Bahrain: Chip 'n' Ride!

Gulfweeklyworldwide.com - Full Article

December 8-14 2010

EVERY horse and pony in the kingdom is to be micro-chipped as the country endeavours to be internationally-recognised as 'glanders free', writes Stan Szecowka and Anasuya Kesavan.

A professional team is to visit every stable in Bahrain to carry out the procedure and issue each animal with a 'passport' with details of its medical history.

The cost of the exercise is 'significant' but a spokesman for the Ministry of Municipalities & Agriculture Affairs said the government would cover the cost.

The move follows the cancellation of the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's (BREEF) show jumping season.

Breef's secretary general Ghalib Al Alawi sent out a circular to the equestrian community urging immediate co-operation warning 'legal proceedings' would be considered against anyone flouting the rules.

"Please do not organise any show jumping events where horses from your club are likely to be mixed with other horses from others clubs or centres," he said.

Since May all equine shows have been cancelled, movement between stables suspended and horse trading banned to prevent the spread of the highly-contagious condition which is incurable and can lead to victims suffering agonising illness and eventual death. Some animals, however, can carry glanders and show no symptoms for months.

The war against the bacterial equine disease in Bahrain - which is believed to have claimed 126 victims - appeared to have been won and riding activities were once more back on the agenda following the recent announcement of an endurance horse riding season calendar...

Read more here:
http://www.gulfweeklyworldwide.com/article.asp?Sn=7942&Article=26111

Spain: 2010 Santa Susanna Raid

December 5 2010

SPAIN SANTA SUSANNA 2x100 Km

Luca Zappettini rode Rucola della Bosana to a win in the 58th running of the 2-day, 200-km Santa Susanna raid near Barcelona, Spain with a total ride time of 11:31.08. Marta Pujadas Sala and Twister finished second, and Bernat Casals Fores and Sheila 50% Lucus finished third. 29 of 82 starters finished both days of the raid.

Photos by Brigitte Huard

Friday 03.12.2010 trotting on line
http://www.brigitte-huard.com/03-12-10-Santa-Susanna-trotting,811,21,fr,f.html

Saturdayi 04.12.2010 on line
http://www.brigitte-huard.com/04-12-10-Santa-Susanna,810,21,fr,f.html

Sunday 05.12.2010
http://www.brigitte-huard.com/05-12-10-Santa-Susanna,812,21,fr,f.html

Complete Results at:
http://www.endurancetiming.com/1008e2/

Spain: Letter from Jose Manuel Soto on the Kaliber Andalucia 2011

El Raid Blog - Gabriel Gamiz

Jose Manuel Soto sent us a letter of introduction of new regulations Andalucia LV-Kaliber 2011, for all fans of this test are more informed and willing to participate in this great trial.

"Dear Friends,

The 2011 edition will be the sixth and comes with some news. Be held (Dm) between 2 and 9 April, and although there are many fringes to close about the route, linking the towns of Granada and El Rocío (Huelva).

Due to the economic problems we are supporting we have to propose this year to try something shorter. There will be only six stages, plus a rest and a short prologue.

Another novelty will be the elimination of the category of equipment, will now only be able to compete in the category of pairs (a rider, a horse). This we believe will make the test more exciting and competitive, and possibly more understandable to the public.

It will also be something less expensive, 750 euros for pairing, which includes, as you know, boxes, hay, straw, and daily meals for riders and assists, as well as several dinners.

Also the amount of the awards will suffer, will distribute "only" 6,000 euros between the three front runners.

After this new approach we submit these questions to your opinion and expect your suggestions.

I think we will achieve greater media coverage, which will be good for you to negotiate better contracts with your sponsors.

We are making arrangements with several national TV channels and international media give more coverage to lacarrera. Already in the last two test images have been broadcast in over sixty countries through Eurosport.

In the five issues that we have received high praise from the international press, but there are many things to improve, and although they say it is "the best raid of the world" we are determined to get more participation and more monitoring of the media with the sole aim of bringing the beautiful game to the public.

The stunning Andalusian countryside, despite the tremendous crisis we are experiencing, we continue to see happen on the backs of our horses, and we want those precious images to go to all households in the world, and become the best promotion possible for our land continues to receive visitors at any time of year.

From here, we encourage all of you to come to compete and enjoy this unique race, and you live the exhilarating experience of riding through the magnificent scenery which gives us the Andalusian spring, along with riders from around the world, which is always a nice way to meet people and share this beautiful hobby horses that both unites us.

A big hug to all

Jose Manuel Soto. "

Bahrain: Shaikh Khalid triumphs

Gulf Daily News


SHAIKH Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa steered Razorback Indigo Blue to victory in the 85kg FEI qualifying ride yesterday in the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Horseride Championship.

