USA: Rain hammers Roundup Ride at Chester, Georgia

News from Chester, Georgia:

"The ride started in the dark, but it was not raining. Within minutes of the start, the rain also started. We were hoping for just a light rain, but as the pictures show, the rain began coming down harder than I thought possible. Then the lightning started, and for a brief while, pea sized hail, too. The rain continued fairly steady, and frequently very heavy, throughout the day. We constantly were changing the trail going around new bogs, new streams, and then where the trail simply got too deep due to water and use. Finally, we had to call the
100-mile ride off at 88 miles due to deterioration of the trails. There
just were no other places to send the horses that was safe. The road in was being used by the tractor towing rigs out; the fields were knee-deep in mud; the trails had been ridden over too many times to even be passable. Moreover, too many horses were simply falling down on trail. We have notcompiled the stats for all the divisions, but despite only one metabolic
pull (thumps), the completion rate is very low."

Mike Tomlinson
photos by M. Tomlinson

UAE: Storm halts endurance ride

A violent thunderstorm brought wind and hail to the Dubai Endurance City during the Dubai Crown Prince Cup. The violent storm scattered over 40 frightened horses across the desert, some were recovered over 20 kilometers from the Endurance City. A blanket of hail covered the land.
photos submitted by K. Hasan

From the Telegraph.co.uk:
"On Thursday, one of the week’s landmark events, the endurance race in the desert, was called off not long after it started. A total of 40 horses went missing, helicopters were called in to round them up, and several riders suffered injury. So ferocious was the storm that car windows were smashed by hail, which lashed the area in the morning. At least one rider was taken to hospital. "

Gulfnews.com
Runs halted as weather turns foul
March 26, 2009, 22:57

Dubai: The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup FEI CEI 2-Star 120km endurance and the Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum Challenge, a CEN 102km endurance ride were cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions at the Dubai International Endurance Village on Thursday.

The two rides got under way as scheduled at 6am, but had to be called off due to heavy rain and hail.

Participants in the main ride had completed the first loop, while the smaller ride competitors were about to commence their race when the skies opened up.

The Dubai Crown Prince Endurance Cup FEI CEI 2-Star 120km endurance ride that was scheduled to be an inter-stables competition with each of the 20-odd major stables in the UAE, allowed a field of a maximum of four riders or a minimum of three. The Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Al Maktoum Challenge, a CEN 102km endurance ride, was restricted to private stables and individuals so as to give them a better platform to qualify for the bigger events.

Great Britain: An enduring partnership

SouthernReporter
26 March 2009
By Sally Gillespie
Nicky Bertham with her ‘soulmate’, Maverick. Photograph: Alastair Watson

LOCAL endurance riders are saddling up for the first outing of the season this weekend.
The rides at Harestanes cater for beginners or those starting off their horses with a pleasure ride, as well as 16-mile and a 25-mile routes.

Nicky Bertham is secretary of the Borders branch of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club.

She told TheSouthern: "Anyone can do endurance. As long as the horse is fit and sound, then anyone can try it. It is a wonderfully friendly sport, which builds a bond between you and the horse. You're able to ride in the countryside and see some breathtaking views."

There are seven dates in the club's diary this season, including a two-day event at Longnewton in June and some new rides.

The club boasts around 35 members ageing from 12 to 70 – and the 70-year-old completed a 120km (75 miles) ride last year!

Nicky said: "I like endurance because I love riding my horse. It gives me the chance of doing a competitive sport which does not cost as much as eventing.

"You don't need a specific type of horse to do endurance.

"I enjoy the friends you make from all over the country and the chance to travel and help at rides, learning from others, and being able to host an event and offer other riders so much enjoyment."

Pleasure or training rides are up to 30km and distances go up to 160km in one day.

On the day, riders are given a map with the route marked on it. There's also a 'talkround' when organisers talk riders round the route.

Vets check the horse's condition before and after the rides.

There is a grading system in operation for the competitive riders from bronze (two 30km and one 50km rides) to Diamond (completing 160 km in one day).

