By M. Satya Narayan, Staff Reporter, Gulfnews.com
Published: June 19, 2007, 23:36
Abu Dhabi: The 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship will be held in November at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Setiu Terengganu, Malaysia.
The event, which is held once every fours years, was last held in Dubai in 2005 (2004 event). This is the first time that a tropical country will host the event.
The Yayasan Diraja Sultan Mizan (YDSM) and the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) will jointly stage the event which is being held for the third time in Asia. The UAE had hosted it in 1998 and 2005.
The UAE, gold medallists at the Doha Asian Games last year, will be starting as one of the favourites.
According to the organisers, the Terengganu International Endurance Park, situated a few kilometres from the South China Sea, will offer the best of Malaysia's natural beauty. and hospitality, as well as:
"The course is designed to provide a safe yet challenging competition, taking riders along the stunning coastline, through palm plantations, along canal banks and through natural vegetation forests," according to the championship's website.
"A long and wide grassy stretch of track provides ample space for the start of the competition and egress from the venue, and for a safe finish line and entry back into the Endurance Park," the organisers said.
Meanwhile, a pre-ride will be held in November to give veterinarians and officials a chance to experience the venue and the course, with the goal of experiencing and understanding the unique challenges of Endurance competition in tropical climate.
Apart from the UAE and Bahrain, Malaysia have made a mark in the sport ever since the UAE invited them to take part in the 1998 World Championship.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
New Zealand: Endurance duo riding high
By DAVID DAWKINS - The Marlborough Express | Thursday, 21 June 2007
Marlborough's young endurance riders have continued to excel on the international endurance riding scene with Kimberley Ryan and Kylie Avery both recently returned from major overseas rides.
Ryan was part of the New Zealand junior team that competed in the Trans-Tasman Challenge in Nanango, Australia, last weekend while Avery was chosen to compete at a privately-funded ride in South Africa at the start of June.
Avery was selected for the team to travel to South Africa after winning the 100km CEI two star at the Horse of the Year in May.
She continued her good form in South Africa, placing fifth in the 122km CEI two star ride and helping the Horse of the Year endurance team to gold in the eight nation tournament.
While Avery is becoming an old hand on the international riding scene Ryan's trip across the ditch was her first opportunity to ride internationally.
While the New Zealand team failed to come away with the Trans-Tasman Trophy honours for the first time in the competition's four-year history Ryan had an excellent day on a personal level.
She was the only New Zealand rider to complete the FEI three star 160km ride and placed sixth in the youth division, missing fifth by a single minute.
Making the feat all the more impressive was the fact it was the first-ever 160km completion for the 17 year old student at Telford Rural Polytechnic, on just her second attempt at the distance.
"It was awesome. We rode as a team the whole way with all the horses pulling each other and helping each other along," Ryan said.
However, as the ride wore on the three New Zealand open riders faltered and as each lap passed another was vetted out until Ryan was left alone to ride the sixth and final loop in the dark, not finishing until 9.30pm, another new experience.
"I'd rode in the dark before, but it has always been starting not finishing," Ryan said.
The ride was made all the more challenging by stormy local weather conditions that forced a remarking of the first three loops of the track and meant for a bitterly cold race day.
Ironically the wet weather made the course a lot more like home for Ryan as it took away a lot of the hardness the Australian tracks are renowned for.
While Ryan praised the efforts of the open riders who helped her through the first five laps she was also thrilled about the performance of her leased mount Splendercrest Dryad. The duo only met two days prior to race day but hit it off immediately.
"She was very tough, very goey. She was still pulling after the 160km. It was the second 160km complete for her and she just kept going and going and going."
Ryan made such an impact on the Australian stables that she has been invited back to ride in Australia later in the year by Jay Randell, the owner of Splendercrest Endurance Stud.
However, Ryan is going to have to put the offer on hold. The end of year date's are likely to clash with exams for her Certificate in Agriculture and even for international endurance riders school has to come first - at least for now.
Marlborough's young endurance riders have continued to excel on the international endurance riding scene with Kimberley Ryan and Kylie Avery both recently returned from major overseas rides.
Ryan was part of the New Zealand junior team that competed in the Trans-Tasman Challenge in Nanango, Australia, last weekend while Avery was chosen to compete at a privately-funded ride in South Africa at the start of June.
