Abu Dhabu: Stage Set for Ladies Endurance Cup

Khaleejtimes.com

Hisham Al Gizouli

20 January 2010
ABU DHABI - More than 70 top women riders from the UAE and other parts of the world are all set to vie for honours in the Fatima bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup for Ladies at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Wathba on Friday.

Winners will walk away with a four-wheel-drive car and handsome cash awards worth Dh500, 000, Adnan Sultan, director of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club (ADEC) said on Tuesday.

The event has also received the support of the Bonyan International Investment Group, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Wathba Stud Farm and Al Medmar Magazine.

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi said during a brief news conference: "Entrants for the Shaikha Fatima bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance Cup exceeded70 riders from different nationalities. The race will extend over a distance of 90 km at the desert village. The race will start at 7am."

Meanwhile, all arrangements have been made and 200 students from the schools in the emirate of Abu Dhabi will travel to Al Wathba to watch the race," Talal Al Hashemi, from the Abdu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC) confirmed.

Dr. Noor Al Deen Atatreh, vice president of Bonyan said: "We would like to thank the organisers for giving us an opportunity to support this event."

Lara Sawaya, managing director of Tasweeq, the associated organiser of the event thanked the sponsors for their great support.

"We are pleased to see women sport growing under the watchful eyes of the officials and courtesy of our faithful partners and sponsors," she said.

Compulsory microchipping for Australia endurance horses

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

January 20, 2010
by Robin Marshall

Qualified endurance horses in Australia must now be microchipped before they can compete, under new rules effective from January 1.

The Australian Enduance Riders Association (AERA) will not issue a logbook to horses without a microchip and a full veterinary identification.

The move follows the Equine Influenza outbreak in 2007, when many horses in New South Wales and Queensland were microchipped by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) after being vaccinated.

"The Government at the time stated that they would like all horses to be microchipped for tracking and ease of identification," said AERA secretary Anne Jones.

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Horse industry on red alert after swamp fever is discovered in Britain

Horseandhound.co.uk - Full Article

Abigail Butcher, H&H head of news
19 January, 2010

The horse world is on red-alert following the news that two horses carrying Equine Infectious Anaemia (EIA) — often termed "swamp fever" - have been found in Britain.

Swamp fever is not transferable to humans but is fatal in equines. If an infected horse does not die, it will carry the disease for life and faces indefinite isolation or compulsory euthanasia.

It causes intermittent fever, anaemia, emaciation and death.

The horses were imported into the country from Romania via Belgium on 22 December. They arrived in a group of 10 horses, nine of which originated from Romania and one from Belgium.

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FEI's Clean Sport Campaign Website Dedicated to FEI Anti-Doping Efforts

"The FEI must turn a new leaf in order to guarantee its community a clean and uncorrupt product. The Stevens Commission and the Ljungqvist Commission have both painted a picture that illustrates how negligent we have been in this area thus far and our governing body is completely committed to rectifying the problems we now face, for the benefit of our athletes, our community and our public."

- HRH Princess Haya

Equestrian sport derives its credibility and public acceptance from the concept of fair play, the idea that the best athlete or team should win fairly and squarely, having competed under equitable conditions and under rules that are fair and applied evenly with true competence. To be valid and meaningful, competition results must be achieved on a level playing field.

Doping and the inappropriate use of normal medications present a serious threat to the integrity and reputation of our sport, because they give athletes an unfair advantage and threaten the welfare of horses. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the entire equine community: athletes, veterinarians, grooms, managers, coaches, owners, officials, and our National Federations to join together to help combat doping and the inappropriate use of medications through better education and increased vigilance.

The FEI's Clean Sport Campaign is a coordinated effort at many levels to provide all our stakeholders with the information and tools necessary to address the issue head on. We hope the campaign will also serve as a call to action to all to reaffirm their commitment to fair play and horse welfare. The concept of Clean Sport is about much more than a new list of prohibited substances and a new rulebook. It's also about better judgment, professionalisation of the officials that regulate our sport and consistency of decisions. It's a complete package and its success depends on everyone playing their part to maintain that level playing field.

For more information, see www.feicleansport.org

UAE: Al Jahouri wins Endurance Cup for the second year in a row

Gulf News
January 17, 2010

Dubai : Defending champion Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri delivered a stunning repeat performance to win the His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Cup for the second year in succession at Dubai International Endurance City yesterday.

Al Jahouri held off a challenge from Al Wathba stables teammate Mohammad Mubarak Al Sayari in a dramatic finish to prevail by just two seconds.

The talented Emirati horseman, who has ridden and trained purebred Arabian endurance horses for the last 10 years, clocked a winning time of 6 hours 31 minutes and 19 seconds.