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Finishing the VV March Maddness

The Leaders of the 2008 VV March Maddness have all passed the 400 mile mark! Below you will find the loop names of the trails they have been riding. In the Spring of Virginia, the late Winter of Wyoming, and dead of summer Austrailia, the Race continues until March 31st!

Flora Hillman 525.52 Miles Loop Names Willisville & Erskine's Woods Loop Foxlease Loop A Bloomfield Loop A Willsville & Cannon Hill Loop Kentfields Loop Cannon Hill & Old Welbourne Loop Upperville Loop Willisville & Cannon Hill (loose cow herd roundup) Newstead Farm & Meadow View Unison Loop & Lost Easyboot Trail Willisville & Cannon Hill Team Virginia ride Foxlease Farm Welbourne & Pelham Bloomfield & Meadow View Loop Mountain Clearing & Bloomfield Loop Foxlease & Cannon Hill Loop Neighborhood WalkAbout Piedmont Foxhounds Kennels Loop Cannon Hill & Old Welbourne Loop Welbourne Loop Kentfields Loop Gar Royer's Farm & Foxlease Ides of March Ride Ides of March Ride II (R)Ides of March - revisited Corotoman Loop Old Welbourne & Willisville Unison/Bloomfield Loop To Llangollen and back Kentfields Loop Willisville Road Cleanup Kentfields Loop Corotoman Loop Foxlease Loop Road clean-up II Bloomfield & Kentfields Mountain trail clearing Team Virginia Ride to the River Willisville & Bloomfield Willisville & Bloomfield - II Mosby Heritage Multiday - Day 1 Mosby Heritage Multiday - Day 2

Marirose Six 464.76 Miles Loop Names shed hunting Denny's mission ride State land to salt creek Exploring Playing north K I S Rough country We're off to see the wizard Good-bad-ugly More K I S Can't resist Chilly The draws Peat & repeat The meadows The roads Around about Nooks & Crannys Up & down Memory test Extra miles Almost Fanny Peak Elk country Here & there Fanny Peak & beyond Cappses Bringing Burt Gary state land windy day south & north hiding from wind

Jay Randel 456.44 Miles Loop Names Camel's Hump Goat Track Camel's Hump Winery Track Camel's Hump Erica's Track Winery Track Ted's Gate Ted's Gate Ted's Gate Camel's Hump Ted's Gate Polo Club Camel's Hump Winery Track Ted's Gate Polo Club Winery Track Ted's Gate Winery Track Polo Club Goat Track Polo Club Polo Club Winery Track Polo Club Goat Track Power Lines Goat Track Polo Club Ted's Gate Goat Track Tom's Track Tom's Track Tom's Track Tom's Track Goat Track Polo Club Ted's Gate Polo Club Camel's Hump Polo Club Ted's Gate Ted's Gate Winery Track Polo club Goat Track

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India: Army conducted 1000 mile Thar Centaur horseback expedition

Press Information Bureau. Government of India
March 26, 2009

Highlighting man’s insatiable thirst for exploring unchartered territory the Armoured Corps conducted ‘Thar Centaurs’ a 1000 mile expedition on horseback as an adventure activity by the Cavaliers from Fifteen Armoured Regt, 61 Cavalry and PBG from 29 Jan to 25 Mar 09. The expedition of 12 riders led by Lt Col PS Grewal on horseback was conducted in the Thar Desert amidst the harshest terrain comprising desolate and rocky deserts characterized by high sand dunes to test the skill and endurance of the rider and horse. The 1000 mile expedition on horseback is a unique event which has never been attempted in the sub-continent over such rigorous terrain. It was a test of endurance for both the horse and rider as the expedition was executed on ‘Posting the Trot’ a ride which is physically very gruelling for the horseback but comfortable to the horse. The daily ride continued for 10-12 hours covering an average 60-70 kms everyday. The expedition had on board a veterinary team which monitored the performance and health of the horses on a daily basis.

