FEI Appoints Secretary General

Fei.org

March 10 2008

The President of the Fédération Equestre Internationale, HRH Princess Haya, has today announced the appointment of Alex McLin to the position of Secretary General, effective immediately. The appointment follows an extensive consultation period, with the National Federations, and the interviewing of a number of external candidates. Mr. McLin, who joined the FEI in March 2005, is currently the General Counsel & Deputy Secretary General of the FEI and has been Acting Secretary General since September 2007.

Educated at Duke University, a member of the New York Bar and having previously worked for the World Economic Forum, Mr McLin (37) is highly experienced in sports law, governance and management.

HRH Princess Haya said, "Alex McLin has shown that he is an excellent leader who has a profound understanding of the need to deliver the plans for horsesport in an expedient and apolitical fashion.

The mixture of youth and wisdom that is found in Alex McLin heralds a new era for the role of Secretary General and reflects the changing trend in sport away from the era of colourful sports administrators. As in business, sport is discovering that skill and creative delivery are powerful allies whose effect can be equally well delivered by a quiet approach."

South Africa: Horse Quarantine and Export

Full Story

11 March 2008

SOURCE: Ministry of Agriculture (Provincial Government of the Western Cape)

Statement by Cobus Dowry Minister for Agriculture in the Western Cape

The 2004 outbreak of African horse sickness (AHS) in South Africa's Export Zone in the Western Cape led to an embargo on the import of horses by the European Union (EU). Apart from an estimated R250 million loss of revenue for South Africa, the impact on employment and foreign market share was also significant.

There are currently 34 horses in South Africa's export facility, Kenilworth Quarantine Station. Once the horses have completed their 40 day pre-export quarantine on the 15th of April, they will be transported by air to the EU. Included in the quarantine are South Africa's elite competition horses representing disciplines such as polo, endurance, Olympic events and horseracing.

Given the extent of the current AHS outbreak in the east and north of the country, all horse owners, transporters and associations/clubs are urged to exercise great caution when deciding to move horses from outbreak areas to those free of infection.

Transportation of infected horses remains one of the main sources of new outbreaks that can lead to the death of susceptible horses and negatively impact South Africa's export status.

Consequently, the State Veterinary Services have imposed an embargo on the movement of horses into South Africa's Export Zone from many parts of the country, but especially from the following Provinces:
Gauteng Province
Eastern Province
KwaZulu Natal

For more information on movement controls into the Western Cape, please contact:
Dr Gary Buhrmann
Chief State Veterinarian, Boland

Or, alternatively contact the local State Veterinary office in your area.

Enquiries:
Alie van Jaarsveld
Spokesperson
Ministry of Agriculture: Western Cape
Email: avjaarsv @ pgwc.gov.za

Bahrain: Top riders set for 120km race

Gulf-daily-news.com - Full Story

March 12 2008

MORE than BD58,000 prizemoney is up for grabs in His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday.

The prizemoney will be shared by the top 10 riders in the senior and junior races with a total distance of 120km approved for both events.

The top prize in the senior race will be a vehicle worth BD16,000 for the champion. Runners-up will get BD7,000, BD6,000 for third place, BD5,000 for fourth and BD4,00 for fifth.

The remaining five riders will also be honoured with six place to have BD3,000, BD2,500 for seventh, BD2,000 for eighth, BD1,500 for ninth and BD1,000 for 10th place.

In the junior race, BD26,400 will be divided into five prizes with the winner to be awarded BD6,000 while runner up gets BD5,000.

Third play will have BD4,000, BD3,000 for fourth place, BD2,500 for fifth, BD2,000 for sixth, BD1,500 for seventh, BD1,000 for eighth, BD800 for ninth and BD600 for 10th.

Meanwhile, Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef) president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa confirmed the participation of the UAE's Shaikh Majid bin Mohammed Al Maktoom in the event.

Shaikh Majid, son of UAE Crown Prince and Dubai Ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom, was the winner of the endurance race held during the Arab Games in Egypt.

The event, to be staged at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, will be sponsored by Al Areen Holding Company, Gulf Holding Company and International Bank.

Shaikh Nasser meet Al Areen Holding Company chairman Shaikh Ahmed bin Ali Al Khalifa and expressed his appreciation to the company for its support to the event.

The meeting was also attended by Gulf Holding Company vice-chairman Ahmed Al Ameer and officials from the Breef.

Shaikh Ahmed expressed honour to sponsor the prestigious event, adding that the company has been always keen to offer its support to the sports activities in Bahrain.

Shaikh Ahmed said he is confident about the abilities of the federation to organise the championship to be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad.

Preparations are in full swing at the endurance village to host the event. Goys planning and follow-up director Shaikh Abdulla bin Rashid Al Khalifa visited the venue and inspected its facilities ahead of the championship.

Shaikh Abdulla was joined on this tour by officials from the Crown Prince Court and the federation.

Cash boost for Endurance global growth

A plan to fund the development of Endurance in countries keen to participate in the sport was unveiled at a press conference in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf News article

By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 10, 2008, 00:32

Abu Dhabi: The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), the world's governing body for equestrian sport, has for the first time tied up with a private company to help spread one of its disciplines - Endurance.

