FEI News: 'Formula 1' Finish receives warm approval

At the CEI 3* 120km event held last weekend, on the outskirts of the world famous Italian city of Assisi, the proposed 'Formula 1' finish was tested to much approval.

This test is the third in a series of trial events being undertaken as part of the Endurance Review which is being conducted during 2007 and early 2008.

The first trial involved a scientific study of Endurance horses competing in Dubai in February this year. The second trial, held in Portugal in the spring, tested the use of four vet gates (rather than five) over a 160 km course to ensure riders took more responsibility for the care of their horses rather than relying of the Veterinary Officials.

Last weekend's trial involved the closing of the out gates onto the course loops one hour after the arrival of the first horse to cross the finish line. Any horse stopped by the use of the 'Formula 1' finish at a Vet Gate was still required to complete all Vet examinations and, in doing so, meet all of the parameters to continue even though not being required to do so.

All of the horses effected by the closure of the course were supportive of the trial and felt that it was in line with the need to protect the horse in Endurance competition.

Whilst the riders were confident in their horse's ability to go on and complete the full distance despite the unusual hot temperatures experienced on the day, they felt that the closing of the course and the ability to still be placed in the overall standings was good for the sport.

Ian Williams, FEI Director of Endurance who was present at the event commented, 'Those involved in the trial were very positive with the outcome. We will now pass the findings on to the FEI Endurance Task Force who will consider the possibilities further. We will need to also further trial this style of finish over 160km to gain a full picture of its effect'.

The Organisers had worked hard to attract the general public to this showcase event. Fashion shows, an open air Gala Dinner and breathtaking firework display took place on the eve of the competition. Some 10,000 people watched the event on the day, increasing to over 20,000 who attended the prize-giving ceremony and the following musical entertainment, all of which took place below the floodlit medieval city of Assisi with its many churches and cathedrals.

Christiana, South Africa CEI*** 120km Race

The Timaru Herald
The New Zealand endurance horse riding team which includes Timaru's Linda Pullar has taken a win in Christiana, South Africa.

Pullar, riding a loaned 10-year-old grey South African mare, was the second kiwi rider home and a strong contributor to New Zealand's success.

Pullar was selected among the four-strong kiwi team to compete against South Africa at last year's Horse of the Year Show in Hastings.

During the 122km event Pullar said her loaned horse was well behaved, especially as there were a number of animals in the wildlife park.

She was delighted with how scenic the event was, taking in sights of eland, springbok, a rhino and giraffe.

"Some riders saw monkeys and zebras but there was no time to lose concentration on the ride as the stones under the soft red soil posed a continuous hazard."

As the ride was on flat terrain and Pullar was used to the rolling New Zealand hills she said she found herself getting quite sore from riding in the same position and in an unfamiliar saddle.

The kiwis managed to finish the day with the fitter horses however, several of their opponents failing the required veterinary testing.

"When our final rider came in we were jumping for joy and hugging each other.

"It's a day that we will never forget."

[More ...]

2007 Ride & Tie World Champions!

June 21 2007 - Humboldt County, California


Photo by Corey Rich


San Diego woman Rufus Schneider, and partner Tom Johnson, repeated a feat accomplished only once before in the history of Ride & Tie. This past weekend Schneider became the second woman ever to win the Ride & Tie World Championship since the sport's inception in 1971. The 34-mile race, which combined two runners taking turns riding their team horse across a rugged hilly course, took place June 16th in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park in northern California.

At the tail end of the race another record was set: Madison Trocha became the youngest runner to ever complete a Ride & Tie World Championship at nine years of age. Madison partnered with her horse Barbie and her father Bob Trocha to best the previous youngest record, set by a ten-year-old girl in 1983. The oldest person completing this year's Championship race was 72 years of age.

[More ...]

Italy: Assisi - Giacchero First to Finish Riding India

Italy

Assis Endurance Lifestlye: Bab Al Sham's Endurance Cup concluded with Italian rider Patrizia Giacchero taking the top prize on 'India' in a ride time of 7:27:19. The 120km course traversed fields and hills, with spectacular views of historic architecture and Italian countryside all around.

The venue was at the Misura Endurance Village, near Perugia Italy. Misura Endurance Village was built with a modern artistic open-air theme, to provide guests and competitors with a functional and elegant venue. Open-air restaurants, bars, galleries and shops dot the beautiful setting of the Endurance Village.

The organizers of this gala Endurance Event provided transportation, accomodation, stabling, and lodging for competitors from across the European continent. 94 horse and rider teams entered the event and 20 received completion times.

Full coverage of the event can be found at Endurance.Net - Assisi.

