NewEra.com.na
March 19, 2009
WINDHOEK – The fourth annual Bank Windhoek Independence Otjivero Endurance Ride gets under way at Gobabis tomorrow.
Bank Windhoek is sponsoring the event for the umpteenth time with a staggering amount of N$15 000.00, in addition to Bank Windhoek promotional caps, golf shirts, waterbottles and folders.
The Bank Windhoek Independence Otjivero Endurance Ride attracted 87 participants in distances ranging from 30 to 160km last year. This year, riders will again test their mettle in the junior, senior and heavyweight categories over distances of 33.6; 66.5; 83.1; 100.3; 127.1 and 160 kms.
Endurance riding in Namibia dates back to 1966 and has grown in popularity ever since. This particular equestrian sporting discipline is unique in its own sense because of the fact that it’s not always the fastest horse that takes the accolades, but rather the horse and rider with the ability to complement each other.
Endurance riders must be physically fit with immense determination. The sport’s ability to unite diverse cultures, coupled with the addition of high quality locally bred horses, makes it an ideal activity for the country as a whole.
Namibian Equestrian Federation
Namibia Endurance Ride Association
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Malaysia: Meet ‘horse uncle’ Mutalib
The New Straits Times
HE proves that nothing is impossible if you put your mind and heart into it.
Abdul Mutalib Ismail, 43, who owns a logistics company, has won trophies in various landscaping, bird-singing and cat competitions.
This Penangite, known as mamu kuda (horse uncle), also set up the first horse endurance club in the state, the Al-Khamsa Endurance Club, in January this year. (Other states have similar endurance clubs.)
Al-Khamsa is an Arabic term to mean “the five” which refers to Prophet Muhammad’s five favourite horses.
The endurance race challenges both the fitness and skills of the horse and rider. The races are in the 40km, 80km, 120km and 160km categories.
Eight months prior to setting up the club, Mutalib learnt all he could about horses.
His interest in the sport was ignited after a few horse-riding sessions and visits to various endurance races.
He came across many talented Malaysian riders at the races, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
“So I learnt how to ride, bought my first foal and started training.”
After months of practice, he decided to form his own club.
“I started with 30 members. We are still small compared with other endurance clubs but I believe that one day we will be as big as them.”
“I currently own six Arabian horses. They are known for their intelligence and stamina, and thus ideal for endurance races. Riders must be able to communicate with their horses in order for them to perform well,” said Mutalib.
He said Arabian horses, with their distinctively shaped heads and high tail carriages, are one of the most easily recognisable horse breeds in the world.
“Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horses,” he added.
Mutalib said that like most international sports, endurance riding has the potential to contribute towards the state’s tourism industry.
He wants to promote endurance riding and attract youths to get involved in the sport.
“Horse endurance racing is not easy. Both horse and rider need to be physically and mentally prepared. It’s tough but I love the adrenaline rush I get every time I race,” said Mutalib.
He plans to organise state events, open a riding school and teach endurance training to get Penangites involved in the sport.
“Many think it’s expensive to participate in the sport. But this is untrue. You just have to master riding — and you don’t even have to own a horse to do so,” said Mutalib.
He added that he intends to give free riding lessons to the underpriviledged such as orphans and the handicapped.
At the moment he is eyeing the Melaka Grand International Endurance Ride next month.
“Horses are passionate animals. As you ride the horse regularly, the bond between you will get stronger. Treat the horse well and it will treat you well in return.”
For more information about the Al-Khamsa Endurance Club, email Mutalib at alkhamsa5@gmail.com.
[More ...]
HE proves that nothing is impossible if you put your mind and heart into it.
Abdul Mutalib Ismail, 43, who owns a logistics company, has won trophies in various landscaping, bird-singing and cat competitions.
This Penangite, known as mamu kuda (horse uncle), also set up the first horse endurance club in the state, the Al-Khamsa Endurance Club, in January this year. (Other states have similar endurance clubs.)
Al-Khamsa is an Arabic term to mean “the five” which refers to Prophet Muhammad’s five favourite horses.
The endurance race challenges both the fitness and skills of the horse and rider. The races are in the 40km, 80km, 120km and 160km categories.
Eight months prior to setting up the club, Mutalib learnt all he could about horses.
His interest in the sport was ignited after a few horse-riding sessions and visits to various endurance races.
