expressed appreciation to Durrat Al Bahrain for their generous support.


[More ...]

Woman departs on four-year horse adventure

Horsetalk.co.nz
April 10

A British woman has set off on a four-year equestrian adventure retracing an ancient trading route.

London-born Becky Sampson, 25, is taking her 10-year-old piebald pony, Bertie, on a journey following the centuries-old Silk Road trading route, ending her journey in Japan.

The trip will span two continents, 15 countries and cover more than 15,000km. She set off from east London on April 1.

Her horseback ride will take in Western and Eastern Europe, Central Asia, China and Japan. Challenges ahead include the Tien Shan Mountains and the Taklamakan Desert (which translates as "he who goes in does not come out").

Temperature extremes will range as high as 50 degrees Celsisus to as low as -20.

Both Sampson and Bertie have been in training for the journey. Sampson has completed first aid and survival courses, as well as obtaining a teaching qualification that will enable her to earn money as a teacher while travelling.

Sampson says she has known from the age of 10 that she wanted to travel by horse.

"An article I read about a man who was halfway through a ride around the world further fuelled my dream, and I knew at that moment that that was what I wanted to do," she says.

Her first taste of adventure came when she was 17, after begging her father for years to allow her to travel.

"My persuasive powers paid off; I swapped school books for suncream and travelled solo throughout Europe."

On her return, she studied agriculture, which gave her the opportunity to own her first horse.

"Seastorm and I didn't bother with horse boxes. When it came to the holidays, we would ride home. The sense of freedom was exhilarating.

"It also served as an introduction to the problems faced by long riders - finding suitable places to ride; the wear on horse shoes; finding places to stay for the night. That was my first introduction to long-distance riding, and gave me a thorough grounding in travelling by horse."

A couple of years later, while riding on the border with China and Tibet, she met a girl who was on her way to Kashgar - a major trading port on the Silk Road.

"I'd never heard of it before, and as she described it to me, I began to imagine myself riding along the Silk Road, following the routes of traders that would have travelled to the markets of Kashgar centuries ago.

"It wasn't until I returned to England that my dreams started coming together. One of my ambitions had been to have a horse in London and ride from home to 'somewhere'."

During her research she dicovered that the most Eastern point of the Silk Road was actually at Nara, in Japan.

The trip was extended to join up two major cities, London in the West and Tokyo in the East.

Sampson says she has the "basics" in several languages which should help her on her travels.

"I still have the article of the man who rode round the world; in fact, I have since spoken to him for advice. I hope that by the end of this adventure, I can be an inspiration to others who want to journey by horse."

Sampson intends to cross Europe during the northern summer and spend winter working in Turkey as a teacher, before pressing on.

In 2010, she intends crossing into Iran and through the Central Asian states, wintering in Kyrgyzstan.

The following year she will enter China and head for Xian, then Shanghai. If everything goes to plan, she will journey by boat in 2012 to Osaka and then head on to Tokyo, then Nara.

She aims to raise £15,000 for a charity, SOS Children, during the ride.

[More ...]

Malaysia: King to join in endurance ride

New Straits Times Online

2009/04/09

MALACCA: Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will join local and international horse riders in the Melaka Grand Invitational Endurance Ride starting tomorrow.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob had invited the king to officiate and participate in the inaugural event, which will end on Monday.

"Tuanku Mizan has confirmed his participation in the the race," Ali said.

To be held at the Hang Jebat Stadium and the tracks surrounding it in Krubong here, the event is expected to attract members of the Malaysian Equestrian Association as well as participants from Singapore, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, the United Arab Emirates and South Korea.

"More than 130 participants, including 10 foreign riders, will participate in the championship aimed at placing the World Heritage City on the world map for endurance horse-riding events," Ali said.
The event is divided into the 40km, 80km and 120km races with the king taking part in the 80km race with his steed, Magna Thor.

New Zealand: Champion seeking endurance hat-trick

Times-age.co.nz

09.04.2009
By Gary Caffell

Eketahuna horsewoman Jenny Champion is seeking a hat-trick of victories in the 160km ride at the national endurance riding championships at Whareama tomorrow.

Champion and her part-Arab mare Freckles tasted success at Hawarden in mid-Canterbury in 2006 and Kurow in North Otago last year and they will be amongst the more favoured combinations again.

Not a big horse, Freckles should be suited by the Whareama course which does contain

some hills but is mainly flat in nature.

However, if she is to chalk up win number three she will probably need to finish well inside last year's winning time of 10hrs 43mins 13secs.



"The course is fast and should suit us but when you have that many kilometres to cover you don't take anything for granted," Champion said.

"It's very much down to the day, you can never be too confident."

As it happens one of Champion's main rivals is likely to be her partner Shane Dougan, who is president of the host club, the Wairarapa Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Club. He will be riding Taralea Sheer Illusion.

Look too for big efforts from last year's runner-up Mark Tylee on Class Act and Murray Smith on Glenmore Toyboy.

The three-star 160km ride actually gets under way at 1am tomorrow morning with the 30-plus participants being guided through the darkness by fluorescent markers and by the wearing of head lamps.

One-star and two-star championship events will be ridden over shorter distances on Saturday and Sunday.

New Zealand: 100 horses start Endurance Nationals

Dominion Post
April 8

Well over 100 horses and riders are entered to compete in the National Endurance Championships to be held in Wairarapa at Easter.

Wairarapa Endurance and CTR Club President Shane Dougan says the host club is delighted by the strong number of entries from all over New Zealand and was looking forward to a highly successful championships.

There are 32 horse and rider combinations entered in the longest-distance ride, the CEI three-star 160km event, which begins at 1am on Easter Friday.

Riders entered in the three-star ride include several past winners of island and national championship titles, including Murray Smith riding Glenmore Toyboy, Shane Dougan riding Taralea Sheer Illusion, Jenny Champion riding Freckles, and Mark Tylee riding Class Act, so competition should be intense.

Shane Dougan says the 160km ride will be held over six loops covering farmland around the ride base at Whareama Domain, east of Masterton. He says much of the course is flat, with some rolling hills and mostly good conditions underfoot, so it is likely to be a fast track and many competitors will not need to take anything like the maximum 16 hours allowed to complete the course.

"We wanted to set a course that is challenging for some of the best endurance riders in New Zealand, but we also wanted to make it a fair go, and give everyone a reasonable chance of completing the course successfully," he says. "I think the course we have at Whareama will achieve that."

Another 31 riders are entered in the 120km two-star event on Easter Sunday (including 11 riders in the junior 120km), 28 riders (including 9 juniors) in the one-star event on the Saturday, and 11 riders in the Competitive Trail Ride events on the Saturday. The club also expects significant numbers of entries in the 40km ride on the Sunday and 80km on the Saturday (entries are taken right up till the day of these non-championship rides).

Wairarapa Endurance and CTR Club is grateful for the support of the Whareama community, landowners and sponsors who have made the event possible. In particular significant sponsorship from Mitavite, Trust House and Tuff Rock has provided valuable support to the championships.

[More ...]

UAE: Sheikh Mohammed 'bans himself' after his horses test positive

Horse and Hound
Abigail Butcher, H&H news editor
7 April, 2009

Two horses belonging to and ridden by Sheikh Mohammed have tested positive to banned substances during competition.

The horses were tested last week during routine post-competition checks by Sheikh Mohammed's personal staff in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Two banned substances — Guanabenz and 16b Hydroxy-Stanozol — were found by his team after an international and national endurance competitions in the UAE.


[More ...]

Shaikh Hamdan Wins Dubai Crown Prince Cup

Khaleej Times Online
Hisham Al Gizouli
5 April 2009

DUBAI — Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, partnered Garaman Mikado to land the Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup for the Fazaa Endurance Team at Seih Assalam Endurance City on Saturday.