Top Ten Finishers:


1 Patrizia Giacchero / ITA India 07.27.19

2 Daniela Blasi / ITA Los Angeles Estashadek 07.37.11

3 Diana Origgi / ITA Primula Baia 07.44.23

4 Nicholas Cianfrocca / ITA Dameliette 07.44.26

5 Maria Alvarez Ponton / ESP Kalynka De Montegut 07.52.15

6 Marta Bravi / ITA Big Sky Fyrre 08.37.17

7 Ivan Fondriest / ITA Sharaby 08.38.19

8 Loris Venturi / ITA Zodjaco 08.38.19

9 Mario Cutolo / ITA Zyad El Asil 08.53.07

10 Vincenzo Catalano / ITA Parytet 09.01.15
[More ...]

Japan: National Joba Club and NTT DoCoMo at Endurance Ride

Japan's Perfect Ride

It really was a perfect ride. After a few days of rain and unsettled weather, ride day dawned with bright blue sky and comfortable riding temperatures. It couldn't have been much better weather! And all of the work- the plans - paid off for a smooth and exciting event. The meals, the meetings, the awards, the trail, the pre-ride symposium, the transport of vets and officials from Narita airport to the small country town of Kita-Karuisawa - everything was 'right'. The completion rate was pretty good - 10 out of 18 finishers - in spite of (or maybe because of) a tough course. The race felt much like those we have in the USA. I think the fact that Hasumi san has 4 Tevis buckles and knows what 'real endurance' is about had something to do with this. Riders did their own thing, the pressure to win was not strong, to finish was a big deal.

And relative to events I've seen around the world, I would call this one a 'world class' event, as good as it gets. An incredible effort was made by so many people, from organizers to volunteers, from local people to Tokyo transplants (Hasumi san recruited employees from his publishing company to come out and help!) to foreign officials and vets - a sincere effort and willingness to give 100% was the mode.

The ride's main sponsor was Joba Ride - the horse 'robot' training machine made by National. There was a booth set up near the vetting area with several units for people to try - it was almost like a carnival ride atmosphere - the little horse robots were working all day long. This machine has become very popular in Japan, and honestly I want one! It's a great workout for abdomen and glut's and legs. I think I can even type at the computer while I'm riding....

The rider tracking provided by NTT DoCoMo - a cellcom company - was incredible, and to my knowlege the first of it's kind. Every rider carried a cellphone with GMS coverage, and a GPS tracking system. Several guys were set up in the office/community room with wires and computers and software to project the tracking onto a large screen, syncronized with a map of the course. We knew at every moment exactly where every rider was. Officials, crews, OC, we all knew how the race was going, when riders would be in, when the passed the check points, etc. Fantastic!

I haven't been to any other rides in Japan, but I heard from many that they were all well run. There's a very active group in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, that ran Japan's first endurance ride, and many since then including the National Championship rides. They were all here - with or without horses (which have to be ferried from island to island) - to ride or crew or help.

...and I heard talk about 'next year' - I think this ride is a keeper!

Steph
Endurance.Net

Australia: Riders saddle up at Moyston

The Ararat Advertiser
June 22

MOYSTON - Riders from across the State will be saddling up this weekend for an endurance event in Moyston.

Around 150 people have signed up for the big weekend of riding which will encompass four events.

There will be a 87 kilometre, 45km, 25km training ride and 25km harness ride.

The course will take in undulating bush tracks, sandy and gravel roads in and around Moyston.

It is being run by the Moyston community in conjunction with the Victorian Endurance Riders' Association.

Rides begin at the Moyston Recreation Reserve on Sunday, the start time for the 87km ride is 5am, the 45km at daylight, the 25km at 9.30am and the harness at 10.30am.

The track takes in the Moyston West, Stears, Redmond and Moyston to Pomonal and Halls Gap Roads, it also encompasses the Mount William Picnic Ground.

Motorists are being urged to take care in these areas on Sunday and avoid them where possible.

Police will be escorting horses and riders across the highway, motorists are reminded that horses have the right-of-way.

Not just a one day event endurance rides are generally a weekend affair and the Moyston community is capitalising on this by creating a social community event.

Tomorrow night entertainment and a spit roast will be provided at the recreation reserve in the lead up to the event.

The entire community is invited along to enjoy a roast and listen to some music.

Funds raised from the evening's events will go towards the Moyston Country Fire Authority.

The Moyston community organised the weekend as an opportunity for the district to gather as well as raise funds for the CFA.

Action will begin at the recreation reserve tomorrow morning.

Nominations open for the event 10am, from then on it will be all go.

All horses are required to be assessed and passed by a vet before taking part in the endurance event and this process will begin at 12noon.

Later in the day competitors will have a chance to practise on the track, at 5.30pm there will be a race briefing.

Following this entertainment will begin.

ITA: 94 at the Starting line for Endurance Cup

PERUGIA- Saturday 23rd June at 6.30 in the impressive arena of the Misura Village, 94 horses and riders will be present behind the starting line of the Bab Al Shams Endurance Cup FEI-CEI 3* 120 Km in what promises to be a spectacular start.
In all its magnificence, St. Francis’ Basilica will watch over a scene which is destined to remain in the mind and the heart of both participants and spectators.
94 riders, from 15 countries throughout the world will take part in this highly technical race.

21 foreigners and 73 Italians will take part in the race.

[More ...]