Avery was selected for the team to travel to South Africa after winning the 100km CEI two star at the Horse of the Year in May.
She continued her good form in South Africa, placing fifth in the 122km CEI two star ride and helping the Horse of the Year endurance team to gold in the eight nation tournament.
While Avery is becoming an old hand on the international riding scene Ryan's trip across the ditch was her first opportunity to ride internationally.
While the New Zealand team failed to come away with the Trans-Tasman Trophy honours for the first time in the competition's four-year history Ryan had an excellent day on a personal level.
She was the only New Zealand rider to complete the FEI three star 160km ride and placed sixth in the youth division, missing fifth by a single minute.
Making the feat all the more impressive was the fact it was the first-ever 160km completion for the 17 year old student at Telford Rural Polytechnic, on just her second attempt at the distance.
"It was awesome. We rode as a team the whole way with all the horses pulling each other and helping each other along," Ryan said.
However, as the ride wore on the three New Zealand open riders faltered and as each lap passed another was vetted out until Ryan was left alone to ride the sixth and final loop in the dark, not finishing until 9.30pm, another new experience.
"I'd rode in the dark before, but it has always been starting not finishing," Ryan said.
The ride was made all the more challenging by stormy local weather conditions that forced a remarking of the first three loops of the track and meant for a bitterly cold race day.
Ironically the wet weather made the course a lot more like home for Ryan as it took away a lot of the hardness the Australian tracks are renowned for.
While Ryan praised the efforts of the open riders who helped her through the first five laps she was also thrilled about the performance of her leased mount Splendercrest Dryad. The duo only met two days prior to race day but hit it off immediately.
"She was very tough, very goey. She was still pulling after the 160km. It was the second 160km complete for her and she just kept going and going and going."
Ryan made such an impact on the Australian stables that she has been invited back to ride in Australia later in the year by Jay Randell, the owner of Splendercrest Endurance Stud.
However, Ryan is going to have to put the offer on hold. The end of year date's are likely to clash with exams for her Certificate in Agriculture and even for international endurance riders school has to come first - at least for now.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
USA: Wabash man enters race along Santa Fe Trail
Wabash Plain Dealer
By SHEILA RHOADES
Tuesday, June 19, 2007 10:44 AM EDT
It extends nearly 1,200 miles, crosses five states, and was the nation's first international commercial highway. But in September, tens of thousands will converge on the Santa Fe Trail to witness an 515-mile, 13-day adventure known as the Great Santa Fe Trail Horse Race.
Among the nearly 100 participants will be rural Wabash resident Mike Urschel. He and his 11-year-old purebred Arabian, Josh, will make their ninth endurance ride when the race begins in Sante Fe, N.M., on Sept. 3. Their journey will end in Missouri on Sept. 15.
Urschel is no stranger to horses or riding. At 55, he currently holds four spots in the World Championship Barrel Racing competition set for Oct. 29, in Augusta, Ga.
He owns four other purebred Arabians and also boards an American Paint. The home he shares with his "companion, partner and best friend," Bev Staats, is nestled back a mile lane amid hay fields and forest.
Urschel considers himself a simple man. He's been employed by 1st Ayd Corporation for the past 20 years, selling industrial maintenance supplies. He has a grown son and twin daughters and leads a relatively quiet life.
For the last five or six years Urschel has had some physical problems to deal with. He had several serious shoulder injuries from a fall he took and shattered his heel from a 15-foot fall. Just when it looked like he was on the road to recovery, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Urschel's reaction to the news, however, was not what one might expect.
"I was diagnosed last March," he told the Plain Dealer. "But it's a relief finally knowing. I'm just thankful to be alive. Parkinson's doesn't really bother me because I like to stay active and that seems to be helping it."
He then added, "I get a little shaky at times, but the horses don't mind."
Kokomo neurologist Dr. Nancy Frappier has been caring for Urschel and encourages him to ride, he said, noting, "She told me it would be beneficial."
But optimistic or not, some things have gotten more difficult for Urschel. He's noticed he is not as steady as he used to be. There is some muscle stiffness at times, the memory tends to fade, and there are also those occasions when he is unable to speak.
"Sometimes it's a hard road to travel," he said.
"I guess that probably bothers me the most," he explained. "With my work I have to be able to talk to the customer."