The CEN 120km race was originally scheduled to take place on March 26 as part of the Dubai World Cup events but it was postponed due to the unstable weather conditions last month.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-president and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, retired from the race after Gate-3 for the welfare of his 18-year-old mare Yamama.

Shaikh Mohammed showed the way in the early stages of the grueling race. He was second behind pace setter Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri as the riders covered the first 36km loop, but reversed places with the Al Wathba representative by the end of the second loop. But Shaikh Mohammed decided to rest his mare after the third loop.

Shaikh Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also took part in the race astride Arabian gelding Dell Hama. Despite the light rain showers which hit the city last night and early morning, the 104 riders enjoyed the race. They said the conditions were extremely favourable for the horses.

“At least 15 horses were in with a chance to win the race. I have put my horse behind the early speed but not far away from the pace and Garaman Mikado kicked away from the pack when asked the question,” Shaikh Hamdan told reporters in a post-race conversation. “The race was competitive and the speed was relatively high. All riders have been preparing themselves for the test and leading stables like Al Wathba and Al Reef have sent their best horses. “I was only lucky to win the race, otherwise any of the other 15 top riders had equal chances to cross the finish line first,” he added.

The winner covered the distance in four hours, 20 minutes and 47 seconds at an average speed of 27,61 km/hour to finish 59 seconds ahead of runner-up Omair Hussain Al Baloushi astride Charlandre El Sharif for Al Reef Stables. Dutch rider Harmke Margrela took the third place honours for the stables of Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum. In the CEN 102km Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum Challenge, veteran rider Abdul Aziz Al Redha rode his Arabian gelding Mystic Dream to victory for the Saeed Al Kamda Stables. The winner covered the distance in four hours 15 minutes and 58 seconds at an average speed of 20,58 km/hour to finish three minutes clear of runner-up Hussain Ali Al Marzoki aboard Anter Baby. Meanwhile, 52 riders lined up for honours, but more than half of the field have been eliminated, retired or disqualified. Most of eliminations were due to lameness or metabolic. Some of the riders did not start the race for various reasons. The big number of eliminations were attributed to the fact that all riders came from small stables who lack the experience of races during this season.
[More ...]

Australia: Lachlan Endurance Club members out in force

Cowra Guardian
photo: Lachlan Endurance Club member Mark Lindsay and Kintamani Charisma were first Heavyweight and third outright at the Cedar Ridge 120kms in February.

6/04/2009
Many members of the Lachlan Club have been having time out getting new horses ready and having a break from the constant training/riding during the hot summer months, although last weekend saw them all converge on the Oberon base at Cedar Ridge Stables for its third ride this year at the lovely Native Dog Station.

This base has been set up as an Endurance Centre and runs rides on a very regular basis, varying the course to suit and is gradually being set up as a permanent facility.

Cedar Ridge One

At the first 120-80kms ride in February, very few of the club competed as the early heat was a great deterrent from having horses in work.

The Bailey and Lindsay family with Mary Symons in tow, were the only members to front up to this very wet/cold ride.

Mark Lindsay was the only club member to elevate to the 120kms for first Heavyweight and third outright riding his homebred Kintamani Charisma.

Alan, Mary and Andrew were successful in the 80kms and were able to withdraw at this point.

Mary Symons was successful on her seasoned Ralvon Vim in a time of 6.45, Alan Lindsay successful on his homebred Kintamani Silver Flame in 6.01 for her first ride out of the novice division and Andrew Bailey riding his Aloha Delegate in 6.11.

Cedar Ridge Two

The second Cedar Ridge ride was on the first weekend in March and again the Baileys and Lindsays were there and Marjorie Trudgett making a comeback in the trainer as well as Duncan Myers and Greg Hamilton from Canowindra.

Annette Bailey was the only one successful on her young stallion Harmere Katif in a time of 8.41.

Mark Lindsay was riding Mary Symons gelding Ralvon Vim, which had a minor floating injury which turned into a lameness by the first check and Alan withdrew his mare with a saddle problem.

Marjorie rode her new horse Inshallah Solitary Man successfully in the 40kms trainer however her other horse ridden by Duncan Myers was unfortunately vet out lame on Arabina Sheliska.

Greg Hamilton had a great time on his young homebred horse Windradyne Choc Chip, with success in the 40kms trainer.

Cedar Ridge Three

By the time it came around to the round three ride at Cedar Ridge every man and his neddy from the club rode, even those who had extended breaks from the sport such as Andrew and Linda Jonkers, Helen Brown, Marjorie Trudgett, Donna Tidswell, Barry Blinman and Matt Thuaux.

The Baileys were the only notable absentees as they had travelled interstate to Victoria for an FEI ride, more on this later.

The 80kms attracted quite large numbers with around 90+ riders, with 34 Middleweight; 35 Heavyweight and the balance in Lightweights and a good contingent of juniors.

The organisers had opted to make a return to the AERA rules with 30 mins vetting which suited the hot conditions and all of the horses looked very well.

In the 80kms first home from the Lachlan Club was Mark Lindsay riding Kintamani Silver Motif; followed by Mary Symons on Ralvon Vim.

Karen Rhodes and her gelding Shadow were also successful as was Matt Thuaux and his gelding Tavern Park Shiraz and Barry Blinman on his Waugoola Creek Chips.

In the 40kms training ride Donna Tidswell’s OP Bailey made his successful debut to the sport as did Andrew and Linda Jonkers stallion Girilambone Comet and their gelding Girilambone Haizib.

Helen Brown recently took over the Jonkers’ pony Girilambone Eclipse and had heaps of fun after a long break from the sport.

Danielle Beard rode Botusa Park Spirit to success as did Nikki Tucker riding Karibu Kalari and her new jockey Pen Whatman riding her Anglo mare Alhambra Khalita enjoyed the change of pace.

Rachel Benad of Woodstock was also successful on Robin Gossip’s Wesswood Willow.

Also successful in the trainer was Marjorie Trudgett for her second this year riding father Paul’s gelding Buddy and her friend Duncan Myers was successful this time around riding Inshallah Solitary Man.

The next big event is over the Easter weekend at Tumbarumba where there are a variety of rides including AERA and FEI and the introduction of a Young Horse challenge.

Many of these Lachlan Club members will be competing in this, one of the favourites on the calendar.
[More ...]

Spain: Final day - Tierras de Al-Andalus

April 4

The final day of the Tierras de Al-Andalus was run from Cordoba to Montero. Full results and photo galleries will be posted at http://www.enduranceeurope.net/international/Spain/2009AlAndalus

The following are photos of overall winners. (photos by Kristian Fenaux)

	Inigo del Solar on Zafia, ganador general equipos First Place - team
	Eduardo Sánchez on Hidalgo, ganador general binomios First Place horse/rider
	Otto Vélez, segundo general binomios

2014 FEI World Equestrian Games Are Awarded to Normandie, France

FEI press Release
Tuesday, 31 March 2009

Today the FEI Bureau awarded the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games to the region of Normandie, France. This will be the seventh edition of the FEI World Equestrian Games and the first one to be held in France. FEI President HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein annonced “The allocation of the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games to the region of Normandie in France is an important development for the future of our sport. The bid committee in cooperation with the French Equestrian Federation have worked for eight years and presented a project of outstanding quality and vision which enjoys the support of the French government and regional authorities, and presents us as a sport with an exceptional platform in the very heart of a region that shares our passion for horses.”

Laurent Beauvais, President of the Regional Council of Basse-Normandie and President of the Organizing Committee Normandie 2014

“Hosting the FEI World Equestrian Games represents an exceptional opportunity for the promotion and development of Normandie on the international level. Normandie is the first region in France for horse breeding and champions. Normandie has a true legitimacy to host the most prestigious equestrian competition. Normandie is proud to take up this challenge. I would like to dedicate this victory to all the local public authorities that were part this bid.”

