Malaysia: Enduring Passion

Thestar.com.my
June 5, 2010

AS a teenager, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin was active in various sports and activities like football, golf, taekwondo, scuba diving and horseback riding.

A taekwondo exponent, he has been patron of the Malaysian Global Taekwondo Federation (MGTF) since 1990. His active participation in the sport is acknowledged with an honorary award of the 7th Degree Black Belt given to him by the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTF).

Due to his involvement in this sport, Malaysia organised the World Taekwondo Championship in Kuala Terengganu in 1994, with participation from 88 countries.

Tuanku Mizan’s recent recreational and sports focus is horseback riding, particularly in the discipline of endurance. He has actively taken part in endurance riding competitions conducted both locally and abroad.

In 2004, he placed fourth at the 105km Johor Endurance Championship and was third at the 105km Kelantan Royal Jubilee Endurance Ride.

In the same year, he won the Wilga 80km Endurance Ride in Wilga, Australia.

In 2005, he represented Malaysia at the 160km Endurance Championship in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and also emerged winner of the 90km Harris Ride Championship in Perth, Australia.

In 2007, he came in second at the International Endurance Ride Championship in Qatar.

Last October, Tuanku Mizan was among 97 local and foreign riders who rode off in the Pahang-PENN Endurance Challenge 2009 at the Pahang International Endurance Park in Cherating.

The King, representing the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES), rode out for the 100km race astride his horse Tarjari Moonlight Pharoah. His two children, Tengku Muhammad Ismail and Tengku Nadhirah Zaharah, also took part in the race.

However, Tuanku Mizan could not complete the race as his horse fell ill during the event. The year before, he was champion of the same category in the challenge.

Besides being an active participant, Tuanku Mizan has played a vital role in promoting the sport in Malaysia and putting the country on the international equestrian tournament map.

Since 2002, the King has been instrumental in getting the country ready for equestrian tournaments.

He personally went to France in 2005 with the Equestrian Association of Malaysia (EAM) to bid for the Endurance Championship to be held in Malaysia.

In 2008, Malaysia successfully hosted for the first time the Federation Equestre Internationale (FIE) World Endurance Championship at Lembah Bidong, Terengganu. The championship featured 140 riders from 34 countries and Tuanku Mizan led the 12-member Malaysian team.

In 2005, Tuanku Mizan also pioneered the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES), aimed at training horseback riding for participation in endurance competitions at national and international levels.

Since its inception, RTES has taken part in many championships in Malaysia and abroad.

In 2006, three riders from RTES represented Malaysia at the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Aachen, Germany.

Tuanku Mizan also played a strong role in establishing the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Race in 2006 as an effort to promote sports tourism in the state.

He also initiated the endurance team at the Selangor Turf Club’s Equestrian and Sports Centre.

Australia: St Helens to Host Quilty in 2012

Taseastcoastnews.com

02 Jun, 2010

IN 1966, 26 riders began the first Tom Quilty 160-kilometre endurance ride on a course west of Sydney.

And in 2012 it will be St Helens turn to host the event, with more than 300 riders expected to take part.

The Portland Endurance Riders Club will host the event in two years time and preparations began last weekend with a mock Tom Quilty.

"The club decided it would be a good chance for the endurance riders from around the state to get together for a small competition," event secretary Penny Barns said.

"The main aim of the event is to mark out the course in preparations for the 2012 ride."

The event was the brainchild of R.M. Williams, who had an idea to ride his horse 160 kilometres in one day.

He convinced his friend Tom Quilty, a Kimberley cattleman and renowned horseman, to donate $1000 to make a gold cup, which is now known as the Tom Quilty Gold Cup.

Each year, a field of more than 250 endurance rider's take to the course.

Ms Barns said that only a handful of elite equine athletes are ever in contention to win the gold cup.

"For most it is simply the challenge, complete the ride and win one of the famous Quilty Buckles," she said.

More than 300 riders were expected to enter the state for the event, which Ms Barns said would be great for St Helens.

"The event has never been held in St Helens before and we are very excited to be hosting it in two years time," she said.