But Urschel's optimism seems to never wane. Even at 55, he constantly looks ahead. He has ridden competitively in 43 rides, logging close to 2,000 miles. In 2001, he received recognition for having the best conditioned horse in 13 states. In the upcoming Santa Fe Trail race, he is the only Hoosier of the 78 that have qualified thus far.
"To finish is to win," he advocates.
He hopes to promote the sport of endurance riding and doesn't focus on his Parkinson's. "I'd rather be on the trail every day than sitting around doing nothing," he said.
Staats, who will travel with him to Santa Fe, will do his vet checks, when Urschel and Josh arrive at designated checkpoints.
"She's my pit crew," Urschel said.
Staats also remains encouraged by Urschel's attitude and likes the fact that Josh, who has suffered injuries in the past, will be on the long trail with him.
"His horse takes care of him," she said. "They take care of each other."
Urschel is seeking help to offset the cost of his $3,500 entry fee or other road expenses. Anyone interested in helping may send checks made out to "The Great Race" in care of First Farmers Bank & Trust, 1004 N. Cass St., Wabash, IN 46992.
By SHEILA RHOADES
Tuesday, June 19, 2007 10:44 AM EDT
It extends nearly 1,200 miles, crosses five states, and was the nation's first international commercial highway. But in September, tens of thousands will converge on the Santa Fe Trail to witness an 515-mile, 13-day adventure known as the Great Santa Fe Trail Horse Race.
Among the nearly 100 participants will be rural Wabash resident Mike Urschel. He and his 11-year-old purebred Arabian, Josh, will make their ninth endurance ride when the race begins in Sante Fe, N.M., on Sept. 3. Their journey will end in Missouri on Sept. 15.
Urschel is no stranger to horses or riding. At 55, he currently holds four spots in the World Championship Barrel Racing competition set for Oct. 29, in Augusta, Ga.
He owns four other purebred Arabians and also boards an American Paint. The home he shares with his "companion, partner and best friend," Bev Staats, is nestled back a mile lane amid hay fields and forest.
Urschel considers himself a simple man. He's been employed by 1st Ayd Corporation for the past 20 years, selling industrial maintenance supplies. He has a grown son and twin daughters and leads a relatively quiet life.
For the last five or six years Urschel has had some physical problems to deal with. He had several serious shoulder injuries from a fall he took and shattered his heel from a 15-foot fall. Just when it looked like he was on the road to recovery, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
Urschel's reaction to the news, however, was not what one might expect.
"I was diagnosed last March," he told the Plain Dealer. "But it's a relief finally knowing. I'm just thankful to be alive. Parkinson's doesn't really bother me because I like to stay active and that seems to be helping it."
He then added, "I get a little shaky at times, but the horses don't mind."
Kokomo neurologist Dr. Nancy Frappier has been caring for Urschel and encourages him to ride, he said, noting, "She told me it would be beneficial."
But optimistic or not, some things have gotten more difficult for Urschel. He's noticed he is not as steady as he used to be. There is some muscle stiffness at times, the memory tends to fade, and there are also those occasions when he is unable to speak.
"Sometimes it's a hard road to travel," he said.
"I guess that probably bothers me the most," he explained. "With my work I have to be able to talk to the customer."
But Urschel's optimism seems to never wane. Even at 55, he constantly looks ahead. He has ridden competitively in 43 rides, logging close to 2,000 miles. In 2001, he received recognition for having the best conditioned horse in 13 states. In the upcoming Santa Fe Trail race, he is the only Hoosier of the 78 that have qualified thus far.
"To finish is to win," he advocates.
He hopes to promote the sport of endurance riding and doesn't focus on his Parkinson's. "I'd rather be on the trail every day than sitting around doing nothing," he said.
Staats, who will travel with him to Santa Fe, will do his vet checks, when Urschel and Josh arrive at designated checkpoints.
"She's my pit crew," Urschel said.
Staats also remains encouraged by Urschel's attitude and likes the fact that Josh, who has suffered injuries in the past, will be on the long trail with him.
"His horse takes care of him," she said. "They take care of each other."
