French Juniors to miss Argentina WEC

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

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

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

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

UAE: Strong field likely for Nakheel endurance ride

26/01/2007


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

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

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

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

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

Collect points

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

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

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

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



Gulf News article

Bahrain: Prime Minister's Cup endurance race is set

Thursday 25 January 2007

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

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

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

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

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

Gulf News article

Sheikha Hassa bint Mohammed Al Nahyan attends ride

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other ladies who complete the 80-km ride are:

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

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

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

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

New Zealand: Sportsman takes on fresh legs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Golden Horseshoe to follow new route

Horse and Hound.co.uk

Golden Horseshoe to follow new route

Anna Tyzack

22 January, 2007

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19/01/2007 - FEI World Endurance Forum Update

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

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

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

The Forum will have three main phases:

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

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

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

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

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