Christian Leyrit, Prefet of Basse-Normandie representing the French State

“Normandie is taking pride in obtaining the organization of the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2014. This bid has received the support of Nicolas Sarkozy, President of the French Republic. This success is above all the fruit of a common will as well as the result of the work of all the partners involved and the services of the French state. As a representative of the French state, I would like to reiterate my commitment and guarantee a successful event. The Games will contribute to the fame of Basse-Normandie, horse country par excellence.”

Philippe Duron, Member of the French Parliament and Mayor of Caen, capital of Basse-Normandie

“For Caen, it is a wonderful recognition and opportunity to benefit from a worldwide coverage for two weeks. Caen is the cradle of horse riding. Trotting races first took place there in 1837. It is the proof that “yes we Caen!”

Christian Paillot, Vice-President of the French Equestrian Federation

“The French Equestrian Federation, third national federation with 600,000 members, is proud that France obtained the organization of the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games. Thank you to all of those who have worked for a successful bid and to the FEI for this mark of confidence.”

About the FEI World Equestrian Games

The FEI World Equestrian Games are the combination of the world championships of all eight FEI disciplines - Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Driving, Endurance, Vaulting, Reining, and Para-Equestrian – held concurrently at the same place. They take place every four years.

No less than 900 horses, 800 riders and drivers from 60 nations and 300 000 spectators are expected to gather for two weeks of competition in August 2014. The FEI World Equestrian Games will be broadcast widely and is expected to generate important economic, tourist and sports benefits.

About Normandie

Normandie is the symbol of the vitality of the French horse industry. It boasts a natural environment favourable to all horse activities, first rank infrastructure, renowned equine research centres, and high level industry related to horses. Many competitions are organised in Normandie each year.

The French State along with local authorities and the French Equestrian Federation aim at integrating the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games into a global strategy of local development. This strategy includes supporting high level athletes, popularizing horse sports and promoting the horse industry.

Spain: Race across Andalucia, Tierras de Al-Andalus

Full Event Coverage site

Riders from around the world gathered in Jerez, Spain on March 26 for the start of Europe's premier multi-day Endurance event: Tierras de Al-Andalus - an eight day race across the south of Spain.


Almost 70 riders and horses will be competing in this event as either individual riders or members of a 2-person team. The race will be conducted in 8 stages:
Jerez to San Lucar
San Lucar to El Rocio
El Rocio to Sevilla
Sevilla to Carmona
Carmona to Ecija
Ecija to Cordoba
Cordoba - Montoro
Montoro - Virgen de la Cabeza (Andujar)

Each day is staged so that the riders are greeted and wined and dined at the end of the ride by local officials and sponsors from each of the Andalucian towns. The ride is the 'child' of Jose Manuel Soto, one of Spain's revered singers, who has a passion for horses and for adventure and a love of his homeland, Andalucia.

Merri Melde is following the ride this year and sending photos of each day's ride. So far three days have been completed.

Results and photos and coverage can be found at the Tierras de Al Andalus coverage site

Blackwater Boogie Canceled!

Heavy rain and damage cancels Blackwater Boogie (SE-FL)
The Blackwater River State Forest sustained heavy damaged from flooding. Forestry has closed all campgrounds in the Forest and the horse trail system until Easter. Therefore, the April 4th Blackwater Boogie Endurance Ride in Milton, FL has been cancelled. We are working on finding a new date in the next several weeks. We're working on personally contacting riders and volunteers.

Christina Schiro
Ride Manager

---

2007 Results
2007 Pictures
2006 Pictures

USA: Rain hammers Roundup Ride at Chester, Georgia

News from Chester, Georgia:

"The ride started in the dark, but it was not raining. Within minutes of the start, the rain also started. We were hoping for just a light rain, but as the pictures show, the rain began coming down harder than I thought possible. Then the lightning started, and for a brief while, pea sized hail, too. The rain continued fairly steady, and frequently very heavy, throughout the day. We constantly were changing the trail going around new bogs, new streams, and then where the trail simply got too deep due to water and use. Finally, we had to call the
100-mile ride off at 88 miles due to deterioration of the trails. There
just were no other places to send the horses that was safe. The road in was being used by the tractor towing rigs out; the fields were knee-deep in mud; the trails had been ridden over too many times to even be passable. Moreover, too many horses were simply falling down on trail. We have notcompiled the stats for all the divisions, but despite only one metabolic
pull (thumps), the completion rate is very low."

Mike Tomlinson
photos by M. Tomlinson

UAE: Storm halts endurance ride

A violent thunderstorm brought wind and hail to the Dubai Endurance City during the Dubai Crown Prince Cup. The violent storm scattered over 40 frightened horses across the desert, some were recovered over 20 kilometers from the Endurance City. A blanket of hail covered the land.
photos submitted by K. Hasan

From the Telegraph.co.uk:
"On Thursday, one of the week’s landmark events, the endurance race in the desert, was called off not long after it started. A total of 40 horses went missing, helicopters were called in to round them up, and several riders suffered injury. So ferocious was the storm that car windows were smashed by hail, which lashed the area in the morning. At least one rider was taken to hospital. "

Gulfnews.com
Runs halted as weather turns foul
March 26, 2009, 22:57

Dubai: The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup FEI CEI 2-Star 120km endurance and the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum Challenge, a CEN 102km endurance ride were cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions at the Dubai International Endurance Village on Thursday.

The two rides got under way as scheduled at 6am, but had to be called off due to heavy rain and hail.

Participants in the main ride had completed the first loop, while the smaller ride competitors were about to commence their race when the skies opened up.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup FEI CEI 2-Star 120km endurance ride that was scheduled to be an inter-stables competition with each of the 20-odd major stables in the UAE, allowed a field of a maximum of four riders or a minimum of three. The Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum Challenge, a CEN 102km endurance ride, was restricted to private stables and individuals so as to give them a better platform to qualify for the bigger events.

Great Britain: An enduring partnership

SouthernReporter
26 March 2009
By Sally Gillespie
Nicky Bertham with her ‘soulmate’, Maverick. Photograph: Alastair Watson

LOCAL endurance riders are saddling up for the first outing of the season this weekend.
The rides at Harestanes cater for beginners or those starting off their horses with a pleasure ride, as well as 16-mile and a 25-mile routes.

Nicky Bertham is secretary of the Borders branch of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club.

She told TheSouthern: "Anyone can do endurance. As long as the horse is fit and sound, then anyone can try it. It is a wonderfully friendly sport, which builds a bond between you and the horse. You're able to ride in the countryside and see some breathtaking views."

There are seven dates in the club's diary this season, including a two-day event at Longnewton in June and some new rides.

The club boasts around 35 members ageing from 12 to 70 – and the 70-year-old completed a 120km (75 miles) ride last year!

Nicky said: "I like endurance because I love riding my horse. It gives me the chance of doing a competitive sport which does not cost as much as eventing.

"You don't need a specific type of horse to do endurance.

"I enjoy the friends you make from all over the country and the chance to travel and help at rides, learning from others, and being able to host an event and offer other riders so much enjoyment."

Pleasure or training rides are up to 30km and distances go up to 160km in one day.

On the day, riders are given a map with the route marked on it. There's also a 'talkround' when organisers talk riders round the route.

Vets check the horse's condition before and after the rides.

There is a grading system in operation for the competitive riders from bronze (two 30km and one 50km rides) to Diamond (completing 160 km in one day).

[More ...]

Finishing the VV March Maddness

The Leaders of the 2008 VV March Maddness have all passed the 400 mile mark! Below you will find the loop names of the trails they have been riding. In the Spring of Virginia, the late Winter of Wyoming, and dead of summer Austrailia, the Race continues until March 31st!

