The Guatemalan Endurance Riders: A team you can be proud of

Guatemala-times.com - Full Article

Thursday, 14 October 2010 06:31 Theresa Fryar
Photos by Ignacio de Wit

I recently had the pleasure of accompanying the Guatemalan Endurance Team to the World Equestrian Games in the United States. Five riders, grooms, family members and technical support people made the long journey to Kentucky. Forty one people in total. Over the past year and a half I have seen these riders and their trusty mounts train tirelessly for this event overcoming obstacles along the way separating themselves out as the elite Endurance riders of Guatemala.

As an American my sense of patriotism towards my home in the U.S. was strong as I arrived at the Kentucky Horse Park. The grounds were perfectly manicured and the excitement of the impending World Equestrian Games was in the air. One could not help but be overcome by the greatness of Equestrian sports.

Upon my arrival at the horse park I was immediately greeted with open arms by the members of the Guatemalan Endurance Team. This did not surprise me as I have always been treated as part of the Endurance family even though I am new at the sport. The veterans of the sport are always willing to impart their knowledge and share their experience. There were some very serious roadblocks along the way to Kentucky. ..

Read more here:
http://www.guatemala-times.com/sport/guatemala/1763-the-guatemalan-endurance-riders-a-team-you-can-be-proud-of.html

HRH Princess Haya's Remarks from WEC

October 10 2010

Opening remarks by HRH Princess Haya for wrap-up Press Conference, 10 October at 9am

The World Equestrian Games Foundation had a mission statement to stage a Games that were technically, artistically and commercially successful. And there can be no doubt that these Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games here in Kentucky have ticked every one of those boxes.

This has been a Games all about firsts - it’s the first FEI World Equestrian Games to be held outside Europe and the first to be held in the US. And it’s the first time that Para-Equestrian Dressage has been welcomed into the FEI World Equestrian Games fold.

We’ve welcomed 632 athletes and 752 horses from 58 countries to the Kentucky Horse Park. They have produced incredible sport over the past 15 days and will undoubtedly continue to do so throughout today’s final competitions in Para-Dressage, Driving and Vaulting as we build up to tonight’s spectacular Closing Ceremony.

Kentucky has welcomed spectators from all 50 U.S. states and more than 55 countries. And we expect the overall attendance figures to top 500,000 by the end of today.

We have been blessed with more than 5,000 INCREDIBLE volunteers who have worked around the clock to ensure the success of the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. We thank them all for their commitment and loyalty.

We thank our wonderful title sponsor Alltech, and all our presenting sponsors and other supporters who have made the Games possible. And we thank you, the media, for letting the world know about these Games. We’ve had unbelievable wall-to-wall coverage - both in the electronic and the print media – generated by all of you over the past couple of weeks.

We want these Games to be remembered for what they have done for the world of horse sport. They have brought the equestrian family together in the best tradition of the FEI World Equestrian Games for 16 days of wonderful sport that will be remembered long after tonight’s closing ceremony. There can be no doubt, the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, have been a phenomenal success.

Australia: 2010 Shazada

Aera.asn.au

Marion Legronne was the Fastest Time in 32 hours and 19 mins on her mare Sasam.... Marion looked a picture and smiled her way through the whole 400kms.

The oldest successful rider and rider who travelled the furthest was Alwyn Toorenbeek (below left). Another successful rider, Noni Seagrim (bottom left).

Six horses were called up for Best Conditioned/Best Managed Horse Award - Sasam ridden by Marion Legronne, Shakista ridden by Sue Todd (centre left), Shellal Cattle King Flyte ridden by Allix Jones, Diamond R Boston ridden by Kym Hagon (centre right), Garonne Park Tiara ridden by Anne Lymbery and Razorback Hot Pepper ridden by Tracy Haack.

Best Conditioned/Best Conditioned Horse Award went to Shakista, owned and ridden by Sue Todd (centere left).

Neil Clarkson and Espirit Sherwood won the Halifax Hayes Fit and Well Award.

More information and Photos at
http://www.aera.asn.au/

Canadian Endurance Team Finishes Seventh at World Equestrian Games

Cornwallseawaynews.com - Full Article

Published on October 10th, 2010

In the first competition of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, in Lexington, KY, the Canadian Endurance Team comprised of Elroy Karius and Gail Jewell of Kelowna, BC; Robert Gielen of Norton, NB; and Ruth Sturley of Owen Sound, ON placed seventh out of 21 starting teams on September 26, 2010. 108 riders started the 160km competition, only 55 individuals finished.

Endurance is a distance riding sport where horse and rider teams complete a course of up to 160 km within 24 hours. The welfare of the horse is paramount. Riders aim to finish as quickly as possible, with a “sound”, healthy horse and there are multiple veterinary checks to ensure the horses are fit to continue.

“It was a wonderful team effort,” remarked team captain Kay Melvin. “The crew worked really well together. Today was a real team effort, and a real team success..."

Read more here:
http://www.cornwallseawaynews.com/Sports/2010-10-10/article-1839415/Canadian-Endurance-Team-Finishes-Seventh-at-World-Equestrian-Games/1

Rondezvous in Normandy

Horsechannel.com - Full Article

France to host 2014 World Equestrian Games
By Elizabeth Moyer

At the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, the FEI flag was lowered and officially passed from Kentucky to Normandy. The French region will welcome the world equestrian games in 2014.

The French/American connection is especially significant, as 2014 will mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day, when American and allied troops landed on Normandy beach during World War II in a pivotal battle in the liberation of France and Europe.

Normandy and Kentucky share many similarities. Both have a worldwide reputation for producing champions and serve as centers of equine industry, research, breeding and competition...

Read more here:
http://www.horsechannel.com/horse-news/2010/10/12/normandy-world-equestrian-games.aspx

The King to spearhead Malaysia's challenge

News-straits-times

New Straits Times, Oct 10, 2010 | by Zainuddin Muhammad

YANG di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin will take part in the 7th Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge on Nov 5-7 at the Terengganu International Endurance Park in Lembah Bidong, Setiu.

The King will face challenges from more than 90 endurance riders from 15 countries in the 120km race, which is co-organised by the state government and Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES).

Organising committee chairman Datuk Mazlan Ngah said riders from the United States, Chile, Uruguay, France, Thailand, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia had confirmed their participation in the three-day competition...

Read more here:
http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/new-straits-times/mi_8016/is_20101010/king-spearhead-malaysias-challenge/ai_n55494564/

Malaysia: Terengganu Endurance Challenge To Feature 90 Riders From 15 Countries

Bernama.com

October 9 2010

KUALA TERENGGANU, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge 2010 from Nov 5-7 in Lembah Bidong, Setiu will feature 90 local and international riders from 15 countries.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the number of participation was a 50 per cent increase compared with the number of rider when the race was incepted in 2006.

"Apart from participants, the Endurance Race has also attracted the attention of equestrian sport lovers, horse owners, breeders and veterinary doctors in the country.

"It will certainly increase the number of tourists to Terengganu and boost economic revenue from tourism," he told reporters after launching the event at Ri-Yaz Heritage Marina Resort & Spa, Pulau Duyong here Saturday.

"The championship not only glorifies Terengganu but it is also a stepping stone for riders to enter internationally acclaimed endurance races.

Ahmad said the challenge would offer RM100,000 in prize money while young local riders .

He added that organizing such events was in line with the state's objective to turn Terengganu into a hub for traditional, cultural, arts, sports and recreational activities in the region.

-- BERNAMA