Great Britain: Endurance rides get under way ahead of first competition

Thisisdevon.co.uk - Full Article


Friday, March 09, 2012
Western Morning News

The new season of pleasure rides organised by the South West Group of Endurance Great Britain (GB) have now started.

Open to both members and non-members, these rides cover routes from ten miles up to 18 miles over a variety of terrain. For members, they are an opportunity to gauge the fitness of horses and ponies before the first competitive ride of the season. For non-members, they are a chance to experience an endurance ride and to enjoy riding across new and exciting countryside.

There was sunshine and a brisk wind for the first two rides, the first on Dartmoor from a venue at Okehampton and the second in Cornwall, around Cardinham Woods.

The Okehampton ride had a new venue this year, from the car park at Meldon Quarry, used with permission of the Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council. Some 30-plus horses and riders enjoyed a challenging route across north Dartmoor.

From the venue, the horses and riders headed up tracks on to the moor at Langstone Hill before riding down to Meldon reservoir and crossing the dam. The route then took them along the West Devon Way to Sourton Tors and the long canter up the grassy slope to the top of the ridge. From here the route carried on across Coombe Down, below Great Nodden, and on to the turning point at Nodden Gate.

On the way back, there was an alterative fast loop up towards Okehampton Camp, for those horses and riders who still had some energy left after the steep canter up Langstone Hill...

Read more here:
http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/Endurance-rides-way-ahead-competition/story-15456268-detail/story.html

Great Britain: Try Before you Buy Scheme Continues in 2012

Endurancegb.co.uk

12th March 2012

Non-members of EGB are welcome at all non-competitive rides, but Try Before You Buy provides a great opportunity to try this challenging sport in a competitive ride.

Following on from huge success last year, the Try Before You Buy scheme will continue this season. Try Before You Buy is aimed at people wishing to experience competitive Endurance riding, and offers free registration for horse and rider to enable them to compete in two competitive novice rides up to 40km before becoming a full member of EGB. The list of rides to choose from is extensive, with 23 regional EGB groups and a busy EGB calendar offering over 100 rides, from February to October, covering all levels.

Endurance GB’s chairman, Jo Claridge said “try before you buy was so popular last year we have decided to continue it for 2012. The number of people wanting to take up Endurance riding is increasing all the time making it one of the fastest growing equestrian disciplines. Many people who took part in try before you buy in 2011 have now taken out full membership for this season”.

Endurance gives competitors the chance to ride through new and exciting countryside and rides frequently take part in areas where general hacking is not permitted. There is good camaraderie between riders and competitors have great fun taking part. For those who do decide to join EGB having participated in Try Before You Buy, there is an excellent coaching, training and support system for all the levels of competition for members. Welfare of the horses is paramount and there will always be someone experienced on hand at a ride to answer any queries.

Non-members of EGB are welcome at all non-competitive rides, but Try Before You Buy provides a great opportunity to try this challenging sport in a competitive ride. Participating riders will pay just the competitive ride entry fee for the ride which is £37. The registration fees for horses and riders, which are usually £97, will be free to allow participation in two rides under the scheme. Rosettes will be awarded for completion, but there will be no eligibility for trophy points or progression towards novice qualifications.

Riders may only participate in the scheme for one season, anyone who took part in 2011 will not be eligible to do so again in 2012.

For more information see http://www.endurancegb.co.uk/html/item.asp?ItemId=2699

Australia: 2012 Tom Quilty in Tasmania

AERA.ASN.AU

In June 2012, the Tom Quilty National Equine Endurance Championship will be held in St Helens, Tasmania. As you would be aware, the Championship will consist of a 160km competitive horse ride held over 24 hours. The Tom Quilty has been running for over 45 years, and is steeped in history and tradition. The Tom Quilty National Championship changes state each year and in 2012, it is Tasmania’s turn to host Australia’s premier endurance ride.

Based on previous Tom Quilty events held elsewhere in Australia, we anticipate at least 500 interstate and international visitors to St Helens, in addition to around 400 Tasmanians who attend the event. International visitors from the UAE, Japan, Malaysia and the USA are regular participants in the Tom Quilty Championship and to gain a Tom Quilty completion buckle is one of the most highly regarded awards within the international, as well as national, endurance community.

In addition to the Tom Quilty Championship, the event will have a Trade Stall section for attendees to browse and make purchases. Given that the large amount of riders, crew and officials will stay for the majority of the week of 4th – 11th of June 2012, this will provide a substantial market for sales and promotion. Every competitor will receive a copy of the Tasmanian Tom Quilty program, a glossy colour magazine with the details of each State’s Endurance Championship, plus an outline of the program of events for the three main days of competition. You may like to prepare a page to be inserted into the program.

The Tasmanian Tom Quilty Committee have a media plan in place and will be publishing regular articles and media releases in the Examiner and other local newspapers leading up to the Tom Quilty 2012. We can also promote your business through this medium if you would like. We have been allocated six large advertisements in the state-wide newspaper, the Examiner, specifically in the Horse Directory, and we will also be preparing a feature closer to the event. This could be excellent coverage for your business if you would like to promote your organisation.

If you would like further information on how you can be involved, please contact me on gburford@freshfreight.com.au or on mobile 0439961090. We hope to hear from you soon.

Regards,

Greg Burford
Treasurer
Tasmanian Tom Quilty 2012 Committee

Bahrain: Shaikh Nasser Endurance Horse race a success

BNA.BH

3/3/2012

Manama, March 3 (BNA) The Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and Head of the Royal Endurance team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and President of Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (BREEF) Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa today honored the winners of the Shaikh Nasser 100 Kilometers Endurance Race.

The race which started at the early hours of the morning witnessed the participation a great number of local stables despite the strong wind gusts and rising sands.

On this occasion Shaikh Nasser praised the winners' advanced level, hailing their tremendous effort to finish the race despite bad weather.

He also praised BREEF's efforts in organizing the race, asserting that Shaikh Khalid's directives are well appreciated and reflect the federation's keen interest to develop its races. He also wished all the federation's staff further success.

For his part, Shaikh Khalid expressed happiness of the race's success despite the cancellation of its last stage due to bad weather.

He congratulated Shaikh Nasser on the success of the race and the high competence showed by the riders.
He also congratulated the winners of the race and hailed their efforts, wishing them further success in future races.

h.s.

Bahrain: Endurance ride preparations on

Gulf-daily-news.com

Friday, March 02, 2012

THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) has stepped up preparations for the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Adults Endurance Horse Ride, to be held tomorrow.

Set to take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, the event will be over 100km and offers valuable awards, including three Toyota 4x4 cars that will be given away to the top three riders.

A veterinary examination is scheduled for today from 3pm to 5pm at the village. The veterinary commission is being headed by Dr Abbas Al Haiki of Bahrain.

It includes foreign veterinary delegate Mohammed Al Hammad of Saudi Arabia, Tunisia's Yassine Motemri, Roula Shabhan of the UAE, Ridhab Zeki of Iraq, Khalid Al Ruzaiqi of Oman, Mohammed Al Daen of Saudi Arabia and Dounia Motemri of Tunisia.

Other veterinarians are Bahrain's Ebrahim Yousif, Sabah Al Kabie, Abu Obaidah Yacooq and Abdulrahman Abu Shook.

The federation also named the officials for the ground jury. Dhafi Al Merri of Qatar was appointed president of ground jury, which also includes Bahrain's Ghalib Al Alawi, Abdulsamad Al Bosta, Mahdi Al Kalati, Fahad Al Rumaihi and Ali Ghuloom.

Mohammed Dadulla is the foreign technical delegate, Jordan's Haider Al Zu'bi was named chief steward while Abdulla Al Rumaihi is the event steward.

The race will feature four stages. The first will be over 30km, while the second will also cover 30km. The third stage will be over 20km, while the fourth and final stage also covers 20km.

Tomorrow's event will be held under the patronage of Breef president and first vice-chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Shaikh Khalid said that races in Bahrain differ from those of other countries due to the large number of stables and horses, which underlines the kingdom's great interest in this sport. He highlighted the efforts of the board of directors of the federation in developing endurance competitions.

Meanwhile, Royal Endurance Team will head into this event as the top favourites.

The team, captained by Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, comprise some of the kingdom's most prominent riders. They include Abdulrahman Al Zayed, Raed Mahmood and Abdulrahman Al Saad, who all expressed keenness to put forward their best performance and win the competition.

On his part, Al Ruwaie Stable captain Khalid Al Ruwaie said his team is well-prepared for tomorrow's ride, which promises to be one of the most interesting rides in the season.

