Abu Dhabi: Areej Al Ameerat extends support to equestrian sport

Gulfnews.com - Full Article

Firm gives full backing to Wathba Challenge

* Staff Report
* Published: 00:00 November 11, 2010

Abu Dhabi: Areej Al Ameerat have stepped in to support equestrian sport in a big way starting with their sponsorship of the 120-km Wathba Challenge Endurance ride to be held on Saturday at the Emirates International Endurance Village in Al Wathba.

Addressing a press conference, Ali M. Al Mulla, Chairman of Areej Al Ameerat, said: "This is the first time we are supporting an endurance ride and for us it is a matter of great pride."

Al Mulla also confirmed his company's support for two other major equestrian events. "We will be sponsoring the Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Global Arabian Racing Festival and will also support the Arabian Racing Conference and Adihex 2011," said Al Mulla.

Prize money

Adnan Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club said: "Saturday's endurance ride will kick-start action at the Al Wathba venue with over 100 horses participating..."

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Malaysia: Sultan's Cup Has Produced Stable Of World-Class Malaysian Riders

Bernama.com

7 November 2010

By Sharifah Hunaini Syed Ismail

SETIU, Nov 7 (Bernama) -- Riding into its fifth edition this year, the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge presents an ideal platform to boost the development of equestrian sports in the country.

Besides scouting for new talent among locals, it has placed Malaysian endurance riders on par with their international counterparts in a short period of time.

Admitting dissatisfaction with current achievements, Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES) general manager Che Mat Din said there were many plans to expand endurance riding and equestrian sports in the country.

Over the previous editions, he noted the endurance challenge had shown positive growth.

"In about five years, the RTES hopes the Sultan's Cup will produce as many riders as possible to compete at world level as winning world championships is not impossible," he said in an interview with Bernama at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Lembah Bidong here recently.

The three-day 2010 Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge at the TIEP began on Nov 5.

Che Mat said equestrian sports had matured in the country over the past 10 years, with some new riders beginning to shine in the international arena.

"It is something to be proud of when some of our local riders qualify for the European circuit," he said, singling out three young RTES riders, namely Abdul Halim Alihan, Asri Abdul Aziz and Jeffree Zinuddin Mohammad Arif, who had stamped their mark internationally.

Abdul Halim, Asri and Jeffree qualified for the 2011 European Championship to be held in Florac, France. Jeffree is also winner of the 2009 Sultan's Cup Terrenganu Endurance Challenge.

For future editions, Che Mat said the Sultan's Cup planned to extend participation to junior and women riders.

As for Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, who is a high-profile participant in the sport, he expressed delight over the great interest shown in equestrian sports, in particular, endurance riding among the younger riders, and its positive development in the country, especially for the Sultan's Cup.

In his speech, he conveyed pride on the achievement of local riders who had shown impressive performances abroad, including the participation of the three riders in the 2011 European Championship.

He also hoped the media would give appropriate coverage for endurance riding to enable more people to understand and be attracted to the sport.

Meanwhile, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said the annual championship had boosted the development of endurance sports and increased awareness on equestrian sports among Malaysians.

The championship has also contributed towards making Terengganu the country's equestrian hub recognised by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).

The 2010 Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge is a race which consists of a 120km track with a fixed time period of 12 hours, which includes a holding time totalling 210 minutes at the first four vet gates.

The first phase is 30km, second (25km), third (20km), fourth (25km) and the fifth and final phase (20km).

Endurance riding was included as a discipline in the FEI since 1982, which is 24 years after the FEI was established.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia: Wan MS Norhafizi wins Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge

Equestrian.com.my

Sunday 7 November 2010

Hard work, dedication and discipline paid off for Wan MS Norhafizi Wan MS Norzihan as he rode his way into first place in the fourth edition of the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge.

“It was difficult preparing for the Sultan’s Cup,” said the 19-year-old rider from Malaysia representing the Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Endurance Team. “I started preparing my horse Nashaar early, and that was instrumental to my success. I am glad that my determination paid off“.

Wan MS Norhafizi and his Anglo Arab Gelding completed the endurance challenge with a time of 6 hours 20 minutes and 23 seconds. Ahmad Azura Abdul Ghani riding Idais Tobiha (Gelding) from the State of Terengganu Endurance Team came in second with a time of 6 hours 20 minutes and 41 seconds meanwhile Datuk Mohd Shuaib Ishak and Martika (Arab Mare) from the Ar- Raudhah completed the podium with a time of 6 hours 21 minutes and 8 seconds.

68 riders from 9 countries participated in this year’s challenge from 5 – 7 November at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP) in Kuala Terengganu. 51 local riders from teams across Malaysia were also part of the 120km endurance challenge of undulating terrain.

His Majesty, Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin, was among the riders competing in the challenge. Participating countries include Australia, Chile, USA, France, Indonesia, Uruguay, South Africa, Singapore and Thailand.