France: Results and photos from Compiegne

160 km Senior CEIO*** - May 28, 2010

Photo gallery by Brigitte Huard

1 - Jean Philippe Frances - FRA - HANABA DU BOIS - F - 1995 - 20,0494 Km/h
2 - Laurent Mosti - FRA - DJAYAD DU GINIOUX - M - 2000 - 20,0348 Km/h
3 - Cecile Miletto Mosti - FRA - EASY FONTNOIRE - F - 2002 - 19,9993 Km/h

Complete results

130 km Juniors & Young Riders - May 28, 2010

Photo gallery by Brigitte Huard

1 - Lisa Riou - FRA - FAVELA - 20.1125
2 - Nina Lissarrague - FRA - AL JAIMIE DE BOZOULS - 20.1116
3 - Louise Huyvetter - FRA - GOLF PERSIK - 20.0415

Complete results

Spain: Xinzo De Limia

Photos by Scott Trees

May 23,2010 , Xinzo DE Limia, Spain: The results from Spain’s National Endurance Ride held in the Ourense Providence of Spain at Xinzo De Limia brought forth top international riders to compete for the National Honors.. Sponsored by Al Shahania Stud of Doha, Qatar, this event highlights the stud farm’s firm support of endurance racing around the world and their dedication to the sport.

Held over the weekend of May 21-23 top horses and riders came to this region noted for its excellent course. “We are thrilled to have sponsored the National Championships for Spain’s endurance riding efforts. We were impressed with the number of horses and riders, and are very pleased with the local support we received,” said a representative of Al Shahania Stud.

Located in an oasis outside Doha, the capital of the Arabian Gulf state of Qatar, Al Shahania is one of the most progressive and successful Arabian breeding and racing establishments in the world. The impressive facility boasts state-of-the-art equine breeding laboratory and barns, full quarantine facilities, and lush pastures ideal for young, growing horses. Currently producing an average of 20 foals per year, the farm is breeding consistent quality flat racers as well as endurance Arabians. Keen to embrace the world’s growing interest and participation in endurance, Al Shahania has ambitious plans for future event sponsorships as well as increased breeding efforts.

The 160 KM race had 49 starters with 18 finishing. David Fernandez won the event riding Enia with a time of 10:55:22. The 120 km race had 25 starters with 17 finishing the race. This event was won by Oriol Casals Fores riding Zarha De Vilarormiu, with a time of 7:47:08. For both days of racing, the weather was hotter than usual, which was challenging for horse and riders alike.

Race participants and organizers enjoyed a lively cocktail party pre-race, and an enthusiastic prize giving ceremony wrapping up what was a fun filled weekend for all.


Al Shahania Stud, founded by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani, is recognized as an international racing enterprise. In all, 157 horses reside at Al Shahania, predominantly of French lines, and the farm produces an average of 20 foals per year. In the 20 years since its inception, Al Shahania has earned a place among the world’s great Arabian race stables, helps define the standard for excellence in breeding of the Arabian horse. Al Shahania breeds both flat and endurance racers, and is consistently producing results-driven horses.

John Lyons in Equine Village at 2010 Alltech WEG

John Lyons "America's Most Trusted Horseman" Featured in the Equine Village at the
2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games

Clinics and Demonstrations are Part of Grounds Pass Ticket Offering

May 27, 2010

Lexington, KY – Famed horseman John Lyons will be a featured clinician in the Equine Village during the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, September 25 – October 10, at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY.

Widely considered to be responsible for many changes in the horse industry in the past 30 years, John Lyons has promoted both kind treatment of horses and the safety of horse and rider through hundreds of clinics, expos, symposiums, demonstrations, magazine articles, John Lyons Perfect Horse magazine, radio, and television programs.

Along with his son, Josh, Lyons has developed a certification program known throughout the world. With more than 300 professional certified trainers stationed all over the United States, and in many other countries, their training techniques have affected every horse discipline and throughout every breed.

Lyons says he feels blessed to help people with their horses through expos, symposiums, demos, clinics and by his videos.