He came across many talented Malaysian riders at the races, including the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.
“So I learnt how to ride, bought my first foal and started training.”
After months of practice, he decided to form his own club.
“I started with 30 members. We are still small compared with other endurance clubs but I believe that one day we will be as big as them.”
“I currently own six Arabian horses. They are known for their intelligence and stamina, and thus ideal for endurance races. Riders must be able to communicate with their horses in order for them to perform well,” said Mutalib.
He said Arabian horses, with their distinctively shaped heads and high tail carriages, are one of the most easily recognisable horse breeds in the world.
“Today, Arabian bloodlines are found in almost every modern breed of riding horses,” he added.
Mutalib said that like most international sports, endurance riding has the potential to contribute towards the state’s tourism industry.
He wants to promote endurance riding and attract youths to get involved in the sport.
“Horse endurance racing is not easy. Both horse and rider need to be physically and mentally prepared. It’s tough but I love the adrenaline rush I get every time I race,” said Mutalib.
He plans to organise state events, open a riding school and teach endurance training to get Penangites involved in the sport.
“Many think it’s expensive to participate in the sport. But this is untrue. You just have to master riding — and you don’t even have to own a horse to do so,” said Mutalib.
He added that he intends to give free riding lessons to the underpriviledged such as orphans and the handicapped.
At the moment he is eyeing the Melaka Grand International Endurance Ride next month.
“Horses are passionate animals. As you ride the horse regularly, the bond between you will get stronger. Treat the horse well and it will treat you well in return.”
For more information about the Al-Khamsa Endurance Club, email Mutalib at alkhamsa5@gmail.com.
[More ...]
UAE: 60 riders register for Al Jaber race
Gulfnews.com
M. Satya Narayan
March 17, 2009, 23:09
Abu Dhabi: Some of the UAE's top lady riders will be seen in action this Friday in the Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies - a 90-km national ride to be held at the Emirates International Village in Al Wathba.
Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Antonie Chamy, the group administration manager for the Al Jaber Group said: "Our chairman, Obaid Khalifa Al Jaber, takes great pride in supporting activities in the community, be it sport or other related events."
"The Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies is of particular importance and we take great pride in being part of this endeavour," said Al Jaber, in a statement read on his behalf.
"This is not the first time that we have been associated with endurance races, as we have supported and sponsored such an event in the past. But Friday's 90-km Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies is of special significance as this sport is part of the UAE's heritage and culture," said Al Jaber.
"The UAE riders are already well-known all over the world and have won every major international championship. We hope that this Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies will help encourage more riders to join the sport and throw up more champions," he said.
Lara Sawaya, Tasweeq managing director, said over 60 riders had confirmed their entries for the ride.
"This number may go up. A total purse of Dh400,000 which includes a car for the winner will be up for grabs," she said.
Friday's ride is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs.
M. Satya Narayan
March 17, 2009, 23:09
Abu Dhabi: Some of the UAE's top lady riders will be seen in action this Friday in the Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies - a 90-km national ride to be held at the Emirates International Village in Al Wathba.
Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Antonie Chamy, the group administration manager for the Al Jaber Group said: "Our chairman, Obaid Khalifa Al Jaber, takes great pride in supporting activities in the community, be it sport or other related events."
"The Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies is of particular importance and we take great pride in being part of this endeavour," said Al Jaber, in a statement read on his behalf.
"This is not the first time that we have been associated with endurance races, as we have supported and sponsored such an event in the past. But Friday's 90-km Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies is of special significance as this sport is part of the UAE's heritage and culture," said Al Jaber.
"The UAE riders are already well-known all over the world and have won every major international championship. We hope that this Al Jaber Group Endurance Cup for Ladies will help encourage more riders to join the sport and throw up more champions," he said.
Lara Sawaya, Tasweeq managing director, said over 60 riders had confirmed their entries for the ride.
"This number may go up. A total purse of Dh400,000 which includes a car for the winner will be up for grabs," she said.
Friday's ride is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
UAE: Hassan Bin Ali swoops late to win
Gulf News
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 14, 2009, 23:03
Abu Dhabi: The experienced Hassan Bin Ali unleashed terrific pace in the final loop astride Wer Krass to win the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) Emirates Championship endurance ride on Saturday.