Urschel is seeking help to offset the cost of his $3,500 entry fee or other road expenses. Anyone interested in helping may send checks made out to "The Great Race" in care of First Farmers Bank & Trust, 1004 N. Cass St., Wabash, IN 46992.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Malaysia: Sultan's Cup 2007 (WEC Test Event) Schedule Online
Malaysia: The Sultan's Cup 2007 scheduled for November 9-11 will be a pre-ride test event for the 2008 World Endurance Championship. Riders from around the world will ship their horses to Terengganu International Endurance Park for this prestigious event.
The FEI (draft) Competition Schedule and Ride Info can be found on the 2008 World Endurance Championship website .
Montana: Ovando woman rides her horses to glory
by Betsy Cohen of The Missoulian
Imagine a few hours in the saddle, riding a horse nonstop at a steady trot up and down mountain trails.
Think of the pounding and jarring over uneven, sometimes unforgiving and rocky ground.
For most of us, it's not too hard to imagine the soreness and aches that would follow.
Over two days recently, Ovando rancher Suzanne Hayes racked up two national championship endurance titles - logging 15 hours in the saddle and 150 miles - at the Arabian Horse Association's National Endurance Ride Championships in Montana's Custer National Forest near Ashland.
On June 9, Hayes rode her 7-year-old Arabian-thoroughbred cross named Chevy in the 50-mile competition, finishing the ride in about five hours and earning the national championship title in the half-Arabian division. The following day, Hayes climbed aboard her World Endurance contender, a 12-year-old Arabian-quarter horse cross named Quincy for the 100-mile competition, finishing the ride in 10 hours and earning the reserve championship title.
Hayes didn't need any aspirin to recover from her whirlwind 150-mile weekend in the saddle. The achievement of finishing and the giant silver trophies she received at trail's end fully numbed any soreness and stiffness.
Adding to the sweetness of it all, both horses received “best conditioned” honors by the competition's team of veterinarians, and out of 180 competitors, Quincy was chosen to receive the veterinarian's highest score for fitness and soundness.
“I'm really excited,” Hayes said. “It feels really good to have done so well.”
With two major championships under her belt, Hayes is now eyeing in earnest the American Endurance Ride Conference National Championships in Boise, Idaho, at the end of August, the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia in 2008 and the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010.
Ambitious as her goals may sound, Hayes, 53, has been competing in endurance rides since she was 11 years old. She earned a bronze medal in the Pan American Championship in 1991, was selected to be on the U.S. Equestrian Team for international competition, and was a member of the U.S. silver-medal squad in the 1992 World Championship in Barcelona, Spain.
Hayes made the U.S. team again for the 2005 World Endurance Championship in Dubai, but just weeks before the competition Quincy came up lame and couldn't compete.
Emotional days, weeks and months followed the let down, Hayes said. It had taken the duo years to achieve the level of fitness and mental edge needed for international competition, riding alone nearly every day through rain, heat and snow, some 15 to 25 miles at a stretch in the mountains behind her Ovando ranch.
Quincy's soundness issue, which arrived unexpectedly and with vengeance was a bit of a mystery. Hayes' response was to give him a full year off and turn him out to pasture to heal and rest. When he began to step out soundly and all traces of lameness were gone, Hayes slowly started him on a reconditioning program last year.
This spring, her old friend showed Hayes he was fully recovered.
Hayes' goals at the Arabian national championships was to ride conservatively and if any hint of lameness showed up, she would pull him out of the competition.
But the 100 miles didn't faze the horse.
When she crossed the finish line, Quincy's eyes were bright and his stride even and strong and she knew they had left the dark days of recovery and broken dreams in the dust.
The honors given to Hayes and Quincy by the competition vets was perhaps the most rewarding part of the weekend, Hayes said.
“To me, the horse's welfare is much more important than winning or even finishing a ride,” Hayes said. “My game plan all along was to finish with a sound and happy horse.”
As for Chevy, Hayes couldn't be more pleased.
The youngster is showing he as the grit for competition and a cheerful attitude that makes it fun.
“He's still in the building process and I still don't allow him to go fast as he is capable of,” Hayes said. “I want this horse to last a long time.
“He's a candidate for the World Games in Kentucky. They both are.”
Imagine a few hours in the saddle, riding a horse nonstop at a steady trot up and down mountain trails.
Think of the pounding and jarring over uneven, sometimes unforgiving and rocky ground.
For most of us, it's not too hard to imagine the soreness and aches that would follow.