Al Ruwaie also said that his team includes the youngest participant in the championship, 14-year-old Rashid Khalid Al Ruwaie, who is making his debut in endurance ride championships.

Horse sport faces Olympic hurdle

Weeklytimesnow.com.au - Full Article

March 1 2012
Fran Cleland

EQUESTRIAN events are no longer a given for the Olympics, writes FRAN CLELAND

The Olympic Equestrian Federation has reassured its support for horse sports in the Olympic Games for the next 100 years.

But many still have doubts.

This year's London Olympic Games at Greenwich Park marks 100 years of equestrian sport in the Olympic movement.

FEI president Princess Haya issued a statement last week celebrating the milestone.

Equestrian sport has been part of the Olympic movement since the 1912 Stockholm Games.

It is one of the few Olympic sports in which men and women compete against each other and the only one which involves an animal.

But there is considerable discussion as to whether the equestrian sports can survive at the Games.

Other sports - far less expensive to run and hosted by countries not capable of holding horse sports because of quarantine issues - are hammering at the IOC's doors for inclusion.

Horse sports appear "elitist" and their requirements can cause resentment.

London's Greenwich Park has come under criticism from residents - similar to the Grand Prix-related Albert Park protest in Melbourne - due to the loss of access to the park at competition times.

The $68.5 million cost of construction for what is only a temporary venue which carries no benefit to the equestrian community is difficult to justify when it would have cost far less at existing facilities at Windsor.

The simple fact cannot be denied. Equestrian Sport is expensive to run.

The 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington finished with a loss of $1,386,625 despite sponsorship, and required a cash loan close to the event...

Read more here:
http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2012/03/01/449591_opinion-news.html

Spain: Postponement of Al-Andalus Ironhorse

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

February 29 2012

From the Organizing Committee of Al-Andalus Ironhorse VII we report that was postponed until October, due to problems outside the organization, this is the note of the Organizing Committee.
"From the Organizing Committee of the Raid" Al-Andalus Ironhorse "Sorry to inform you that, for reasons beyond our control, we are forced to postpone the race until next fall.

The terrible economic crisis, coupled with the approaching elections Andalusian prevent us from accessing any financial support or media and can not guarantee the viability of our project.

We regret the disruption we have caused you and deeply appreciate all your wonderful willingness to cooperate and participate.

Hopefully the situation will soon improve and we can organize a race category and media support the sport deserves. "

Greetings from Gabriel.

Qatar: Arabian adventure: Desert riders uphold ancient equine tradition

QATAR (CNN) -

The sun is not yet up over the desert, but already 50 horses and riders are gathered at Qatar's Endurance Village in Al-Wakra, half an hour's drive from the capital Doha.

They are gathered to compete in a 120-kilometer (74.5-mile) endurance race, the likes of which are held here most weeks. Masked riders gaze steely-eyed into the desert as their horses crest their necks and paw the ground, eager to get the race under way.

The starter counts down in Arabic, and the horses and riders surge over the starting line, galloping into the pitch-black desert with their high-held tails streaming behind them.

Hot on their heels a fleet of Land Cruisers hares after them across the sand, the glare of their headlights creating a moving oasis of light. These are the support vehicles from which the owners, trainers and managers can observe the race in progress and shout instructions.

Today, the horses will complete laps of a 30 km (18.6 miles) course, stopping for checks at the end of each lap. Any horse deemed unfit to continue thhttp://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=5099696e race will be eliminated at each check point.

They will travel at speeds of up to 40 km per hour (25 mph) for around eight hours. Of the 50 who started the race, fewer than a quarter will complete it.

Most of the horses are pure-breed Arabians who are revered in Islamic culture, prized for their beauty, intelligence and, above all, their endurance.

It was the Arabian horse that formed the genetic blueprint for the modern racehorse, with every modern thoroughbred tracing its DNA to just three "original" oriental stallions imported to the UK in the 18th century.

Some say the Arabian horse was a gift to mankind from Allah. The ancient breed is supremely well-adapted to the unforgiving desert terrain of the Middle East.

Many of these animals are ex-racehorses, gradually trained and brought up to fitness to compete in endurance races.

Although the sport is ancient in its origins, today's races are as professional as they are competitive, with horses conditioned to the peak of fitness and subject to rigorous veterinary inspections both during and after the race.

...more

Joan Harris Receives Endurance Canada Hall Of Fame Award

Horse Sport | February 23, 2012 | 0 comments

Endurance Canada takes great pride in recognizing Joan Harris for all she has done for the sport of endurance in Canada. For her dedication, Harris has been named as recipient of the Endurance Canada Hall Of Fame Award.

The list of Harris’ endurance related accomplishments could wrap around a trail loop, but she is not content to retire and reflect on her past accomplishments. She remains an active member of the local saddle club near her home in Jarvie, Alberta. She has quite literally lost track of the number rides she has organized and managed, some of them FEI, in the past 30 years. Harris has also held every board of director’s position in her provincial organization, the Endurance Riders of Alberta.

At present she is a member and a committee member of Endurance Canada, and she is an FEI Endurance Steward. Her resume of her international involvement in the capacity as rider, official and crew is extensive.

Harris has held three FEI rides in a row, and she has a three year plan for more rides including FEI rides and fundraising rides for them. No small task on a tight budget, a retirement income, and quite often a task force of one—herself. When her trail system needs to be cleared and marked on horseback which she has often done on her own, she has been known to pack a chainsaw on her horse and spend a whole day clearing trail.

Yet Harris still makes time to ride. Her lifetime mileage is close to 6800 competitive miles and Harris is looking forward to participating in 100 mile rides this coming summer and next year, so she will have her 7000 mile award buckle in time for her 70th birthday.

“It is a great honor to be recognized this way for my 30th anniversary of being involved with endurance riding,” said Harris. “I love every aspect of this sport from grassroots to podium. It has been my life.”

Harris’ mixture of modern foresight, blended with experience and her enthusiasm to assist anyone from first time rider to first time FEI rider has been an encouragement to many endurance members.

“Joan Harris has been hugely valuable to the sport of Endurance in Canada; one might almost say pivotal,” said Endurance Canada Committee chair, Terre O’Brennan. “In addition to her many years of service at the domestic level—managing events for her local Alberta riders—she has been at the very forefront of promoting international level competition. Her commitment to managing FEI-sanctioned events where both athletes and officials can qualify and get experience has been crucial to our efforts to compete on the World stage.”

And while she has no plans to retire just yet the Hall of Fame would not be complete without Harris’ name in it.

New Zealand: North Island Championships

NZEquestrian.org.nz

Lisa Davenport and Lace and Fineness won the STIHL CEI3* 160 km Championship in the North Island Championships, held on 21-22 January, 2011. Their ride time was 9:36.50, 17 minutes ahead of second place finisher Rosemary Revell and AA Mystic Charm. Best Condition award went to Lace and Fineness. Of the 16 starters, 7 finished.

Georgia Smith, riding Aurora Australia, won first place and Best Condition the Ethical Agents Pty CEIJY3* 160 km Championship as the lone entrant. Her total ride time was 10:00.01.

The Dixon Smith Equestrian CEI2* 120 km Championship was won by Braden Cameron on Karamea Krusader, in 6:49.53, 6 seconds ahead of Alexandra Rogers on Supre Topaz. Third place Sandy McCuan and Mizraim Silver Gym received Best Condition honors.

First place and Best Condition in the Sarah Linton Equine Therapies and Saddle Fitting CEIJY2* 120 km went to Emma Mason and Tararua Mistalight.

For more results, see
http://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=727&ESID=5817

Spain: The national Raid loses one of the great, Quico Yebra

Left Quico Yebra giving an award to José Luis
Ruiz Hidalgo. ggjineteraid.blogspot.com

Thehipicatimes.com

The Raid Team Leader in Spain, Quico Yebra, has died after losing battle with cancer that lasted two years.

The equestrian world national and international has lost an exceptional professional. Yebra Quico has left us after two years battling cancer. The Spanish Team Leader Raid achieved in this discipline that Spain stand out internationally. It has been so far who has reaped more success as Team Leader Raid in Spain.

The FEI, dated February 18, this emotional letter published on its website, in memory of Quico Yebra:

"With special offer dismay and sadness of the death of Quico Yebra, under whose direction the Spanish Raid has achieved major successes in its history.

Quico has died in the morning because of a cancer against which he fought for two years.

The disease was not an obstacle to lead the Spanish team on their recent successes in the World Championship 2010 (individual gold) and in Europe, 2011 (individual Gold and Silver Team).

Previously, since 2005 to become our Team Leader, other World Championships and European categories of senior and junior have witnessed their good work and results, which have devoted themselves to raid Spanish as one of the best in the world.