Flora Hillman 525.52 Miles Loop Names Willisville & Erskine's Woods Loop Foxlease Loop A Bloomfield Loop A Willsville & Cannon Hill Loop Kentfields Loop Cannon Hill & Old Welbourne Loop Upperville Loop Willisville & Cannon Hill (loose cow herd roundup) Newstead Farm & Meadow View Unison Loop & Lost Easyboot Trail Willisville & Cannon Hill Team Virginia ride Foxlease Farm Welbourne & Pelham Bloomfield & Meadow View Loop Mountain Clearing & Bloomfield Loop Foxlease & Cannon Hill Loop Neighborhood WalkAbout Piedmont Foxhounds Kennels Loop Cannon Hill & Old Welbourne Loop Welbourne Loop Kentfields Loop Gar Royer's Farm & Foxlease Ides of March Ride Ides of March Ride II (R)Ides of March - revisited Corotoman Loop Old Welbourne & Willisville Unison/Bloomfield Loop To Llangollen and back Kentfields Loop Willisville Road Cleanup Kentfields Loop Corotoman Loop Foxlease Loop Road clean-up II Bloomfield & Kentfields Mountain trail clearing Team Virginia Ride to the River Willisville & Bloomfield Willisville & Bloomfield - II Mosby Heritage Multiday - Day 1 Mosby Heritage Multiday - Day 2

Marirose Six 464.76 Miles Loop Names shed hunting Denny's mission ride State land to salt creek Exploring Playing north K I S Rough country We're off to see the wizard Good-bad-ugly More K I S Can't resist Chilly The draws Peat & repeat The meadows The roads Around about Nooks & Crannys Up & down Memory test Extra miles Almost Fanny Peak Elk country Here & there Fanny Peak & beyond Cappses Bringing Burt Gary state land windy day south & north hiding from wind

Jay Randel 456.44 Miles Loop Names Camel's Hump Goat Track Camel's Hump Winery Track Camel's Hump Erica's Track Winery Track Ted's Gate Ted's Gate Ted's Gate Camel's Hump Ted's Gate Polo Club Camel's Hump Winery Track Ted's Gate Polo Club Winery Track Ted's Gate Winery Track Polo Club Goat Track Polo Club Polo Club Winery Track Polo Club Goat Track Power Lines Goat Track Polo Club Ted's Gate Goat Track Tom's Track Tom's Track Tom's Track Tom's Track Goat Track Polo Club Ted's Gate Polo Club Camel's Hump Polo Club Ted's Gate Ted's Gate Winery Track Polo club Goat Track

[More ...]

India: Army conducted 1000 mile Thar Centaur horseback expedition

Press Information Bureau. Government of India
March 26, 2009

Highlighting man’s insatiable thirst for exploring unchartered territory the Armoured Corps conducted ‘Thar Centaurs’ a 1000 mile expedition on horseback as an adventure activity by the Cavaliers from Fifteen Armoured Regt, 61 Cavalry and PBG from 29 Jan to 25 Mar 09. The expedition of 12 riders led by Lt Col PS Grewal on horseback was conducted in the Thar Desert amidst the harshest terrain comprising desolate and rocky deserts characterized by high sand dunes to test the skill and endurance of the rider and horse. The 1000 mile expedition on horseback is a unique event which has never been attempted in the sub-continent over such rigorous terrain. It was a test of endurance for both the horse and rider as the expedition was executed on ‘Posting the Trot’ a ride which is physically very gruelling for the horseback but comfortable to the horse. The daily ride continued for 10-12 hours covering an average 60-70 kms everyday. The expedition had on board a veterinary team which monitored the performance and health of the horses on a daily basis.

The aim of this expedition was to learn and participate in the culture of deserts as well as foster a spirit of adventure amongst the army men which is an essential part of any military life and ethos. The expedition helped the team in getting an insight into the traditional heritage of Rajasthan, as well as a opportunity to revive the military heritage of our cavalry of yester years. The horses and riders stoically withstood the stress and strain during the expedition and completed the gruelling expedition successfully. The expedition concluded on yesterday at Jaipur, and ‘flagged in’ by Lt Gen SN Handa, Chief of Staff, South Western Command.

VS/RPA

USA: 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships

USEF.org

Mark the Calendar: Plans for 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North in Full Swing

Release: March 25 2009

Lexington, KY - The countdown to the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) has begun in earnest. For the first time, the NAJYRC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY – which in 2010 will play host to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This year’s NAJYRC will be held July 21-26, 2009.

Since 1979, these Championships showcase the best young rider and junior horse/rider combinations in the three Olympic disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Jumping. In 2008, the Western discipline of Reining was added, bringing the best young athletes, ages 14-21, in four of the most exciting Equestrian disciplines together for the first time.

The Dressage Championships bring out the country’s best Juniors and Young Riders and 2009 promises not to disappoint. Dressage will again be sponsored by Platinum Performance and the United States Dressage Federation

For more information about the Dressage Championships, and the selection procedures, please see: http://www.usdf.org/competitions/competitions-championships/najyrc/index.asp.

The Eventing Championships have always enjoyed the support of the US Eventing Association, and this year is no different. For information and selection information about these Championships, please see: http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/eventing/SelectionProcess.pdf.

Jumping has a new title sponsor: CN - whose dedication to the program has proved invaluable (they have served as a title sponsor for the entire event since 2005) - continues with the Jumping sponsorship in 2009. The United States Hunter Jumper Association moves from title to presenting sponsor. For information and Jumping Selection procedures, please see: http://www.usef.org/Contentpage2.aspx?id=natjumping.

Reining returns to the Championships for the second year in 2009. Hugely popular in 2008, it will thrive again this year with the sponsorship of SmartPak Equine. The selection procedures for Reining are being finalized and will be on the following page on the USEF website shortly: http://www.usef.org/ContentPage2.aspx?id=intreining.

Hagyard will be the Official Veterinary Services Provider to the NAJYRC, and is generously providing treating veterinary coverage to all four disciplines. Hagyard Equine Medical is located directly across the street from the Kentucky Horse Park.

A non-Championship FEI CEI** competition will be held in conjunction with the NAJYRC. The Endurance event will be held July 22-26, 2009 in Henryville, Indiana. For more information regarding endurance, please email Vonita Bowers at vbowers@usef.org.

A Vaulting demonstration will also be held for Juniors and Young Riders, stay tuned for more details as the schedule is confirmed.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available; please contact Scott Carling at scarling@usef.org for more information.

Vendor spaces are available too; please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org or at 859.225.2052 for an application or general information regarding the event.

Lots of information is available on the NAJYRC Website: www.youngriders.org, including information regarding hotels and camping. Please check frequently for updates and important information.

India: Army expedition on horse back

Indopia.in

March 25,2009

Jaipur , Mar 25 In a feat attempted for the first time in the country, a 12-member army expedition traversed over 1600 km of Rajathan&aposs desert terrain on horse back in two months.

The expedition 'Thar Centaur' flagged off on January 24 used Global Positioning System to navigate their way through high sand dunes, rocky wasteland and other remote regions, in a test of endurance and skill.

The 12 members rode on horseback through 190 villages covering an average distance of 40 km per day, a spokesman said.

"The adventure cum endurance expedition was aimed at bettering the standards of horsemanship in field conditions," he said, adding the feat "has never been attempted in modern India".

Spain: Presentado el Raid Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus

Ecuestreonline.com

24/03/2009

The chairman of the organizing committee Kaliber Lands Raid Al-Andalus, Jose Manuel Soto, presented evidence that in Seville will be held from March 27 until April 4 between Frontera and Jerez de la Virgen de la Cabeza, involving horses and riders from over ten countries.

El presidente del comite organizador del Raid Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus, Jose Manuel Soto, presento en Sevilla la prueba que se disputara del 27 de marzo hasta el 4 de abril entre Jerez de la Frontera y Virgen de la Cabeza, en la que participaran jinetes y caballos de mas de diez paises.