Ian Williams, Endurance Chief at the FEI, has signed a two-season deal with Dr Sulaiman Al Fahim of Hydra Properties for the sponsorship of a series of development programmes in countries which are starting out in the sport.

"This is the first time ever the FEI is involved in such a partnership and we are very delighted. The Dh500,000 support will help FEI-approved officials to conduct seminars and courses which will help National Federations to equip their officials and cadres in organising endurance rides," said Williams."

Dr Al Fahim, CEO of Hydra Properties, termed the support as "an innovative endeavour".

"Princess Haya Bint Hussain, Wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and President of FEI, has with her visionary leadership taken equestrian sport to a new high.

"We thank Princess Haya and the FEI for giving us this opportunity to be involved in this worldwide educational programme for the development of Endurance Sport, which is a discipline very close to the UAE and is part of our culture and heritage," he said.

"Apart from the sponsorship of officials, Hydra Properties will be involved in providing support material at various courses and seminars to be held in new and developing countries so the officials in these countries can advance their knowledge and capability in organising endurance events," he said.

"The Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club will also be part of this endeavour and I thank them for their support," Dr Al Fahim said.

This is the first time ever the FEI is involved in such a partnership and we are very delighted."

Ian William, FEI Endurance chief

NZ: Horse of Year endurance race a fast contest

Pacifica with the winner's garland.

Horsetalk.co.nz article
The 103km endurance competition at the Horse of the Year show at the weekend was a closely fought event, with the winner Kirstin Deuss, riding Pacifica, finishing in just under five hours.

The riders left the main stadium at the Hastings showgrounds at 6am on Friday morning, heading 32km across the Tukituk River and out to Haupiri Station at Ocean beach to end the first loop. Three more loops were run on the station, taking the riders well down towards Cape Kidnappers.

There were 25 combinations taking part, including riders from South Africa. It was a galloping finish for Deuss and second placed Teresa Birkett, whose horse unfortunately fell on the road during the run in.

Pacifica also won the best conditioned award. The mare was bred in the South Island by Belinda Simons and is half Polish, being by Earth Wind and Fire from Oceania (Ocean Monarch x Dellmount Ishtar by Cairo).

Results
1st Kirstin Deuss
2nd was Teresa Birkett
3rd was Tony Masters
4th Denise Hill
5th Petra Deacon
6th Jenny Chandler

Bahrain: Top riders set for endurance championship

PREPARATIONS are in full swing for His Majesty King Hamad Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for Saturday at the Bahrain international Endurance Village in Sakhir. Top riders from Bahrain and the GCC will take part in the annual event which will be over 120km and will consist of senior and junior races. Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa gave his directives to the organisers to start preparing to host this championship which is open to all ages and nationalities. Shaikh Nasser extended his appreciation to Batelco for sponsoring the association's programmes besides Al Areen and Gulf Holding Companies which will sponsor the event along with the International Bank. Coverage on Endurance.Net

Abu Dhabi: Abdullah secures first career victory

Gulfnews.com

By M. Satya Narayan Senior Reporter
Published: March 09, 2008, 00:03

Abu Dhabi: Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim, on 11-year-old grey gelding Omani Iman, scored his first career win at the open level when he won the Emirates Challenge 120-km endurance ride yesterday.

Abdullah, who dominated for most of the 120-km event held at the Emirates International Endurance Village, did have some fight on the final stage when Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose, on Deen, put up a brave challenge.

Terrific pace

Abdullah and Omani Iman were second after the first 32kms and later took the lead in the second stage. Maintaining an average speed of around 25km/h, Abdullah was still in the lead after four loops and 104kms.

Abdullah was followed by Dhahi Abdullah Khamis, on Nahsaar, but Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose on Deen, fifth at that stage, unleashed a terrific pace. Touching a high average speed of 31.32km/h on the final 16kms, Mohammad Rashid made a brave attempt to catch leader Abdullah but the latter did well to reach the finish line first.

Dhahi Abdullah Khamis, on Nahsaar, finished third while another strong contender, Omar Hussain Al Beloushi, was fifth on Cameo Zinnia behind Majid Mohammad Salman Al Sabri.

Abdullah, who won a luxury car and a slice of the Dh400,000 on offer, credited his horse for the win.

"Omani Iman is a great champion and has had some outstanding performances. I found him fresh and he did well to just keep going, even when challenged," said the 22-year-old youngster who is rider at the Al Aasfa Stables.

With the stables sending out the first and third-placed horses, trainer Mubarak Khalifa Bin Shafya, said it was a good achievement.

"There were some very strong riders and horses in the field. We have had a fair share of success this season," said Bin Shafya.

Results

Hydra-sponsored Emirates Challenge 120-km endurance ride:

1. Abdullah Thani Bin Huzaim (Omani Iman) 4 hrs 46 mins 47 secs

2. Mohammad Rashid Saeed Khamis Al Subose (Deen) 4:48.54

3. Dhahi Abdullah Khamis Al Dhahi (Nahsaari) 4:55.06

4. Majid Mohammad Salman Al Sabri (Abyaneh) 5:00.06;

5. Omar Hussain Abdullah Al Beloushi (Cameo Zinnia) 5:02.48.

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