Malaysia will be represented by the Ar-Raudah Equine Centre, the Langkawi Endurance Stable, Masterscaff En¬¬durance Team, Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Endurance Team and the Perlis TSAB Stable among others. The winner will receive RM30,000 cash and an Amaswiss watch worth USD 10,000 while the first runner and second runner-up stand to win RM20,000 and RM15,000 respectively.

Endurance racing is a competition against the clock where the speed and endurance of a horse is put to test while the riders are challenged for their effective pacing and cross-country knowledge. Endurance, a test of horsemanship skills, has now matured into an international sport.

“Endurance riding is recognised by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI), and we’re proud to host and organise this prestigious, world-class event,” said Dato Seri Hj Ahmad Said, Menteri Besar of Terengganu.

He added that international events such as the Sultan’s Cup not only profile Terengganu as a world-class sports venue, but also provide the opportunity for Terengganu to acquire the necessary experience and expertise to compete for other major sports to be held here.

“Since the advent of the Sultan’s Cup, equestrian sport is now cherished by the people of Terengganu, and it also provides a platform to develop their skills in related fields of the sport of endurance.”

Tuanku Mizan was instrumental in establishing the Sultan’s Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge as a pre-cursor to the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship, held for the first time in Asia. The annual event has made it into the country’s equestrian and tourism calendar and now attracts riders and visitors from around the world.

“The annual Sultan’s Cup has spurred the development of the endurance sport and raised the level of awareness of equestrian sports among Malaysians,” noted Datuk Ahmad. “It has also contributed to building Terengganu as an equestrian hub in advancing the sport among Malaysian riders.”

The 2010 Sultan’s Cup was flagged off by Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah at TIEP at 5:30pm on 6 November. This year’s competition is jointly organised by the Terengganu State Government and the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable.

The three-day event will also be celebrated with a fun-filled two-day carnival themed Karnival Kuda Bersongket with stage shows by local artistes, cultural and handicraft workshops, pony and carriage rides for children, and an outdoor cinema, held for the first time ever in Terengganu.

Sponsors of the Sultan’s Cup 2010 includes Lizziz, Amaswiss, Mitavite, Norlan United & Carriage Sdn Bhd, AI Agro Marketing, Sutera Beach Resort, Ketengah Holding Sdn Bhd, Kementerian Pelancongan Malaysia, Natural Nutrition, Terengganu Inc, Syarikat Air Terengganu Sdn Bhd, AIS Consultants, Pancuran Budi (M) Sdn Bhd, TM Malaysia and Bank Pertanian Malaysia Berhad.


About the Sultan’s Cup

The Sultan’s Cup 2010 is an CEI 2* endurance race run over 120km of undulating terrain with a time limit of 12 hours including holding time totalling 210 minutes at the first four vet gates. The first phase is 25 km, second phase is 30km, third phase is 20km, fourth is 25km and the fifth and final phase is 20km.

At the vet gates, horses’ heart rates will be checked and must be 64 beat per minute (bpm) within 20 minutes of recovery and at the final examination, the heart rate must be 64 bpm within 30 minutes of recovery. If the stipulated heart rates are not achieved the horse will be disqualified.

The minimum weight for riders is 75 kg.

The first 10 horses finishing within one hour of the first placed horse will be eligible for the Best Condition Horse Award.

New Zealand: ESNZ firm on endurance groom selection policy

Horsetalk.co.nz - Full Article

November 6, 2010

by Robin Marshall

The groom selection policy that caused so much grief in the lead-up to the recent World Equestrian Games is not about to change, but the way team officials are selected in New Zealand is undergoing modification.

Before the Games, two riders selected for the country's endurance team pulled out after they were not allowed to bring their own grooms to the event. Equestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ) said at the time that the policy on team selection was changed in 2009, which was a major break in tradition for the sport.

After the decision by ESNZ not to allow their selected grooms, Sue Reid and Jenny Champion both pulled out of the team. They had both fund-raised to make the trip, as all members of the Kiwi endurance team were self-funded...

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http://www.horsetalk.co.nz/news/2010/11/038.shtml

Malaysia: Tuanku Mizan Leads Local Riders In Endurance Challenge

Bernama.com

SETIU, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The Yang Di-pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin leads 51 local riders in the fifth edition of the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge held at the Terengganu International Endurance Park (TIEP), Lembah Bidong, here.

The 2010 Sultan's Cup was flagged off by Seri Paduka Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Nur Zahirah at 5.30pm Saturday.

This year's competition is jointly organised by the Terengganu state government and the Royal Terengganu Endurance Stable (RTES).

A total of 68 participants from nine countries including Australia, Chile, United States, France, Indonesia and Uruguay are taking part in the competition.

Malaysia is represented by the Ar-Raudah Equine Centre, The Langkawi Endurance Stable, Masterscaff Endurance Team, Tengku Mahkota Kelantan Endurance Team and the Perlis TSAB Stable among others.