The aim of this expedition was to learn and participate in the culture of deserts as well as foster a spirit of adventure amongst the army men which is an essential part of any military life and ethos. The expedition helped the team in getting an insight into the traditional heritage of Rajasthan, as well as a opportunity to revive the military heritage of our cavalry of yester years. The horses and riders stoically withstood the stress and strain during the expedition and completed the gruelling expedition successfully. The expedition concluded on yesterday at Jaipur, and ‘flagged in’ by Lt Gen SN Handa, Chief of Staff, South Western Command.

VS/RPA

USA: 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships

USEF.org

Mark the Calendar: Plans for 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North in Full Swing

Release: March 25 2009

Lexington, KY - The countdown to the 2009 Adequan FEI North American Junior/Young Rider Championships presented by Gotham North (NAJYRC) has begun in earnest. For the first time, the NAJYRC will be held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY – which in 2010 will play host to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. This year’s NAJYRC will be held July 21-26, 2009.

Since 1979, these Championships showcase the best young rider and junior horse/rider combinations in the three Olympic disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Jumping. In 2008, the Western discipline of Reining was added, bringing the best young athletes, ages 14-21, in four of the most exciting Equestrian disciplines together for the first time.

The Dressage Championships bring out the country’s best Juniors and Young Riders and 2009 promises not to disappoint. Dressage will again be sponsored by Platinum Performance and the United States Dressage Federation

For more information about the Dressage Championships, and the selection procedures, please see: http://www.usdf.org/competitions/competitions-championships/najyrc/index.asp.

The Eventing Championships have always enjoyed the support of the US Eventing Association, and this year is no different. For information and selection information about these Championships, please see: http://www.usef.org/documents/disciplines/eventing/SelectionProcess.pdf.

Jumping has a new title sponsor: CN - whose dedication to the program has proved invaluable (they have served as a title sponsor for the entire event since 2005) - continues with the Jumping sponsorship in 2009. The United States Hunter Jumper Association moves from title to presenting sponsor. For information and Jumping Selection procedures, please see: http://www.usef.org/Contentpage2.aspx?id=natjumping.

Reining returns to the Championships for the second year in 2009. Hugely popular in 2008, it will thrive again this year with the sponsorship of SmartPak Equine. The selection procedures for Reining are being finalized and will be on the following page on the USEF website shortly: http://www.usef.org/ContentPage2.aspx?id=intreining.

Hagyard will be the Official Veterinary Services Provider to the NAJYRC, and is generously providing treating veterinary coverage to all four disciplines. Hagyard Equine Medical is located directly across the street from the Kentucky Horse Park.

A non-Championship FEI CEI** competition will be held in conjunction with the NAJYRC. The Endurance event will be held July 22-26, 2009 in Henryville, Indiana. For more information regarding endurance, please email Vonita Bowers at vbowers@usef.org.

A Vaulting demonstration will also be held for Juniors and Young Riders, stay tuned for more details as the schedule is confirmed.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available; please contact Scott Carling at scarling@usef.org for more information.

Vendor spaces are available too; please contact Joanie Morris at jmorris@usef.org or at 859.225.2052 for an application or general information regarding the event.

Lots of information is available on the NAJYRC Website: www.youngriders.org, including information regarding hotels and camping. Please check frequently for updates and important information.

India: Army expedition on horse back

Indopia.in

March 25,2009

Jaipur , Mar 25 In a feat attempted for the first time in the country, a 12-member army expedition traversed over 1600 km of Rajathan&aposs desert terrain on horse back in two months.

The expedition 'Thar Centaur' flagged off on January 24 used Global Positioning System to navigate their way through high sand dunes, rocky wasteland and other remote regions, in a test of endurance and skill.

The 12 members rode on horseback through 190 villages covering an average distance of 40 km per day, a spokesman said.

"The adventure cum endurance expedition was aimed at bettering the standards of horsemanship in field conditions," he said, adding the feat "has never been attempted in modern India".