Ayer, lunes, tuvo lugar el acto de presentacion de la IV Edicion del Raid Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus, que un ano mas recorrera las tierras andaluzas, comenzando el 27 de marzo en Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz) para finalizar el 4 de abril en Virgen de la Cabeza (Jaen).

Al acto asistieron el jefe de los Servicios de Calidad y Promocion de la Consejeria de Agricultura y Pesca de la Junta de Andalucia, Antonio Rodriguez Ocana; el secretario general para el Deporte de la Consejeria de Turismo, Comercio y Deportes de Andalucia, Manuel Jimenez Barrios; el director de Sponsoring y Eventos de Imagen de Heineken Espana, Diego Antonanzas; y el presidente del comite organizador del Raid Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus, Jose Manuel Soto.

En esta edicion de la prueba participaran jinetes provenientes de doce paises (entre ellos Francia, Alemania, Belgica, Estados Unidos, Inglaterra, Portugal, Argentina, Italia y Espana), que recorreran 500 kilometros en ocho etapas.

Como principal novedad, este ano el recorrido escogido sera la ruta del Guadalquivir, que, tal y como destaco Manuel Jimenez Barrios, resulta de vital importancia, dado el reciente traspaso de las competencias de su gestion a la Comunidad Autonoma de Andalucia. Tal y como senalo, se trata de "poner al servicio del rio nuestra inteligencia, de forma que se promueva su relevancia economica, cultural y ambiental", para lo que resultan de gran utilidad este tipo de acontecimientos deportivos.

Diego Antonanzas destaco el interes de Kaliber por patrocinar esta prueba de marcado caracter internacional, cuyo protagonista principal es el caballo, asi como el logo de la cerveza sin alcohol. En sus propias palabras, "esta carrera que merece la pena perder es una oportunidad unica de recorrer los parajes mas increibles de toda Espana".

Jose Manuel Soto, como presidente fundador del Raid Kaliber Tierras de Al-Andalus, remarco la vocacion divulgativa de Andalucia de esta competicion, ya que esta tierra es a la vez el escenario y la gran protagonista de cada etapa, tanto desde el punto de vista paisajistico y medioambiental como del cultural e historico.

Asimismo, Soto resalto la inclusion de una nueva etapa, destacable por su belleza, que permitira mostrar el municipio de Carmona. Sera durante el cuarto dia, y se sumara en espectacularidad a la que atraviesa El Coto de Donana y la que desembocara en el Alcazar de Cordoba. Estas, junto con otras de especial dureza que atravesaran la sierra de Andujar y la de Montoro, convertiran la prueba en un acontecimiento que espera, como cada ano, ganar mas adeptos dentro y fuera de nuestras fronteras.

***

Yesterday, Monday, took place the presentation of the Fourth Edition of Kaliber Land Raid Al-Andalus, a year tour the land of Andalusia, beginning March 27 at Jerez de la Frontera (Cadiz) to finish 4 April Virgen de la Cabeza (Jaen).

The event was attended by the Head of Service Quality and Promotion of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Junta de Andalucia, Antonio Rodriguez Ocana, Secretary General for Sport of the Ministry of Tourism, Trade and Sports of Spain, Manuel Jimenez Barrios; director of Sponsoring & Events Image Heineken Espana, Antonanzas Diego and the chairman of the organizing committee Kaliber Lands Raid Al-Andalus, Jose Manuel Soto.

In this edition of the test involved riders from twelve countries (including France, Germany, Belgium, United States, England, Portugal, Argentina, Italy and Spain), which will travel 500 miles in eight stages.

As the main novelty, this year the tour will be the chosen route of the Guadalquivir, which, as highlighted by Manuel Jimenez Barrios, is vital, given the recent transfer of the powers of management to the autonomous community of Andalusia. As noted, this is "putting the river to our intelligence, so as to promote their economic significance, cultural and environmental", which are useful for such sporting events.

Diego Antonanzas stressed the value of this test for sponsoring Kaliber strong international, whose main protagonist is the horse, as well as the logo of the beer without alcohol. In his own words, "this race worth losing a unique opportunity to tour the most incredible of all Spain."

Jose Manuel Soto, president and founder of the Lands Kaliber Raid Al-Andalus, he disclosed Andalucia vocation of this competition, because this land is both the stage and the main protagonist of each stage, from the point of view environmental and landscape of cultural and historical context.

Similarly, Soto said the inclusion of a new phase, noted for its beauty, which will show the town of Carmona. Will be during the fourth day, and will join in the spectacular crossing the Coto Donana and leading to the Alcazar de Cordoba. These, along with other special hardness to cut through the mountains of Andujar and Montoro, become evidence in a pending event, as every year, gaining more followers inside and outside our borders.

Mas...

Spain: The CEI2 * Badajoz, for Luis Cenisergue

Ecuestreonline.com - Full Story, Photos and Results

More than 60 riders and horses participated in the Raid XLII Riding of Badajoz contest organized by the Society Hipica Lebrero which consisted of three tests, including two international and two stars, which were imposed, respectively, Luis Cenisergue ( " Mediatik Larzac) and Isidoro Bautista ( "Dance").

Mas de 60 jinetes y caballos participaron en el XLII Raid Hipico de Badajoz, certamen organizado por la Sociedad Hipica Lebrera que consto de tres pruebas, dos de ellas internacionales de dos y una estrellas, en las que se impusieron, respectivamente, Luis Cenisergue ("Mediatik Larzac") e Isidoro Bautista ("Danza").

El sabado 14 de marzo se disputo la 42nd edicion del Raid de Badajoz, compuesto por sendas pruebas internacionales de dos (CEI2*) y una (CEI*) estrellas, y por una territorial de Promocion.

Treinta y un binomios participaron en el CEI2* (120 kilometros), 23 de los cuales se clasificaron, empezando por Luis Cenisergue y "Mediatik Larzac", que se impusieron con un tiempo de seis horas, cuatro minutos y 41 segundos (6:04:41), y una velocidad media de 19,710 kilometros por hora (kms./h.). Juan Manuel Alonso (6:04:42 con el Mejor Condicion "Ezz") y Patricia Mariscal (6:16:04 sobre "Salduero") fueron segundo y tercera, respectivamente.

Mas...

New Zealand: Round One To The South Africans at HOY

Photo by Helen Bain
NZEquestrian.org.nz - Full Article

24/03/2009

The visiting South African endurance team seized victory in round one of a South Africa–New Zealand contest which began at Horse of the Year. The 100-kilometre one-star endurance event at HOY was the first of two rides in the inter-country challenge –the second will take place in Dullstroom, South Africa in October. However New Zealander Peter Birkett took individual honours, taking first place in the HOY CEI* 100km rideon Makahiwi Fire, with fellow New Zealanders, Amy Crowley on Makahiwi Stirling in second place, and David Hutchings on Tally Man coming third.

The South African team of Eone Willemse riding Hardisty (4th place), Leanne Geldenhuys riding Makahiwi Pandora (6th), Dominique Van Zyl riding Makahiwi Huron (7th), and Machel Greyling riding Makahiwi Genoa (9th) didn’t take out the top individual rankings but they all survived to compete the course successfully.

In contrast the New Zealand team lost two riders (Trina Hill riding Arizona McCue and Selwyn Boler riding Denzel) to vet-outs after the third loop of the four-loop ride, so Peter and Amy’s first and second placings weren’t enough to secure a team win.

However the Kiwis will have the chance to even the score when they ride in the 123km CEI** event in Dullstroom on South African horses – the South Africans rode horses provided by their New Zealand hosts here.

The HOY endurance rides were run through vineyards and farmland south of Hastings on a track which was relatively flat for a New Zealand endurance course. But though the terrain was not particularly arduous, the fast pace and warm conditions provided their own challenges, and only 10 of the 19 starters in the 100km ride completed the course.

More...