From here our sincere support to his family and the whole family of Raid, you lose today a unique figure.

Rest in Peace "

India: Even paralysis couldn't stop Raj Patel's jockey dreams

DNAIndia.com - Full Article

Published: Monday, Feb 20, 2012, 15:41 IST
By DNA Correspondent | Place: Ahmedabad | Agency: DNA

When Raj Patel, 11, a student of the fifth standard finished first in the juniors category of the endurance race held in Ambdo village near Gandhinagar, his family, friends and onlookers erupted in joyous celebration, cheering the young boy for his achievement.

But only few knew that this little champ had also triumphed in the greatest endurance test that life had in store for him.

For, Raj, who has taken part in several such races across the state and dreams of being a jockey, had taken a fall from a horse which left him completely paralysed. Raj fell from a horse the very first time he insisted on riding one!

"We had just bought a mare and he insisted on riding it. At that time he was just three and a half-year-old. Because he was being so stubborn about it, we let him sit on it while we stood at a distance. To our horror he fell off the mare," said Hiren Patel, father of Raj, who runs a farm and a dhaba...

Read more here:
http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_even-paralysis-couldn-t-stop-his-jockey-dreams_1652575

UAE: Al Abbar victorious in Rashid Endurance Ride

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Teenager braves sandstorm aboard gelding Jordan Vale Red Cloud to come home 29 seconds clear of the field

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports ReporterPublished: 00:00 February 19, 2012

Abu Dhabi: The depth of the UAE's pool of riding talent was once again evident as another youngster topped the podium in the Shaikh Rashid Bin Hamdan Al Maktoum CEI Two-star 120km Endurance Ride yesterday.

College student Mohammad Ahmad Hassan Al Abbar, 18, rode 15-year-old Jordan Vale Red Cloud to a fantastic win in harsh conditions at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.
A field of 143 riders took part — another sign of the growing popularity of endurance riding in the UAE, the nerve centre of the sport. Several riders from other countries were also in the field.

The sandstorm which the country has been experiencing created havoc as the open desert venue made it extremely difficult for both rider and horse...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/al-abbar-victorious-in-rashid-endurance-ride-1.982832

New Zealand: Worsfold Takes Top Honours at South Island Champs

NZEquestrian.org.nz

14/02/2012 8:47:32 a.m.
Northwinds Bradley McGregor’s name was once again added to the South Island Champs CEI 3* 160km trophy after being steered to another victory by Debby Worsfold on February 4th at Hawarden, North Canterbury in the CopRice sponsored event.

“Brad” as he is known in the paddock is owned by Chris King and won the award in 2009 as well as placing second in the same class the following year, also with Debby onboard.

This year they finished in a time of 11.09.58, almost one hour ahead of second placed Sarah Hamer riding Glendaar Fire Maid, in the mare’s first completion at this level.

Brad won the Gallagher Best Conditioned Horse Award.

Also being contested on the Saturday was the Silands Stud CEI 1* 100km, CopRice CEI JY 1* 100km and CopRice 100km CEN Junior classes, alongside the Trans Tasman Challenge with teams from New Zealand and Australia competing for the coveted shield.

There was a fair amount of excitement when non-NZ team member Hamish Malcolm, riding Northwinds Apollo, crossed the line first in a gallop finish, in the 1* 100km class, with Australian team rider Steve Grey, riding Linda Puller’s Joie de Vivre of Kishon, just one second separating the two, with ride times of 5.36.52 and 5.36.53 respectively. The two horses then tied (in what is thought to be the first time) for the Gallagher Best Conditioned Horse.

The Young Riders in this class also had a gallop finish(just several minutes after the seniors) – two NZ riders and one Australian, the kiwis doing well to finish first and second with Vanessa Bragan and LaraPinta Sky taking the honours from Charlotte Wadsworth and Avaasha and Charlotte’s pony then going on to be named Gallagher Best Conditioned Horse.

The Trans Tasman result went down to the wire with Australia coming out victorious by one minute 47 seconds, a well deserved win on borrowed NZ horses.

Jorja James and Fahana did well to claim the 100km Junior class, also winning the Maree Britten Best Conditioned award, their time 8.10.47.

Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) was also ridden this day – the 68km Open class and the 36km Intermediate class.

Making a good start to her weekend, Jenny Worsfold won the Open class, on Banu’s Wind-Dancer, from Rebecca Kenny and Blue Violet, just seven points separating them over the three loop course.

Canterbury committee member Vicki Christofferson and Blue Mountain Buddy won the Intermediate class with Liz Bishop and Rock Jam second placed, and best timed overall in CTR (sponsored by Gallagher).

Sunday saw competitors competing in the WF Lucerne Haylage CEI 2* 120km, CEI JY 2* 120km and Lincoln Grain and Produce CEI 1* 80km rides.

Robyn Hill and Silands Rhaffety finished victorious in their first 2* completion, also taking out the Gallagher Best Conditioned Award later on. Their total ride time was 8.27.07.

Ingrid Ambrosiussen and Diam’id rounded out a good weekend for Kevin James and Sarah Hamer (who own the horse) by winning the Young Rider 2* class, in a time of 10.35.31, then also being awarded Gallagher Best Conditioned Horse.

The CEI 1* 80km class also ended in a gallop finish – between three horses this time, with the first across the line unfortunately vetting out. Ian Gray, riding Naibara Silver Moon, was happy to claim the title and Gallagher Best Conditioned, with Abdalmajeed Al-Harthy and Forrest NZL finished two seconds behind for the runner up award.

The Canterbury club did a great job of running this weekend and we look forward to using this venue and tracks again for the Velvet Pure Nationals at Easter.

Click here for full results

WEG ended 2010 with financial loss despite aid from Lyons, Princess Haya

Kentucky.com - Full Article

By Janet Patton — jpatton1@herald-leader.com
Posted: 8:22pm on Feb 11, 2012

The 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, once lauded as likely to be the first championships of its kind to make money, apparently fell shy of that mark despite last-minute help from sponsor Pearse Lyons and FEI's president, Princess Haya.

According to its 2010 tax return, the non-profit World Games 2010 Foundation closed the year $1,386,625 in the red after receiving almost $70 million in revenue, including more than $36 million in 2010 alone.

Because the Games were put on by a private foundation, tax returns are the only financial information required to be made public. Individual contributions do not have to be disclosed.

But according to foundation chairman John Long, the 2010 revenue included a previously undisclosed extra cash injection of $3 million from Lyons, founder of Alltech, the Nicholasville-based animal health and nutrition company.

Lyons' company paid $10 million for title sponsorship of the Games at the Kentucky Horse Park, the first equestrian championships held outside Europe.

Alltech spokeswoman Susanna Elliott said last week that Lyons would not comment on the Games' finances or the transaction...

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/02/11/2065068/weg-ended-2010-with-financial.html

Abu Dhabi: Hazza takes President's Cup

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Published: 00:00 February 12, 2012

He started on a slow pace but steered the horse brilliantly to take the crown

Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hazza Bin Sultan Al Nahyan revealed great horsemanship when he won the prestigious HH The President's Cup CEI Three-star 160-km endurance ride at the Emirates International Endurance Village here yesterday.

While winning the Dh1.5 million ride, Shaikh Hazza also denied Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi his third consecutive success in the President's Cup.

Riding 12-year-old Glenmorgan, Shaikh Hazza started on a slow but steady pace and from being positioned 46 after the first stage out of the 126 riders who started, he went on to score a brilliant win against some of the UAE's top riders.

Shaikh Hazza and Glenmorgan completed the six-loop 160-km ride in six hours 21 minutes and 35 seconds finishing ahead of Al Beloushi on Cronus, the winning pair of last year's ride with National Day Cup winner Fatima Jasem Al Merri on Ohio in third place and recent winner of the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup 160-km ride - Abdullah Ganem Al Merri in fourth place.

Shaikh Hazza, whose previous best in the President's Cup was a 9th place finish in 2002, moved from 46th position to 12 after the second stage of 31 kilometres and after the third set of 31 kilometres he got into the top ten...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/hazza-takes-president-s-cup-1.979231

Belgium: Pre-Ride for FEI European Endurance Championship for Young Riders & Juniors

http://www.endurance-belgium.com/montlesoie-2012/

On the saturday 28th and sunday 29th of April, Mont Le Soie will organize a series of competitions for senior and young riders, all in FEI classes. This will be a unique opportunity for the national squads to discover the competition.
Everyone knows of course how important it is to prepare well in advance all details concerning their participation to a big event.
 