Over two days recently, Ovando rancher Suzanne Hayes racked up two national championship endurance titles - logging 15 hours in the saddle and 150 miles - at the Arabian Horse Association's National Endurance Ride Championships in Montana's Custer National Forest near Ashland.
On June 9, Hayes rode her 7-year-old Arabian-thoroughbred cross named Chevy in the 50-mile competition, finishing the ride in about five hours and earning the national championship title in the half-Arabian division. The following day, Hayes climbed aboard her World Endurance contender, a 12-year-old Arabian-quarter horse cross named Quincy for the 100-mile competition, finishing the ride in 10 hours and earning the reserve championship title.
Hayes didn't need any aspirin to recover from her whirlwind 150-mile weekend in the saddle. The achievement of finishing and the giant silver trophies she received at trail's end fully numbed any soreness and stiffness.
Adding to the sweetness of it all, both horses received “best conditioned” honors by the competition's team of veterinarians, and out of 180 competitors, Quincy was chosen to receive the veterinarian's highest score for fitness and soundness.
“I'm really excited,” Hayes said. “It feels really good to have done so well.”
With two major championships under her belt, Hayes is now eyeing in earnest the American Endurance Ride Conference National Championships in Boise, Idaho, at the end of August, the World Endurance Championship in Malaysia in 2008 and the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in 2010.
Ambitious as her goals may sound, Hayes, 53, has been competing in endurance rides since she was 11 years old. She earned a bronze medal in the Pan American Championship in 1991, was selected to be on the U.S. Equestrian Team for international competition, and was a member of the U.S. silver-medal squad in the 1992 World Championship in Barcelona, Spain.
Hayes made the U.S. team again for the 2005 World Endurance Championship in Dubai, but just weeks before the competition Quincy came up lame and couldn't compete.
Emotional days, weeks and months followed the let down, Hayes said. It had taken the duo years to achieve the level of fitness and mental edge needed for international competition, riding alone nearly every day through rain, heat and snow, some 15 to 25 miles at a stretch in the mountains behind her Ovando ranch.
Quincy's soundness issue, which arrived unexpectedly and with vengeance was a bit of a mystery. Hayes' response was to give him a full year off and turn him out to pasture to heal and rest. When he began to step out soundly and all traces of lameness were gone, Hayes slowly started him on a reconditioning program last year.
This spring, her old friend showed Hayes he was fully recovered.
Hayes' goals at the Arabian national championships was to ride conservatively and if any hint of lameness showed up, she would pull him out of the competition.
But the 100 miles didn't faze the horse.
When she crossed the finish line, Quincy's eyes were bright and his stride even and strong and she knew they had left the dark days of recovery and broken dreams in the dust.
The honors given to Hayes and Quincy by the competition vets was perhaps the most rewarding part of the weekend, Hayes said.
“To me, the horse's welfare is much more important than winning or even finishing a ride,” Hayes said. “My game plan all along was to finish with a sound and happy horse.”
As for Chevy, Hayes couldn't be more pleased.
The youngster is showing he as the grit for competition and a cheerful attitude that makes it fun.
“He's still in the building process and I still don't allow him to go fast as he is capable of,” Hayes said. “I want this horse to last a long time.
“He's a candidate for the World Games in Kentucky. They both are.”
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Shining Moon 100: Tamotsu Sasaki and Dameon PJ First to Finish
June 17, 2007
Shining Moon 100 Mile Ride, an FEI CEI*** event was won by Tamotsu Sasaki riding Dameon PJ, a 10 yr Arabian gelding owned by Seiichi Hasumi. A ride time of 13:12 earned Sasaki and Dameon an FEI Certificate of Capability, and the honor of being the first team to complete a 100 mile endurance ride in Japan.
The ride was the dream of Seiichi and Harumi Hasumi and brought riders and officials from around the world to the small resort town of Karuizawa, nestled at the foot of the live volcano, Mt. Asama. Japan Equestrian Federation and the sponsorship of National 'Joba Ride' helped make the event a success. A huge crowd numbering close to 500 people turned out to observe and help work the ride. National, local and International press covered this premier event. Entry fees were waived and the event offered full amenities to competitors and spectators alike.
Coverage, results and photos of the event can be found at http://www.endurance.net/international/japan/2007ShiningMoon/
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