Qatar: Al Shaqab team sweep medals

Gulf-times.com

Doha: The Al Shaqab Endurance Team dominated the HH Emir Endurance Cup at the Qatar Endurance Village in Mesaeed on Saturday. The team won the gold, silver and bronze medals in the junior and senior race.

Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, had 12 of their 19 riders finish in their respective races, which is an incredibly high completion percentage for a team.
In the Senior race, which is 120 km long and had 34 competitors, Al Shaqab rider Mohammed Tahous Saif al-Nuaimi received the gold medal with a total time of 5:26:01 on his horse In Situ. Just three seconds behind him, Al Shaqab rider Essa Mohammed al-Sulaiti upon Hidalgo crossed the finish line for the silver medal. The two riders finished with the same average speed of 22.08 km/h for the entire race. Capturing the Bronze medal for Al Shaqab, Jassim Mohammed Ali al-Meadadi and horse Epson De Labruskaie finished the 120 km in 5:42:42.

Also finishing in the standings in the senior race for Al Shaqab, Khalid Yousef A al-Malki, Atta Mohammed Beer, Mohammed Sanad al-Nuaimi and Hanut Singh Pabu Singh placed 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th respectively.

The winning streak continued for the Al Shaqab team in the Junior race of 100km, which had a total of 45 entries. Hassan Tahous Saif al-Nuaimi secured the gold medal aboard First Star in 4:27:31. Al Shaqab’s second through fifth place finishes were an exciting race to the end with only five seconds separating all four riders, all with the same average speed of 22.4 km/hr for the race. Salem Rashid Mohammed al-Marri grabbed the silver medal on mount Lysa De Lap with a time of 4:27:48.

Abdulla Towaim Ali al-Marri came in two seconds later to win the bronze medal on Sanniesguns Sadan. Naif Rashid Ali Ibrahim was fourth place on Petite just one second behind his bronze placing teammate. Fifth place was won by Al Shaqab rider Khalid Mohammed Abdulla al-Emadi on Lasan in 4:27:53.

Al Shaqab, member of Qatar Foundation, is headed by general supervisor Owaida al-Hajeri, manager and trainer Hadi Nasser al-Ramzani and assistant trainer Jabr Nasser al-Ramzani. The team will compete next at the National Endurance Ride in Mesaeed, Qatar on April 24.

UAE: Yousef Wins Shaikh Rashid bin Hamdan Challenge

Khaleejtimes.com

22 March 2009

ABU DHABI - President’s Cup winner Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi won the Shaikh Rashid bin Hamdan Al Maktoum Challenge 2 FEI CEI 119km Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village at Al Wathba on Saturday.

The champion trainer, from the famed Al Reef Stables, finished with a time of four hours, 36 minutes and 44 seconds. Harmke Margreta Westervelt of The Netherlands, astride Khaki, was second with a time of four hours, 39 minutes and 48 seconds, while Saeed Mohd Al Jaber Al Marri of the UAE, riding Hurst Kariba, from the Al Reef Stables, was third with a timing of four hours, 47 minutes and 43 seconds.

World Endurance champion Maria Alvarez Ponton of Spain, who had won the Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for ladies UAE CEN 92km Endurance Ride earlier on Friday, was fourth. Maria, astride Vendetta from the Emirates Stables, had a time of four hours, 47 minutes and 51 seconds. Hassan bin Ali of the UAE, riding Centre Traveller, was fifth, with a time of four hours, 56 minutes and 17 seconds. It was a keen tussle between Yousef and Harmke but Yousef held on, to prevail in the end. Yousef, astride Carallio, finished the first loop of 32km in third spot before jumping to the top spot in the 27km second loop. He maintained the top position in the third stage of 24km before he dropped a spot to second by the end of the 20km fourth loop. But Yousef fought back to finish the fifth loop of 16km in top spot. He had an average speed of 25.80.

Harmke, meanwhile, finished the first stage in sixth spot before jumping to second after the second loop. Harmke held on to the second spot in the third loop as well before making a charge in the fourth loop to grab the top spot. But Harmke slipped up to eventually finish second.

Maria staged a splendid fightback to finish fourth. She had finished the first stage in 30th position, before working her way up.

She ended the second loop in 17th place before jumping to 10th after the third loop. She moved to the third spot after the fourth stage but dropped down a spot to finish the fifth loop in fourth position.

Around 80 riders took part in the Ride which was organised by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

The Ride was held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. The event had a total prize money of Dh550,000 and Yousef won a Nissan Patrol car. Harmke was richer by Dh50,000, while Saeed Mohd Al Jaber Al Marri got Dh 45,000. There were cash prizes for the Best Conditioned Horse Competition as well.
Results:
Yousef Ahmed Al Baloushi (UAE (Carallio) (Al Reef Stables) 4:36.44 seconds

Harmke Margreta Westervelt (Ned) (Khaki) (Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum) 4:39.48s.

Saeed Mohd Al Jaber Al Marri (UAE) (Hurst Kariba) (Al Reef Stables) 4:47.43s.

Maria Alvarez Ponton (Esp) (Vendetta) (Emirates Stables) 4:47.51s.

Hassan bin Ali (UAE) (Centre Traveller) (Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum) 4:56.17s

UAE: Maria Rides Antares Sauveterre to Victory

Khaleej Times
March 19 2009

ABU DHABI - World Endurance champion Maria Alvarez Ponton won the Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for ladies, winning the UAE CEN 92km Endurance Ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village, Al Wathba on Friday. Spaniard Maria, astride 13-year-old Antares Sauveterre, from the Emirates Stables, finished with a time of three hours, 21 minutes and one second. The average speed was 27.46.

The event was held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs and the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club. Latifa Al Shaikh of Saudi Arabia, astride 13-year-old Coolaroo Jubal from the Al Reef Stables, was second with a timing of 3:21.52 seconds. Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha of the UAE, was third. Layla, astride Kerria Du Vrihou, finished with a time of 3:21.59 seconds. UAE’s Reem Shaban Ibrahim Hasan came in fourth. Reem, riding Sharahd Sataka from the Al Reef Stables, had a time of 3:26.22 seconds. Argentina’s Ana Lia Mendez, astride Benaur Tom Dooley, from the Emirates Stables, was fifth. Maria, who rode Antares Sauveterre to victory in the 90km Dubai Equestrian Club Endurance Challenge for Ladies, at the end of February, stamped her class again. She finished second to start off with, after the first loop of 32km. But after that, Maria, who won the silver and her husband Jaume Punti Dachs the bronze in the European Championship, moved to the top spot and held position for the remaining three loops.

But the most thrilling Ride of the day was form Latifa Al Shaikh of Saudi Arabia. Having finished the first loop in 10th position, Latifa fought back in fine fashion. She jumped five spots up to fifth after the second loop and moved to fourth at the end of the third loop and finished second. Layla Abdul Aziz Al Redha too fought back well. Finishing the first loop in seventh spot, Layla moved to third after the second stage.

Results: Maria Alvarez Ponton (Esp) (Antares Sauveterre) (Emirates Stables) 3:21.01s; Latifa Al Shaikh (KSA) (Coolaroo Jubal) (Al Reef Stables) 3:21.52s; Layla Abdul Aziz Redha (UAE) (Kerria Du Vrihou) (Shaikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi) 3:21.59s; Reem Shaban Ibrahim Hasan (UAE) (Sharahd Sataka) (Al Reef Stables) 3:26.22s; Ana Lia Mendez (Arg) (Benaur Tom Dooley) (Emirates Stables) 3:42.04s.

Qatar: Al Shaqab Endurance Team to Compete in Emir’s Cup

March 19, 2009
Doha, Qatar -- The Al Shaqab Endurance Team will enter a total of 19 riders in the prestigious Emir’s Cup Endurance Race that will be held Saturday, 21st March at the Qatar Endurance Village in Mesaeed near Sealine Beach.