The competitions on the saturday will count at the same time for the Belgian Championship: the CEI***160 for seniors and the CEI**YR120 for young riders).

On the saturday 28th of April, 4 international competitions:
° CEI**YR120km and CEI*YR100km
° CEI***160km
° CEI**120km.
 
On the sunday 29th of April, 2 international competitions:
° CEI**120km
° CEI*100km.

Mont Le Soie is a hilly and tough ride. The venue is located on the top of a plateau (elevation 550 meters). There are several hills on each stage, some being easier than others. The elevation graphs gives a good idea of the route. There are easy stretches where horses will canter easily, there are tough descents and gruelling ascents.
The going is mostly hard, so it is highly advisable to shoe the horses accordingly. The trail comprises large forest pads (used by forestry equipment), narrower trails (mostly going up and down the hills), dirt roads in the open ranges, asphalt roads when crossing the villages.

Spain: VII Raid Al-Andalus Interhorse Program

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

Advance program VII Interhorse Raid Al-Andalus:
Fee:
180.00. - € registration + 60. - € box., horse and rider to participate in three days.
140.00. - € registration + 60. - € box., horse and rider involved two days .
70.00. - € registration + 60. - € box., horse and rider to participate one day.
30.00. - € dinner party end awards in Camping La Aldea. El Rocío.
Inscriptions previous: Until March 30, 2012.

Registration definitive:
The maximum registration period is April 4. As the April 4 step required by the secretariat of the competition to finish the term of numbers including delivery.
Licenses: All riders must have their licenses sports (LDN) and valid insurance.
All horses must have its sports licenses in force (LAC), FEI passport for non-Spanish horses and LIC for the Spanish, and meet the health conditions required (health card, vaccines, micriochip). MUST SEND A COPY OF THESE.

Stages:
5.4.2012 - The Mist - Matalascañas - The Dew Point: 71.080 kms.
6.4.2012 - The Mist - Fennel - The Dew Point: 74.260 kms.
7.4.2012 - The Mist - Four Vitas - The Dew Point: 77.840 kms.

AWARDS Section 828 of the RCR
only opt for the different awards those teams that qualify in every stage of the test.
prize The prize money is to be determined in advance of program.
The Organizing Committee reserves the right to award in its discretion other prizes.
All prizes will involve subsequent tax bill at the time of payment.

Final standings Awards in Euros (Teams) Trophies
1, 1500. - €, Trophy, certificate and Rosette.
2 º 1,000, - € Trophy, certificate and badge.
3 º 500. - € Trophy, certificate and badge.
Best condition: Trophy, certificate and badge.
Total value: 3,000. - €
Advancement Program and Regulation: Regulation VII Raid Al-Andalus Ironhorse.

Greetings from Gabriel.

Canada: Riders, horses to test their limits

Standard-freeholder.com - Full Article

By ERIKA GLASBERG, EGLASBERG@STANDARD-FREEHOLDER.COM

CORNWALL – Several passionate horseback riders from the area are getting ready for some serious riding as the Seaway Valley Arabian Horse Association hosts their International Endurance ride later this year in Finch.

The endurance race will be the third one held by the club but the only endurance race held in Ontario in 2012, one of three held in Canada and one of 11 races in North America.

“Usually in Ontario we try to have one international ride a year and nobody was stepping up to the plate,” said Dessia Miller, president of the club.

The races that are being held are in the one and two star levels.

In order for riders to qualify for the championship races (known as the four star level), they have to go through the star system.

The one star level requires the rider to complete an 80 km run at slower than 16 km an hour.

The two star level is a 120 km course with no speed restrictions.

The three star level is a 160 km course with no speed restrictions and finally, the four star level requires riders to complete a 160 km course in under 12 hours...

Read more here:
http://www.standard-freeholder.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=3467014

New Zealand: Marlborough riders third in Canterbury

Stuff.co.nz

Last updated 09:20 10/02/2012

Marlborough Trail and Endurance club members performed well at last weekend's South Island Endurance championships at Harwarden in Canterbury.

On a new and challenging track, Anna Hynes, who lives in Westport but belongs to the Marlborough club, and Millenium Sensation were third in the 36km Intermediate CTR. Hynes finished on the best heart rates in the class but had misjudged the final 10km and rode slightly too fast, incurring 28 time faults.

Charlotte Wadsworth, 14, rode in the CEI 1* 100km Young Rider event and was also part of the Trans-Tasman New Zealand team. Charlotte had a very exciting gallop finish with the other Kiwi junior and finished in an impressive time of 5hrs 44min 04sec.

Charlotte's horse, Avaasha NZL, then went on to win the Best Conditioned Horse award for this Young Rider class. The Australians just won the Trans-Tasman Challenge, their three top scores beating New Zealand's by 1min 47sec.

Heidi Bulfin on Stonelea Sparkling Rose and Robyn Hill on Silands Rhaffety, competed in the CEI 2* 120km ride. Hill won the class with Bulfin runner-up, the first competition for both at that level and the duo rode most of the four-loop ride together.

It started at 5am on Sunday and travelled over fairly testing terrain. Hill's time was 8.27.07 seconds and Bulfin clocked 8.27.41.

The Marlborough riders beat some more experienced horses in their class even though everyone rode fairly conservatively in this one, mainly aiming for completions.

The vetting standards are very tough in endurance with just the slightest niggle being enough to put a horse out. Hill's horse was also awarded best conditioned.

Out of 56 total entries there was a completion rate of 69 per cent which is good as riders tend to push their mounts a bit more than usual.

- The Marlborough Express

Spain: Raid Al-Andalus Ironhorse News

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 7, 2012

Raid Al-Andalus The Ironhorse starts to move, says that soon will have prepared the application form and need volunteers to lend a hand in the test and the Organization of the Competition.
Here's the contact to communicate with them: raidironhorse@gmail.com

Together we must help Jose Manuel Soto, a man who is completely devoted to the organization of this event Equestrian Endurance, high-level sports event, all riders want to participate and compete in this competition, but this year is shorter than normal, hopefully next year, return to their usual characteristics, walking for half Andalusian geography, to show the beauty of our landscapes, our food and contact with our people.

This year test daisy with departures and arrivals in the village of Rocio at the foot of the White Dove, three days together in the Great Week.

Greetings from Gabriel.

British endurance rider Catriona Moon heads to Abu Dhabi

Horseandhound.co.uk

Charlotte White, deputy news editor

7 February, 2012

Dorset vet Catriona Moon will be the only British rider at the 160km President’s Cup three-star endurance ride in Abu Dhabi on Saturday (11 February). Catriona, who has twice before represented Britain, expects conditions to be harsh as she and the 13-year-old Leila cross steep desert sand dunes in temperatures in the high 20s.

The duo fly to Abu Dhabi today (Tuesday 7 February).

Follow Catriona's progress with updates on Twitter via: @EnduranceGB

Bahrain: Al Hammadi claims King's Cup

Gulf-daily-news.com

February 05, 2012

THE Royal Team rider Yacoob Yousif Al Hammadi, riding Hondo, claimed the coveted title in the King's Cup Endurance Race yesterday at the Bahrain International Endurance Village.

The pair completed the 120-km race in a time of five hours, eight minutes and two seconds, just 21 seconds ahead of fellow Royal Team member Ahmed Janahi on Oeops.

Having led for the majority of the race, Jaffar Mirza came in third in a time of five hours, nine minutes and 34 seconds.

Al Hammadi's victory was based on a well thought-out strategy worked out under the guidance of Royal Team leader Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and coach Khalid Bu Lami and saw him overtake Janahi in the final stage of the race.

Praised

Speaking after the race, Shaikh Nasser praised the support of His Majesty for the event, which he described as one of the most important of the season.

He went on to highlight the continued success of the event and said this success was the result of great work done by the Royal Equestrian and Endurance Races Association and the King's Cup organising committee.

Shaikh Nasser admitted his delight in seeing the Royal Team members do so well.

He then expressed his appreciation to event sponsors Durrat Al Bahrain and Al Hawaj for their significant contributions.

Meanwhile, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports first vice-president and Royal Equestrian and Endurance Races Association president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa praised all participants in the race.

He also joined in praising King Hamad for his support to endurance sport and said the presence of His Majesty at the race provided a huge boost to all the participants.

Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid were alongside Royal Equestrian and Endurance Races Association vice-president Shaikh Faisal bin Rashid Al Khalifa and Endurance Committee chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa. They were also part of the presentation party for the closing ceremony of the race.

As well as presenting the prizes to participants in the King's Cup race, they also rewarded those from the race for riders with special needs.