“I strive to find easier, more effective ways to communicate to both students and horses,” says Lyons. “My training methods make riding so much easier to accomplish, and we as riders begin to enjoy our riding much more because it is less complicated.”

Lyons’ clinics will be available with a Grounds Pass ticket, which are on sale now at a promotional rate of $20 through May 31 at www.alltechfeigames.com/tickets. Prices increase to $25 on June 1. Lyons and his training methodology will be featured each day of the 16 days of the Games during a one-hour interactive session.


About John Lyons

John and his wife, Jody, and their family, Josh, Jana, Michael and Katie, will all be at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Training horses and helping horse owners is definitely a family affair and tradition for the Lyons family.

For more information on John Lyons and his training methods go to, www.johnlyonssymposiuminc.com.


About the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
The Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games are the world championships of eight equestrian disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI). The Games are held every four years and this will be the first occurrence in the United States.

The Games will be broadcast on NBC Sports, which has marked the largest commitment to network coverage of equestrian sport in U.S. television history. The 2010 Games are expected to have a statewide economic impact of $150 million, and current sponsors include Alltech, Rolex, John Deere, Ariat International, Inc., Meydan and UK Healthcare. For more information on the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, please visit www.alltechfeigames.com.


Media Contact:
Amy Walker
Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games
859-255-2010 ext. 235
awalker@feigames2010.org

Australia: Endurance riders overcome conditions to go 100km

Tenterfieldstart.com.au - Full Article

BY CHRIS WALKER
02 Jun, 2010 04:00 AM

STRONG winds, stinging rain and chilly weather did not dent the spirits of the 99 endurance riders who braved the conditions to compete in the latest endurance ride held in the Girard State Forrest.

The race started in darkness at 2am Sunday morning for the 100km competitors and an hour later for the 80km riders.

Chief Steward Michael Combe was happy the event went ahead.

“We were doubtful early on,” he said. “A few did go home, but we still managed 99 riders across all the events.”

The track was slippery, contributing to a few injuries to riders, but none were serious.

About 85 per cent of the competitors managed to finish the race, a high completion rate in a demanding sport...

Read more here:
http://www.tenterfieldstar.com.au/news/local/news/general/endurance-riders-overcome-conditions-to-go-100km/1846242.aspx

Brazil: Festival International de Enduro

THE FESTIVAL

The International Festival Brazil 2010 Enduro happens in its 3rd edition on 16 and 17 July, and promises to be another successful event enduro Brazilian.

Like any evidence highlighted each year improvements and new features are part of the schedule of the event.

One of the differences this year are the entries that take place online and in three phases: pre-registration, and final word. Final registration is the last chance to change the animal quel will compose the whole.

This year there will also be limited to members by category and allowed 50 sets each. These are rules and regulations adopted in compliance with requirements of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The glamor and beauty of the venue, Paradise Resort Golf Village and River Ranch Free, make each edition of the International Festival of Endurance Riding a most awaited events in the year.

Participants from all over the country and the world are expected to land in São Paulo. The host city is Mogi das Cruzes, which is 55 km from Sao Paulo, only 35 km from the International Airport of Guarulhos.

Italy, Portugal, France, Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa, England, Chile, Colombia have already attended the event and this year are expected also Belgium, Germany, Hungary and the United Arab Emirates.

In 2011 held the World Championship Young Riders & Junior and the seat will be Brazil. Not yet determined the location, but the Festival is an opportunity to initiate some actions that can be accomplished by focusing on the next year as the loan of horses aimed at the same rent for next year in the world. Surely this is a unique opportunity for these contacts are initiated.

There is an expectation this year of 2010 Argentina and Uruguay to participate in the competition with their own horses, coming from their countries.

Only Brazil hosted a CEIO the sport in South America and this will be her second year of the event. Feature that makes this event one of the most important worldwide, equating to the status of Compiègne and Gubbio.

There are three important evidence that happen:
Nations Cup Young Riders CEIOYR 120 Km
Enduro GP Brazil FEI 2 * 120 km
Paradise Open FEI 1 * 80 Km

For more information see EnduroEquestre.com:
http://www.enduroequestre.com/