The Emir’s Cup is the highlight of the Qatar Endurance season and entails winning purses of over QR 1,000,000. The Cup will have a 100km race for Junior-age riders and a 120km race for Senior entrants. Al Shaqab will have twelve Senior entrants and seven Junior riders.

Al Shaqab’s Endurance Team, member of Qatar Foundation, is headed by General Supervisor Owaida Al Hajeri, Manager and Trainer Hadi Nasser Al Ramzani and Assistant Manager Jabr Nasser Al Ramzani.

As one of the fastest growing international equestrian events, endurance racing consists of varied terrain through a course in the desert. There are mandatory check points where all horses must pass a veterinary inspection, including tests for heart rate, respiratory abilities and dehydration. A horse must pass the inspection to continue on to the next check point, including a final inspection at the end of the race to clock an official time. Any horse that does not pass a test in the check point, or is considered lame, is eliminated from the race.

Riders competing on the Al Shaqab Endurance team for the Senior race are the following: Atta Mohammed Peer, Mohammed Tahous Saif Al Nuaimi, Khalid Al Malki, Faleh Nasser Saleh Bughenaim, Hanut Singh, Abdulrahmen Al Sulaitin, Essa Ahmed Al Mannai, Khalid Sanad Al Naimi, Jassim Mohammed Al Maadhadi, Hadi Nasser Al Naimi, Mohammed Sanad Al Naimi and Llyas Mushtak Khan.

Competing as a Junior in the Cup for Al Shaqab are: Hassan Tahous Al Nuaimi, Hamad Rashid Al Ardhi, Abdul Aziz Mohammed, Saad Senan Al Kaabi, Abdulla Towaim Al Marri, Rashid Naif Ibrahim and Salem Rashid Al Marri.



P.O. Box 90055
Doha, Qatar
(974) 454-6245
sdohmann@qf.org.qa

Bank Windhoek Otjivero Endurance Ride

NewEra.com.na
March 19, 2009

WINDHOEK – The fourth annual Bank Windhoek Independence Otjivero Endurance Ride gets under way at Gobabis tomorrow.

Bank Windhoek is sponsoring the event for the umpteenth time with a staggering amount of N$15 000.00, in addition to Bank Windhoek promotional caps, golf shirts, waterbottles and folders.

The Bank Windhoek Independence Otjivero Endurance Ride attracted 87 participants in distances ranging from 30 to 160km last year. This year, riders will again test their mettle in the junior, senior and heavyweight categories over distances of 33.6; 66.5; 83.1; 100.3; 127.1 and 160 kms.

Endurance riding in Namibia dates back to 1966 and has grown in popularity ever since. This particular equestrian sporting discipline is unique in its own sense because of the fact that it’s not always the fastest horse that takes the accolades, but rather the horse and rider with the ability to complement each other.

Endurance riders must be physically fit with immense determination. The sport’s ability to unite diverse cultures, coupled with the addition of high quality locally bred horses, makes it an ideal activity for the country as a whole.

Namibian Equestrian Federation

Namibia Endurance Ride Association

Malaysia: Meet ‘horse uncle’ Mutalib

The New Straits Times

HE proves that nothing is impossible if you put your mind and heart into it.

Abdul Mutalib Ismail, 43, who owns a logistics company, has won trophies in various landscaping, bird-singing and cat competitions.

This Penangite, known as mamu kuda (horse uncle), also set up the first horse endurance club in the state, the Al-Khamsa Endurance Club, in January this year. (Other states have similar endurance clubs.)

Al-Khamsa is an Arabic term to mean “the five” which refers to Prophet Muhammad’s five favourite horses.
The endurance race challenges both the fitness and skills of the horse and rider. The races are in the 40km, 80km, 120km and 160km categories.

Eight months prior to setting up the club, Mutalib learnt all he could about horses.

His interest in the sport was ignited after a few horse-riding sessions and visits to various endurance races.

He came across many talented Malaysian riders at the races, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

“So I learnt how to ride, bought my first foal and started training.”

After months of practice, he decided to form his own club.

“I started with 30 members. We are still small compared with other endurance clubs but I believe that one day we will be as big as them.”

“I currently own six Arabian horses. They are known for their intelligence and stamina, and thus ideal for endurance races. Riders must be able to communicate with their horses in order for them to perform well,” said Mutalib.

He said Arabian horses, with their distinctively shaped heads and high tail carriages, are one of the most easily recognisable horse breeds in the world.

“Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horses,” he added.

Mutalib said that like most international sports, endurance riding has the potential to contribute towards the state’s tourism industry.

He wants to promote endurance riding and attract youths to get involved in the sport.

“Horse endurance racing is not easy. Both horse and rider need to be physically and mentally prepared. It’s tough but I love the adrenaline rush I get every time I race,” said Mutalib.

He plans to organise state events, open a riding school and teach endurance training to get Penangites involved in the sport.

“Many think it’s expensive to participate in the sport. But this is untrue. You just have to master riding — and you don’t even have to own a horse to do so,” said Mutalib.

He added that he intends to give free riding lessons to the underpriviledged such as orphans and the handicapped.

At the moment he is eyeing the Melaka Grand International Endurance Ride next month.

“Horses are passionate animals. As you ride the horse regularly, the bond between you will get stronger. Treat the horse well and it will treat you well in return.”

For more information about the Al-Khamsa Endurance Club, email Mutalib at alkhamsa5@gmail.com.

[More ...]

UAE: 60 riders register for Al Jaber race

Gulfnews.com

M. Satya Narayan
March 17, 2009, 23:09

Abu Dhabi: Some of the UAE's top lady riders will be seen in action this Friday in the Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies - a 90-km national ride to be held at the Emirates International Village in Al Wathba.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Antonie Chamy, the group administration manager for the Al Jaber Group said: "Our chairman, Obaid Khalifa Al Jaber, takes great pride in supporting activities in the community, be it sport or other related events."

"The Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies is of particular importance and we take great pride in being part of this endeavour," said Al Jaber, in a statement read on his behalf.

"This is not the first time that we have been associated with endurance races, as we have supported and sponsored such an event in the past. But Friday's 90-km Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies is of special significance as this sport is part of the UAE's heritage and culture," said Al Jaber.

"The UAE riders are already well-known all over the world and have won every major international championship. We hope that this Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies will help encourage more riders to join the sport and throw up more champions," he said.

Lara Sawaya, Tasweeq managing director, said over 60 riders had confirmed their entries for the ride.

"This number may go up. A total purse of Dh400,000 which includes a car for the winner will be up for grabs," she said.

Friday's ride is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs.

UAE: Hassan Bin Ali swoops late to win

Gulf News

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 14, 2009, 23:03

Abu Dhabi: The experienced Hassan Bin Ali unleashed terrific pace in the final loop astride Wer Krass to win the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) Emirates Championship endurance ride on Saturday.

A well-known sportsman of the UAE, the former car-racer who has won many an endurance ride in the UAE and abroad, was third going into the final loop of 16kms in the 119-km event, which attracted 85 riders to Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Leading from the start, Dhahi Abdullah Khamis Al Dhahi on Omani Iman topped the first four stages and went into the final stage almost a minute ahead of Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri in the second place while Bin Ali was two and a half minutes behind.

Bin Ali and his 9-year-old horse had until the final stage registered an average speed of 25.59km/h which was commendable under the dusty conditions.

However he seemed to have paced his horse well as Wer Krass moved from 13th in the first stage to third in the penultimate and was still in good shape.

Wer Krass obliged his rider with an amazing average speed of 30.51km/h on the final 16km, sealing victory.

Al Dhahi on Omani Iman finished second only ten seconds behind the winner.

"This horse is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and I have to thank him for all the support he gives us. Though I did come close a few times, today's win is the first for this season," said Bin Ali.

"Last year I won the Sorouh Cup here and for today's win I have to give full credit to my horse Wer Krass," said Bin Ali, who received the keys to a 4WD car for his win.