Photos by Osama Mohammed:

New Zealand: Endurance horse deaths prompt review

Stuff.co.nz - Full Article

05/02/12
IMOGEN NEALE

The deaths of two horses involved in a national endurance riding competition have sparked a review by the country's governing body for equestrian sports.

One horse died during the Endurance National Championships near Turangi last year and another shortly after.

Equestrian Sport New Zealand (ESNZ) said the 13-year-old bay gelding Twynham El Omar was euthanased towards the end of the championship's 160km race, having failed the second-to-last veterinary inspection.

The horse had represented New Zealand at the 2010 world equestrian games in Kentucky.

Another horse, 8-year-old gelding Miro Astair, failed the last horse inspection and was taken to a nearby equine vet before being taken home.

He died from complications several days later.

Auckland-based endurance rider Keith McLeod said the sport was very well-managed and last year's event was an anomaly.

"Horses take years of conditioning to get to that distance, with lots of graduate steps along the way.

"You can't just jump in and do 160km. And even then they do it in five to six loops with a 40 to 60 minute hold in between.

"[In that time] they're thoroughly vet-checked for gut sounds, lameness, heart-rate, anything.

"If anything is not right they're vetted out...

Read more here
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/other-sports/6367954/Endurance-horse-deaths-prompt-review

Bahrain: Riders ready for endurance race

Gulf-daily-news.com

Saturday, February 04, 2012

THE much-awaited and the most prestigious races of the season - His Majesty the King's Endurance Race - will kick off this morning at the Bahrain International Endurance Village at 6am.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports President, Bahrain Olympic Committee Chairman and Royal Endurance Team leader Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa will be one of the favourites to win this event.

Shaikh Nasser described the race as the most important and strongest races in the endurance calendar. He stressed the readiness of the Royal Team to put up a good show.

Meanwhile, the Royal Equestrian and Endurance Races Association President Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa welcomed all participants and asserted that the race is one of the most important races in the region.

The medical inspection committee have completed the veterinary examination process of the participating horses under the supervision of the Veterinary Committee headed by Dr Yaseen Al Motamiry of Tunisia and other foreign doctors.

The Route Committee has also completed the race stages and other formalities. The race is divided into five stages with the first stage, to be marked by red flags, covering a distance of 30km. The second stage will also be over 30km but marked with blue flags.

The third stage will be over 20km and marked with green flags while the fourth stage of another 20km will be highlighted by yellow flags.

White flags will line the fifth and final stage which will also be over 20km.

A race for riders with special needs will also be held on the sidelines of the main event. It will be a first of its kind in Bahrain and the region.

This race will be over 15km divided into three stages of five kms each. The race will be held as per endurance laws and the horses will be subjected to veterinary examination after each stage of the race. A total of six riders are participating in this race.

Another highlight of His Majesty the King's race is that a number of European riders will be taking part individually and as teams along with a couple of Saudi riders belonging to the Shawamekh stable.

Bahrain's Sports Channel will broadcast the race live with the help of an integrated crew.

Mongolian trek the next adventure for West grad

Tracypress - Full Article

by Bob Brownne/Tracy Press Feb 03, 2012

If her life as a shipping lawyer in London and Athens isn’t challenging enough, Erin Shanson can always turn to her lifelong passion of horseback riding.

Countryside treks close to home are fine, but this summer Shanson has something much bigger on her schedule.

Shanson, originally from Tracy, and about 30 other horse enthusiasts will dash across 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) of the Mongolian steppe from August 7 to 20. It’s the fourth Mongol Derby put on by The Adventurists, a United Kingdom-based outfit that organizes multiple-day races around the globe. The group’s goal is to take people as far as possible from hotels and guided tours.

In an e-mail from Greece, Shanson stated that her search for a new equestrian adventure led to the Mongol Derby, and it was just the opportunity she was looking for.

“I have also always wanted to go riding in Mongolia, and The Adventurists provide a way of doing so that has the back up of a normal endurance race in the states- veterinary checks on each horse at every stop, before and after, as well as medical back up and experienced hands all along the route,” she wrote...

Read more here:
http://www.tracypress.com/view/full_story/17388285/article-Mongolian-trek-the-next-adventure-for-West-grad-?instance=sports_lead_story_left_column

Great Britain: Edgware-based rider's horse accepted on to top programme

Times-series.co.uk

Friday 3rd February 2012

After countless hours, thousands of miles and unwavering dedication Rebecca Kinnarney has seen her horse Seren Capella accepted onto the World Class Start and Potential Squad (WCSPS) of Endurance GB.

The WCSPS is the national body which governs the sport of endurance and from it you can work up to the elite squad from which the Great British team is selected.

The decision is reward from Kinnarney, who suffered a stroke in 1995. After recovering, she decided to purchase the horse, nicknamed Ellie, five years ago.

The 11-year-old chestnut Arab mare, which was bred on a mountainside in Cumbria, is now kept in Edgware and currently competes in rides of up to 80km.

Monk and Nash Headed to President's Cup

January 31 2012

Chris Martin's Monk, with rider Lindsay Graham, and Doug Swingley, owner and rider of National Security (Nash), are the two US riders who have been invited to participate in the 160-km President's Cup Endurance ride in Abu Dhabi on February 11. Monk has been preparing in California with Martin and Graham, and Nash has been training in Utah at the Global Endurance Training Center with Christoph Schork.

The horses will fly out of Los Angeles on February 6th.

UAE: Foreign riders create history in President's Cup endurance races

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Donnais, Kart and Singh outpace UAE challengers to win titles

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter
Published:January 30, 2012


Abu Dhabi: For the first time in the UAE's domestic endurance history, three foreign riders finished on top in the President's Cup for Junior Riders, the President's Cup for Ladies and the President's Cup for horses privately owned.

The Bouthieb Endurance Village in Al Khatem saw over six endurance races over the last three days including Qualifier rides.

Achille Donnais of France on Queops des Aubepines finished ahead of the UAE's Khalifa Ganem Al Merri on Ridasa Brinda with just 26 seconds separating the two riders in the President's Cup for Juniors and Young Riders which was a Two-Star ride over 120 km.

Donnais and Queops des Aubepines completed the five stage race over 120 km in a ride time of 4hrs 32 mins and 44 seconds with the UAE rider in second place and Fatima Jasem Al Merri, the National Day Cup winner in third place on Razoeback Wildfire in 4:39.20. A total of 47 riders took part in this ride And five UAE riders finished behind the French rider...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/other-sports/foreign-riders-create-history-in-president-s-cup-endurance-races-1.973053

UAE: Junior riders to prove their mettle in a strong field

Image Credit: Ahmed Kutty/Gulf News Gulfnews.com - Full Article

President's Cup to begin with mass start run in five stages

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports ReporterPublished: 00:00 January 28, 2012

Abu Dhabi: A strong field of junior and young riders will take part in today's President's Cup 120km Two Star Ride for Juniors and Young Riders at the Boutheib Endurance Village in Al Khatem.
The 120km ride will be run in five stages of 30km, 30km, 24kms, 20kms and 16 kms, with the junior riders getting off to a mass start early this morning.

Ahmad Ali Al Sabri won the President's Cup Two Star Ride for Juniors and Young Riders last year on Pony Express Hipolyte.

Meanwhile, the Boutheib Endurance Village also staged a couple of qualifier rides and an 80km One Star ride yesterday...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/junior-riders-to-prove-their-mettle-in-a-strong-field-1.972229

British rider to race in President's Cup

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

January 24, 2012

A sole British endurance rider has been invited to start in the FEI three-star 160km President's Cup ride across the Abu Dhabi desert next month.

Dorset veterinarian Catriona Moon, who has twice been part of the senior British Endurance team, will start in the race on February 11 on her 13-year-old mare Leila.

The President's Cup is one of the toughest endurance rides worldwide. The 160km course is across the desert and will include crossing steep sand dunes. The combination, which finished strongly in the 2011 FEI European Endurance Championships in Florac, France, have been training hard for the competition.

"It is likely the temperature in Abu Dhabi will be in the high 20s," Moon said. "Leila has been wearing lots of rugs and is training with two exercise sheets to try and get her used to being warm which isn't easy in the British winter."

The pair will fly out to Abu Dhabi on February 7 with their crew, Catriona's mother, Jackie Moon, and Zofia Lisowski.

Endurance GB's Emma Miller said: "We are delighted Catriona has been invited to take part in the Presidents Cup, she really deserves this chance and we wish her and Leila the best of luck."

Endurance GB will be following Catriona and Leila's progress on its Facebook page, at www.facebook.com/EnduranceGB.