A well-known sportsman of the UAE, the former car-racer who has won many an endurance ride in the UAE and abroad, was third going into the final loop of 16kms in the 119-km event, which attracted 85 riders to Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.
Leading from the start, Dhahi Abdullah Khamis Al Dhahi on Omani Iman topped the first four stages and went into the final stage almost a minute ahead of Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri in the second place while Bin Ali was two and a half minutes behind.
Bin Ali and his 9-year-old horse had until the final stage registered an average speed of 25.59km/h which was commendable under the dusty conditions.
However he seemed to have paced his horse well as Wer Krass moved from 13th in the first stage to third in the penultimate and was still in good shape.
Wer Krass obliged his rider with an amazing average speed of 30.51km/h on the final 16km, sealing victory.
Al Dhahi on Omani Iman finished second only ten seconds behind the winner.
"This horse is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and I have to thank him for all the support he gives us. Though I did come close a few times, today's win is the first for this season," said Bin Ali.
"Last year I won the Sorouh Cup here and for today's win I have to give full credit to my horse Wer Krass," said Bin Ali, who received the keys to a 4WD car for his win.
Rashid Salem Mohammad Al Faresi on Lienka finished third.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, watched the event.
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 14, 2009, 23:03
Abu Dhabi: The experienced Hassan Bin Ali unleashed terrific pace in the final loop astride Wer Krass to win the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) Emirates Championship endurance ride on Saturday.
A well-known sportsman of the UAE, the former car-racer who has won many an endurance ride in the UAE and abroad, was third going into the final loop of 16kms in the 119-km event, which attracted 85 riders to Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.
Leading from the start, Dhahi Abdullah Khamis Al Dhahi on Omani Iman topped the first four stages and went into the final stage almost a minute ahead of Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri in the second place while Bin Ali was two and a half minutes behind.
Bin Ali and his 9-year-old horse had until the final stage registered an average speed of 25.59km/h which was commendable under the dusty conditions.
However he seemed to have paced his horse well as Wer Krass moved from 13th in the first stage to third in the penultimate and was still in good shape.
Wer Krass obliged his rider with an amazing average speed of 30.51km/h on the final 16km, sealing victory.
Al Dhahi on Omani Iman finished second only ten seconds behind the winner.
"This horse is owned by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Finance, and I have to thank him for all the support he gives us. Though I did come close a few times, today's win is the first for this season," said Bin Ali.
"Last year I won the Sorouh Cup here and for today's win I have to give full credit to my horse Wer Krass," said Bin Ali, who received the keys to a 4WD car for his win.
Rashid Salem Mohammad Al Faresi on Lienka finished third.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Presidential Affairs, watched the event.
Bahrain: Hamdan scores big victory
Gulf News
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 14, 2009, 23:03
Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, scored a remarkable win in Bahrain's 120km endurance championship on Saturday to lift the prestigious His Majesty The King's Cup.
Riding Sas Alexis, Shaikh Hamdan led a 1-2-3 finish for the UAE in the ride organised by the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
Shaikh Hamdan and Sas Alexis completed the 120km distance in 5 hours 3 minutes and 23 seconds
The UAE's Salem Bin Ghadayer finished second on Dell Hama, just seven seconds behind. Completing the UAE sweep was Butti Mohammad on Drumslin Moonshine in 5:16.23.
More than 40 riders took part in the ride, held annually. Some of the top riders from Jordan and Kuwait were in the starting line-up.
It was Shaikh Hamdan's second consecutive podium finish in Bahrain. Recently, he finished third behind His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the 120km Endurance Giants Body Weight ride.
By M. Satya Narayan, Senior Reporter
Published: March 14, 2009, 23:03
Abu Dhabi: Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, scored a remarkable win in Bahrain's 120km endurance championship on Saturday to lift the prestigious His Majesty The King's Cup.
Riding Sas Alexis, Shaikh Hamdan led a 1-2-3 finish for the UAE in the ride organised by the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Federation at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.
Shaikh Hamdan and Sas Alexis completed the 120km distance in 5 hours 3 minutes and 23 seconds
The UAE's Salem Bin Ghadayer finished second on Dell Hama, just seven seconds behind. Completing the UAE sweep was Butti Mohammad on Drumslin Moonshine in 5:16.23.