Rashid Salem Mohammad Al Faresi on Lienka finished third.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, watched the event.

Bahrain: Hamdan scores big victory

Gulf News
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 14, 2009, 23:03

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, scored a remarkable win in Bahrain's 120km endurance championship on Saturday to lift the prestigious His Majesty The King's Cup.

Riding Sas Alexis, Shaikh Hamdan led a 1-2-3 finish for the UAE in the ride organised by the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Hamdan and Sas Alexis completed the 120km distance in 5 hours 3 minutes and 23 seconds

The UAE's Salem Bin Ghadayer finished second on Dell Hama, just seven seconds behind. Completing the UAE sweep was Butti Mohammad on Drumslin Moonshine in 5:16.23.

More than 40 riders took part in the ride, held annually. Some of the top riders from Jordan and Kuwait were in the starting line-up.

It was Shaikh Hamdan's second consecutive podium finish in Bahrain. Recently, he finished third behind His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the 120km Endurance Giants Body Weight ride.

Bahrain: Top riders set for His Majesty race

ROYAL Jordanian Equestrian Federation president Princess Alia bint Al Hussein arrived in Bahrain last night to attend His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for tomorrow at 6am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Princess Alia was welcomed by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's (Breef) second vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and other federation officials.

Princess Alia thanked Breef, especially its president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for inviting her to witness this prestigious event which is the biggest endurance horseride competition on the federation's calendar.

Shaikh Khalid also welcomed the chief guest who attended last year's event too. He thanked the Jordanian federation for sending its finest riders to Bahrain to compete in the race.

Meanwhile, Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is due to reach the Kingdom today to lead prominent UAE riders in the championship.

The 26-year-old Shaikh Hamdan, son of UAE Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is one of top riders in the region and a strong contender for a place on the podium tomorrow.

Shaikh Hamdan, who won the gold medal in equestrian at the 15th Asian Games in Doha three years ago, will be accompanied by compatriots Salem bin Ghadir, Khalifa bin Jalayta and Abdulla Al Buziri who will all take part in the 120-km senior race.

The championship will also feature a junior race over the same distance. UAE riders to compete in the junior race are Ali Al Mirri, Khalifa Al Mirri and Abdulla Al Mirri.

A six-member Royal Jordanian team will only take part in the senior race. The team members are Jehad Shehaltog, Abdulhamid Al Saleh, Sobhi Khalil, Farah Abu Na'amea, Atalla Hamad and Lawrence Al Fayez.

Kuwait will be represented in the championship by two riders - Abdulla Al Eibani and Turki Al Mutairi.

Both the senior and junior races will be divided into five equal stages. The senior race will kick off at 6am while the junior race will commence 30 minutes later.

The first two stages will be over 30 kms while the next three are over 25, 20 and 15 kms each.

Veterinary examination is scheduled for today from 3pm to 5.30pm.

The event, sponsored by Marsa Al Seef, follows the remarkable achievement of Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who finished second overall in the first-ever Endurance Grand Prix series which concluded in Dubai a few weeks ago.

The championship was originally due to take place last Saturday, but was postponed to give all stables and riders the opportunity to prepare for this prestigious event.

Australia: Meg proves tough enough in the UAE

Weeklytimesnow.com.au



Fran Cleland

March 13, 2009

MEG Wade - Australia's best known endurance rider and four-time Tom Quilty Cup winner - placed second of the visiting riders in the United Arab Emirates President's Cup.

The race, which was first staged in 2000, covers 160km and is held each year in mid-February.

It is one of the toughest in the world.

Each year selected horses and riders from around the world are invited to participate based on their current world ranking and recent performances, so it is for the world's best and toughest horses.

Entries range from 80 to 120 with a completion rate usually from 30 to 40 per cent.

The President's Cup has always been won by a rider and horse from the UAE.

Those from the UAE are passionate competitors in endurance and won team gold at the Endurance World Championships in Malaysia last November.

This year the event was won in just six hours and 30 minutes by Abu Dhabi rider Yousef Al Baloushi on Charlandre El Sharif of Al Reef Stables, the current 160km world record holder (6:28:28 in last year's Sheik Mohammed Cup), crossing the finish line hand-in-hand with his cousin, Omair Husain Abdulla Al Bloushi.

More...

UAE: Over 100 riders to battle it out for honours

Gulfnews.com

By M Satya Narayan
March 11, 2009

Abu Dhabi: Over 100 riders are expected to take part in Saturday's ADIHEX Emirates Championship 119-km endurance ride to be held at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Addressing a press conference yesterday, Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, said the ride was being supported by the Abu Dhabi International Hunting & Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX), Sorouh Real Estate, and the Breeding Stables in Normandy of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Abu Dhabi Sports Council.

"More than 100 riders have entered and the winner will drive away with a 4WD car. From the second-placed rider onwards those who finish in the top will get a slice of Dh400,000 on offer as prize money," Al Nuaimi said.

Abdullah Al Qubaisi of Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, who will be staging ADIHEX later this year, said, "Horse sport is an important part of the UAE's culture and we are glad to be involved in this event."

Al Qubaisi also introduced Captain Edward Olver, who will command The Musical Ride by Household Cavalry, making their Middle East debut in Abu Dhabi ADIHEX to be held between September 30 and October 3, this year. "It is a bridge between two cultures," he said.

Also speaking at the press conference was Sorouh's executive director of projects, Fahad Al Katbi, who said: "Sorouh's sponsorship of equestrian events in the UAE is part of its responsibility to the community. Through our broad range of sponsorship programmes we are working to support activities that contribute to the welfare of the community."

Abu Dhabi Sports Council's secretary general, Mohammad Al Mahmoud, said: "The ADSC is playing an active role in bring various domestic and international events under one umbrella to ensure better co-ordination and cooperation."

"We take this opportunity to announce that the Breeding Stables in Normandy owned by Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan has emerged as the leading stables for Purebred Arabian horses in Europe for the fourth consecutive year," said Lara Sawaya of Tasweeq Management.

Australia: Heat took its toll at Oberon ride

Mudgee Guardian
0/03/2009 3:32:00 PM

The heat took its toll on riders during the Oberon endurance ride on March 1, with hot and dry conditions proving different from previous rides.

There were 107 entries received on the day, and participants tackled the deceptive, up and down, course over four events.

Three entrants started at 2am in the FEI 20km event while 31 entrants tackled the FEI 80km and 60 entrants participated in the 80km ERA event at 5am.

Thirteen entrants were ready to go at daylight with the start of the 40km trainer.

Mudgee was well represented with five riders competing successfully in the different events.

Mette Sutton riding Tuldar the Magician and Paddy Smith riding Jamaal elected to tackle the FEI 80km. Mette and The Magician finished fifth in the middleweight while Paddy and Jamaal were successful in the heavyweight division.

Sutton’s time was five hours, six minutes.

Sutton commented that it was very dark at the start of the race and it seemed to take forever for daylight to appear.

“It was a bit of a scramble strapping the horses after the first 30km leg, as there was only a 30 minute hold time and the horses didn’t have much opportunity to recover, eat and drink,” Sutton said.

“It was a little better after the second 30km as there was a 40 minute hold and after the final 20km leg there was a 60 minute hold in which to present to the vets.”

Garry Bennett and Karabil Yanigi, Bernice King and Noble Navaar Destiny and Haydn Fisher and Silky entered the ERA 80km.

Bennett and Yaningi repeated their previous success again, taking home the ride winner and first in the middleweight division in only four hours and 50 minutes. Yaningi was also awarded the best-conditioned horse prize.

King and Destiny completed successfully in a time of six hours, 53 minutes, while Fisher and Silky were third in the heavy weight competition in seven hours and 24 minutes. Silky was also awarded the best-conditioned horse.

Following the third ride at Oberon at the end of the month, the next zone ride will be at Tooraweenah on April 19.

[More ...]