UAE: Al Beloushi, Al Hammadi win

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Harsh conditions fail to deter duo from coming ahead of pack to victory
By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports ReporterPublished: 00:00 January 22, 2012


Abu Dhabi: Munder Ahmad Al Beloushi of Al Reef Stables and Hassan Abdullah Yousuf Al Hammadi of Al Wathba Stables won the Emirates Challenge and the Giants Endurance Challenge (Round 1) 120-km rides, respectively, at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba yesterday.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attended the ride.

It was a great win for Al Beloushi on the 16-year-old gelding Sharahd Talik in extremely challenging conditions while for elder brother Yousuf Ahmad Al Beloushi, it was another success as trainer. Sharahd Talik last won under Sultan Ahmad Al Beloushi in December 2008 in Dubai and repeated that feat again yesterday here at the Al Wathba venue with strong winds and dusty conditions making it very difficult for the riders...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-beloushi-al-hammadi-win-1.969092

UAE: Dubai schoolgirl proves her mettle in the end

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Fatima wards off two foreign riders in a neck-and-neck battle

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports ReporterPublished: 00:00 January 21, 2012


Abu Dhabi: Dubai schoolgirl Fatima Jasem Al Merri once again displayed her skills as she managed to finish ahead of two foreign riders to win the Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Ladies Endurance Cup at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba yesterday.

Al Merri, who won the National Day Cup at the same venue earlier in the season, won a close battle riding her eight-year-old gelding Hurst Radnor, with just 36 seconds separating the top three riders after the 90km race.

Al Merri, who also made the UAE proud by becoming one of the first two woman jockeys to take part in a flat race in the Netherlands last year, took the lead in the second stage of the four-stage race but was given a close fight in the final loop by New Zealand's Lauren Michelle Hiscock on Tora Conrad and French rider Geraldine Jacquet on Kaysand Farrazah.

Before going on to the final loop, Al Merri was ahead of Jacquet, while Hiscock moved up from her fourth place to finish just behind the winner...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/dubai-schoolgirl-proves-her-mettle-in-the-end-1.968780

UAE: Fatima Bint Mansour Endurance Challenge for Women riders to kick off tomorrow

WAM.ae

2012-01-19 16:07:06
WAM Abu Dhabi,Jan 19th, 2012 (WAM) -- Under the patronage of the Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Presidential Affairs HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Challenge for Women riders will kick off tomorrow at the UAE World Endurance tracks in Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi.

A total of 70 riders from various stables in the country as well as from GCC, Arab and other countries from around the world will participate in the 90-km race to be held under the guidance of Sheikh Mansour, who is also the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club.

The event sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage(ADACH), the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and Emirates Airlines is supported by a number of companies and national institutions in the UAE.

Half a million Dirhams has been announced in prizes for the winners.

WAM/AB

Malaysia: Sultan Terengganu to Participate in Endurance Horse Race

My.news.yahoo.com

January 18 2012


KUALA TERENGGANU, Jan 18 (Bernama) -- Sultan Terengganu Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin will be among participants in an Endurance Horse Race competition organised by the Al-Kathiri Equestrian Club in Lembah Bidong, Setiu on Saturday.

Club chairman Shaikh Abdul Halim Al-Kathiri said the race was the first of its kind organised in Terengganu by an equestrian club.

According to a statement from the Terengganu Menteri Besar''s office, the race that will feature a 50km and 80km race will start at 6.15am. Sheikh Abdul Halim said about 50 local riders would take part in the competition.

Great Britain: Chesham horse rider wins national award

Chesham.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk - Full Article


by Camilla Goodman on Jan 18, 2012

A HORSE rider from Chesham has won a prestigious national award.

Lorna Kidson, 29, of Chartridge Lane, Chesham, was announced as the winner of the runner-up prize for the South Essex Insurance Brokers and Retraining of Racehorses' Elite Performance Award for Endurance, at the Breeders Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Grange Hotel, London, last week.

Kidson, who is an insurance underwriter at Royal and Sun Alliance, in High Street, Chesham, scooped £500 for winning the accolade.

She won the award with ex-racehorse Jack Dawson, owned by Paul Wright and Margaret Donnolly...

Read more here:
http://chesham.buckinghamshireadvertiser.co.uk/2012/01/chesham-horse-rider-wins-natio.html

UAE: Al Merri takes Endurance Cup after close battle with Al Hazza

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Hamdan retires when leading in penultimate stage to preserve horse

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports ReporterPublished: 00:00 January 15, 2012

Abu Dhabi: Young Abdullah Ganem Al Merri of Nad Al Sheba Stables partnered Shardell Alladeen to win the prestigious His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup, a 160-km Three-star ride held at the Dubai International Endurance City yesterday.

The ride was attended by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

After Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, retired his horse when leading in the penultimate stage, Al Merri got the better of Bahraini rider Ahmad Abdullah Al Hazza on Picaflor with their close battle going all the way to the final kilometre before the UAE rider won by 27 seconds.

With the Dubai Equestrian Club adopting a five-stage ride for the 160-km event for the first time, Al Merri went into the final 19-km loop third behind Al Hazza with well over a minute separating the two riders. He then increased his final loop speed on the 12-year-old to average 28.43 kmph in comparison to his fourth loop average speed of just over 21-kmph and that proved decisive...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-merri-takes-endurance-cup-after-close-battle-with-al-hazza-1.965895

Spain: Kaliber Raid News Andalucia 2012

El Raid Blog

by Gabriel Gamiz Gomez
FRIDAY JANUARY 13, 2012

[google translation]


Our friend and Kaliber Andalucia President Jose Manuel Soto, sends us an email and a letter, telling him that this year 2012 will be the Kaliber.

Spanish and World crisis has hit the world of the horse and could not be unless you play at this great test, test that too many riders have the illusion of enjoyment, and José Manuel looking for cheaper solutions, explains in this letter, which wants to do in this year 2012.
The idea looks like it may be, is not the same go half Andalucia, to be anchored to a village, but this place is special, nestled inside the Doñana Paque, a place where they worship the Blessed Virgen del Rocio, horse landmark in the village meets during the pilgrimage, thousands of fans with their horses to enjoy those walks in the sand marshes.

This is the newsletter of Jose Manuel Soto on the new Al-Andalus Ironhorse :

"Dear friends,

Many of you're asking me about this year's raid, and I think it's time to give you an explanation. In 2012, due to the difficult economic situation we are going, we can not celebrate the Raid Kaliber-Andalusia as you had known before.

We had been several years working their way through the longest and toughest test in the world despite the many difficulties of all kinds that we face, to face them with hope and enthusiasm, but This year we have lost all support we had and we can not continue.

You can imagine the shame that this happens to us all that we fought so hard over the years by bringing forward this dream, but circumstances force us to send and adapt if not to resign. Our intention is not to lose the habit of doing a great race every spring in Andalusia, and especially not to lose the habit of meeting and share what most unites us: our love for horses.

Therefore, I propose a great weekend of horses and friendship in the village of El Rocío coinciding with Easter. We can not give big awards, or write great reports as before, but if we can share good times and compete healthily with our horses, which are also our passion.

The idea is to hold three races of 80 km each, in two stages a day, starting and finishing in the village of El Rocío, going through the incomparable landscapes sandy, covered with pines, Doñana and its beaches. And that everyone may want to run phases, establishing several classifications.

I think it's a much more affordable adventure from every point of view, although not without strength and competitiveness for those who decide to try to run all phases. The horse better classified which cover all stages be given the prize "Ironhorse" of the year. And that, precisely, is the name of this new career: "Al-Andalus Ironhorse."

From here I encourage everyone to fellowship and be convinced your friends, relatives and acquaintances to come and enjoy a few days together and healthy rivalry and that we all return to give an example of what this beautiful game.

Many thanks to everyone and my best wishes for the year just to start.

A big hug

Jose Manuel Soto
President of the Organizing Committee"

UAE: 200 enter for Mohammed Endurance Cup

Emirates246.com

18 year-old Nina Lassaragu from France is youngest competitor

By Allaam Ousman
Published Tuesday, January 10, 2012


Top French riders will be among 200 participants at the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup CEI*** to be held at the Dubai International Endurance City (DIEC) course on Saturday.

They will be among 20 overseas riders from Bahrain, France, UK, Italy and Spain who will be vying with Emiratis for top honours in the fifth running of this presitigious event presented by Longines, the official timekeeper of Meydan Group, and supported by Emirates Airline, official airline of Meydan Group.

The event annually serves as the highlight of the Dubai Endurance season bringing together some of the world’s greatest riders to test their skills over the 160km challenge Organised and hosted by the Dubai Equestrian Club.