The 2010/11 endurance ride season got underway in thrilling fashion with two top riders competing in two rides. The other event was an 100km ride, which was won by Isa Al Hazza.

In the 85kg ride, The Al Khaldiya Stable leader completed the four-stage event in first place with a total ride time of four hours, 12 minutes and 56 seconds and a 23.722 speed average after an exciting battle at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir.

Shaikh Khalid, the Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation president, finished the first stage in third place, then improved on his placing in the second stage where he moved up to second.

Shaikh Khalid then moved on top at the end of the third stage and maintained his sole lead throughout the fourth and final stage to emerge champion.

Second place was won by Al Hazza of Al Fateh Stables with a total ride time of 4:12:58 and a 23.719 speed average.

Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president and chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa completed the podium winning third place in 4:13:40.

Shaikh Nasser, the Royal Endurance Team captain, steered Tarabic Carl to a third-place finish.

He started the ride taking fourth place after the first stage, which was followed by a fifth-place finish in the second.

In the third stage, he regained fourth position before granting himself a place on the podium at the end of the fourth stage.

Meanwhile, Al Fateh and Al Asayel shard honour in the main ride of the day, which was over 100km and divided into five stage.

Al Hazza of Al Asayel Stable steered Prince Charming to first place overall and win the top prize, a brand new Toyota Fortner, presented with support from Ebraim K. Kanoo.

He took victory after his overall placing in all five stages. He was second in the first stage, first in the second, then claimed second position in the remaining two stages.

Second overall was Al Asayel Stable's Mohammed Al Niri in 4:29:45 with a 22.243 speed average, while Othman Al Awadhi of Al Fateh Stable who completed the ride in 4:54:55 with a 20.341 speed average.

Al Hazza and Al Niri were each presented with a brand new Toyota Pickup at the awarding ceremony held right after the event.

Spain: Santa Susanna Raid this weekend

December 2 2010

The 58th Raid de Barcelona Santa Susanna will be held 3-5 December by the Club Hipic Maresme near Barcelona, Spain.

The two-day, 200 km ride currently has 89 starters listed. It can be seen here.

The Santa Susanna ride is reportedly the oldest endurance ride in Europe. It's a challenging ride with trails in the area of the Montseny mountains.

The start list can be seen at
http://www.sportendurance.it/3371-89-i-partenti-per-santa-susanna/

Bahrain: Riders gear up for endurance event

Gulf-daily-news.com

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

THREE cars will be given away to the top three riders in the Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa Endurance Horseride Championship on Saturday.

The decision was announced yesterday by Bahrain Royal Equestrian and Endurance Federation's (Breef) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa prior to the inaugural event of the season.

The ride, set to take place at the Bahrain International Endurance Village in Sakhir, will be over 100km and promises to feature some of Bahrain's top riders representing different stables.

Shaikh Khalid said additional cash prizes will be presented to each rider who completes one of the stages within the ride.

He confirmed that the awards scheme aims to bring the attention of riders in Bahrain to participate in the opening ride of the season, adding that more prizes will be provided in future competitions later this year.

Meanwhile, Supreme Council for Youth and Sports president, chief of the Bahrain Olympic Committee and captain of the Royal Endurance Team Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa hailed the efforts of the federation ahead of the new season.

He highlighted the valuable prizes being allocated in each ride and believes that the season will feature gruelling battle among Bahrain's riders.

The season's opener will be followed by the 120km National Day Championships on December 24 which is open to senior and junior riders.

The Breef Senior and Junior Championships will then take place on January 8, next year, and is over 120km.

The fourth competition on the Breef's calendar will be 120km His Majesty King Hamad Championship, the most awaiting event of the year, scheduled for February 5 and is open for seniors and juniors.

The federation will then organise the Shaikh Nasser Championship on February 19 and is over 100km.

Another Breef event for the seniors and juniors will take place on March 5 and is over 120km.

That will be followed by the 120km His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Cup for seniors and juniors, the first night endurance ride of the season, to be held April 1.

The season is set to conclude on April 22 with another night ride titled the Season Ending Championship, which is over 120km.

Spain: Arboix and Luque Invited to President's Cup

El Raid blog - Gabriel Gamiz

25 November 2010

Two Spanish riders Alex Luque and Jordi Arboix have been invited by the Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club to participate in the President's Cup on February 12, 2011.

This is the note of the Royal Spanish Equestrian Federation:
Raid: An invitation to two Spanish riders for the Presidents Cup in Abu Dhabi

Today On November 23 has been received by the FEI the invitation of Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club riders Raid Spanish, World Cup recently, Alex Luque and Jordi Arboix to participate in President's Cup Race to be held in Abu Dhabi on 12 February.