More than 40 riders took part in the ride, held annually. Some of the top riders from Jordan and Kuwait were in the starting line-up.
It was Shaikh Hamdan's second consecutive podium finish in Bahrain. Recently, he finished third behind His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Bahrain's Shaikh Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the 120km Endurance Giants Body Weight ride.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Bahrain: Top riders set for His Majesty race
ROYAL Jordanian Equestrian Federation president Princess Alia bint Al Hussein arrived in Bahrain last night to attend His Majesty King Hamad's Endurance Horseride Championship scheduled for tomorrow at 6am at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.Princess Alia was welcomed by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's (Breef) second vice-president Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and other federation officials.
Princess Alia thanked Breef, especially its president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, for inviting her to witness this prestigious event which is the biggest endurance horseride competition on the federation's calendar.
Shaikh Khalid also welcomed the chief guest who attended last year's event too. He thanked the Jordanian federation for sending its finest riders to Bahrain to compete in the race.
Meanwhile, Dubai Crown Prince Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum is due to reach the Kingdom today to lead prominent UAE riders in the championship.
The 26-year-old Shaikh Hamdan, son of UAE Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is one of top riders in the region and a strong contender for a place on the podium tomorrow.
Shaikh Hamdan, who won the gold medal in equestrian at the 15th Asian Games in Doha three years ago, will be accompanied by compatriots Salem bin Ghadir, Khalifa bin Jalayta and Abdulla Al Buziri who will all take part in the 120-km senior race.
The championship will also feature a junior race over the same distance. UAE riders to compete in the junior race are Ali Al Mirri, Khalifa Al Mirri and Abdulla Al Mirri.
A six-member Royal Jordanian team will only take part in the senior race. The team members are Jehad Shehaltog, Abdulhamid Al Saleh, Sobhi Khalil, Farah Abu Na'amea, Atalla Hamad and Lawrence Al Fayez.
Kuwait will be represented in the championship by two riders - Abdulla Al Eibani and Turki Al Mutairi.
Both the senior and junior races will be divided into five equal stages. The senior race will kick off at 6am while the junior race will commence 30 minutes later.
The first two stages will be over 30 kms while the next three are over 25, 20 and 15 kms each.
Veterinary examination is scheduled for today from 3pm to 5.30pm.
The event, sponsored by Marsa Al Seef, follows the remarkable achievement of Breef president Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa who finished second overall in the first-ever Endurance Grand Prix series which concluded in Dubai a few weeks ago.
The championship was originally due to take place last Saturday, but was postponed to give all stables and riders the opportunity to prepare for this prestigious event.
Australia: Meg proves tough enough in the UAE
Weeklytimesnow.com.au
Fran Cleland
March 13, 2009
MEG Wade - Australia's best known endurance rider and four-time Tom Quilty Cup winner - placed second of the visiting riders in the United Arab Emirates President's Cup.
The race, which was first staged in 2000, covers 160km and is held each year in mid-February.
It is one of the toughest in the world.
Each year selected horses and riders from around the world are invited to participate based on their current world ranking and recent performances, so it is for the world's best and toughest horses.
Entries range from 80 to 120 with a completion rate usually from 30 to 40 per cent.
The President's Cup has always been won by a rider and horse from the UAE.
Those from the UAE are passionate competitors in endurance and won team gold at the Endurance World Championships in Malaysia last November.
This year the event was won in just six hours and 30 minutes by Abu Dhabi rider Yousef Al Baloushi on Charlandre El Sharif of Al Reef Stables, the current 160km world record holder (6:28:28 in last year's Sheik Mohammed Cup), crossing the finish line hand-in-hand with his cousin, Omair Husain Abdulla Al Bloushi.
More...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses ready to test tomorrow’s stars in the hills of Haute-Loire
Inside.FEI.org - Full story 30 July 2025 Author: Bella Fricker The FEI Endurance World Championship for Young Horses is set to take pla...
-
Inside.fei.org 17 December 2020 The FEI Board took a series of key decisions on allocation, cancellation, and reopening of bids for FEI C...
-
Inside.FEI.org 02 September 2024 Author: Mirjam van Huet A total of 145 athletes and 155 horses are currently preparing for the journe...
-
NoosaToday.com.au - Full Article 06/07/24 Erle Levey The premier event on the Australian endurance horse-riding calendar is to return to...