The ride is scheduled to start 6.30 am at DIEC in the Seih Assalam area of Dubai, adjacent to Bab al Shams Desert Resort.

Nina Lassarague, 18, will be the youngest competitor at the event. Representing France at the World Junior Endurance Championships held in Abu Dhabi, Nina was placed second in the team event along with Led Vogles, who has been taking part in the Sheikh Mohammed bid Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup for the past three years. Cecile Demierre, Roland Vera and Laurent Noshi are the other French riders who are ranked among the top 10 back home.

“The Dubai Equestrian Club is once again honoured to offer the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup to the world of endurance riding that includes the competitors, crews, officials and all the people that make this great sport possible,” said Mohammed Essa Al Adnab, Deputy General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club at a press conference to announce the event at Medyan on Tuesday.

“We extend our special appreciation to our distinguished sponsors, Longines and Emirates Airline. They support this great event and the tradition of the horse in the United Arab Emirates. This is truly a sports event that displays and celebrates our equestrian culture and the legacy of the horse.”

“Ensuing from its partnership with the Meydan group, we are delighted to announce that Longines is the presenting sponsor and official timekeeper for the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup,” said Juan-Carlos Capelli, Vice-President and Head of International Marketing of Longines.

“The HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup presented by Longines is a blend of fortitude, technique and stamina and examines the harmony and balance between a rider and their horse. A race that requires precision, concentration and commitment, the Endurance cup fully corresponds to the values of Longines.”

In a fitting tribute to honour the spirit, masterful skills and determination of the winning rider, Longines will bestow the HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup champion with a stunning timepiece, The Longines Column-Wheel Chronograph Gold.

“Emirates has a strong affiliation with horse racing events and equestrian sports around the globe and we are incredibly proud to announce our sponsorship of the 2012 HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Endurance Cup,” said Khalid Al Haddad, District Manager Sharjah and Northern Emirates for Emirates Airline.

“Endurance riding holds a prestigious place in the sporting calendar of the UAE and our sponsorship of this race further highlights our commitment to the equine world. This race is a true testament of both the horse’s endurance and rider’s skills and I look forward to the race.”

The event will be divided into five stages. After the completion of each stage, the horses are rested and refreshed and undergo a veterinary exam to determine if they meet the physical standards to continue the event through the next stage.

The horse that finishes first, as well as all finishers, must successfully complete a post-race veterinary exam to determine they did not exceed the physical standards set forth by the sport. It is only after the final veterinary exam that the official order of finish is determined and announced.

South Africa: PSV Mauser – 1st barefoot SA horse to go to the World Champs!

Barefootattheworldchamps blog - Full Article

POSTED BY PERSEVERANCE ⋅ JANUARY 9, 2012

Size does matter. There are more endurance horses disadvantaged by being too big, than those that are too small. 14.3 is our favourite size.

Perseverance Mauser is a purebred, 14.3 Arabian gelding. His grandsire was the Polish Arabian stallion Khyberie. Khyberie has produced many top endurance horses. The rest of Mauser’s pedigree is predominantly Crabbet/ Old English.

Mauser is the complete all-rounder – over any distance, in any condition, and with any rider he does incredibly well. This year alone he has done two FEI *** hundred milers, one with a Standardweight rider in 9h49, and the other with a Heavyweight rider in 10h09. He was entered in his first Fauresmith 201km ride, and came 17th in the Young Riders, and he did brilliantly in the soft sands of Dune 7 at the Walvis Bay African Championships, and placed 11th in the Heavyweights!

PSV Mauser and Francois Seegers at the FEI ** African Championships in Walvis Bay, August 2011. They placed 10th in the Heavyweights over 120km

Mauser was the Eastern Cape Young Rider Champion horse at rocky Schanskraal in 2010, where he finished the 120km in a blistering 5 hrs 53 min.He also took first place at the 2011 Lormar120km in atrocious conditions – pouring rain and oceans of mud – but this time with a Heavyweight rider.

In April this year in the heat and sand of the South African International Challenge at Modimolle, he completed the 120km in 6h49, to help the Eastern Cape Young Riders team to 3rd place!

Prior to competing, Mauser underwent an extensive conditioning program to ensure strong legs and hooves. He has completed all his endurance riders with ease, and only failed a vet check once, on pulse. Mauser is a keen horse and enjoys competition, but is easy to ride. He has a big heart and good recovery times, and is also very, very fast. Like most winners he is highly opinionated and tries to take charge if the rider is not strict, but his strong character is part of his success...

Read more here:
http://barefootattheworldchamps.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/psv-mauser-1st-barefoot-sa-horse-to-go-to-the-world-champs/

Australia: Bobs Farm teenager in top tier of endurance riders

Portstephensexaminer.com.au - Full Article

BY MICHAEL MCGOWAN
11 Jan, 2012 01:00 AM

BOBS Farm resident Allix Jones, 19, has finished runner up in the Youth Endurance World Riding Championship held in Abu Dhabi.

Part of a team of four girls representing Australia,the impressive result in the 120-kilometre event, which took place in December, has lifted her towards the sport's top tier, and helped to secure an impressive team bronze medal for the country.

Facing trying conditions in the deep sand of the Middle East, Jones managed to complete the event in just over five hours, trailing the eventual winner by a heart-wrenching 12 second margin...

Read more here:
http://www.portstephensexaminer.com.au/news/local/sport/waterskiing/bobs-farm-teenager-in-top-tier-of-endurance-riders/2416636.aspx

Great Britain: 2012 FEI World Endurance Championships for Seniors

The FEI has confirmed that the minimum qualification speed, as per Article 816.3.10 and 816.3.13, for the 2012 FEI World Endurance Championhips for Seniors will be 14 kph. The ride will be hosted by Euston Park, Great Britain, on 25th August 2012

Bahrain: Breef endurance horse ride for disabled

Gulf-daily-news.com

January 09, 2012

THE Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) decided to organise an endurance horse ride for the disabled during next week's King Hamad Championship, scheduled for February 4.

The disabled ride, to be held on the sidelines of the main event that will be over 120km, will cover 5km distance and consists of just three stages.

This ride will be organised in the sidelines with the directives of Breef president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who also patronised a disabled race last week during the weekly horseracing meeting held at the Rashid Equestrian and Horseracing Club in Sakhir.

Shaikh Khalid expressed delight for the tremendous success of the most recent Breef Endurance Team Championship held last weekend, which was won by Al Khalidiya Stable team.

The Breef's chief stressed the federation's keenness to continue working on further improving and developing its programmes this year.

He congratulated the winners in both the team and individual rides of the endurance championship, and praised the brave performance of the other teams taking part, which made key contributions to the success of the event.

India: Is Gujarat’s Kathiawari breed galloping towards extinction?

Daily.bhaskar.com - Full Article

Source: DNA | Last Updated 04:04(09/01/12)

Ahmedabad: Their endurance can put Arabian horses to shame, their loyalty is unmatched and their temperament extremely fiery. Yet, despite such traits, the Kathiawari horse—an indigenous breed of Gujarat — is facing a decline in numbers.

Of the total six identified and accepted breeds of horses in India, the Kathiawari is the only one that is facing a threat of extinction. Experts who attended the Horse Show-2012 held at Dholera on Sunday said that the number of pure-bred Kathiawari horses is very low. They said that cross-breeding, a paucity of better-looking horses and a general lack of demand have led to this situation.

Some of them peg the number of ‘pure bred’ Kathiawari horses to as low as 40. Perhaps this could explain why the Centre and state government are working on a plan to revive the breed. “The number of pure bred Kathiawari horses is quite low. It should be noted that any breed whose number falls below 10,000 runs the risk of extinction and the Kathiawari breed definitely falls in this category..."

Read more here:
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/GUJ-AHD-is-gujs-kathiawari-breed-galloping-towards-extinction-2729224.html

UAE: Al Falahi fights close battle to take first place in endurance ride

Gulf News
photo:Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, secretary-general of the Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEI), Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Lara Sawaya, director of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, Nafez Abbara, project manager of SAS Investment Co LLC, and Mann Abu Saleh, proprietor of Samawi Neon, present the trophies to the winning trio.

Al Muhairi finishes second in 120km route at Al Wathba Challenge
By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports Reporter

Abu Dhabi: Tayef Atiq Sabt Al Falahi representing the W'rsan Stables based in the capital won the 120km Al Wathba Challenge endurance ride by a narrow margin at the Emirates International Endurance Village (EIEV) in Al Wathba yesterday.