Al Sayari was two seconds back in 06.31.21 seconds.

Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also participated in the event together with his son Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture.

The FEI CEI three-star ride was held over a distance of 160 km and organised by the Dubai Equestrian Club.

Al Jahouri looks to be in red-hot form having only last week won the Emirates Championship at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi.

Riding Bouwman Nasrof, a nine-year-old grey gelding, Al Jahouri rode a patient race.

After finishing the first and second loops in 12th and 13th places, he moved up the field in the third loop to take fourth place.

The 34-year-old Al Jahouri went into the lead in the fourth loop and paced his horse perfectly in the first loop to narrowly beat Al Sayari.

The latter also delivered a strong performance moving up the field from 21st position to make a bid for the title in the final loop.

Saif Sultan Abdullah Dhahi Al Bu Amim, representing the Al Aasfa Stables, took third place with a time of 06.33.12 seconds.

Al Bu Amim led for the early part of the ride but gradually dropped back after each of the first loops.

Over hundred riders from UAE and Europe participated in the prestigious competition including two ex-World Cup champions.

The ride distance was divided into six phases.

The Red Loop comprised 31km after which the horses were presented twice within 20 minutes and 30 minutes hold time.

The second phase through the Blue Loop ran over 30km and the same rules as above for the presentation and the hold time applied.

1. Al Khalfan Al Jahouri (UAE/ Al Wathba Stables/ riding Bowman Nasrof). Time: 06:31.19secs.

2. Mohammad Mubarak Al Sayari (UAE/ Al Wathba Stables/ Kalifa) Time: 06:31.21secs.

3. Saif Sultan Abdullah Dhahi Al Bu Amim (UAE/ Al Aasfa Stables/ Kumait) Time: 06:33.12secs,

New Zealand: Iron horse, iron rider

Ruralliving.co.nz - Full Article

Friday, 15 January 2010
By Crispin Caldicott

The infamous ironman contest sounds to be at the extremes of human endurance, but it is probably good training if you are an endurance rider about to set out for a 100 mile saunter through the night on horseback.

Rural Living spoke to Wendy Farnell, who with her husband John spent ten years abroad training horses for this very exacting equestrian discipline.

Today Wendy is secretary for the Counties Distance Riding Club which organises Endurance championships throughout the country.

"This club has been in existence for ten years, and started with mostly trail riding before concentrating on endurance competitions. Effectively these events are marathons on horseback, with several different categories from the longest of 160 km starting at 1am on Saturday to the more junior events down to 57km.

"Each Class starts at different times throughout the night - or early morning! Everything about this sport is very exacting. The horse may not even set off if it doesn't meet the vetting criteria, and there are several points throughout the ride at which it could be disqualified – including right at the very end - we say this is a great sport for bringing you down to earth!"

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UAE: 240 Km in the desert

Wrsan wins after 3 days of competition
by Paula Nascimento, Brazil
photo album

Three days in the desert, with high speed and heat formed the backdrop of the 4th edition of HH Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Endurance International Festival. Some races were part of the event in Boutheib Endurance Village: International Open Race FEI *** 240 km, Juniors & Young Riders 120 km **; Privates Horses 120 km **; Federation Qualifier Ride 80 Km and 40 Km Qualification Ride. Starting December 31, 2009, the Festival also included an auction in Boutheib Stables. The event was organized by the Emirates Heritage Club with the Federation of United Equuestre (EEF).
Coincidence or not, is another year that Al Wrsan Stables remain unbeaten in the competition of 240 km. Only Sh Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan stables has this trophy, while most stables, trainers and veterinarians in the United Arab Emirates hope to come.

The distance of 80 km per day can apparently not be difficult, but certainly this is one of the most difficult races in the desert, inhibiting many stables to participate with their horses. Their prefer to save them for other events less technical. It takes much training, wisdom and sensitivity for the horse/ rider to finish the 240 km in good physical condition.

This year, the highlight was the argentinian horse breeding Cal Puelche, that led Wrsan Stables to the highest place of the podium. With an average speed of 23.36 Km/h, Puelche was with Abdulla Rashid Mohd Saeed Al Naqbi and all scored a total of 10h16min12s on track. Puelche presented during the three days of competition good recovery. The time recoverying was between 1min16s/ 2min40s. Only the return of the first loop the horse was slow to recover and have to wait 6min14s to go into the vet check. CAL Puelche performed at the vet check nine times and added an average recovery with 19min22s.

In the first loop, Puelche arrived with the 27th place. The speed on track in this loop was 24 km/h. In the second loop the horse recovered many places, taking second place and the speed was 25.83 km / h in the desert sands. After Puelche and Abdulla was between 4, 2nd and 1st place, but not reaching the highest speed that the 2nd loop (1 day). Puelche performed well in all stages, including the initial inspection of each day to start.