The winner will receive RM30,000 cash and an Amaswiss watch while the first runner and second runner up stand to win RM20,000 and RM15,000 respectively.

Tuanku Mizan was instrumental in establishng the Sultan's Cup Terengganu Endurance Challenge as a pre-cursor to the 2008 FEI World Endurance Championship, held for the first time in Asia.

The annual event has made it into the country's equestrian and tourism calendar and now attracts riders and visitors from around the world.

The three-day event is filled with a two-day carnival themed 'Karnival Kuda Bersongket' with stage shows by local artistes, cultural and handicraft workshops, and an outdoor cinema, held for the first time in Terengganu.

The Sultan's Cup 2010 is a CEI endurance race run over 120km of undulating terrain with a time limit of 12 hours. Including holding time totalling 210 minutes at the first four vet gates.

The first phase is 30km, second phase is 25km, third phase is 20km, fourth is 25 and the fifth and final phase is 20km.

The minimum weight for riders is 75 kilogrammes and the first 10 horses finishing within one hour of the first placed horse will be eligible for the Best Conditioned Horse Award.

-- BERNAMA

Morocco: Royal Bahrain team set for Rabat ride

Gulf-daily-news.com

Friday, November 05, 2010

BAHRAIN's top riders Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa arrived in Rabat, Morocco yesterday to lead the Royal Endurance Team at the Morocco-Bahrain Endurance Horseride Championship.

The ride, set to take place tomorrow at the Dar Es Salam Forest, will be organised for the first time by the Moroccan Equestrian Federation in co-operation with the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation (Breef).

Shaikh Nasser, the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president and chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, said he was pleased with the ongoing preparations at the venue of the ride.

He highlighted the significance of the championship which underlines the strong ties linking Bahrain and Morocco.

Shaikh Nasser praised the efforts of the organising committee to make this first-ever championship an all-round success.

Both Shaikh Nasser and Shaikh Khalid, the council's first vice-president and Breef president, reached the Dar Es Salam Forest and inspected its facilities and the Bahraini team's horses.

The Royal Endurance Team pair also underwent their first training session with other members of the team under fair weather conditions.

Meanwhile, this ride has been approved in the calendar of the International Equestrian Federation and will be organised on an annual basis, it was announced yesterday.

During a Press conference held at the Royal Moroccan Federation in Rabat, the organisers announced the ride and other technical details to the public.

The conference was attended by Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi, assistant general secretary Dr Khalid Hassan, Shaikh Nasser's Media and Information Centre director Tawfiq Salehi and secretary Hameed Faridi of Morocco.

The veterinary examination is set for today, just 24 hours before the start of the ride. The inspection sessions for horses will be conducted by a specialised team of veterinarians from the International Equestrian Federation. Dr Yassine Motemri of Tunisia is the president of the veterinary commission.

Other veterinarians are Dr Khalid Al Razaiqi of Oman, Dr Caonabo Melo of the Dominican Republic and Bahrain's Dr Ebrahim Yousef, Dr Fareeda Abdul Razaq, Dr Sabah Al Kabie and Dr Abdelrahman Abu Shook.

The organising committee is being headed by Moroccan Equestrian Federation president Princess Lalla Amina.

Breef general secretary Ghalib Al Alawi was named head of the grounds jury which also includes Bahraini officials Abdulghani Al Moosta, Ali Ghuloom and Mahdi Al Kalaiti.

Mohammed Dadulla is the foreign technical delegate, the chief steward is Mahmood Hasan of Bahrain while other strwards are Fahad Al Rumaihi and Abdulla Al Romaihi, also of Bahrain.

Top riders from Bahrain and Morocco are taking part in the event, which covers a total distance of 120km.

It will feature five stages, starting with 30km for the first stage. The second will be over 25km, the third 30km, the fourth 20km and the fifth 15km.

Princess Haya retains leadership of FEI

Khaleejtimes.com - Full Article

5 November 2010,
Princess Haya bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai was today re-elected as President of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), the international governing body of equestrian sports.

In a strong show of confidence in her leadership, Princess Haya defeated two other candidates, Sven Holmberg (Sweden) and Henk Rottinghuis (Netherlands), to win a second four-year term in voting at the FEI General Assembly in Chinese Taipei. In a vote of 124 National Federations (out of 133 who were eligible), Princess Haya won the support of 90 National Federations from around the world, compared to 23 for Holmberg and 11 for Rottinghuis.

Princess Haya announced Her decision to seek a second term in March after several FEI nation groups and Federations urged her to do so. Princess Haya was first elected as President of the FEI in May 2006, on a commitment to modernise the organisation. She was the first FEI President to win a contested election.

More than 80 per cent of the deliverables outlined in her original manifesto were implemented in her first term, including significant improvements in communications, marketing, animal welfare, FEI finances, grassroots development and liaison with national federations. In her first act in office, she initiated a reform that established a two-term of four-year limit for the Presidency.

“Thank you so much for your confidence and trust. I promise that I won’t let you down..."

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