Riding 12-year-old bay Arabian gelding Glenmorgan, Al Falahi was involved in a close battle for the finish before prevailing by 16 seconds from Thani Mohammad Al Muhairi on Razorback Wildfire from Seeh Assalam Endurance Stables with Mohammad Sulaiman Rashid Al Marbouei on Asraf Amir from Dubai Endurance Stables finishing a close third.

Al Falahi and Glenmorgan completed the five stage 120km event in which a large field of 163 riders contested in four hours, 24 minutes and 32 seconds.

It was Al Falahi's first 120km ride win in the UAE though the W'rsan Stables' rider had earlier tasted success in a similar ride in Malaysia.

"It was a very tough contest. I just decided to ride at an average speed of around 26kmph in the first four stages and my horse did well to respond to that," said the winner.

"It was only in the final loop that I pushed my horse and we managed to win this prestigious ride," he added.

Al Muhairi on Razorback Wildfire finished second in 4:24.48 while Al Marbouei on Asraf Amir was timed at 04.25.05 in third place.

Five stages

Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Deputy Ruler and UAE Minister of Finance, and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, attended the ride in which Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, also participated.

The 120km ride was run in five stages of 33, 27, 24, 20 and 16 km and the prize fund on offer was Dh350,000 including a car for the winner.

Taleb Dhaher Al Muhairi, secretary general of Emirates Equestrian Federation (EEI), Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, director general of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club, Lara Sawaya, director of the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival, Nafez Abbara, project manager of SAS Investment Co LLC, and Mann Abu Saleh, proprietor of Samawi Neon, presented the trophies to the winning trio.

Bahrain: Perfect Ride

Gulf Daily News
AL KHA- LIDIYA Stable were crowned overall champions in the Breef Endurance Horse Ride Team Championship yesterday.

The third endurance event of the season, held at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, was open for teams and was over 120km.

The ride was divided into five stages, with the first two stages covering 30km each. The third, fourth and fifth stages were over 20km each.

Competing with several stables from across the kingdom, Al Khaldiya team came on top with a combined total ride time of 16 hours, 45 minutes and 39 seconds.

Spearheading the victors were Abdulrahman Al Zayed, Ali Baqer, Salman Isa and Yaqoub Yousef.

Finishing second were Al Asayel team of Abdulla Al Qassmi, Fahad Sulaiman, Mohammed Saif and Khalifa Mubarak who completed the event in 18 hours, 58 minutes and 49 seconds.

In the individual ride, which was also over 120km, Royal Endurance Team riders lived up to many expectations, securing a 1-2 finish in style.

Riding Kintamani, Royal Endurance Team star Abdulrahman Al Saad raced to victory in five hours, two minutes and 34 seconds with a 23.796km per hour speed average.

Al Saad, who led the ride right from the start, was followed by teammate Abdulrahman Al Zayed (5:14:05) who came second on Zabubega, while Al Khalidiya Stable's Ali Baqer (5:40:02) rounded off the podium while riding Derrom.

In the day's other ride, an 80km event which was open for new riders, Salem Mubarak Sabt of Al Asayel Stable clinched victory in five hours, 15 minutes and 30 seconds with a 15km per hour speed average.

Behind him was Karam Al Belooshi (5:15:31), also of Al Asayel, in second place with a similar speed average of 15km per hour.

The event was witnessed by Supreme Council for Youth and Sports chairman and president of the Bahrain Olympic Committee Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who presented trophies to the top three in the team and individual rides.

Also attending the ride were Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Shaikh Sultan bin Hamad Al Khalifa and other federation officials.

Shaikh Nasser, the Royal Endurance Team captain, praised Al Khalidiya Stable's victory, which underlines the team's keenness to win podium.

Shaikh Nasser said the ride was excited and lived up to expectations.

He said the Royal Endurance Team were leading the team event in the early stages, but the elimination of some team members from the race proved vital.

Shaikh Nasser congratulated Royal Endurance Team member Al Saad on winning first place among individuals, and wished other team members progress.

UAE: Al Merri gallops to 100km Endurance Cup victory

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Teenager wins the race on nine-year-old Highland View Dolly

By M. Satya Narayan, Chief Sports ReporterPublished: 00:00 January 7, 2012

Abu Dhabi: Ahmad Mohammad Al Jaber Al Merri won the 100km Shaikh Zayed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for the second consecutive year to drive away with the car which was the winner's prize at yesterday's event.

Al Merri rode nine-year-old Anglo-Arab chestnut Highland View Dolly to a superb win at the Emirates International Endurance Village to once again top the event, which is open only to privately-owned horses.

The university student had last season won this 100km UAE national ride on Shardell Sharana Golden and yesterday he repeated that feat, this time finishing on top of a 78-strong field.

The 18-year-old Al Merri started on a very strong note in the very first loop, finishing second, and he never fell below that position in the four-stage race, which he won in a time of three hours, 46 minutes and 19 seconds...

Read more here:
http://gulfnews.com/sport/horse-racing/al-merri-gallops-to-100km-endurance-cup-victory-1.962467

UAE: Private owners to compete at Al Wathba

Gulfnews.com

Open rides for UAE nationals to mark meeting
Staff ReportPublished: 00:00 January 6, 2012

Abu Dhabi: The Shaikh Zayed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for horses owned by private owners and the Al Wathba Challenge open ride will be held today and tomorrow respectively at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

The rides are organised by the Emirates International Endurance Village and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, while SAS Investment Co LLC, Al Wathba Stables and Samawi Neon are the sponsors of the event.

Today's 100km Shaikh Zayed Bin Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for horses owned by private owners is a UAE national ride and will start at 6.30am.
The ride will be run in four stages of 33km, 27km, 24km and 16km.

A large number of riders are expected to start in this event, which is being organised to encourage small and private stables to compete against each other and give them a better chance.
Tomorrow's Al Wathba Challenge will be run over a distance of 120km.

The event is an FEI two- star ride. It is supported by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, SAS Investment Co LLC, Al Wathba Stables and Samawi Neon.

The ride is an open event which will start at 6.30am and will be run in five stages of 33km, 27km, 24km, 20km and 16 km.

Attractive prizes are on offer for the winners of the two rides.

Bahrain: Endurance team championship set

Gulf-daily-news.com

January 06, 2012

THE Breef Endurance Ride Team Championship, is scheduled for tomorrow at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Organised by the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef), the ride is the third event in the 2011/12 season and will feature a team competition.

It will feature two rides, the first of which is the main ride and will cover 120km. An 80km qualifier will also take place on the sidelines of the main event.

Tomorrow's rides will be held under the patronage of federation president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

The 120km ride, which begins at 6am, is open for horses aged six and above, with a minimum weight of 75kg and a maximum heat rate of 64 beats per minute, while minimum speed should be 12km per hour.

It's been divided into five stages - 30km each for the first and second, 20km for the third, 20km for the fourth and 20km for the fifth.

In the 80km event, due to commence at 6.15am, the organisers approved three stages. The first stage is over 30km, to be followed by another 30km for the second, while the third and final stage will cover 20km distance.

Riders should be at least 14 years old to participate. The maximum heat rate is 64bmp with a minimum allowed is 70kg and also 12km minimum speed average required.

The veterinary examination for both rides are scheduled for today from 3pm to 5pm at the veterinary area in the village.

The awarding ceremony will be held at 1.30pm on a purpose-built stage at the village, where the top three teams will be honoured.

Following this weekend's ride, the federation will continue preparations for His Majesty the King's Cup ride, the main event of the endurance season, that will take place on February 4.

It will be followed by the Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa Ride on February 18. The Breef Championship will then take place on March 2.

The following event on the Breef calendar will be His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Cup night ride on April 6, while the End of the Season Ride will be held on April 5.

Dear Sir/Madam,

i'm writing you in order to invite you to the inauguration of ''LA CORONA - Land
of Horses'' in Punta del Este, Uruguay this 14th of January of 2012,
it will be a pleasure for us to count with you presence in our opening ceremony.
The programming of will have an endurance race of 8kms(for amateur children
under 12 years old), and a promotional race of 40kms and 60kms. Also there are
going to be different equestrian activities, like indian dressage in charge on
Martin Ochoteco, a world well known horse trainer, and more.
Also there are going to be entertainment for all ages with wineries, food,
children area, and endurance education.
The ceremony will end with the awards for the Uruguay national Endurance Team
for their 1st Place Champions in the Endurance World Cup in Abu Dhabi.
As i said before, it will be a pleasure to count with the presence of people
that love horses as we do,
Hope to hearing from you soon,
Best regards and Happy new year!

--
Luis María Juan Pomés León
LA CORONA - Tierra de Caballos
Jose Ignacio, Maldonado, Uruguay
cel. 095562666
www.lacorona.com.uy