Cal Ramon, in Argentina, was the Puelche breeder in Argentina and trainer was Jorge Vita, then when the horse was exported to the United Arab Emirates in 2008.
The second place was Saif Salem Mohd Al Fares which Raaward Kasmin, Dubai Endurance Stables. They stay every day in the top 10 and on the last day was running for the top of the podium. Raaward made the 1st loop with the average 25.39 km/h and finished the race at a speed of 24.58 km / h, with only two seconds off the champion. The total time of his recovery was 28min48s.

The third place went to Munthar Ahmed Al Baloushi and Jibbah Enog, a horse feared and respected in the UAE. Representing the Al Reef Stables, Jibbah was leading the race for 5 loops and made the race in 10h16min33s. The average speed was 23.35 km / h and the recovery of the horse enviable, since not passed 1min55s. In the third loop Jibbah performed with only 1min17s, totaling just 12min49s recovery. The trainer of Jibbah in Al Reef Stables is Yousef Ahmed Al Bloushi.

Who win the best condition was My Last Mabrouk, ridden by Fauiz Jameel Al Turkoman. They was the 7th place and made the race with an average of 22.08 km/ h and 10h51min59s. They was grown during the three days of competition, leaving 20, 19, 14, 13, 12, 9, 9, 7 and 7 respectively. My Last Mabrouk is a horse in the Fazaa Endurance Team Stables.

On the first day (December 31), the race was divided into loops of 30 km, 30 km and 20 km, starting at 6am. Was 50 horses that begin the race in search of the title and many stables in order to end the hegemony of the ever-victorious Al Wrsan. Were 38 sets that ended the 80 km in the first day. On the second day, only 34 went to the trail in the fourth loop and completed the 6 th loop 23 horses. All days were 3 loops that made up the tracks, totaling nine rings. Start on the morning of 02 January 23 horses and 19 finished the race.

On the last day of racing was impossible to know the winner and the last three loops the dispute was between the top three who took turns in the standings.
Among the horses that were in race, was the Brazilian horse WN Peronek, exported to the United Arab Emirates in April 2008 for Al Wrsan Stables. In Brazil, Peronek was owned by Renato Salvador. Highly praised by professionals in the stable arabic, Peronek was eliminated on the 2nd day, after run 140 Km. He left the race after finishing the 5th loop. Peroneck was with Bader Ali Saeed Al Kayoum and remained at 18, 21, 18 and 15 place. The highest speed that was reached 24.78 km / h.
In Provately Owned Horses CIS * 120 km, the winner was Ylmood, ridden by Eduardo Herrara Saravia, representing the team Al Ain Endurance Stables. With an average speed of 22.93 km/h , the horse completed the race in 5h14min. Second place went to Rashid Saeed Al Kamda with RS Najid, averaging 22.77 km / h and only two minutes behind the champion. Al Kamda is the buyer of the Brazilian horse breeding Al Galyb HCF. In 2009, he bought three more horses in Brazil, sold by Haras Morada do Sol, owned by Silvio Arroyo. The horses are breeding for Kazik Stud, that the owner is Cláudio Ribas.
With the third place on the podium was Zafar Nawaz Shah with Bicho and did 22.74 km / h.

Among the Juniors & Young Riders the winner was Ahmad Saeed Mohammad Al Fares with Fenwick Cadenza, the Seeh Al Salaam Stables. The average race was 25.35 km / h and 4h41min01s. The second place was Rashid Ahmed Al Bloushi (Al Reef Stables) withTrojano and the average speed 25.34 km / h, reaching a few minutes after the winner. And third was Mohammed Saeed Mohd Al Fares Twaf with 23.58 km / h (Seeh Al Salaam Stables). The Best Condition was Sweet October, ridden by Magali Mendez, the Emirates Stables.
Attended every day of the competition Sheikh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and formed the ceremony of awards in Boutheib Endurance Village. It was the U.S. ambassador Richard G. Olson, who was part of the podium delivering the prizes.

The website Endurance Brazil and Arabian Horse Magazine paid tribute to Sheikh Hazza in thanks to the invitations to coverage of the event.
It was the 4th edition of the Festival and the first was won in 2007 by Sh Hazza Bin Sultan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan on ZT Faraventure. In 2008 it was the turn of his brother, Sh Khaled bin Sultan Al Nahyan who formed together with Nemer (Roxborough Zepher) and in 2009, third edition, the winner was Abdul Rahman Mohd Karam riding Nemer (Roxborough Zepher).